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DIGEST 

OF  THK 

DECISIONS    AND    LAWS 

OF  THK 

Grand  Lodge 

OF  THE 

Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows 

OF  THE 

STATE  OF   CALIFORNIA. 

FROM  ITS  ORGANIZATION  IN  MAY,  1853,  TO  AND  INCLUDING  THE  YEAR  1905 

WITH   NOTES  OF 

DECISIONS  OF  THE  SOVEREIGN  GRAND  LODGE    ' 

TOGETHER  WITH  THE 

G)nstitut}on  and  By-Laws  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge, 

Constitution  and  Rules  of  Order  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 

Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  Constitution  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly, 
Constitution  of   Rebekah  Lodges,  Forms,  and 

AN     ANALYTICAL     INDEX, 

By  DAVIS   LOUDERBACK,   P.  G.  M. 

BY  AUTHORITY  OF  THE  GRAND  I,ODGE. 

*:>iHC* 


SAN   FRANCISCO: 

Jos.   WiNTRRBURN   COMPANY,   PRINTERS  AND  ELECTROTYPERS, 
No.  417  Clay  Street,  below  Santioine. 

1905. 


The   new   DIGEST 

PRKKACE 

'T^HE  extent  and  variety  of  legislation  and  the  great  number 
"*■     of  decisions  render  a  Digest  thereof  not  only  a  convenience 
but  a  necessity  to  the  brotherhood.     The  usefulness  of  such  a 
Digest  is  increased  by  an  Analytical  Index  thereto. 

Many  laws  and  decisions  may  be  appropriately  placed  in 
a  Digest  under  a  number  of  different  heads.  In  this  Digest 
they  are  arranged  alphabetically  according  to  subjects  under 
appropriate  heads,  but  the  same  law  or  decision  is  placed  only 
under  one  head,  except  in  a  few.  instances  where  the  principles 
involved,  or  the  nature  of  the  law  or  decision  seemed  to  require 
it  as  a  matter  of  necessity  or  convenience. 

The  Rebekah  laws  and  decisions  are  inserted  under  one 
head — ''  Rebekah  Branch." 

The  Analytical  Index  to  this  Digest  contains  references 
to  all  laws  and  decisions  disposed  under  every  head  and  topic 
involved  in  the  law  or  decision. 

The  contents  of  this  book  are  in  the  following  order: 

1.  Constitution  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  I.  0.  0.  F. 

2.  By-Laws  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

3.  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  I.  0.  0.  F.  of  the  State 

of  California. 

4.  Rules  of  Order  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

5.  Digest. 

6.  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  I.  0.  0.  F.  of  Cali- 

fornia. 

7.  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly,  I.O.O.F.  of  California. 

8.  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges,  I.  0.  0.  F.  of  California. 

9.  Forms. 

10.     Analytical  Index  to  the  Digest. 

DAVIS  LOUDERBACK,  P.  G.  M. 

San  Francisco,  December,  1905. 


Odd  F«llow»  Homk  ok  Camkukma,  iiiKi:MALm>,  Cai.. 


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II:  l>/,l;Y 


CONSTITUTION 

OF  THE 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 

OF  THE 

INDEPENDENT  ORDER  OF  ODD  FELLOWS 

ADOPTED   AT  THE 

ANNUAL  SESSION  OF  THAT  GRAND  BODY  HELD  AT  THE  CITY  OF  BALTI- 
MORE ON  THE  4th  day  OF  SEPTEMBER,  A.  D.  18W,  AND  YEAR  OF  THE 
ORDER  IN  NORTH  AMERICA  THE  36th.  WITH  ALL  AMENDMENTS  WHICH 
HAVE  BEEN  MADE  THERETO  UP  TO  THE  SESSION  OF  1905,  INCLUSIVE. 

ARTICLE  I. 

Section  1. — Title.  This  Lodge  shall  be  known  by  the 
name,  style  and  title  of  ''The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of 
the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows." 

Section  2. — The  source  of  all  legitimate  Odd  Fellowship. 

It  is  the  source  of  all  true  and  legitimate  Odd  Fellowship  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  and  possesses  such  powers 
and  jurisdiction  over  the  whole  brotherhood  as  are  provided 
in  the  constitution  and  ritual  of  the  Order.  Its  authority 
extends  also  to  such  Lodges  and  Encampments  as  may  be 
organized  under  its  charter  in  foreign  countries. 

Section  3. — Charters — Powers.  By  virtue  of  charters 
granted  by  it,  all  State,  District  and  Territorial  Grand 
Lodges  and  Grand  Encampments  exist,  and  with  it  rests 
the  power,  by  a  majority  of  two-thirds  of  the  votes  cast, 
to  deprive  such  State,  District  or  Territorial  Grand  Bodies 
of  their  charters  and  to  annul  their  authority;  provided, 
that  such  deprivation  or  annulment  shall  only  be  made  for 
violation  of  the  laws  of  this  Grand  Lodge.  No  more  than 
one  Grand  Lodge  and  Grand  Encampment  shall  be  char- 
tered in  any  State,  District  or  Territory.  All  Grand  Bodies 
working  under  charters  granted  by  this  Grand  Lodge  are 


\)\l') 


4  Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

supreme  for  all  local  legislation  and  appellate  jurisdiction 
within  their  respective  limits,  except  as  hereinafter  provided. 

Section  4. — Appeals.  With  the  consent  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  of  a  State,  District  or  Terri- 
tory, an  appeal  may  be  had  by  any  Subordinate  Lodge  or 
Encampment  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  such  consent, 
however,  not  being  necessary  when  an  expelled  Lodge  or 
Encampment,  after  having  surrendered  to  its  Grand  Lodge 
or  Grand  Encampment  all  its  effects,  appeals  from  such 
decision.  Appeals  may  also  be  heard  from  a  member  or 
members  of  a  State,  District  or  Territorial  Grand  Lodge 
or  Grand  Encampment  from  the  decision  thereof,  but  in 
all  cases  the  decision  of  the  State,  District  or  Territorial 
Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  shall  be  final  and  con- 
clusive until  reversed  by  this  Grand  Lodge  on  a  direct 
appeal  therefrom.  All  appeals  to  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  shall  be  subject  to  such  general  regulations  as  it 
may  adopt. 

Section  5. — ^Powers.  To  this  Grand  Lodge  belongs  the 
power  to  regulate  and  control  the  unwritten  work  of  the 
Order,  and  to  fix  and  determine  the  customs  and  usages  in 
regard  to  all  things  which  appertain  thereto.  And  to  it 
alone  belongs  the  power  to  provide  and  establish  suitable 
lectures  and  other  written  work  therefor.  But  the  un- 
written work  of  the  Order  shall  in  no  wise  be  altered  or 
amended  except  by  a  four-fifths  vote  of  the  members 
present  in  Grand  Lodge,  nor  shall  the  written  work  of  the 
Order  be  in  any  wise  altered  or  amended  except  by  a  two- 
thirds  vote  of  the  members  present  in  Grand  Lodge. 

Section  6. — Power  to  establish  Order.  To  this  Grand 
Lodge  is  reserved  the  power  to  establish  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows  in  such  countries,  domestic  or  foreign, 
wherein  the  same  has  not  yet  been  established. 

Section  7. — Jurisdiction  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  To 
this  Grand  Lodge  belongs  the  immediate  jurisdiction  over 
all  Subordinate  Lodges  and  Encampments  in  such  countries. 


Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  5 

domestic  or  foreign,  as  are  without  Grand  Lodges  or  Grand 
Encampments, 

Section  8. — Laws  of  general  application.  To  it  belongs 
the  power  to  enact  all  laws  of  general  application  to  the 
Order. 

Section  9. — Jurisdiction    of    State    Grand    Bodies.    All 

power  and  authority  in  the  Order  not  reserved  to  this  Grand 
Lodge  by  this  constitution  is  hereby  vested  in  the  various 
State,  District  and  Territorial  Grand  Bodies. 

*    ARTICLE  II. 

Section  1. — Who  are  members  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 
This  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  composed  of  the  following  mem- 
bers, to-wit:  A  Grand  Sire,  Deputy  Grand  Sire,  Grand 
Secretary,  Grand  Treasurer,  Grand  Chaplain,  Grand 
Marshal,  Grand  Guardian,  Grand  Messenger,  and  Grand 
Representatives  from  the  several  State,  District  and  Terri- 
torial Grand  Lodges  and  Grand  Encampments  working 
under  legal  unreclaimed  charters  granted  by  this  Grand 
Lodge. 

ARTICLE  III. 

Section  1. — Officers.  The  officers  of  this  Grand  Lodge 
shall  be  the  Grand  Sire,  Deputy  Grand  Sire,  Grand  Secre- 
tary, and  Grand  Treasurer,  who  shall  be  elected  by  ballot 
by  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  cast,  biennially,  at  the  stated 
communication  of  this  Grand  Lodge  in  September,  and 
shall  be  installed  into  their  respective  offices  at  the  conclu- 
sion of  said  stated  communication. 

Section  2. — Appointed  Officers.  The  Grand  Chaplain, 
Grand  Marshal,  Grand  Guardian  and  Grand  Messenger 
shall  be  nominated  by  the  Grand  Sire,  and,  if  approved  by 
the  Grand  Lodge,  shall  be  installed  into  their  respective 
offices  immediately  after  the  installation  of  the  elective 
officers. 


6  Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

Section  3. — Failure  to  appear  at  installation.  Should 
any  of  the  elective  officers  fail  to  appear  to  be  installed  at 
the  time  provided,  the  particular  office  or  offices  shall  be 
declared  vacant,  and  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  shall  in 
that  event  proceed  to  a  new  election  to  fill  such  vacancy 
or  vacancies,  and  the  officer  or  officers  so  elected  shall  be 
accordingly  installed. 

Section  4. — Attendance  at  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 
Duties.  All  the  officers,  both  elective  and  appointed,  shall 
attend  each  meeting  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  and 
perform  such  duties  as  are  enjoined  by  the  laws  and  regu- 
lations of  the  Order  and  such  as  may  be  required  by  the 
presiding  officer,  and  shall  receive  such  compensation  as  is 
hereinafter  provided. 

Section  5. — Officers  to  vote — ^When.  No  officer  who  is 
not  a  representative  shall  be  permitted  to  vote,  except  the 
Grand  Sire,  in  case  of  an  equal  division.  The  elective  officers 
shall  have  the  power  of  debating  and  making  motions,  but 
shall  not  have  the  privilege  of  voting  unless  they  be  Grand 
Representatives.  The  appointed  officers,  unless  they  be 
representatives,  shall  not  be  allowed  to  take  part  in  the 
proceedings  and  debates  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
except  by  a  vote  of  the  majority  thereof. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

Section  1. — Duties  of  Grand  Sire.  The  Grand  Sire  shall 
preside  at  all  meetings  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  pre- 
serve order  and  enforce  the  laws  thereof.  He  shall  have  the 
casting  vote  whenever  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  shall  be 
equally  divided,  other  than  upon  a  ballot  for  officers,  but 
shall  not  vote  upon  any  other  occasion.  He  shall  appoint 
all  committees  not  required  to  be  raised  by  ballot,  and 
appoint  all  District  Deputy  Grand  Sires.  During  the  recess 
of  this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  he  shall  have  a  general  super- 
intendence of  the  interests  of  the  Order.  He  may  hear  and 
decide  such  questions  as  may  be  submitted  to  him  by  the 
several  State  Grand  Lodges  and  Grand  Encampments,  or  by 


Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  7 

the  Subordinate  Lodges  or  Encampments  under  immediate 
jurisdiction  of  this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  He  may  hear 
and  decide  such  questions  as  may  be  submitted  to  him  by 
the  several  State  Grand  Lodges  and  Grand  Encampments, 
or  by  the  Grand  Masters  or  Grand  Patriarchs  thereof,  or  by 
the  Grand  Representatives,  or  by  the  Subordinate  Lodges  or 
Encampments  under  the  immediate  jurisdiction  of  this 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  And  his  decision  upon  all  appeals 
and  questions  so  submitted  to  him  shall  be  binding  upon 
the  bodies  or  persons  submitting  the  same  until  reversed  by 
this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  He  is  empowered  to  receive 
petitions  and  grant  warrants  for  the  opening  of  new  Lodges 
and  Encampments,  Grand  or  Subordinate,  in  places  where 
Grand  Bodies  established  by  this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
may  not  exist ;  and  all  warrants  so  granted  by  him  shall  be 
of  force  until  recalled  by  this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  At 
every  communication  of  this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  he 
shall  make  a  report  in  writing  of  all  his  official  acts  and 
decisions  during  the  recess. — As  amended  1905,  S.  G.  L. 
Journal  333. 

Section  2. — Cannot  hold  any  other  office.  During  his 
term  of  service  he  shall  not  hold  any  office  in  any  State, 
District  or  Territorial  Grand  or  Subordinate  Lodge  or  En- 
campment. 

Section  3. — Case  of  death,  etc.,  Deputy  Grand  Sire  to  act. 

In  case  of  the  death,  resignation  or  removal  from  office  of 
the  Grand  Sire,  or  in  case  he  should  absent  himself  for  six 
months  or  upward  beyond  the  limits  of  the  United  States 
and  the  British*  North  American  Possessions,  or  in  case  of 
his  inability,  from  physical  causes,  to  discharge  the  duties 
of  his  office,  the  Deputy  Grand  Sire  shall  act  in  his  place, 
and  shall  have  and  enjoy  all  the  powers  and  privileges  and 
exercise  the  duties  of  said  office  until  the  next  communica- 
tion of  this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  In  case  of  the  death, 
resignation,  removal,  absence,  or  inability  of  both  the  Grand 
Sire  and  Deputy  Grand  Sire,  all  said  duties  and  powers 
shall  be  exercised  by  the  Junior  Past  Grand  Sire  competent 


8  Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

to  fill  said  office,  and  at  the  first  eommlinication  thereafter 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  shall  proceed  to  elect  and  install 
a  Grand  Sire  for  the  unexpired  term,  and  to  fill  any  vacancy 
that  may  be  occasioned  thereby;  provided,  however,  that  a 
mere  temporary  or  transient  visit  beyond  said  limits,  not 
exceeding  the  aforesaid  period  of  time,  shall  not  be  so  con- 
strued as  to  work  a  forfeiture  of  the  office. 

ARTICLE  V. 
Section  1. — Duties  of  Deputy  Grand  Sire.  The  Deputy 
Grand  Sire  shall  open  and  close  the  meetings  of  the  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge,  support  the  Grand  Sire  by  his  advice 
and  assistance,  and  preside  in  his  absence.  In  case  of  the 
removal,  death,  resignation,  or  inability  of  the  Grand  Sire, 
the  powers  and  duties  of  the  said  office  shall  devolve  on  the 
Deputy  Grand  Sire  for  the  unexpired  term,  as  provided  in 
Section  3  of  Article  IV. 

ARTICLE  VI. 
Section  1. — ^Duties  of  Grand  Secretary.  The  Grand  Sec- 
retary shall  make  a  just  and  true  record  of  all  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  in  a  book  provided  for 
that  purpose;  keep  the  journal  of  all  secret  sessions,  and 
preserve  and  keep  the  evidences  of  the  unwritten  work,  and 
such  alterations  as  may,  from  time  to  time,  be  made  therein, 
and  all  other  records  appertaining  to  the  work  of  the  Order, 
and  the  explanations  and  lectures  relative  thereto;  sum- 
mon the  members  to  attend  all  special  meetings;  keep 
accounts  between  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  and  the 
Grand  and  Subordinate  Lodges  and  Encampments  under  its 
jurisdiction ;  read  all  petitions,  reports  and  communications ; 
write  all  letters  and  communications;  carry  on,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Sire,  its 
correspondence,  and  transact  such  business  of  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  appertaining  to  his  office  as  may  be  required 
of  him  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  All  communications 
transmitted  or  received  by  him  officially  shall  be  laid  before 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.    lie  shall  receive  for  his  ser- 


Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  9 

vices  such  compensation  as  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  shall, 
from  time  to  time,  determine. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

Section  1. — Duties  of  Grand  Treasurer.  The  Grand 
Treasurer  shall  keep  the  moneys  and  all  the  evidences  of 
debt,  choses  in  action,  deeds,  etc.,  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge,  and  pay  all  orders  drawn  on  him  by  the  Grand 
Secretary.  He  shall  lay  before  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
at  its  stated  communication  in  September,  annually,  a  full 
and  correct  statement  of  his  accounts.  Before  his  installa- 
tion he  shall  give  a  bond,  with  at  least  two  sureties,  to  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  in  such  sum  as  may,  from  time  to 
time,  be  fixed,  and  shall  receive  such  compensation  as  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  shall  determine. 

Section  2. — Money  not  drawn  unless  appropriated.  No 
money  shall  be  drawn  from  the  treasury  but  in  consequence 
of  appropriations  made  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 
Section  1. — Duties  of  Grand  Chaplain.     The  Grand  Chap- 
lain shall  perform  such  duties  as  appertain  to  his  office  and 
as  may,  from  time  to  time,  be  required  by  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  relative  thereto. 

Section  2. — Duties  of  Grand  Marshal.  The  Grand  Mar- 
shal shall  assist  the  Grand  Sire  in  performing  his  duties  in 
such  a  manner  as  may,  from  time  to  time,  be  required,  and 
perform  all  the  duties  generally  appertaining  to  such  office. 

Section  3.— Duties  of  Grand  Guardian.  The  Grand 
Guardian  shall  prove  every  brother  before  admitting  him, 
and  allow  none  to  depart  without  the  usual  formality. 

Section  4. — Duties  of  Grand  Messenger.  The  Grand 
Messenger  shall  perform  such  duties  as  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  may,  from  time  to  time,  require  for  the  convenience 
and  comfort  of  the  members;  and  for  his  services  he  shall 
receive  such  compensation  as  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
shall  determine. 


10  Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  IX.  ' 
Section  1. — Grand  Representatives.  Grand  Representa- 
tives shall  be  chosen  by  the  several  State,  District  and  Terri- 
torial Grand  Lodges  and  Grand  Encampments  for  the  term 
of  two  years,  and  shall  be  divided  into  two  classes,  whose 
seats  shall  be  vacated  annually  by  rotation.  Provided,  how- 
ever, that  State,  District,  and  Territorial  Grand  Lodges  and 
Grand  Encampments  which  are  now  or  may  hereafter  be 
entitled  to  two  Grand  Representatives  may  provide  by  gen- 
eral law  for  the  election  of  one  of  such  Grand  Representa- 
tives, to  serve  for  one  year,  his  successor  to  be  elected 
annually  by  such  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment.  In 
case  of  a  vacancy  by  death,  resignation  or  otherwise  during 
the  recess  of  the  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment,  such 
vacancy  shall  be  filled  for  the  unexpired  term  of  the  Grand 
Representative  filling  such  office  at  the  time  such  vacancy 
shall  occur,  in  the  manner  set  out  in  the  Constitution  of  such 
State,  District,  or  Territorial  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  En- 
campment.— As  amended  1905,  S.  G.  L.  Journal  329. 

Section  2. — Apportionment    of    Grand    Representatives. 

Grand  Representatives  shall  be  apportioned  as  follows,  viz. : 
To  every  State,  District,  or  Territorial  Grand  Lodge  or 
Grand  Encampment  having  under  its  jurisdiction  one 
thousand  or  less  members  in  good  standing,  one  Grand 
Representative ;  to  every  State,  District  or  Territorial  Grand 
Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  having  under  its  jurisdiction 
over  one  thousand  members  in  good  standing,  two  Grand 
Representatives ;  and  no  State,  District  or  Territorial  Grand 
Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  shall  have  over  two  Grand 
Representatives. 

Section  3. — Qualifications  of  Grand  Representatives.  A 
Grand  Representative  must  be  a  Past  Grand  in  good  stand- 
ing and  a  member  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  and  a  Rebekah 
Lodge  in  good  standing.  He  must  have  received  the  Royal 
Purple  Degree,  be  a  member  in  good  standing  of  an  Encamp- 
ment in  good  standing,  and  he  must  reside  in  the  State,  Dis- 
trict   or  Territory   in    which    the  Grand  Lodge    or  Grand 


Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  11 

Encampment  which  he  represents  is  located.  No  Representa- 
tive shall  represent  more  than  one  Grand  Body  at  the  same 
time. 

Section  4. — To  be  furnished  certificate.  Grand  Repre- 
sentatives shall  be  furnished  by  the  Gtand  Bodies  which 
they  represent  with  such  certificates  as  shall  be  required  by 
law. 

Section  5. — Contested  elections.  In  case  of  contested  elec- 
tions this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  shall  determine  to  whom 
the  contested  seat  belongs. 

Section  6. — Grand  Representatives  from  Independent 
Grand  Lodges.  Each  independent  Grand  Lodge  which  shall 
have  accepted  and  which  shall  be  working  under  the  charter 
adopted  in  the  year  1900,  to  be  offered  to  all  such  independ- 
ent Grand  Lodges  and  each  independent  Grand  Lodge  char- 
tered by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  after  the  year  1900, 
may  elect  a  Grand  Representative  to  this  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge,  whose  qualifications,  term  of  office  and  privileges 
and  duties  shall  be  the  same  as  those  of  other  Grand  Repre- 
sentatives, except  that  no  compensation  shall  be  paid  to  any 
such  Grand  Representative  by  this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  X. 

Section  1. — Rights  of  Past  Grand  Sire.    Past  Grand  Sires 

shall  be  admitted  to  seats  in  this  Grand  Lodge,  with  the 

power  of  debating  and  making  motions,  but  shall  not  have 

the  privilege  of  voting  unless  they  be  Grand  Representatives. 

ARTICLE  XI. 

Section  1. — Impeachment  of  officers  and  members.  This 
Grand  Lodge  shall  have  the  power,  a  majority  consenting 
thereto,  to  impeach  and  try  any  of  its  officers  or  members, 
and,  with  the  concurrence  of  two-thirds  of  the  votes  cast, 
to  expel  from  office  or  membership  therein  any  officer  or 
member  so  impeached  and  convicted ;  provided,  that  a  copy 
of  the  charges  preferred  shall  have  been  furnished  to  the 
accused  at  least  three  days  before  the  trial. 


12  Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

Section  2. — Suspended  during  trial.  '  During  the  trial  of 
any  impeachment,  the  officer  or  member  under  impeachment 
shall  be  debarred  the  exercise  of  his  office  or  the  privilege 
of  his  membership,  but  may  be  heard  in  his  own  defense. 

Section  3. — Suspension — Expulsion.  Suspension  or  expul- 
sion from  the  Subordinate  Lodge  or  Encampment  to  which 
an  officer  or  member  of  this  Grand  Lodge  belongs  shall 
operate  as  a  suspension  or  expulsion  from  office  or  member- 
ship in  this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  vacancy  thereby 
created  shall  be  filled  in  the  manner  hereinbefore  prescribed. 

ARTICLE  XII. 
Section  1. — Sessions  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  This 
Grand  Lodge  shall  meet  annually  on  the  third  Monday  of 
September  at  9  o  'clock  A.  M.  at  such  place  as  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  shall,  from  time  to  time,  determine.  It  may 
also  meet  on  its  own  adjournments.  It  may  also  meet 
specially  on  the  call  of  the  Grand  Sire,  of  which  the  Grand 
Sire  shall  cause  three  months'  notice  to  be  given  to  the  rep- 
resentatives of  the  several  State,  District  or  Territorial 
Grand  Lodges  and  Grand  Encampments,  communicating  to 
them  the  purpose  for  which  the  special  meeting  is  called, 
and  in  no  case  shall  any  business  be  transacted  at  a  special 
meeting  unless  notice  thereof  has  been  given  as  above  stated ; 
provided,  that  if  it  shall  be  impracticable,  from  the  preva- 
lence of  contagious  disease  or  any  other  cause,  for  the  an- 
nual session  to  be  held  at  the  place  designated  therefor,  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  shall  have  the  power  to  determine 
at  what  date  or  place  said  session  shall  be  held,  or  if  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  be  not  in  session  when  such  emer- 
gency occurs,  such  power  may  be  exercised  by  the  Grand 
Sire. 

ARTICLE  XIII. 
Section  1. — Quorum  of  representatives.     Representatives 
from  a  majority  of  the  whole  number  of  State,  District  and 
Territorial  Grand  Bodies  shall  be  necessary  to  form  a  quo- 
rum for  the  transaction  of  business,  but  a  smaller  number 


Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  13 

may  adjourn  from  day  to  day,  and  may  receive  and  act 
upon  the  credentials  of  new  members,  except  in  contested 
elections. 

Section  2. — Judge  of  qualifications  and  elections.  This 
Grand  Lodge  shall  be  the  judge  of  the  certificates  or  returns 
and  qualifications  of  its  members. 

Section  3. — Rules  of  order.  It  may  determine  the  rules 
of  its  proceedings,  and  from  time  to  time  adopt  such  rules  of 
order  as  it  may  see  fit. 

Section  4. — Journal  published.  A  journal  of  its  proceed- 
ings shall  be  kept  and  published  annually,  except  such  pro- 
ceedings as  are  had  in  secret  session. 

Section  5. — How  votes  taken.  Voting  for  officers  shall  be 
by  ballot.  All  other  voting  shall  be  viva  voce  or  by  yeas 
and  nays,  as  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  may  determine. 
The  yeas  and  nays  may  be  demanded  by  one-fifth  of  the 
representatives  present,  and  shall  be  entered  upon  the 
journal. 

Section  6. — Questions — How  decided.  All  questions  shall 
be  decided  by  a  majority  vote,  except  in  such  cases  as  a 
specific  majority  is  required. 

ARTICLE  XIV. 

Section  1. — Revenue  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  The 
revenue  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  as  follows, 
viz.: 

1.  Fees  for  charters  of  Grand  Lodges  or  Encampments 
or  Subordinate  Lodges  or  Encampments  working  under  its 
immediate  jurisdiction,  thirty  dollars. 

2.  Dues  from  State,  District  or  Territorial  Grand  Lodges 
and  Encampments,  seventy-five  dollars  per  annum  for  each 
vote  they  shall  be  entitled  to  in  this  Grand  Lodge. 

3.  Dues  from  Subordinate  Lodges  or  Encampments  work^ 
ing  under  the  immediate  jurisdiction  of  this  Grand  Lodge, 
5  per  cent,  on  their  receipts. 


14  Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

4.  Proceeds  of  the  sales  of  books,  (Tards,  diplomas,  odes 
and  certificates. 

ARTICLE  XV. 
Section  1. — Qualifications  for  oflSce.  To  be  an  officer  of 
this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  one  nominated  must  have  re- 
ceived the  Grand  Lodge  and  Grand  Encampment  degrees 
and  be  a  member  in  good  standing  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge 
and  Encampment  in  good  standing. 

Section  2. — Nomination  and  election.  The  nomination 
and  election  of  officers  shall  take  place  on  the  same  day,  to- 
wit :  The  second  day  of  the  communication  at  which  officers 
are  to  be  elected.  The  nominations  for  each  office  shall  be 
immediately  succeeded  by  the  election  for  the  same  and 
before  the  nominations  and  election  for  the  next  office. 

ARTICLE  XVI. 
Section  1. — Members — How  to  visit.  The  members  of  the 
Order  from  each  State,  District  or  Territory  under  the  juris- 
diction of  this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  entitled  to 
admission  into  the  Lodges  or  Encampments  of  every  other 
State,  District  or  Territory  upon  proving  themselves  accord- 
ing to  the  established  work  of  the  Order  and  the  production 
of  a  proper  card. 

Section  2. — Qualifications  for  membership.  No  person 
shall  be  entitled  to  admission  to  the  Order  except  free  white 
males  of  good  moral  character  who  have  arrived  at  the  age 
of  twenty-one  years,  and  who  believe  in  a  Supreme  Being, 
the  Creator  and  Preserver  of  the  universe;  provided,  how- 
ever, that  in  Australia,  New  Zealand  and  other  countries 
not  on  the  continent  of  North  America  in  which  the  Order 
has  been  or  may  hereafter  be  established,  and  a  Grand  Lodge 
or  Grand  Lodges  formed,  the  qualifications  as  to  age  shall 
be  left  to  local  legislation. 

Section  3. — Admitted  in  another  State  only  by  consent. 
No  citizen  of  one  State,  District  or  Territory  wherein  Lodges 
or  Encampments  are  established  shall  be  admitted  to  mem- 


Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  15 

bership  in  a  Lodge  or  Encampment  of  another  State,  District 
or  Territory  without  the  previous  consent  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  or  Grand  Master  or  Grand 
Patriarch  of  the  State,  District  or  Territory  whereof  such 
citizen  is  a  resident. 

Section  4. — Admission  of  suspended  or  expelled  members. 

A  member  of  the  Order  suspended  or  expelled  from  a  Lodge 
or  Encampment  in  any  jurisdiction  or  sovereignty  shall  not 
be  admitted  to  membership  in  a  Lodge  or  Encampment  in 
another  jurisdiction  or  sovereignty  without  the  previously 
obtained  consent  of  the  Lodge  or  Encampment  from  which 
he  is  suspended  or  expelled;  provided,  however,  that  mem- 
bers suspended  or  dropped  for  the  non-payment  of  dues  only 
may  be  admitted  to  membership  in  another  jurisdiction  or 
sovereignty  upon  such  conditions  and  under  such  rules  and 
regulations  as  this  Grand  Lodge  may  have  prescribed  or 
may  at  any  time  adopt. 

Section  5. — Saloonkeepers,  etc.,  not  admitted.  No  saloon- 
keeper, bartender  or  professional  gambler  shall  be  eligible 
to  membership  in  this  Order. 

ARTICLE  XVII. 
Section  1. — Compensation  of  oflficers  and  members.     The 

officers  and  Grand  Representatives  (except  such  officers  as 
receive  stated  salaries)  shall  receive  a  compensation  for 
their  services,  to  be  fixed  by  law,  and  paid  out  of  the  treas- 
ury of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge ;  provided,  that  this  Grand 
Lodge  shall  not  allow  a  compensation  (except  such  per  diem 
as  it  may  think  proper)  to  any  Grand  Representative  com- 
ing from  a  jurisdiction  beyond  the  limits  of  the  North 
American  Continent. 

ARTICLE  XVIII. 

Section  1.— Special    Grand    Representatives.      With    the 

previous  consent  and  approval,  from  time  to  time  expressed, 

of  this  Grand  Lodge,  the  Grand  Sire  may  accredit  any  officer 

or  member  of  this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  as  a  special  Grand 


16  Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

Representative  near  the  Grand  Lodge  of  any  sovereign 
jurisdiction  in  Odd  Fellowship  recognized  by  this  Grand 
Lodge,  and  in  such  case  the  necessary  expenses  of  such 
special  Grand  Representative's  visit  shall  be  defrayed  from 
the  treasury  of  this  Grand  Lodge.  And  any  officer  or  mem- 
ber of  any  such  foreign  Grand  Lodge,  who  may  be  duly 
accredited  from  the  same  as  a  special  Grand  Representative 
near  this  Grand  Lodge,  shall  be  admitted  to  a  seat  on  the 
floor  of  this  Grand  Lodge  and  shall  have  a  deliberative  voice, 
but  not  a  vote,  in  the  proceedings  thereof. 

ARTICLE  XIX. 
Section  1. — By-Laws  and  amendment  to.  By-Laws  in  con- 
formity with  this  Constitution  may  be  made,  which  shall  not 
be  altered  or  amended  unless  such  amendment  be  proposed 
at  a  stated  annual  communication,  and  acted  upon  at  the 
same  session,  but  not  on  the  day  on  which  it  is  offered,  and 
adopted  by  two-thirds  of  the  votes  given. 

ARTICLE  XX. 

Section  1. — Constitution,  the  supreme  law.  This  Constitu- 
tion, and  the  By-Laws  which  shall  be  made  in  pursuance 
thereof,  shall  be  the  supreme  law  of  the  Order  and  be  binding 
upon  the  State,  District  and  Territorial  Grand  Lodges  and 
Grand  Encampments  under  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Grand 
Lodge. 

ARTICLE  XXI. 

Section  1. — Constitution,  how  amended.  This  Constitu- 
tion shall  not  be  altered  or  amended  except  by  a  proposition 
therefor  made  in  writing  at  a  regular  annual  communication 
by  one  or  more  representatives  from  three  different  States, 
which  shall  be  entered  on  the  journal  and  lie  over  until  the 
next  regular  annual  communication.  At  the  next  regular 
annual  communication  after  being  offered  such  proposed 
alteration  or  amendment  may  be  considered,  and  if  agreed 
to  by  a  vote  of  three-fourths  of  the  members  present,  on  a 
call  of  the  yeas  and  nays,  such  proposed  alteration  or  amend- 
ment shall  become  a  part  of  this  Constitution. 


By-Laws  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  17 


B  Y=L  A  WS 

OF    THE 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F 

AS  AMENDED  TO  1905  INCLUSIVE. 


ARTICLE  I. 

Petition  for  a  Subordinate  Lodge.  Upon  the  petition  of 
five  brothers  of  the  Order,  of  the  Degree  of  Truth,  or  upon 
the  application  of  twenty  persons  who  are  eligible  to  mem- 
bership under  the  laws  of  the  Order,  praying  for  a  charter 
to  institute  a  Subordinate  Lodge  in  a  State,  District  or 
Territory  where  a  Grand  Lodge  has  not  been  established, 
this  Lodge  may  grant  the  same.  Each  Subordinate  Lodge 
receiving  a  warrant  from  The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of 
the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  shall  be  instituted  by 
a  Past  Grand  of  the  Order,  regularly  deputed  therefor  by 
the  Grand  Sire,  who  shall  deliver  to  such  Lodge  the  warrant 
and  charge-books,  and  shall  at  the  institution  thereof  give 
all  necessary  instruction.  Such  Lodge  shall  be  visited  at 
least  once  a  year  by  the  Grand  Sire  or  some  Past  Grand  depu- 
tized by  him  for  that  purpose  or  by  a  District  Deputy  Grand 
Sire. 

ARTICLE   II. 

Petition  for  a  Subordinate  Encampment.  Upon  the  peti- 
tion of  five  Royal  Purple  members  of  the  Order,  in  good 
standing,  or  five  Scarlet  Degree  members  of  the  Order,  pray- 
ing for  a  warrant  to  institute  an  Encampment  in  a  State, 
District  or  Territory  where  a  Grand  Encampment  has  not 
been  established,  this  Grand  Lodge  may  grant  the  same. 
Every  Encampment  receiving  a  warrant  from  this  Grand 
Lodge  shall  be  instituted  by  the  Grand  Sire  or  a  qualified 
Patriarch,  who  shall  deliver  to  such  Encampment  the  war- 
rant and  charge-books,  and  such  instructions  as  may  be 


18  By-Laws  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

necessary.  Such  Encampment  shall  be  Visited  at  least  once 
a  year  by  the  Grand  Sire  or  by  some  Patriarch  deputized 
by  him  for  that  purpose  or  by  the  District  Deputy  Grand 
Sire. 

ARTICLE  III. 
Subordinates  under  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  to  report 
annually.  Subordinate  Lodges  and  Encampments  working 
under  the  immediate  jurisdiction  of  this  Grand  Lodge  shall 
transmit  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  annually,  reports  contain- 
ing the  same  information  as  is  required  from  Grand  Lodges 
and  Grand  Encampments  by  Article  X  of  these  laws.  The 
report  shall  be  accompanied  by  the  dues  in  current  money. 

ARTICLE    IV. 

Ten  Lodges  and  five  Encampments  may  petition.  Ten  or 
more  Subordinate  Lodges,  or  five  or  more  Encampments, 
located  in  any  State,  District  or  Territory  where  a  Grand 
Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  has  not  been  established, 
having  seven  Past  Grands  or  Past  Chief  Patriarchs,  in  good 
standing,  may  petition  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  in  writing,  praying 
for  the  charter  of  a  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  in 
such  State,  District  or  Territory,  which,  if  approved  of  by 
a  majority  of  the  votes  given,  shall  be  granted,  and  such 
Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  shall  be  instituted  by 
the  Grand  Sire  or  some  qualified  brother  or  Patriarch  whom 
he  shall  deputize  for  that  purpose;  provided,  that  nothing 
contained  in  this  article  shall  operate  to  prevent  the  Grand 
Lodge  from  entertaining  and  granting,  or  instructing  the 
Grand  Sire  to  grant  in  the  recess,  the  application  for  a 
Grand  Charter  to  any  less  number  of  Lodges  or  Encamp- 
ments who  may  regularly  petition  therefor,  and  accompany 
the  petition  with  reasons  which  shall  be  deemed  satisfac- 
tory for  such  grant,  by  two-thirds  of  the  members  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  at  any  regular  session. 

ARTICLE   V. 
Petition  for  a  charter.     All  applications  for  charters  of 
Grand  Lodges  or  Grand  Encampments  must  be  by  a  vote 


By-Laws  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  19 

of  a  majority  of  the  Lodges  or  Encampments  within  the 
State,  District  or  Territory,  as  follows:  When  ten  or  more 
Lodges  or  five  or  more  Encampments  shall  agree  in  the 
opinion,  that  a  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  will 
contribute  to  the  general  interest,  notice  thereof  shall  be 
given  to  all  the  Lodges  or  Encampments  in  the  State,  Dis- 
trict or  Territory,  inviting  them  to  meet  for  consultation  at 
some  convenient  time  and  place.  Each  Lodge  or  Encamp- 
ment shall  appoint  one  or  more  of  its  Past  Grands,  or  Past 
Chief  Patriarchs,  or  Past  High  Priests,  as  Representatives, 
to  meet  in  convention,  to  consider  the  propriety  of  apply- 
ing for  a  Grand  Charter,  as  well  as  to  determine  upon  the 
place  for  the  location  of  the  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encamp- 
ment (both  of  which  questions  shall  be  decided  by  a  major- 
ity vote  of  the  Lodges  or  Encampments  represented).  Should 
any  Lodge  or  Encampment  neglect  or  refuse  to  send  a  Rep- 
resentative, or  should  the  Representative,  from  accident  or 
other  cause,  fail  to  attend,  it  shall  not  operate  to  defeat  the 
proceedings  of  such  as  may  assemble.  Each  Subordinate 
Lodge  or  Encampment  shall  furnish  to  its  Representative  a 
statement,  under  the  seal  of  the  Lodge  or  Encampment,  of 
the  number  of  Past  Grands  or  Past  Chief  Patriarchs,  in 
good  standing,  belonging  to  it.  At  the  meeting  of  these 
Representatives  the  votes  shall  be  by  Lodges  or  Encamp- 
ments, and  the  application  shall  be  made  in  the  following 
form: 

To  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows: 

The  petition  of Lodge  (or  Encampment),  No.  1, , 

No.  2,  ,  No.  3,  of respectfully  represents  that  at 

present  they  work  under  warrants  granted  by  your  Body ;  that  at  present 

they  have   Past  Grands    (or  Past  Chief  Patriarchs)    in 

good  standing.  They  are  of  the  opinion  that  it  would  be  of  advantage 
to  the  Order  to  establish  a  Grand  Lodge  (or  Grand  Encampment)  in 
the They  therefore  pray  your  Body  to  grant  a  char- 
ter for  a  Grand  Lodge   (or  Encampment)   in  the  to  be 

located  at  

Witness  our  hands  and  seals,  this day  of ,  19. . . 

A.  B.,  Representative  of  No,  1. 

C.  D.,  Representative  of  No.  2. 

E.  F.,  Representative  of  No.  3. 
(A«  amended  1893  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13686,  13694.) 


20  By-Laws  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE    VI. 

Expenses  to  be  borne  by  the  Subordinate.  All  traveling 
and  other  expenses  of  the  Grand  Sire,  or  of  the  Past  Grand 
or  Patriarch  deputed  by  him  to  institute  a  Grand  or  Subor- 
dinate liodge  or  Encampment,  shall  be  paid  by  such  Lodge 
or  Encampment. 

ARTICLE    VII. 

Fee  to  accompany  the  petition.  Applications  for  Grand  or 
Subordinate  Lodges  or  Encampments  must  be  accompanied 
by  the  fee  for  the  same,  which  shall  be  returned  if  the  char- 
ter is  not  granted. 

ARTICLE   VIII. 

All  Grand  Lodges  to  have  seals.  Each  Grand  Lodge  and 
Grand  Encampment  shall  have  a  Grand  Seal,  an  impression 
whereof  in  wax  shall  be  sent  to  the  Grand  Secretary  and 
be  deposited  in  the  archives  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

ARTICLE    IX. 

Constitutions  to  be  approved.  The  Constitution  or  amend- 
ments of  each  Grand  Lodge  or  Encampment  heretofore  or 
hereafter  chartered  by  this  Grand  Lodge  immediately  on  its 
or  their  adoption  sh^ll  be  forwarded  to  this  Grand  Lodge 
for  its  or  their  approval,  if  it  shall  be  then  in  session,  but 
if  not  then  in  session,  then  to  the  Grand  Sire,  who,  during 
such  recess,  shall  be  fully  authorized  to  act  on,  approve  or 
reject  such  Constitution  or  amendments  in  the  same  manner 
as  this  Grand  Lodge  could,  were  it  in  session,  subject  to 
the  subsequent  final  approval  of  this  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  X. 

Annual  reports  to  be  made.  Annual  returns  shall  be 
made  by  each  State,  District  or  Territorial  Grand  Body,  in 
which  shall  be  embraced  the  names  of  the  Grand  Master  and 
Grand  Secretary  or  Grand  Patriarch  and  Grand  Scribe, 
the  time  and  place  of  the  next  annual  session,  the  number 
of  Subordinates  under  its  jurisdiction  and  the  aggregate 


By-Laws  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  '21 

membership  in  good  standing  in  the  same,  as  well  as  the 
aggregate  number  of  initiations,  reinstatements,  admissions 
by  cards,  withdrawals  by  cards,  expulsions  and  deaths,  and 
the  number  suspended  or  dropped;  the  number  of  brothers 
relieved  and  the  amount  of  such  relief;  the  number  of 
weeks'  sick  benefits  paid;  the  number  of  widowed  families 
relieved  and  the  amount  of  relief;  the  amount  paid  for 
burying  the  dead;  the  amount  paid  for  relief  and  education 
of  orphans;  amount  paid  for  special  relief;  amount  paid 
for  total  relief;  the  amount  paid  for  the  working  or  current 
expenses  of  Subordinates;  the  amount  paid  for  expenses 
of  the  Grand  Body ;  receipts  from  dues;  receipts  from  admis- 
sions and  degrees;  receipts  from  rents  and  from  invested 
funds  and  total  receipts.  Forms  of  these  reports  shall  be 
furnished  by  this  Grand  Lodge.  Said  returns  shall  be 
made  to  the  Grand  Secretary  on  or  before  the  first  day  of 
April,  and  shall  be  accompanied  with  the  dues  thereon,  in 
current  money,  at  par  in  the  city  of  Baltimore,  Maryland. 

ARTICLE    XI. 

No  Subordinate  in  arrears  allowed  to  vote.  No  Grand 
Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  which  shall  fail  or  neglect  to 
make  its  returns  to  the  Grand  Secretary  on  or  before  the 
first  day  of  June,  which  shall  be  in  arrears  for  money  due 
to  this  Grand  Lodge,  shall  be  allowed  to  vote  by  its  Repre- 
sentative or  Representatives.  And  no  Representative  shall 
be  entitled  to  more  than  one  vote  in  election  for  Grand  Offi- 
cers. 

ARTICLE    XII. 

Membership  in  only  one  Lodge  at  a  time.  No  person  shall 
at  the  same  time  hold  membership  in  more  than  one  Grand 
and  Subordinate  Lodge  and  one  Grand  and  Subordinate 
Encampment,  nor  shall  any  Lodge  or  Encampment  confer 
degrees  upon  any  member  of  another  Lodge  or  Encampment 
without  the  consent  of  the  Lodge  or  Encampment  to  which 
the  member  belongs,  given  under  its  seal. 


22  By-Laws  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE   XIII.      ' 

Organization  of  new  Grand  Bodies.  When  a  Grand  Lodge 
or  Grand  Encampment  shall  have  been  duly  chartered  in 
any  State,  District  or  Territory,  all  the  Lodges  and  Encamp- 
ments in  said  State,  District  or  Territory  working  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independ- 
ent Order  of  Odd  Fellows  shall  thereafter  be  declared 
subordinate  to  and  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  of  the  State,  District  or  Ter- 
ritory in  which  they  are  located ;  and  no  Lodge  or  Encamp- 
ment situated  in  one  State,  District  or  Territory  can  be 
made  subordinate  to  the  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encamp- 
ment of  another  State,  District  or  Territory;  provided, 
however,  that  any  Subordinate  Lodge  or  Encampment,  work- 
ing under  the  immediate  jurisdiction  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  in  any 
State,  District  or  Territory,  may,  at  its  own  request,  be 
made  subordinate  to  any  contiguous  State  Grand  Lodge  or 
Grand  Encampment. 

ARTICLE  XIV. 
Visiting — Deposit  of  card.  No  brother  can  be  admitted  to 
visit  or  deposit  his  card  in  a  Lodge  or  Encampment  out  of 
the  State,  District  or  Territory  where  he  resides,  unless 
he  presents  a  card  as  furnished  under  the  signatures  of  the 
proper  officers  and  seal  of  the  Lodge  or  Encampment  of  which 
he  is  a  member,  and  signed  on  the  margin  in  his  own  proper 
handwriting,  and  prove  himself  in  the  A.  T.  P.  W.,  and  in 
the  degree  in  which  the  Lodge  is  open ;  provided,  neverthe- 
less, a  brother  may  always  visit  if  introduced  by  a  Grand 
Representative,  or  any  elective  officer  of  the  Grand  Lodge  or 
Grand  Encampment  within  whose  jurisdiction  he  wishes  to 
visit,  or  by  a  District  Deputy  Grand  Sire  in  jurisdictions 
where  no  Grand  Body  exists.  Grand  Representatives  of 
either  branch  being  hereby  authorized  to  introduce  visiting 
brothers  into  both  Subordinate  Lodges  and  Encampments  in 
their  several  jurisdictions;  but  in  all  such  cases  the  presid- 
ing officer  of  the  same  shall  be  satisfied  that  the  brother 
introducing  such  a  visitor  is  a   Grand   Representative  of 


By-Laws  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  23 

the  jurisdiction  to  which  said  Lodge  or  Encampment  belongs. 
And,  provided,  further,  that  the  holder  of  a  dismissal  cer- 
tificate regularly  issued  by  a  Lodge  or  Encampment  may 
deposit  the  same  in  any  other  Lodge  or  Encampment,  as  the 
ease  may  be,  under  such  rules  and  upon  such  conditions  as 
the  jurisdiction  in  which  it  is  offered  for  deposit  may  pre- 
scribe ;  but  he  shall  not  be  required  to  be  in  possession  of  the 
A.  T.  P.  W.,  nor  can  he  visit  a  Lodge  or  Encampment  by 
virtue  of  such  certificate.  And,  provided,  further,  that 
Grand  Representatives,  elective  officers  of  a  Grand  Lodge 
and  elective  officers  of  a  Rebekah  Assembly  may  introduce 
visiting  members  from  another  jurisdiction  into  Rebekah 
Lodges  within  their  jurisdiction  under  the  limitations  of 
existing  law. 

ARTICLE  XV. 
Appointment  and  duties  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Sires. 
At  each  annual  session  the  Grand  Sire  shall  appoint  in  each 
State,  District  or  Territory  in  which  there  is  not  a  Grand 
Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment,  one  or  more  officers  to  be 
styled  District  Deputy  Grand  Sires,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
act  as  the  special  agents  of  this  Grand  Lodge  in  relation  to 
the  matter  herein  specified,  namely : 

1.  To  act  for  the  Grand  Sire,  and  by  his  direction  to  per- 
form whatever  may  have  been  ordered  to  be  done  by  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows  in  the  particular  district  for  which  the  District 
Deputy  Grand  Sire  may  be  appointed. 

2.  To  act  as  the  Representative  of  this  Grand  Lodge  and 
perform  all  such  matters  relating  to  the  Order  in  his  dis- 
trict as  the  Grand  Sire  shall  direct. 

3.  To  obey  all  special  instructions  of  the  Grand  Sire  in 
relation  to  anything  which  that  officer  is  required  to  do  for 
the  good  of  the  Order. 

4.  To  act  as  the  agent  of  the  Grand  Secretary,  and  to 
obey  the  special  directions  of  that  officer. 

5.  To  have  a  general  supervision  over  all  Subordinate 
Lodges  and  Encampments  in  his  district  which  work  under 


24  By-Laws  Sov|£reign  Grand  Lodge. 

charters  granted  by  the  Sovereign  GranS  Lodge  of  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

6.  To  make  semi-annual  reports  of  his  acts  and  doings 
to  the  Grand  Sire. 

7.  District  Deputy  Grand  Sires  shall  in  no  case  inter- 
fere as  officers  of  this  Grand  Lodge  with  the  State  Grand 
Lodges  or  Grand  Encampments. 

8.  To  qualify  a  brother  for  the  appointment  of  District 
Deputy  Grand  Sire  he  must  be  a  regular  contributing  mem- 
ber of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  and  Encampment,  and  must  have 
attained  the  rank  of  Past  Grand  and  of  the  royal  purple  de- 
gree, and  in  States  where  Grand  Encampments  may  be  estab- 
lished he  must  also  be  a  member  of  such  Grand  Encampment. 
The  appointment  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Sires  shall  bo 
made  at  each  annual  session,  to  continue  for  one  year,  but 
they  may  be  removed  for  cause  by  the  Grand  Sire  during 
recess. 

9.  The  Grand  Sire  shall  have  power  to  fill  by  appoint- 
ment all  vacancies  that  may  occur  during  the  recess  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  from  resignation,  sickness  or  disability  or 
other  causes,  which  are  not  provided  for  by  the  Constitu- 
tion, such  appointments  to  last  until  filled  by  election  or 
otherwise,  as  provided  by  law  for  the  election  or  appoint- 
ment of  such  officers. 

ARTICLE  XVI. 
Grand  Representatives  to  be  examined.  The  Representa- 
tive or  Representatives  of  each  Grand  Lodge  and  Grand 
Encampment  shall  be  examined  by  the  Deputy  Grand  Sire  as 
to  their  qualifications  for  the  office  previous  to  taking  seats 
in  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows,  and  on  taking  their  seats  each  shall  be  fur- 
nished by  the  Grand  Secretary  with  a  copy  of  the  Consti- 
tution, Rules  of  Order  and  Laws  of  this  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  XVII. 

To  be  furnished  with  documents.  Each  State,  District 
and  Territorial  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  shall 
furnish  its  Representative  or  Representatives  with  all  docu- 


By-Laws  Soverkign  Grand  Lodge.  25 

ments  and  papex's  necessary  in  the  discharge  of  the  duties 
of  their  office. 

ARTICLE  XVIII. 
Proceedings  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  to  be  furnished. 
Each  State,  District^ and  Territorial  Grand  Lodge  shall 
annually  be  furnished  with  as  many  copies  of  the  Journal 
of  Proceedings  of  this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  as  it  has 
Subordinate  Lodges,  and  ten  copies  for  the  use  of  such  Grand 
Lodge.  Each  Grand  Encampment  shall  be  furnished  in  the 
same  manner.  Each  Rebekah  Assembly  and  each  Depart- 
ment Council  shall  be  furnished  with  fiv«  copies  each  for  the 
use  of  said  bodies.  Each  Grand  Representative  shall  be 
furnished  with  five  copies,  and  "each  Grand  Officer  and  each 
Past  Grand  Sire  with  one  copy  of  such  Proceedings,  and 
each  Lodge  working  under  a  charter  from  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  shall  also  be  furnished  with  a  copy.  The 
Grand  Secretaries  and  Grand  Scribes  shall  notify  the  Grand 
Secretary  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  within  fifteen 
days  after  October  1st  of  each  year  how  many  Lodges  or 
Encampments  there  were  in  his  jurisdiction  on  said  date, 
and  the  Grand  Secretary  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
shall  be  governed  by  the  figures  received  in  sending  out 
the  journals  of  proceedings.  In  case  he  receives  no  com- 
munication from  the  Grand  Secretary  or  Grand  Scribe,  he 
shall  be  governed  by  the  figures  in  his  last  report  to  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE   XIX. 
Dues  paid  to  Grand  Secretary.    All  dues  and 'moneys  for 
this  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  paid  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  and 
by  him  be  immediately  paid  over  to  the  Grand  Treasurer, 
who  shall  give  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

ARTICLE    XX. 
Work  adhered  to — No  other  to  be  used.    All  State,  Dis- 
trict  and   Territorial   Grand   Lodges   and   Grand   Encamp- 
ments and  Department  Councils  shall  enforce  upon  their 
Subordinates  a  strict  adherence  to  the  work  of  the  Order, 


26  By-Laws  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

according  to  the  forms  furnished  by  tfie  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  shall 
be  held  responsible  for  any  irregularities  that  they  may 
allow  Tinder  their  jurisdictions.  Th^y  shall  neither  adopt 
nor  use,  or  suffer  to  be  adopted  or  used,  in  their  jurisdic- 
tion any  other  charges,  lectures,  degrees,  ceremonies,  forms 
of  installation  or  regalia  than  those  prescribed  by  the  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows. 

ARTICLE   XXI. 

Prayer  in  opening  and  closing.  All  Grand  and  Subordi- 
nate Lodges  and  Encampments  under  this  jurisdiction  may 
at  all  times  open  and  close  their  meetings  with  prayer. 

ARTICLE   XXII. 

1.  Regalia  described.  The  regalia  of  the  Order  shall  be 
as  follows,  to-wit:  Collars  of  Subordinate  Lodges  shall  be 
white,  trimmed  with  the  emblematic  color  of  the  degree 
intended  to  be  represented,  namely:  First  Degree,  pink; 
Second  Degree,  blue;  Third  Degree,  scarlet;  Initiatory  De- 
gree, a  plain  white  collar.  Rosettes  of  the  appropriate  color 
may  be  worn  upon  the  collar.  Among  those  who  may  have 
attained  the  Royal  Purple  Degree,  rosettes  composed  of 
black,  yellow  and  purple  may  be  worn  on  the  collars,  either 
in  connection  with  the  other  colors  or  as  a  separate  rosette. 
The  Noble  Grand,  Secretary  and  Treasurer  shall  each  wear 
a  scarlet  collar  trimmed  with  white  or  silver;  the  Vice- 
Grand,  a  blue  collar  trimmed  in  like  manner.  Supporters 
of  the  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand  shall  wear  sashes  of 
the  colors  of  those  officers,  respectively;  Warden  and  Con- 
ductor, black  sashes ;  Scene  Supporters,  white  sashes ;  Chap- 
lain, white  sash ;  Outside  Guardian,  scarlet  sash ;  Inside  Guar- 
dian, scarlet  sash.  The  position  of  each  officer  shall  be  indi- 
cated by  the  jewel  of  the  office.  The  above  shall  apply 
to  all  Lodges  that  may  be  hereafter  instituted,  and  to  all 
Lodges  that  shall  hereafter  procure  new  regalia. 

2.  Past  Grands  shall  wear  scarlet  collars  or  sashes 
trimmed  with  white.    The  collars  or  sashes  may  be  trimmed 


By-Laws  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  27 

with  silver  lace  or  fringe,  and  those  having  attained  the 
Royal  Purple  Degree  may  have  trimmings  of  yellow  metal. 

3.  The  Grand  Officers  and  Past  Grand  Officers  of  Grand 
Lodges  shall  wear  the  regalia  of  Past  Grands,  as  above 
defined. 

4.  The  Encampment  regalia  shall  be  as  follows:  Patri- 
archal Degree,  a  plain  black  collar;  Golden  Rule  Degree,  a 
black  collar  trimmed  with  yellow;  Royal  Purple  Degree,  a 
purple  collar  trimmed  with  yellow  lace  or  fringe;  Past 
Chief  Patriarch,  same  as  Royal  Purple  Degree,  with  crossed 
crooks  on  right  and  the  letters  ''P.  C.  P."  on  left  side  of 
collar.    All  collars  not  to  exceed  four  inches  in  width. 

5.  Past  High  Priests,  who  are  Past  Grands  and  members 
of  a  Grand  Encampment,  may  wear  the  combined  regalia 
now  authorized  to  be  worn  by  Past  Chief  Patriarchs. 

6.  The  regalia  for  Grand  .Representatives  shall  be  a  col- 
lar of  purple  velvet,  not  more  than  four  inches  in  width, 
with  a  roll  of  scarlet  velvet,  the  trimmings  to  be  of  white 
and  yellow  metal,  and  the  collar  to  be  united  in  front  with 
three  links,  to  which  may  be  suspended  such  medal  or 
medals  as  the  member  may  be  entitled  to  wear. 

7.  Past  Grand  Representatives  and  the  officers  and  Past 
officers  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows  shall  wear  the  regalia  above  described 
tor  Grand  Representatives. 

8.  The  jewel  of  the  Grand  Sire  and  Past  Grand  Sires 
shall  be  a  medal  three  inches  in  diameter,  of  yellow  metal, 
on  one  side  of  which  shall  be  the  coat  of  arms  of  the  United 
States,  surrounded  by  an  ornamental  edging  of  silver. 

9.  Grand  Representatives  and  Past  Grand  Representa- 
tives shall  be  entitled  to  wear  medals  of  the  size  and  style 
above,  with  the  coat  of  arms  of  the  State  represented. 

10.  The  regalia  for  Past  Grand  Patriarchs  shall  be  a 
royal  purple  collar  of  velvet  not  to  exceed  five  inches  in 
width,  trimmed  with  yellow  metal  lace,  fringe  and  tassels, 


28  By-Laws  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

with  crossed  crooks  and  a  dove  with  olive  branch  on  the 
face  of  collar,  and  yellow  lace  and  fringe  around  two-thirds 
of  the  length  of  the  neck  of  the  collar. 

11.  The  regalia  for  a  Past  Grand,  who  is  also  a  Past 
Chief  Patriarch,  may,  in  lieu  of  any  other  regalia  to  which 
he  maj^  be  entitled,  be  a  scarlet  collar,  trimmed  with  white, 
the  collar  not  to  be  more  than  five  and  a  half  inches  wide, 
with  a  roll  of  purple  two  inches  wide,  trimmed  with  yellow, 
the  collar  to  be  united  in  front  with  three  links.  The  above- 
described  regalia  may  be  worn  by  a  brother  who  has  passed 
the  chairs  in  a  Lodge  and  in  an  Encampment,  in  any  Grand 
or  Subordinate  Lodge  or  any  Grand  or  Subordinate  Encamp- 
ment. The  collar  may  be  of  scarlet  velvet,  with  white  metal 
trimmings,  and  the  roll  of  purple  velvet,  with  yellow  metal 
trimmings.  At  sessions  of  Grand  Bodies,  in  lieu  of  regalia 
hereinbefore  described,  a  ribbon  may  be  worn  of  the  color  of 
the  highest  degree  the  member  has  attained,  having  attached 
thereto  any  jewel  which  he  is  entitled  or  required  to  wear; 
provided,  that  Grand  Bodies  may  adopt  a  badge  of  uniform 
size  and  design,  the  color  to  conform  with  existing  regu- 
lations. 

ARTICLE   XXIII. 

Conferring  Grand  Lodge  Degree.  State  Grand  Lodges 
are  prohibited  from  conferring  the  Grand  Lodge  Degree  for 
a  pecuniary  consideration  with  a  view  of  increasing  their 
revenue,  or  for  any  other  consideration  except  the  regular 
performance  of  the  duties  of  the  Noble  Grand's  chair,  the 
said  degree  having  been  designed  as  a  reward  for  faithful 
service  in  the  Subordinate  Lodges. 

ARTICLE    XXIV. 

Regalia,  by  whom  worn.  Past  officers  of  every  descrip- 
tion, and  members  in  possession  of  the  Encampment  De- 
grees, and  all  other  members  of  the  Order,  when  visiting 
Grand  or  Subordinate  Lodges,  and  when  attending  the  meet- 
ings of  the  Lodge  of  which  they  are  members,  are  entitled 
to  wear  the  regalia  and  jewels  pertaining  to  the  highest 
degrees  which  they  may  have  taken. 


By-Laws  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  29 

ARTICLE  XXV. 
The  Annual  Traveling  Password,  when  used.  The  Annual 
Traveling  Password  is  primarily  designed  for  the  use  of 
brethren  who  are  traveling  beyond  the  limits  of  the  juris- 
diction to  which  they  belong,  but  may  also  be  used  in  the 
jurisdiction  to  which  brothers  belong  who  have  received 
it  in  good  faith  for  said  primary  purpose;  and  in  order 
that  each  brother  may  be  properly  instructed  in  it,  and 
visiting  brethren  from  other  jurisdictions  be  properly  exam- 
ined, the  two  highest  elective  officers  of  a  Lodge,  and  the 
Chief  Patriarch  and  Senior  Warden  of  an  Encampment,  are 
to  be  privately  put  in  possession  of  the  word,  at  the  time 
of  their  installation,  that  they  may  be  qualified  either  to  give 
or  receive  it.  The  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Patriarch  of  a 
State,  and  their  regular  deputies,  should  also  be  in  pos- 
session of  it. 

ARTICLE   XXVI. 

Fiscal  year — Annual  reports.  The  fiscal  year  of  this  Grand 
Lodge  shall  commence  on  the  first  day  of  January  and  ter- 
minate on  the  thirty-first  day  of  December,  and  all  Grand 
and  Subordinate  Lodges  and  Encampments  shall  make  their 
annual  reports  as  required  by  Article  X,  to  correspond  with 
the  fiscal  year. 

ARTICLE  XXVII. 
Failure  to  make  returns.  The  Subordinate  Lodges  and 
Encampments  working  under  the  immediate  jurisdiction  of 
this  Grand  Lodge,  which  fail  to  make  their  returns  for  one 
year,  shall  forfeit  their  charters,  and  whenever  such  remiss- 
ness occurs,  the  Grand  Sire  shall  take  proper  measures  to 
enforce  the  law. 

ARTICLE  XXVIII. 
1.  The  Committee  on  Printing  Supplies.  There  shall  be 
appointed  at  each  annual  session,  immediately  before  the 
final  adjournment,  a  Committee  on  Printing  Supplies,  to 
consist  of  five  members,  including  the  Grand  Secretary 
and  the  Grand  Treasurer. 


30  By-Laws  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

2.  The  members  of  the  committee  shall  hold  their  respec- 
tive positions  until  the  following  annual  session.  The  com- 
mittee shall  have  power  to  sit  during  the  recess,  and  shall 
report  in  detail  at  each  annual  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 
Vacancies  that  may  occur  in  the  meantime  shall  be  filled 
by  the  Grand  Sire. 

3.  The  committee  shall  organize  by  the  election  of  a 
chairman  and  a  secretary,  and  shall  hold  a  session  immedi- 
ately after  the  final  adjournment  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and 
afterward  upon  the  call  of  the  chairman,  but  not  oftener 
than  four  times  within  twelve  months.  They  shall  be  enti- 
tled to  such  mileage  and  per  diem  as  this  Grand  Lodge  may, 
from  time  to  time,  determine. 

4.  The  Committee  on  Printing  Supplies  shall  have  power 
and  authority  to  contract  for  all  the  necessary  printing  of 
the  Grand  Lodge,  and  for  the  furnishing  of  all  needed  sup- 
plies for  the  office  of  Grand  Secretary,  and  for  all  materials 
and  work  which  may  be  required  in  said  office,  in  such 
manner  and  upon  such  terms  as  the  committee  shall  deem 
for  the  best  interests  of  the  Grand  Lodge ;  provided,  however, 
the  Grand  Sire  shall  have  full  power  and  authority  to  have 
printed,  under  his  supervision,  his  annual  report. 

5.  The  committee  shall  keep  a  journal  of  its  proceed- 
ings, and  open  such  books  of  accounts  and  of  printing  sup- 
plies as  shall  show  at  any  time  the  quantity  of  supplies  on 
hand,  and  the  amount  ordered  by  the  committee,  and  adopt 
such  regulations  in  relation  to  the  supply  stock  as  they 
shall  deem  necessary. 

6.  All  bills  for  printing  supplies,  materials  furnished,  or 
for  work  done  by  authority  of  the  committee,  shall  be 
audited  and  passed  upon  by  the  Committee  on  Printing 
Supplies,  and,  unless  thus  approved,  shall  not  be  paid  unless 
the  Grand  Lodge  shall  order  otherwise. 

7.  All  provisions  of  law  heretofore  adopted  that  are  in 
conflict  with  the  foregoing  are  hereby  declared  to  be  re- 
pealed. 


Br-LAWs  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  31 

ARTICLE  XXIX. 

Inquiries  as  to  laws  of  the  Order.  The  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  will  neither 
entertain  nor  consider  any  inquiry  as  to  what  are  the  laws 
or  usages  of  the  Order,  unless  the  same  be  brought  before 
the  body  by  an  appeal  from  the  decision  of  a  Lodge  or 
Encampment,  or  unless  the  same  be  presented  by  a  Grand 
Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment. 

ARTICLE   XXX. 

By-Laws,  how  amended.  No  resolution,  order,  or  other 
action  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows  shall  operate  to  change,  alter  or 
amend  any  of  these  By-Laws,  unless  said  resolution,  order 
or  other  action  shall,  upon  its  face  and  by  its  terms,  assume 
to  make  such  change,  alteration  or  amendment,  and  shall 
state  distinctly  the  particular  By-Law  to  be  affected. 

ARTICLE  XXXI. 

Inconsistent  laws  repealed.  All  former  laws  and  regu- 
lations inconsistent  with  the  provisions  of  these  general  laws 
are  hereby  repealed. 


32         Constitution  Gra.nd  Lodge  of  California. 

CONSTITUTION 

OF    THE 

GRAND    LvODGE 

OF    THE 

INDEPENDENT  ORDER  OF  ODD  FELLOWS 

OF    THE 

STATE    OK    CALIFORNIA. 


PREAMBLE. 

Whereas,  The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  possessing  original  and  exclu- 
sive jurisdiction — the  source  of  all  true  legitimate  authority 
in  Odd  Fellowship  in  the  United  States  of  America— did  by 
it^  warrant,  bearing  date  the  eighth  day  of  March,  in  the 
thirty-fourth  year  of  our  Order,  grant  authority  to  certain 
Past  Grands  of  the  Order,  resident  in  the  State  of  California, 
to  form  a  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows,  to  be  known  and  hailed  by  the  name,  style  and 
title  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows  of  the  State  of  California,  giving  and  granting  to 
them  and  their  successors,  by  the  name,  style  and  title  afore- 
said, full  power  and  authority  to  grant  warrants  for  open- 
ing Lodges  subordinate  to  it,  for  the  propagation  of  the 
established  principles  of  the  Order,  with  power  and  author- 
ity, also,  to  cause  all  honorary  and  the  first  three  degrees  of 
the  Order  to  be  conferred  on  deserving  members,  accord- 
ing to  the  laws,  customs  and  ancient  usages  of  the  Independ- 
ent Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  as  the  Grand  Legislative 
Head  of  the  Order  in  the  State  of  California,  to  have  and 
to  exercise  full  power  and  authority  to  enforce  upon  its 
subordinates  a  strict  adherence  to  the  laws  of  the  Order, 


Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California.  33 

and  to  make  and  establish  such  rules  for  their  government, 
as,  in  the  opinion  of  said  Grand  Lodge,  may  be  for  the 
advancement  of  the  Order,  and  in  conformity  to  the  direc- 
tions of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

Now,  therefore,  we,  the  Past  Grands,  residing  within  said 
jurisdiction,  do  hereby  make  and  declare  the  following  as 
the  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  for  the  State  of  California: 

ARTICLE   I. 

Section  1. — Title.  This  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  known  by 
the  name,  style  and  title  of  ^'The  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows  of  the  State  of  California," 
and  shall  be  composed  of  all  Past  Grands,  who  are  contrib- 
uting members  of  Lodges  subordinate  to  this  Grand  Lodge, 
and  in  good  standing,  and  who  have  been  admitted  as 
required  by  this  Constitution. 

Sec.  2. — Jurisdiction.  The  Grand  Lodge  has  jurisdiction 
in  Odd  Fellowship  over  the  territory  known  as  the  State  of 
California,  and  over  all  Subordinate  Lodges  situated  within 
said  State,  or  working  under  the  authority  of  the  same,  and 
is  the  Supreme  Tribunal  of  the  Order  in  this  jurisdiction. 

Sec.  3. — Past  Grands.  To  entitle  a  Past  Grand  to  be 
admitted  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  he  must  produce  satisfactory 
evidence  that  he  is  such,  and  is  a  contributing  member  in 
good  standing  of  a  Lodge  subordinate  to  this  Grand  Lodge 
at  the  time  of  his  admission. 

ARTICLE  n. 

Section  1. — Sessions.  The  Grand  Lodge  shall  hold  regu- 
lar annual  communications  at  the  City  of  San  Francisco, 
to  begin  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  May  of  each  year,  at  9 
o'clock  a.  m.,  and  shall  continue  to  meet  at  such  hours  as 
may  be  agreed  upon,  from  day  to  day,  consecutively  (Sun- 
days excepted),  until  the  close  of  the  session. 
3 


34         Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 

Sec.  2. — Business — Right  to  vote  or  speak.  The  business 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  transacted  by  the  elective  offi- 
cers of  the  Grand  Lodge,  Past  Grand  Masters  of  this  Grand 
Lodge,  and  the  Representatives  elected  in  the  manner  here- 
inafter provided.  All  Past  Grands  in  good  standing  who 
have  received  the  Grand  Lodge  Degree  may  be  present  at 
the  session,  but  none  except  officers  of,  Past  Grand  Masters 
of,  and  Representatives  to,  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  have  the 
right  to  serve  on  committees  or  to  vote,  or,  without  permis- 
sion, to  speak  on  any  subject  at  the  session. 

Sec.  3. — Representatives.  Every  Subordinate  Lodge  shall 
be  entitled,  in  this  Grand  Lodge,  to  one  Representative  for 
its  members  of  fifty  or  under;  also,  one  Representative  for 
every  fifty  members  over  and  above  said  first  number  of 
fifty,  and  one  for  every  fraction  exceeding  thirty  members 
in  good  standing.  Representatives  must  be  Past  Grands  in 
good  standing,  and  shall  be  elected  by  the  Lodge  at  any 
regular  meeting  within  two  months  previous  to  each  annual 
communication,  to  serve  one  year  from  the  beginning  of 
said  annual  communication.  Vacancies  may  be  filled  at 
any  time,  to  serve  the  remainder  of  the  term. 

Sec.  4. — Votes.  Each  elective  officer,  except  the  Grand 
Master,  who  is  not  also  a  Representative,  and  each  Repre- 
sentative, shall  be  entitled  to  one  vote.  The  Grand  Master 
shall  be  entitled  to  vote  in  all  cases  of  a  tie.  In  case  of  the 
absence  of  any  Representative,  the  Representative  of  his 
Lodge  present  may  cast  the  vote  of  the  absentee.  In  the 
selection  of  Grand  Officers,  each  Past  Grand  in  attendance 
at  the  annual  communication  shall  be  entitled  to  one  vote 
only. 

Sec.  5. — Special  Sessions.  Special  sessions  shall  be  called 
by  the  Grand  Master  on  application,  by  resolution  under 
seal,  of  ten  Subordinate  Lodges.  Special  sessions  may  also 
be  called  at  the  option  of  the  Grand  Master.  Such  sessions 
shall  be  for  the  transaction  of  extraordinary  business  only, 
which  shall  be  specified  in  the  call,  and  not  less  than  thirty 
days'  notice  shall  be  given  by  letter  to  each  Representative; 


Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California.  35 

which  thirty  days  shall  begin  from  the  date  on  which  said 
letters  are  mailed.  Such  special  sessions  shall  be  held  at  the 
place  of  meeting  of  the  last  previous  annual  communication. 
Special  sessions  may  also  be  called  at  the  option  of  the 
Grand  Master,  at  such  time  and  place  as  he  may  deem  advis- 
able; at  which  session  no  business  of  any  kind  shall  be 
transacted  except  the  conferring  of  the  Grand  Lodge  De- 
grees, Past  Official  Degrees,  and  the  exemplification  of  the 
work;  always  provided  that  such  special  session  shall  not 
be  held  unless  either  the  Grand  Master,  Deputy  Grand  Mas- 
ter or  Grand  Warden  and  Grand  Secretary  of  this  Grand 
Lodge  shall  be  present. 

Sec.  6.  The  Grand  Lodge  cannot  be  opened  unless  Repre- 
sentatives from  ten  Lodges  are  present. 

ARTICLE    IIL 

Section  1. — Officers.  The  elective  officers  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  shall  be: 

1st.      Grand  Master. 

2nd.     Deputy  Grand  Master. 

3rd.     Grand  Warden. 

4th.      Grand  Secretary. 

5th.      Grand  Treasurer. 

6th.  Grand  Representatives  to  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge. 

7th.      Three  Trustees. 

8th.  Five  Trustees  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  for  a  term 
of  five  years,  one  of  whom  shall  be  elected  each  year  to  suc- 
ceed the  Trustee  elected  under  the  resolution  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  at  the  session  of  May,  1893,  as  the  several  terms  for 
which  said  Trustees  were  elected  shall  expire. 

Sec.  2. — Appointed  Officers.  The  Appointed  Officers  shall 
be: 

Grand  Chaplain. 

Grand  Marshal. 

Grand  Conductor. 

Grand  Guardian. 

Grand  Herald. 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  for  each  district. 


36        Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 

Sec.  3. — Election.  The  election  for  elective  officers  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  shall  be  held  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.  on  the  third 
day  of  the  session,  by  ballot,  in  the  following  manner :  When 
open  in  that  order  of  business,  each  Past  Grand  present 
having  the  privilege  to  nominate,  there  shall  be  provided  a 
ballot  box  in  which  to  deposit  the  ballots,  and  all  shall  pro- 
ceed to  vote;  and  when  all  have  voted  that  wish,  the  Grand 
Master  shall  proclaim  the  ballot  closed.  Nominations  shall 
be  made  for  all  offices  to  be  filled  before  balloting  for  any 
is  commenced.  After  the  nominations,  and  before  balloting 
conunences,  there  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Grand  Master 
four  tellers  for  each  office  for  which  there  is  more  than  one 
person  in  nomination.  The  Grand  Lodge  shall  then  imme- 
diately proceed  to  successively  ballot  for  each  and  every 
office  to  be  filled,  and  the  tellers  appointed  for  the  respective 
contests  shall  receive  the  votes  on  such  contest  and  shall 
retire  to  the  ante-room,  or  to  some  part  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
room  where  they  will  not  interfere  with  the  business  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  where  they  shall  publicly  count  and  canvass 
the  votes,  and  shall,  immediately  upon  the  conclusion  of  the 
same,  report  the  result  thereof  to  the  Grand  Lodge.  While 
the  tellers  are  counting  and  canvassing  the  votes,  the  Grand 
Lodge  may  proceed  with  its  other  business,  and  it  shall 
always  be  in  order  to  receive  the  report  of  the  tellers  and 
declare  the  result  thereof,  and  immediately  take  another 
ballot  if  no  election  has  resulted,  which  ballot  shall  be  con- 
fined to  the  three  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  (pro- 
vided there  are  three  votfid  for),  and  if  there  then  be  no 
choice,  the  ballot  shall  be  confined  to  the  two  receiving  the 
greatest  number  of  votes.  Any  Past  Grand  qualified,  having 
received  a  majority  of  votes,  shall  be  declared  elected,  and 
shall  be  installed  into  his  respective  office  on  the  last  day  of 
the  session ;  provided,  that  in  all  cases  where  only  one  person 
is  in  nomination  for  an  office,  the  election  may  be  held  riz'a 
voce. . .  Provided,  also,  that  the  Grand  Lodge  may,  after  a 
four-fifths  vote,  install  any  officer  or  officers  at  any  time 
after  his  election,  but  the  duties  of  said  officer  or  officers 
shall  not  commence  until  the  last  day  of  the  session. 


Constitution  Gkand  Lodge  of  California.  37 

Sec.  4. — Eligibility.  No  one  shall  be  eligible  for  any- 
elective  Grand  office  unless  he  is  qualified  to  become  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  has  attained  such  degrees  as 
by  virtue  of  his  office  he  may  confer  upon  others. 

Sec.  5. — Appointed  Officers.  The  appointed  officers  shall 
be  appointed  by  the  Grand  Master,  by  and  with  the  consent 
and  approval  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  after  his  installation. 

ARTICLE  IV. 
Section  1. — Duties  and  Powers  of  Grand  Master.  The 
Grand  Master  shall  preside  at  all  sessions  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  and  preserve  order  therein,  and  enforce  a  due  observ- 
ance of  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge,  and  of  this  Grand  Lodge.  All  questions  of 
order,  and  all  decisions  made  by  him  on  any  point  growing 
out  of  the  Constitution  or  By-Laws  of  this  Grand  Lodge, 
shall  be  subject  to  appeal  from  his  decision  to  the  Grand 
Lodge;  and  it  shall  be  his  duty  to  put  the  question  on  all 
such  appeals  to  the  Grand  Lodge.  He  may  appoint  all 
Grand  Officers  pro  tem.,  and  all  committees  not  otherwise 
provided  for  in  this  Constitution,  or  ordered  by  the  Grand 
Lodge.  He  shall  give  the  casting  vote  in  all  cases  where  the 
votes  are  equally  divided,  except  in  cases  of  election  of 
officers.  When  any  demand  shall  have  been  approved  by  a 
majority  of  the  Finance  Committee,  he  shall  order  the  Grand 
Treasurer  to  pay  the  same.    He  may  grant  dispensations — 

1st.     To  confer  degrees  on  a  member  without  delay. 

2nd.  To  allow  members  of  the  Order  to  appear  in  public 
in  regalia. 

3rd.  To  allow  Lodges  to  apply  to  other  Lodges  for 
assistance. 

4th.  To  allow  Lodges  to  admit  to  membership  persons 
who  reside  near  some  other  Lodge. 

5th.     To  authorize  the  installation  of  officers  in  public. 

6th.     To  give  entertainments  for  the  benefit  of  the  Order. 


38        Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 

7th.  To  authorize  the  balloting  for  -and  initiation  of  a 
candidate  at  the  time  his  proposition  is  presented  to  the 
Lodge. 

8th.  To  allow  Subordinate  Lodges  to  change  their  place 
of  meeting. 

9th.     To  allow  a  brother  to  be  reinstated  after  expulsion. 

10th.  To  institute  Lodges  and  authorize  them  to  work 
as  such  until  the  next  session  of  this  Grand  Lodge. 

11th.  To  Relief  Committee  to  apply  to  Lodges  for  assist- 
ance, or  to  give  entertainments  in  the  name  of  the  Order, 
subject  to  the  rules  and  restrictions  governing  Subordinate 
Lodges. 

12th.  To  empower  Subordinate  Lodges  to  elect  Scarlet- 
Degree  members  to  any  office  in  such  Lodge;  provided  all 
qualified  brothers  refuse  to  serve. 

He  may,  in  person,  confer  the  Past  Official  Degrees;  and 
when  present  at  a  special  meeting  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge, 
he  may  exercise  the  powers  conferred  on  him  by  the  first  and 
seventh  subdivisions  of  this  section.  He  shall  decide  all 
appeals  on  questions  of  law  which  may  be  made  to  him  from 
thje  decisions  of  his  Deputies.  He  shall  receive  and  act  upon 
all  complaints  which  may  be  made  to  him  against  his  Depu- 
ties or  Lodges.  He  shall  give  such  instructions  from  time 
to  time,  in  the  work  of  the  Order,  to  the  Deputies  or  to  the 
Lodges,  as  may  be  necessary.  When  officially  visiting  Subor- 
dinate Lodges,  he  shall  be  received  with  the  honors  of  the 
Order. 

In  case  of  the  loss  or  destruction  of  a  charter  belonging 
to  a  Lodge,  the  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Secretary  shall,  on 
proper  notification,  issue  at  once  another  charter  to  said 
Lodge. 

Sec.  2. — Duties  of  Deputy  Grand  Master.  The  Deputy 
Grand  Master  shall  support  the  Grand  Master  in  presiding, 
and  in  his  absence  shall  occupy  the  chair  for  him.  In  the 
event  of  a  vacancy  in  the  office  of  Grand  Master,  the  Deputy 
Grand  Master  shall  become  Grand  Master  for  the  balance  of 
the  term,  and  receive  the  honors  of  a  full  term. 


Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California.        39 

Sec.  3. — Duties  of  Grand  Warden.  The  Grand  Warden 
shall  assist  the  Grand  Master  in  conducting  the  business  of 
the  Grand  Lodge.  He  shall,  under  the  Grand  Master,  have 
special  charge  of  the  door,  and  in  the  absence  of  the  Grand 
Master  and  Deputy  Grand  Master,  he  shall  preside. 

Sec.  4. — Duties  of  Grand  Secretary.  The  Grand  Secretary 
shall  make  a  just  and  true  record  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  at  every  session,  and  transmit,  as  soon  as  prac- 
ticable after  the  close  of  the  annual  session,  to  the  Subordi- 
nate Lodges,  each  one  copy  thereof.  He  shall  keep  the 
accounts  between  the  Grand  Lodge  and  its  Subordinates, 
receive  all  moneys  coming  therefrom,  and  pay  the  same  over 
to  the  Grand  Treasurer  weekly.  He  shall  issue  all  necessary 
notices  and  circulars  to  Subordinates,  Representatives  and 
officers.  He  shall  provide  all  stationery  for  the  use  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  and  superintend  such  printing  as  the  Grand 
Lodge  shall  direct.  He  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as 
are  herein  provided  for,  or  that  may  be  ordered  by  the  Grand 
Lodge.  He  shall  receive  such  salary  as  may  be  fixed  upon 
at  each  annual  session,  which  shall  be  paid  monthly. 

Sec.  5. — Duties  of  Grand  Treasurer — Finance  Committee. 

The  Grand  Treasurer  shall  receive  and  receipt  for  all  moneys 
belonging  to  or  placed  in  his  charge  by  this  Grand  Lodge, 
and  deposit  the  same  immediately  on  receipt  thereof  by  him 
in  some  bank  to  be  designated  to  him  in  writing  by  the 
Finance  Committee  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  in  the  name  of  and 
to  the  credit  of  this  Grand  Lodge.  He  shall  pay  all  orders 
drawn  on  him  by  the  Grand  Master,  under  seal  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  by  check  or  draft  on  said  bank,  signed  by  said  Grand 
Treasurer,  and  countersigned  by  the  Grand  Secretary  with 
the  seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge  affixed  thereto.  Each  month 
the  Grand  Treasurer  shall  furnish  to  the  Grand  Master  an 
account  of  all  moneys  received  during  the  month,  and  a  bank 
tag  showing  the  amount  of  money  in  bank  to  the  credit  of 
the  Grand  Lodge.  The  Finance  Committee  shall  have  the 
power  to  change  the  bank  where  such  money  shall  be  de- 
posited; and,  in  ease  of  a  change,  the  committee  shall  be 
charged  with  the  duty  of  seeing  that  their  directions  as  to 


40         Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 

change  of  deposit  are  carried  out.  The  Grand  Treasurer 
shall  attend  all  regular  sessions, of  this  Grand  Lodge.  He 
shall  keep  his  accounts  in  such  a  manner  as  will  exhibit 
the  sources  and  amount  of  receipts,  and  to  whom  paid; 
have  his  accounts  closed  up  on  the  31st  day  of  March, 
annually,  and  submit  them  to  the  Finance  Committee;  he 
shall  produce,  for  the  examination  of  said  Finance  Com- 
mittee, the  funds  in  his  hands,  or  the  evidence  of  the  deposit 
thereof  in  said  bank ;  and  shall  annually  report  to  this  Grand 
Lodge  a  full  and  true  account  of  all  moneys  received  and  paid 
out  by  him.  The  Graind  Treasurer's  account  and  books,  in- 
cluding the  bank  book,  shall  af  all  times  be  open  and  subject 
to  the  inspection  of  the  Grand  Master,  the  Finance  Commit- 
tee, or  the  Trustees,  or  either  of  them,  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  6. — Duties  of  Trustees.  The  Trustees  shall,  imme- 
diately after  their  election,  and  qualification  by  giving  a 
bond  as  hereinafter  provided,  organize  as  a  Board,  with  a 
President  and  Secretary,  and  shall  hold  in  trust  such  funds, 
stocks,  bonds,  securities,  investments,  and  other  property, 
as  the  Grand  Lodge  may  from  time  to  time  place  in  its  cus- 
tody and  control,  or  which  may  otherwise  come  into  its 
possession,  and  shall  transfer,  exchange  or  deposit  the  same, 
or  any  part  thereof,  as  the  Grand  Lodge  may  direct.  The 
Board  shall  keep  a  full  and  correct  account  of  all  moneys 
received,  expended  or  invested,  and  report,  in  writing,  to 
the  Grand  Lodge  at  each  annual  session,  the  business  trans- 
acted by  the  Board  during  the  term,  together  with  a  par- 
ticular statement  of  the  funds  and  investments  belonging  to 
the  Grand  Lodge,  which  shall  be  carefully  examined  by  the 
Finance  Committee,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  funds  and 
accounts  of  the  Grand  Treasurer  are  required  to  be  exam- 
ined. The  Board  shall  provide  accommodations  for  the 
annual  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge;  perform  such  other 
duties  as  may  be  required  by  the  customs  and  usages  of  the 
Order.  The  Trustees  shall  also,  at  least  twice  a  year,  and  at 
such  other  times  as  they  may  deem  necessary,  examine  the 
books,  accounts  and  vouchers  in  the  hands  of  the  Grand 
Secretary,  and  also  count  the  money  and  examine  the  books 
and  vouchers  in  the  hands  of  the  Grand  Treasurer. 


Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California.        41 

Sec.  7. — Duties  and  powers  of  District  Deputy  Grand 
Master.  The  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  shall,  in  the 
absence  of  the  Grand  Master,  install  the  officers  of  all  Lodges 
in  his  district,  and  enforce  a  due  observance  of  the  Consti- 
tution, By-Laws  and  resolutions  of  the  Grand  Lodge;  be 
the  organ  of  the  Grand  Master  with  the  Subordinates  in  his 
jurisdiction;  have  power  to  grant  dispensations  to  Lodges 
in  his  district  for  the  election  of  any  Third-Degree  member 
of  the  Lodge  to  any  office  in  such  Lodge,  in  case  all  qualified 
members  refuse  to  serve;  for  holding  public  installations  of 
officers,  and  for  the  giving  of  social  parties  in  the  name  of 
the  Order;  he  shall  see  that  the  work  of  the  Order  is  per- 
formed uniformly;  confer  official  degrees  on  Past  Grands;, 
collect  from  Lodges  in  his  district  all  returns  and  money 
due  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  forward  them  immediately  to  the 
Grand  Secretary;  decide  all  questions  of  law  that  may  be 
submitted  to  him  by  the  Lodges  under  his  charge;  he  must 
report  immediately  all  such  decisions  to  the  Grand  Master 
for  his  approval,  and  report  annually  to  the  Grand  Master 
all  other  proceedings  had  or  taken  by  him;  he  shall  forth- 
with report  to  the  Grand  Master  all  cases  of  violation,  on 
the  part  of  the  Subordinates,  of  the  Constitution  and 
By-Laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge  or  disobedience  to  his  lawful 
commands. 

Sec.  8. — Duties  of  appointed  officers.  The  appointed 
officers  of  this  Grand  Lodge  shall  perform  such  duties  as  are 
required  by  their  charges  and  the  usages  of  the  Order. 

Sec.  9. — Official  bonds  and  surety  company.  The  Grand 
Secretary,  Grand  Treasurer,  Grand  Trustees,  and  Trustees 
of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  before  entering  upon  the  dis- 
charge of  the  duties  of  their  respective  offices,  shall  execute 
and  deliver  to  the  Grand  Master,  a  good  and  sufficient  bond, 
payable  to  the  Grand  Master  and  to  his  successor  in  office, 
in  .such  penal  sum  as  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  fix  at  the  annual 
meeting  when  such  officers  are  elected,  conditioned  for  the 
faithful  performance  of  their  respective  duties.  The-  pay- 
ment of  the  penalty  fixed  by  such  bonds  shall  be  guaranteed 
by  some  reliable  surety  company,  and  the  expense  of  pro- 
curing the  said  bonds  shall  be  paid  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 


42         Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  Calefornia. 

ARTICLE  V.  ' 
•  Section  1. — Removal  of  officer.  Any  Grand  Officer  may- 
be removed  from  his  office  by  the  Grand  Lodge  for  miscon- 
duct or  neglect  of  duty;  but  he  shall  be  entitled  to  a  fair 
trial,  and  two-thirds  of  the  votes  of  the  members  present 
shall  be  necessary  for  removal. 

Sec.  2. — Trial.  Whenever  the  Grand  Master,  or  officer 
acting  as  such,  shall  be  on  trial,  or  whenever  a  resolution  for 
the  removal  of  the  Grand  Master,  or  officer  acting  as  such, 
shall  be  submitted,  the  Grand  Lodge  may  direct  any  Past 
Grand  Master,  in  case  the  Deputy  Grand  Master  or  Grand 
Warden  are  incapacitated,  to  occupy  the  chair. 

Sec.  3. — Expulsion.  Any  member  may  be  expelled  from 
the  Grand  Lodge,  as  such,  for  misconduct,  on  the  vote  of 
two-thirds  of  the  members  present  at  any  meeting,  after  a 
copy  of  the  resolution  of  expulsion  shall  have  been  served 
upon  him. 

Sec.  4. — Vacancies  in  office.  The  Grand  Master  may  sus- 
pend a  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  from  office  for  neglect 
of  duty,  and  vacancies  in  such  office,  from  any  cause,  shall 
be  filled  by  the  Grand  Master.  Vacancies  in  the  other  Grand 
offices,  except  that  of  Grand  Master,  shall  be  filled  by  the 
Grand  Lodge,  if  in  session ;  if  not,  then  by  the  Standing  Com- 
mittee, for  the  remainder  of  the  term.  Provided,  that  in  case 
of  vacancy  in  the  office  of  Giiand  Representative,  or  of 
Trustee  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  the  appointee  of  the 
Standing  Committee  shall  only  hold  until  the  succeeding 
session  of  this  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

Section  1. — Standing  Committee.  The  elective  Grand 
Officers,  except  the  Grand  Representatives  and  the  Trustees 
of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  shall  constitute  the  Standing 
Committee,  to  act  in  the  recess  of  the  annual  session  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  and  perform  such  duties  as  may  be  assigned 
to  them.  Of  said  committee  the  Grand  Master  shall  be  the 
chairman,  and  he  may  call  meetings  thereof  at  his  discretion. 


Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California.        43 

Sec.  2. — Regular  Committees.  There  shall  be  appointed 
at  each  annual  session  the  following  regular  committees,  from 
among  the  members  present : 

1st.     Committee  on  Credentials. 

2nd.     Committee  on  Finance. 

3rd.     Committee  on  Correspondence. 

4th.     Committee  on  Appeals. 

5th.     Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates. 

6th.     Committee  on  Petitions. 

7th.     Committee  on  State  of  the  Order. 

8th.     Committee  on  Legislation. 

9th.     Committee  on  Mileage. 

10th.  Committee  on  Printing. 

11th.  Committee  on  Rebekah  Lodges. 

Sec.  3. — Credentials.  The  Committee  on  Credentials  shall 
consist  of  five  members,  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Grand 
Master  who  is  holding  over,  or  the  incumbent  of  the  chair  at 
the  time  of  opening  the  session,  and  whose  duty  it  shall  be 
to  examine  and  report  to  the  Grand  Lodge  on  the  credentials 
and  certificates  of  members. 

Sec.  4. — Finance  Committee.  The  Committee  on  Finance 
shall  consist  of  five  members,  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Grand  Master,  by  and  with  the  consent  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  examine  and  report  on  all  accounts 
and  claims  against  the  Grand  Lodge  previous  to  their  being 
passed  for  payment  by  the  Grand  Lodge ;  but  claims  against 
the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  Fund  shall  be  examined  and  audited 
by  the  Trustees  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  before  payment, 
instead  of  by  said  Finance  Committee,  and  be  paid  by  war- 
rants drawn  upon  said  Home  Fund  by  the  President  or  the 
Board  of  Trustees,  countersigned  by  the  Grand  Secretary. 
Said  Finance  Committee  shall  examine  the  accounts  of  the 
Grand  Secretary,  Grand  Treasurer,  Trustees,  and  Trustees  of 
the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  annually,  ascertain  the  amount  of 
funds  in  the  hands  of  each,  and  report  the  result  of  their 
examination,  and  the  condition  of  the  finances,  and  of  each 
of  the  funds  thereof,  immediately  thereafter  to  the  Grand 
Lodge;  also  ascertain,  and  report  at  the  commencement  of 


44        Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  Califounia. 

each  annual  session,  the  amount  required  for  the  expenses 
o^the  Grand  Lodge,  and  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  foi*  the 
ensuing  year,  and  suggest  such  measures  of  finance  as  they 
may  deem  expedient. 

Sec.  5. — Correspondence.  The  Committee  on  Correspond- 
ence shall  consist  of  three  members,  whose  duty  it  shall  be 
to  examine,  conduct  and  report  on  all  correspondence  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  and  to  suggest  any  measure  in  the  nature  of 
the  business  of  their  appointment. 

Sec.  6. — The  Appeal  Committee.  The  Committee  on 
Appeals  shall  consist  of  five  members,  who  shall  be  appointed 
by  the  Grand  blaster,  by  and  with  the  approval  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  examine  all  appeals  referred 
to  them,  and  report  thereon  such  action  as  may  be  proper  in 
the  Grand  Lodge.  All  appeals  taken  from  the  action  of  the 
Subordinate  Lodges  shall,  as  fast  as  they  are  received  by 
the  Grand  Secretary,  be  endorsed  by  him,  over  his  signature, 
showing  the  date  on  which  such  appeal  was  received  and 
filed,  and  such  endorsed  appeal  shall  then  be  immediately 
transmitted  by  the  Grand  Secretary  to  the  Chairman  of  the 
Committee  on  Appeals,  which  committee  shall  examine  all 
papers  immediately  after  receiving  them,  and  if  the  com- 
mittee shall  find  the  papers  defective  in  any  essential  par- 
ticular, or  if  they  discover  any  error  of  law  in  the  proceedings 
by  reason  of  which  the  case  must  be  decided  on  other 
grounds  than  its  merits,  they  shall  certify  such  fact  to  the 
Grand  Secretary  within  ninety  (90)  days  after  the  said 
papers  are  received  by  and  filed  with  the  Grand  Secretary. 
The  Grand  Secretary  shall  forthwith  send  a  copy  of  such 
certificate  to  appellant  and  respondent,  and  shall  return  the 
papers  to  the  Subordinate  Lodge,  through  which  the  appeal 
was  taken,  requiring  it  forthwith  to  correct  the  defects 
complained  of,  and  return  the  amended  papers  to  the  Grand 
Secretary,  who  shall  record  thereon  the  date  they  are 
received  by  him,  and  he  shall  then  immediately  transmit  the 
same  to  the  Chairman  of  the  said  Committee  on  Appeals. 
It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Committee  on  Appeals 
to    consider    all    appeals     submitted    to    them    during    the 


Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California.         45 

fiscal  year  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  and  on  or  before  the 
fifteenth  day  of  April  of  each  year,  they  shall  render  .  a 
decision  on  all  appeals  so  submitted,  and  shall  file  with  the 
Grand  Secretary,  on  or  before  said  last  named  date,  a  full 
copy  of  each  decision  rendered.  The  Grand  Secretary  shall 
forthwith  transmit  to  the  respective  parties,  appellant  and 
respondent,  the  decisions  so  rendered.  If  an  appeal  shall 
be  presented  to  the  Grand  Secretary  after  the  close  of  the 
fiscal  year  and  before  the  next  succeeding  annual  session, 
the  Committee  on  Appeals  shall  have  discretion  to  report 
on  the  same  during  such  succeeding  annual  session,  or  the 
appeal  may  be  taken  up  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on 
Appeals  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  this  Grand  Lodge.  When 
such  appeal  shall  be  so  referred,  the  Committee  on  Appeals 
shall  report  on  the  same  at  the  earliest  practical  day  of  the 
session  during  which  such  reference  is  made. 

Sec.  7. — Laws  of  Subordinates.  The  Committee  on  Laws 
of  Subordinates  shall  consist  of  five  members,  whose  duty  it 
shall  be  to  examine  and  report  on  the  By-Laws  of  Subordi- 
nate Lodges  referred  to  them,  and  also  to  examine  and 
approve  of  the  By-Laws  of  Subordinates  that  may  be  sub- 
mitted to  them  previous  to  being  printed,  and  to  make  such 
alteration  in  the  By-Laws  as  will  make  them  conform  to  the 
laws  and  regulations  of  the  Order,  subject  to  the  approval 
of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  8. — Petitions.  The  Committee  on  Petitions  shall 
consist  of  five  members,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  examine 
all  petitions  referred  to  them,  and  report  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
such  action  thereon  as  may  be  proper. 

Sec.  9.— State  of  the  Order.  The  Committee  on  State  of 
the  Order  shall  consist  of  five  members,  appointed  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  Finance  Committee,  who  shall  examine 
the  reports  of  the  Di.strict  Deputy  Grand  Masters,  and  such 
other  matters  as  may  be  referred  to  them,  and  report  thereon 
to  the  Grand  Lodge;  and  they  shall  annually  present  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  an  exhibit  of  the  conditions  and  progress  of 
the   Order   under   this   jurisdiction,   and    recommend   such 


46        Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 

measures  for  the  good  of  the  Order 'as  from  time  to  time 
they  shall  judge  proper. 

Sec.  10. — Legislation.  The  Committee  on  Legislation  shall 
consist  of  five  members,  who  shall  examine  and  report  on  ail 
proposed  amendments  of  the  Constitution,  By-Laws,  Rules 
of  Order  and  Resolutions  governing  this  Grand  Lodge  and 
such  other  matters  as  may  be  referred  to  them  by  the  Grand 
Lodge  or  Grand  Master. 

Sec.  11. — Mileage.  The  Committee  on  Mileage  shall  con- 
sist of  five  members,  who  shall,  at  each  annual  session  of  this 
Grand  Lodge,  ascertain  what  amount  will  be  necessary  to 
pay  the  mileage  of  the  succeeding  annual  session,  and  to 
provide,  in  their  report,  for  an  assessment  to  be  levied  on 
the  Subordinate  Lodges  of  this  jurisdiction  for  that  purpose. 
Such  assessment  shall  be  levied  upon  each  Subordinate  in 
proportion  to  the  number  of  its  members  returned  in  the 
semi-annual  report  thereof  of  December  31st  of  that  year, 
and  shall  be  on  all  members  not  suspended  on  that  date. 
Said  assessment  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Lodges  at 
the  first  meeting  in  January  following,  to  the  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master,  or  other  officer  authorized  to  receive 
the  same,  who  shall  remit  it,  without  delay,  to  the  Grand 
Secretary. 

Sec.  12. — Printing.  The  Committee  on  Printing  shall 
consist  of  three  members,  consisting  of  the  Grand  Secretary 
and  two  members  to  be  appointed  at  each  annual  session,  of 
which  the  Grand  Secretary  shall  be  the  Chairman.  The 
Committee  on  Printing  shall  have  the  power  and  authority 
to  contract  for  all  the  necessary  printing  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  and  for  the  furnishing  of  all  needed  supplies  for  the 
office  of  the  Grand  Secretary,  and  for  all  materials  and 
work  which  may  be  required  in  said  office,  in  such  manner 
and  upon  such  terms  as  the  committee  shall  deem  for  the 
best  interest  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  13. — ^Rebekah  Lodges.  The  Committee  on  Rebekah 
Lodges  shall  consist  of  five  members,  who  shall  be  appointed 
by  the  Grand  Master,  by  and  with  the  consent  of  the  Grand 


Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California.         47 

Lodge,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  examine  into  and  report 
upon  all  matters  relating  to  that  degree,  and  to  Lodges  of 
that  degree  in  this  jurisdiction,  as  shall  be  referred  to  it. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

Section  1. — Votes.  Each  elective  officer,  exrcept  the  Grand 
Master,  shall  be  entitled  to  one  vote.  All  questions  and 
votes  before  the  Grand  Lodge,  not  in  this  Constitution  other- 
wise provided  for,  shall  be  determined  by  a  majority  of  the 
votes  given,  and  when  five  of  the. members  call  for  a  vote 
by  yeas  and  nays,  or  when  the  same  are  in  this  Constitution 
required  to  be  taken,  they  shall  be  so  taken  and  recorded  on 
the  journal. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

Section  1. — Revenue.  The  revenue  of  this  Grand  Lodge 
sliall  be  raised  for  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  necessary 
expenses  thereof,  and  the  necessary  expense  of  support  of 
aged  and  indigent  Odd  Fellows,  their  wives,  widows  and 
orphans,  whenever  they  shall  be  supported  at  an  Odd 
Fellows'  Home,  founded  and  maintained  under  the  auspices, 
authorization  or  permission  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  and  the 
expense  of  furnishing  and  maintaining  such  Homes. 

Sec.  2. — Charter  Fees.  The  fee  for  a  charter  for  a  Subor- 
dinate Lodge  shall  be  thirty  dollars,  to  accompany  the  appli- 
cation for  a  charter.  Fifteen  dollars  for  a  Degree  Lodge 
charter,  and  ten  dollars  for  a  Rebekah  Lodge  charter. 

Sec.  3. — Finance  Committee  and  Assessments.  At  the 
regular  annual  sessions  the  Finance  Committee  shall  ascer- 
tain what  will  be  the  deficiency  for  the  current  year  to  pay 
the  estimated  expenses  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  amount 
of  such  deficiency  shall  be  assessed  upon  each  Subordinate 
Lodge,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  its  members  returned 
at  the  last  semi-annual  report  thereof,  ending  June  30th  of 
each  year,  said  amount  payable  in  July.  The  Finance  Com- 
mittee shall  also  ascertain  the  deficiency  for  the  current  year 
to  pay  the  estimated  expenses  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home, 
and  the  amount  of  such  deficiency  shall  be  assessed  upon 


48         Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 

each  Subordinate  Lodge,  in  proportion  to  its  members,  as 
shown  by  the  semi-annual  reports  for  each  term,  payable  in 
July  and  January  of  each  year,  in  such  proportions  as  the 
Grand  Lodge  may  determine.  Said  assessments  shall  be 
assessed  upon  the  members  not  suspended  at  the  dates  above 
mentioned.  Such  assessment  shall  be  paid  to  the  District 
Deputy  Grand  Masters  prior  to  the  installation  of  officers, 
who  shall  remit  the  same  to  the  Grand  Secretary  without 
delay. 

Sec.  4. — Installation  and  Reports.  No  Lodge  under  this 
jurisdiction  shall  be  entitled  to  have  its  officers  installed  or 
to  receive  the  traveling  or  term  password  until  the  semi- 
annual reports  to  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  have  been  placed 
in  the  hands  of  the  installing  officer. 

ARTICLE  IX. 

Section  1. — Charter — New  Subordinate  Lodges.     On  the 

written  application  of  five  or  more  brothers  of  the  Order 
who  have  attained  the  Third  Degree,  or  on  the  application 
of  twenty  or  more  persons  eligible  for  membership  in  the 
Order  praying  for  a  charter  to  open  a  Lodge,  where  there 
is  no  Lodge  established,  or  on  the  application  of  seven  or 
more  brothers  who  shall  have  attained  the  Third  Degree, 
or  on  the  application  of  twenty  or  more  persons  eligible  for 
membership  in  the  Order  for  a  charter  to  open  a  Lodge 
where  there  is  one  already  established,  the  Grand  Lodge 
may  grant  the  same,  and  such  Lodge  shall  receive  its  charter 
and  the  necessary  charges  and  instructions  from  the  Grand 
Master,  or  the  Deputy  Grand  Master  of  the  district,  or  by  a 
Past  Grand  specially  deputed ;  all  necessary  expenses,  if  any, 
of  the  installing  officers  to  be  borne  by  the  Lodge  so  opened ; 
provided,  always,  that  the  cards  of  the  petitioners,  or  the 
certificate  of  the  deposit  thereof  with  the  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  of  the  district,  shall  accompany  the  applica- 
tion ;  provided,  further,  that  the  instituting  officer  shall  have 
full  power,  upon  any  good  reason  being  shown,  on  account 
of  the  unfitness  of  any  of  the  petitioners  for  the  charter,  to 
erase  the  name  of  such  person  or  persons  from  the  list  of 


Constitution  Guand  Lodge  of  California.         49 

petitioners,  and  if  the  required  number  of  petitioners  remain 
on  the  list,  he  shall  institute  the  Lodge  with  the  remaining 
number  of  charter  members. 

Sec.  2. — Application  for  charter.  An  application  as  pro- 
vided in  the  first  section  hereof  shall  be  presented  to  the 
Grand  Lodge,  if  in  session;  if  not,  to  the  Grand  Master, 
through  the  Grand  Secretary,  who  shall,  on  receipt  thereof, 
if  advisable,  have  power  to  issue  a  dispensation  to  open  such 
Lodge,  subject  to  confirmation  at  the  next  session  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  in  which  case,  if  confirmed,  a  regular  charter 
shall  be  issued. 

Sec.  3. — Semi-annual  reports.  At  the  end  of  each  term 
every  Subordinate  Lodge  shall  report  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
the  work  thereof  for  such  term,  which  shall  include  the  full 
name,  date  of  admission,  age,  occupation,  and  nativity  of 
those  initiated,  admitted  by  card;  as  an  Ancient  Odd 
Fellow;  rejected,  withdrawn  by  card,  reinstated,  and  de- 
ceased ;  the  names  of  those  suspended  and  expelled,  with  the 
cause  thereof;  together  with  the  number  of  degrees  con- 
ferred, the  whole  number  in  membership,  the  amount  of 
receipts,  and  the  result  of  the  election  of  officers,  accom- 
panied by  whatever  amount  may  be  due  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  4. — Annual  reports.  At  each  annual  session  every 
Lodge  shall  report  in  addition,  up  to  the  first  day  of  January, 
a  full  return  of  members,  with  their  names  ranked  according 
to  the  degrees  they  have  taken,  and  a  statement  of  the 
number  of  brothers  relieved,  widowed  families  relieved  and 
brothers  buried,  and  amount  of  money  applied  to  each  of 
these  purposes,  designating  the  amount  paid  for  the  educa- 
tion of  orphans. 

Sec.  5. — Constitution  of  Subordinates.  The  Constitution 
of  Subordinate  Lodges  may  be  amended  by  submitting  at 
a  regular  session  of  this  Grand  Lodge  a  proposition  in 
writing,  containing  a  copy  of  each  section  as  proposed  to  be 
amended,  which  proposition  shall  be  laid  over  until  the  next 
regular  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  when  further  amend- 
.  ment  or  alteration  of  such  section  may  be  proposed  and 


50        Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 

acted  upon,  and  if  such  section  as  finally  amended  receive 
the  affirmative  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  Representatives 
present,  it  shall  be  adopted ;  provided,  however,  if  a  case  of 
urgency  be  presented,  the  Grand  Lodge  may,  by  affirmative 
vote  of  three-fourths  of  the  Representatives  present,  adopt 
an  amendment  at  the  same  session  at  which  it  was  offered. 
The  Grand  Secretary  shall,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of 
March  of  each  year,  mail  a  printed  copy  of  all  proposed 
amendments  to  each  Subordinate  Lodge. 

Sec.  6. — Consolidation  of  Lodges.  Whenever  two  Lodges 
desire  to  consolidate  and  form  one  Lodge,  each  for  itself 
shall  address  a  petition  to  that  effect  to  this  Grand  Lodge 
or  to  the  Grand  Master,  in  case,  at  the  time  of  presenting 
the  same,  it  is  more  than  three  months  before  the  annual 
session  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  showing  that  the  question  of 
such  consolidation  was  submitted  to  each  of  the  petitioning 
Lodges,  and  carried  by  an  affirmative  vote  of  three-fourths 
of  all  members  present  in  each  Lodge  at  the  time  of  the 
voting,  and  provided  there  are  not  five  Third  Degree  mem- 
bers, in  good  standing  of  one  of  the  Lodges,  who  object  or 
protest  against  the  same.  Provided  a  final  vote  on  the  ques- 
tion of  such  consolidation  shall  not  be  had  in  any  Lodge 
until  after  the  resolution  for  such  consolidation  has  been 
offered  in  writing  and  read  at  each  successive  meeting  of 
the  Lodge  for  one  month  prior  to  such  vote,  and  provided 
further  that  the  time  for  final  action  thereon  shall  be  fixed 
at  the  time  such  resolution  is  offered.  The  petition  shall 
show  that  the  foregoing  requirements  have  been  complied 
with,  and  shall  also  state  which  Lodge  the  petitioning 
Lodges  shall  be  consolidated  into,  and  the  date  at  which  the 
consolidation  shall  take  effect.  Upon  receipt  of  such  peti- 
tions, the  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Master  may  grant  or  refuse 
the  consolidation  prayed;  but  if  granted  by  the  Grand 
Master,  it  shall  be  upon  the  express  condition  that  he  grants 
the  same  conditionally  and  subject  to  the  approval  or  dis- 
approval of  the  Grand  Lodge ;  and  if  granted,  a  warrant  to 
that  effect  shall  issue,  signed  by  the  Grand  Master,  and 
attested  by  the  Grand  Secretary,  under  the  seal  of  the  Grand 


Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California.         51 

Lodge,  and  the  consolidation  shall  take  effect  at  the  date 
fixed  in  the  petition,  unless  otherwise  fixed  by  the  Grand 
Master  or  Grand  Lodge.  In  cases  of  consolidation,  all  of 
the  property  of  the  Lodge  which  consolidates  into  another 
Lodge  shall  vest  in  the  Lodge  receiving  the  other  Lodge 
and  shall  attach  and  incorporate  into  it  the  entire  member- 
ship of  such  Lodge,  as  if  it  had  gained  the  same  by  initiation. 
Provided  that  three  or  more  Lodges  shall  not  consolidate, 
and  that  a  Lodge  shall  not  consolidate  into  or  with  anothei' 
Lodge  except  where  from  lack  of  members  and  want  of 
funds  or  means  to  maintain  a  Lodge,  there  is  no  reasonable 
hope  of  preserving  its  existence,  and  the  surrender  of  its 
charter  or  its  extinction  is  inevitable,  and  consolidation  shall 
only  be  permitted  under  extraordinary  circumstances  and 
in  extreme  cases. 

ARTICLE  X. 
Section  1. — Degree  Lodge.  Under  the  written  petition  of 
five  or  more  Past  Grands,  and  five  or  more  Third  Degree 
members  of  the  Order,  praying  for  a  warrant  to  open  a 
Degree  Lodge,  the  Grand  Lodge  may  grant  the  same;  and 
such  Degree  Lodge  shall  receive  its  charter  and  the  neces- 
sary lectures  and  instructions  in  the  same  manner  as  is 
provided  for  Subordinate  Lodges. 

Sec.  2. — Members.  No  Degree  Lodge  shall  admit  or  retain 
in  membership  any  person  who  is  not  at  the  time  a  regular 
contributing  member  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  under  this 
jurisdiction,  unless  his  card  is  in  the  possession  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  or  its  officers,  as  an  applicant  for  a  charter. 

ARTICLE  XI. 
Section  1. — Offenses  of  Lodges.  Whenever  any  Subordi- 
nate or  Degree  Lodge  shall  violate  the  Constitution,  By- 
Laws,  Rules  or  Regulations  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge, 
or  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  such  Lodge  shall  be  liable  to  a  trial 
and  punishment  as  herein  provided. 

Sec.  2.— Surrender  or  Forfeiture  of  Charter.  Upon  the 
suspension  or  expulsion  of  a  Lodge,  or  surrender  or  for- 


52         Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 

feiture  of  its  charter,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  its  last  installed 
officers  and  members,  having  the  custody  of  the  charter, 
books,  papers,  property  and  funds  of  the  Lodge,  to  assign, 
transfer  and  deliver  the  same,  on  demand,  to  the  Grand 
Master,  or  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master,  or  to  such  Past 
Grand  as  may  be  specially  deputed  by  the  Grand  Master  or 
Grand  Lodge  to  receive  the  same;  and  the  same  shall  be 
held  subject  to  the  order  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  3. — Lodge  Effects  and  Funds.  All  the  effects  or 
funds  received  by  the  Grand  Lodge  from  any  Subordinate 
or  Degree  Lodge,  under  the  last  section,  shall  be  kept  sep- 
arate and  apart  from  the  property  or  funds  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  and  such  funds  shall  not  be  estimated  as  a  part  of 
the  funds  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  but  shall  be  held  in  trust 
to  be  restored,  should  such  Lodge  be  reinstated,  or  upon 
the  expiration  of  the  period  of  suspension;  provided,  how- 
ever, that  in  the  event  said  Lodge  should  not  be  restored  to 
fellowship  within  one  year,  the  funds  of  said  Lodge  shall 
revert  to  and  become  the  property  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and 
shall  be  placed  in  the  general  fund  thereof. 

Sec.  4. — Meetings  and  Returns.  Any  Subordinate  Lodge 
failing  to  hold  its  meetings  for  six  months,  or  to  make  its 
returns  as  required  by  Article  IX,  Section  3,  of  this  Con- 
stitution, for  one  year,  shall  be  deemed  an  extinct  Lodge, 
and  its  charter  shall  be  forfeited. 

Sec.  5. — Certificates.  Members  of  a  suspended  or  expelled 
Lodge,  or  of  a  Lodge  whose  charter  has  been  surrendered 
or  forfeited,  who  were  in  good  standing  at  the  time  of  such 
suspension  or  dissolution,  or  who  may  have  paid  all  arrear- 
ages then  due  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  shall,  upon  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  of  the 
district  in  which  such  suspended  or  extinct  Lodge  is  located, 
receive  from  the  Grand  Secretary  a  certificate,  under  the 
seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  to  enable  them  to  make  applica- 
tion for  admission  to  membership  in  any  other  Lodge; 
provided,  such  members  ar6  not  excluded  by  Sections  3  and 
4  of  this  Article. 


Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California.         o^ 

Sec.  6. — Restoration  of  Lodge.  Upon  the  application  of 
any  five  or  more  members  of  an  extinct  Lodge,  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  for  the  restoration  of  such  Lodge  to  fellowship, 
accompanied  with  satisfactory  evidence  that  a  fair  oppor- 
tunity has  been  given  to  all  who  were  members  in  good 
standing  at  the  time  the  same  became  extinct,  to  unite  in 
such  application  (except  as  provided  by  Section  4  of  this 
Article),  such  applicants,  or  such  portion  thereof,  as  the 
Grand  Lodge  may  approve  of,  may  be  restored  to  fellowship 
in  said  Lodge,  together  with  the  charter  and  effects  belong- 
ing to  such  Lodge  at  the  time  of  its  extinction,  unless  such 
effects  shall  have  been  placed  in  the  general  fund  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  as  provided  by  Section  3  of  this  Article. 

ARTICLE  XII. 
Appeal  to  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  Where  an  appeal  is 
taken  from  the  action  or  decision  of  this  Grand  Lodge  to 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  party  appealing  desires 
facts  to  be  considered  as  part  of  the  appeal,  he  must,  within 
twenty  days  after  the  adjournment  of  the  session,  prepare 
and  file  with  the  Grand  Secretary  a  statement  of  such  facts 
involved  in  the  appeal  as  he  may  deem  material ;  whereupon 
the  Grand  Secretary  must  deliver  or  transmit  to  the  adverse 
party  such  statement,  who,  if  he  do  not  accept  the  same, 
must  within  twenty  days  prepare  objections  or  amendments 
to  the  same,  specifying  the  lines  and  pages  covered  by  such 
objections  or  amendments.  The  statement,  with  the  objec- 
tions and  amendments  proposed,  must  be  delivered  or  trans- 
mitted to  the  Grand  Secretary.  If  the  objections  or  amend- 
ments be  not  accepted  within  ten  days,  the  Grand  Master 
must  fix  a  place  and  time  to  settle  the  statement,  and  the 
Grand  Secretary  must  notify  the  parties.  At  the  time  and 
place  appointed  the  Grand  Master  must  examine  the  pro- 
posed statement  and  amendments,  or  objections,  and  hear 
the  arguments,  if  any,  of  the  parties,  and  must  settle  such 
statement  and  amendments,  or  objections.  When  the  state- 
ment is  settled,  unless  present  at  the  time,  the  party  appeal- 
ing must  be  notified,  and  within  twenty  days  thereafter  must 
engross  and  file  the  statement  as  settled  with  the  Grand 


54         CoNSTiTaxiON  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 

Secretary.  Such  statement,  after  bejng  printed,  must  there- 
upon be  certified  by  the  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Secre- 
tary, attested  with  the  seal  of  this  Grand  Lodge. 

ARTICLE   XIII. 

Section  1. — By  Laws.  The  Grand  Lodge  may  enact,  alter 
or  amend  such  By-Laws  as  may  be  necessary  to  carry  into 
effect  the  provisions  of  this  Constitution,  and  of  regulating 
the  proceedings  of  its  officers  and  of  committees,  and  of 
providing  for  the  safety  and  security  of  the  funds  and  prop- 
erty; provided,  at  least  one  day's  notice  in  writing  be  given 
at  the  annual  session,  of  such  By-Law  or  amendment,  and 
that  the  same  do  not  in  anywise  contravene  this  Constitu- 
tion. 

Sec.  2. — Rules  of  Order.  The  Grand  Lodge  may,  in  like 
manner,  make  such  Rules  of  Order  as  may  be  necessary  for 
the  regulation  of  its  sessions,  and  for  securing  good  order 
and  the  dispatch  of  business.  Such  Rules  of  Order  may  be 
suspended  at  any  meeting  by  a  two-thirds  vote;  provided, 
that  such  suspension  shall  not  extend  beyond  the  meeting 
which  voted  therefor. 

ARTICLE   XIV. 

Section  1. — Aged  Odd  Fellows'  Fund.  Hereafter  all  assets 
of  Subordinate  Lodges  whose  charters  have  been  surren- 
dered, shall  be  placed  by  the  Grand  Secretary  in  a  fund 
known  as  the  "Aged  Odd  Fellows'  Fund,"  which  fund  shall 
be  kept  by  the  Grand  Lodge  as  a  distinct  and  separate  fund, 
to  be  used  only  for  the  purposes  hereinafter  stated. 

Sec.  2. — Aged  Odd  Fellows'  Register.  The  Grand  Secre- 
tary shall  keep  a  register,  to  be  known  as  the  ''Aged  Odd 
Fellows'  Register,"  upon  which  shall  appear  the  names  of 
all  Odd  Fellows  over  fifty  years  of  age,  and  whose  Subordi- 
nate Lodge  has  surrendered  its  charter,  and  who  would, 
under  the  laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  be  entitled  to  receive 
a  Grand  Lodge  Card,  and  who  had  been  in  continuous  mem- 
bership for  twenty-five  years  or  over.     This  register  shall 


Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California.         55 

be  corrected  from  time  to  time,  as  deaths  may  occur,  or  as 
new  members  shall  appear  on  said  roll. 

Sec.  3. — Petition  to  enroll  name  on  Aged  Odd  Fellows' 

Register.  Any  Odd  Fellow  possessing  all  the  qualifications 
prescribed  in  the  last  section,  may  petition  the  Grand  Master 
or  the  Grand  Lodge  to  place  his  name  upon  the  ''Aged  Odd 
Fellows'  Register,"  which  shall  be  kept  by  the  Grand  Sec- 
retary. Such  petition  shall  be  accompanied  by  a  Grand 
Lodge  Card,  and  by  proof  that  he  is  fifty  or  more  years  old ; 
that  he  has  been  an  Odd  Fellow  of  good  standing  twenty- 
five  years  or  more  continuously,  and  that  his  Lodge  has  sur- 
rendered its  charter.  Upon  these  proofs  appearing  to  the 
satisfaction  of  the  Grand  Master  and  the  Grand  Secretary 
they  shall  order  his  name  to  be  placed  upon  the  register  of 
''Aged  Odd  Fellows." 

Sec.  4. — Membership  as  an  "Aged  Odd  Fellow" — Fees  and 
Dues.  It  is  further  prescribed  that  any  Odd  Fellow  enrolled 
according  to  the  above  provisions  may  apply  for  admission 
to  any  Subordinate  Lodge  under  the  conditions  hereinafter 
set  forth.  He  shall  first  pay  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  through 
the  Lodge  to  which  he  has  been  or  will  be  admitted,  three 
($3)  dollars  admission  fee,  and  from  the  date  of  admission 
he  shall  pay  dues  at  the  rate  of  four  ($4)  dollars  per  annum. 
Said  dues  and  fees  shall  be  placed  to  the  credit  of  the  "Aged 
Odd  Fellows'  Fund"  by  the  Grand  Secretary. 

Sec.  5.— Benefits  to  Aged  Odd  Fellows.  That  any  Odd 
Fellow  enrolled  as  above  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  who 
becomes  sick  or  disabled,  so  as  to  be  incapable  to  earn  a  live- 
lihood, shall  receive  from  the  Grand  Secretary,  through  the 
Lodge  to  which  he  has  been  admitted,  weekly  benefits 
amounting  to  three  dollars  per  week  so  long  as  the  money 
collected  under  the  preceding  provisions  of  this  article  shall 
last,  and  so  long  as  the  "Aged  Odd  Fellows*  Fund"  shall 
permit  the  payment  of  the  same. 

Sec.  6.— Notices  as  to  Aged  Odd  Fellows.— It  is  further 
prescribed  that  any  Subordinate  Lodge  which  such  aged 


oQ         Constitution  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 

Odd  Fellow  shall  have  joined  shall  immediately  notify  the 
Grand  Secretary  in  all  cases  of  sickness  or  disability  referred 
to  in  the  preceding  sections,  and  of  the  commencement  and 
termination  thereof,  and  the  Grand  Secretary  shall  notify 
such  Lodj^e  or  Lodges  to  which  such  aged  Odd  Fellow 
belongs  when  the  said  "Aged  Odd  Fellows'  Fund"  shall  be 
exhausted. 

Sec.  7. — Right  to  vote  or  speak — Funeral  Expenses.     It 

is  further  prescribed  that  no  member  of  a  Subordinate 
Lodge,  admitted  under  the  above  provisions,  shall  be  enti- 
tled to  vote  or  speak  on  any  question  involving  the  dispos- 
ing of  the  funds  or  property  of  the  Lodge  to  which  he 
belongs ;  and  it  is  further  prescribed  that  upon  the  death  of 
"An  Aged  Odd  Fellow,"  enrolled  as  above,  and  who  was 
entitled  to  the  benefits  of  the  fund  herein  provided  for,  there 
shall  be  paid  as  funeral  expenses  from  the  said  "Aged  Odd 
Fellows'  Fund"  a  sum  of  money  not  exceeding  twenty-five 
dollars,  if  that  amount  shall  be  in  the  said  fund. 

Sec.  8. — Benefits  and  Funeral  Expenses — Dues  and  Assess- 
ments. It  is  further  prescribed  that  no  Subordinate  Lodge 
shall  be  liable  for  the  payment  of  any  benefits  or  funeral 
expenses  to  or  on  account  of  such  member,  nor  shall  any 
such  member  be  required  to  pay  any  dues  or  assessments  to 
such  Subordinate  Lodge,  except  such  dues  as  are  to  be  paid 
to  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  "Aged  Odd  Fellows'  Fund." 

ARTICLE  XV. 
Section  1. — Amendments.  Any  amendment  or  alteration 
may  be  made  to  this  Constitution  at  any  regular  annual 
communication  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds 
of  the  Representatives  present;  provided,  all  such  altera- 
tions shall  be  proposed  one  day  before  action  thereon. 


Rules  of  Order  Grand  Lodge  of  California.   57 

RULES   OF   ORDER 

OF    THE 

Grand  Lodge,  1. 0. 0.  F.  of  tlie  State  of  California 


I.     ORDER    OF    BUSINESS. 

The  order  of  business  of  the  annual  session  shall  be,  on  the 

First  Day. 

1.  The  Grand  Master  shall  request  the  members  to  clothe 
themselves  in  proper  regalia,  and  direct  the  officers  to  take 
their  respective  stations,  and  fill  vacancies  pro  tern.,  and  shall 
then,  after  all  have  been  examined,  call  up  the  Grand  Lodge. 

2.  While  standing  the  Grand  Chaplain  shall  address  the 
Supreme  Ruler  of  the  Universe  in  Prayer. 

3.  Proclamation  shall  be  made  by  the  Deputy  Grand 
Master  of  the  opening  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

4.  The  Grand  Secretary  shall  present,  and  read  if 
required,  the  credentials  of  members. 

5.  The  Committee  on  Credentials  shall  forthwith  exam- 
ine and  report  on  the  eligibility  of  members. 

6.  New  members  of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  admitted. 

7.  The  record  of  all  special  sessions  shall  be  read,  and 
passed  upon  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 

8.  Vacancies  in  committees  and  among  the  appointed 
officers  shall  be  filled. 

9.  The  reports  of  the  Grand  Officers  shall  be  presented. 

10.  Petitions,  communications,  appeals,  and  financial 
accounts  shall  be  presented,  and  referred  in  the  order  above 
mentioned. 

11.  Miscellaneous  business. 


58   Rules  of  Order  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 

Second  Day.    ' 

12.  Reading  and  approval  of  minutes  of  preceding  day. 

13.  Reception  and  reference  of  credentials,  reports 
thereon,  and  admission  of  new  members. 

14.  Resolutions  of  inquiry  of  Standing  or  Special  Com- 
mittees. 

15.  Reports  of  Standing  Committees,  in  the  order  in 
which  they  are  named  in  the  Constitution. 

16.  Reports  of  Special  Committees  by  seniority. 

17.  Consideration  of  proposed  amendments  to  the  Con- 
stitution of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

18.  Consideration  of  proposed  amendments  to  the  Con- 
stitution of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

19.  Petitions,  communications,  appeals  and  financial 
accounts  presented  and  referred. 

20.  Unfinished  business. 
21;    New  business. 

Third   Day. 

22.  Reading  and  approving  minutes  of  preceding  day. 

23.  Reception  and  reference  of  credentials,  reports 
thereon,  and  admission  of  new  members. 

24.  Nomination  and  election  of  officers. 

25.  Reports  of  Standing  and  Special  Committees. 

26.  Additional  business,  in  the  same  order  as  on  second 
day. 

27.  Should  the  foregoing  order  of  business  not  be  con- 
cluded on  the  first  or  second  day,  it  shall  be  commenced  on 
each  succeeding  day  where  it  left  off  on  the  preceding, 
except  that  the  reading  and  approval  of  minutes,  and  recep- 
tion, reference,  and  reports  on  credentials  of  members,  shall 
be  the  first  business  in  order  on  each  day,  and  that  the  nomi- 
nation and  election  of  officers  shall  immediately  follow  them 
on  the  third  day  of  the  session. 


Rules  of  Order  Grand  Lodge  of  California.      59 

28.  The  vote  on  a  motion  to  close  the  session  shall  not  be 
taken  until  the  day  succeeding  that  at  which  it  shall  be 
offered,  and  shall  be  in  this  form :  ' '  That  when  the  Grand 
Lodge  adjourns  this  day,  this  annual  session  shall  stand 
adjourned  sine  die. ' ' 

29.  On  the  last  day  of  the  session,  the  officers  shall  be 
installed,  and  committees  appointed,  before  it  shall  be 
declared  closed.  The  minutes  of  the  last  day  of  the  session 
shall  be  approved  by  the  Standing  Committee. 

II.     OF  DECORUM. 

During  the  continuance  of  the  meeting,  the  most  decorous 
silence  must  be  observed,  the  officers  and  members  retaining 
their  respective  seats,  and  no  one  leaving  the  room  without 
the  permission  of  the  Grand  Master,  nor  entering  without 
the  consent  of.  the  Grand  Warden. 

No  member  shall,  by  conversation  or  otherwise,  interrupt 
the  business  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  refuse  to  obey  the  Chair. 
Every  officer  and  member  shall  be  designated  in  debate,  or 
otherwise,  by  his  proper  office  or  title,  according  to  his 
standing  in  the  Order. 

No  member  shall  be  permitted  to  vote  or  speak,  unless 
clothed  in  regalia  appropriate  to  his  rank  and  station. 

m.     OF   THE    CHAIR. 

The  Grand  Master,  while  presiding,  shall  state  every  ques- 
tion coming  before  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  immediately 
before  putting  it  to  vote  shall  ask:  *'Is  the  Grand  Lodge 
ready  for  the  question?"  Should  no  member  rise  to  speak, 
and  a  majority  indicate  their  readiness,  he  shall  rise  to  take 
the  question;  and  after  he  has  risen,  no  member  shall  be 
permitted  to  speak  upon  it.  He  shall  pronounce  the  votes 
and  decisions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  on  all  subjects.  His 
decisions  on  questions  of  order  shall  be  without  debate, 
unless,  entertaining  doubts  on  the  point,  he  invite  it ;  and  he 
shall  have  the  privilege  of  speaking  only  on  such  questions 
from  the  chair.    "When  his  decision  has  been  appealed  from, 


60      Rules  of  Order  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 

the  question  shall  be  put  thus:     "Will  the  Grand  Lodge 
sustain  the  Chair  in  its  decision?" 

IV.      OF    DEBATE. 

Every  member,  when  he  speaks  or  offers  a  motion,  shall 
rise  and  respectfully  address  the  Chair.  While  speaking,  he 
shall  confine  himself  to  the  question  under  debate,  avoiding 
all  personality  and  indecorous  language,  as  well  as  any 
reflection  upon  the  Grand  Lodge  or  its  members. 

Should  two  or  more  members  rise  to  speak  at  the  same 
time,  the  Chair  shall  decide  which  shall  be  entitled  to  the 
floor. 

No  member  shall  disturb  another  in  his  speech  unless  to 
call  him  to  order  for  words  spoken. 

If  a  member  while  speaking  shall  be  called  to  order,  at 
the  request  of  the  Chair  he  shall  cease  speaking,  and  take 
his  seat  until  the  question  of  order  is  determined,  when,  if 
permitted,  he  may  again  proceed. 

No  member  shall  speak  more  than  once  on  the  same  ques- 
tion until  ail  members  wishing  to  speak  shall  have  had  an 
opportunity  to  do  so,  nor  more  than  twice  without  permis- 
sion of  the  Chair;  but  no  member  shall  have  the  privilege 
of  speaking  more  than  once  on  a  question  of  order  after 
appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  Chair. 

V.      OF   QUESTIONS   AND   VOTES. 

When  any  communication,  petition  or  memorial  is  pre- 
sented, before  it  is  read  or  any  vote  taken  on  it,  a  brief 
statement  of  its  contents  shall  be  made  by  the  introducer 
or  the  Chair ;  and  after  it  has  been  read,  a  brief  notice  of  the 
purport  shall  be  entered  on  the  journal. 

No  motion  shall  be  subject  to  action  until  seconded,  and 
stated  by  the  Chair,  and,  at  the  desire  of  any  member,  shall 
be  reduced  to  writing. 

When  a  blank  is  to  be  filled,  the  question  shall  be  taken 
first  upon  the  highest  sum  or  number  and  the  longest  or 
latest  time  proposed. 


Rules  of  Order  Grand  Lodge  of  California.      61 

Any  member  may  call  for  a  division  of  a  question  when 
the  sense  will  admit  of  it. 

When  a  question  is  before  the  Grand  Lodge,  no  motion 
shall  be  received,  unless  to  adjourn,  the  previous  question, 
to  lie  on  the  table,  to  postpone  indefinitely,  to  postpone 
to  a  certain  time,  to  refer  or  to  amend,  and  shall  have  pre- 
cedence in  the  order  herein  arranged,  the  first  three  of  which 
shall  be  decided  without  debate. 

After  any  question  except  one  of  indefinite  postpone- 
ment has  been  decided,  any  two  members  who  voted  in  the 
majority  may,  during  the  same  communication,  move  for  a 
reconsideration  thereof. 

The  previous  question  can  be  called  for  by  two  members, 
and,  if  seconded  by  a  majority,  shall  be  put  in  this  form: 
"Shall  the  main  question  be  now  put?"  If  carried,  all  de- 
bate shall  cease,  and  the  vote  shall  be  taken  on  all  pending 
motions  in  their  proper  order. 

When  five  members  rise  in  favor  of  taking  the  question  by 
ayes  and  nays,  they  shall  be  ordered  to  be  so  recorded. 

Every  member  present  shall  vote  on  any  question  before 
the  Grand  Lodge,  unless  he  is  personally  interested  in  the 
result  or  has  been  excused  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  is  other- 
wise incapacitated. 

No  more  than  two  amendments  to  a  proposition  shall  be 
entertained  at  the  same  time — that  is,  an  amendment  and  an 
amendment  to  an  amendment — and  the  question  shall  be 
first  taken  on  the  latter. 

When  the  ayes  and  nays  are  ordered,  the  names  of  the 
Representatives  shall  be  called  by  Lodges. 

VI.   BALLOTING  FOR  GRAND  OFFICERS. 

When  a  ballot  is  being  taken  at  an  election  of  officers  in 
the  Grand  Lodge,  every  person  in  the  room,  except  the  col- 
lectors, shall  be  required  to  be  and  remain  seated  during  the 
taking  thereof;  and  the  Grand  Master  shall  appoint  a  suffi- 
cient number  of  collectors  to  assign  one  for  each  row  of 


62     Rules  of  Order  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 

seats;  and  the  collectors  shall  simultane<5usly  start  from  the 
head  of  the  room  (that  nearest  the  Grand  Master's  station) 
and  proceed  together  to  collect  the  ballots  in  order  from  the 
brothers  in  their  respective  rows  of  seats,  and  from  no 
others,  and  shall  immediately  deposit  the  same  with  the 
tellers. 

Vn.     ELECTIONEERING   IN   GRAND   LODGE. 

The  distribution  of  election  cards  in  his  own  behalf,  the 
solicitation  of  votes  for  himself,  and  similar  electioneering 
practices,  by  a  candidate  for  office  in  this  Grand  Lodge,  are 
in  conflict  with  the  usages  of  the  Order  and  repugnant  to  the 
spirit  of  Odd  Fellowship,  and  shall  not  be  permitted  at  ses- 
sions of  the  Grand  Lodge. 


0th KR  Rules  and  Decisions  of  Grand  Lodge.      63 
OTHER  RULES  AND  DECISIONS 

OF    THE 

Grand  Lodge  of  the  State  of  California 


1.  Right  to  vote.  Past  Grands  not  Representatives  have 
no  right  to  vote  upon  a  question  before  the  Grand  Lodge; 
that  right  is  confined  to  those  whose  credentials  as  Repre- 
sentatives are  reported  correct  by  the  Committee  on  Cre- 
dentials.— 1859  Journal,  441. 

2.  Ayes  and  noes.  On  the  call  for  the  ayes  and  noes,  the 
Representatives  present  are  entitled  to  but  one  vote  each. — 
1860  Journal,  38. 

3.  Votes  by  Lodges,  and  ayes  and  noes,  and  vote  of 
absentees.  Resolved,  That  on  a  call  for  ayes  and  noes,  and 
the  majority  of  Representatives  of  a  Lodge  present  cast  the 
votes  of  the  absent  Representatives  of  the  Lodge,  the  names 
of  the  absentees  shall  not  be  recorded  as  voting,  but  only 
the  number  of  votes  cast  for  absentees. — 1871  Journal,  479. 

4.  Vote  by  Lodges — Vote  of  absentees.  A  majority  of 
Representatives  present  from  a  Lodge  are  permitted  to  cast 
the  vote  of  absentees,  when  the  vote  is  taken  by  Lodges,  and 
if  there  is  but  one  Representative  present  from  a  Lodge,  he 
can  cast  the  full  vote  of  his  Lodge. — 1860  Journal,  68 ;  1861 
Journal,  171. 

5.  Ayes  and  noes,  and  motion.  A  motion  to  permit  a 
Representative  to  address  the  Grand  Lodge  on  the  subject 
then  pending,  is  not  in  order  when  the  ayes  and  noes  are 
called.— 1863  Journal,  423. 

6.  Ayes  and  noes.  When  the  ayes  and  noes  are  called, 
no  motion  is  in  order. — 1863  Journal,  423. 


G4     Other  Rltles  and  Decisions  of  Grand  Lodge. 

7.  Appeal.  On  an  appeal  from  the 'decision  of  the  Chair 
(the  Grand  Master)  the  question  is  debatable. — 1856  Jour- 
nal, 187. 

8.  Resolution  laid  on  the  table.  All  resolutions  laid 
on  the  table,  and  not  acted  upon  before  the  close  of  the  ses- 
sion of  the  Grand  Lodge  at  which  they  were  presented, 
expire  with  the  session,  and  would  have  to  be  renewed  at 
any  subsequent  session  before  any  action  could  be  had 
thereon.— 1864  Journal,  561,  562. 

9.  Substitute  accepted.  After  a  substitute  has  been 
accepted  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  in  place  of  the  report  of  a 
committee,  further  action  on  the  report  would  be  out  of 
order  without  first  reconsidering  the  vote  by  which  the  sub- 
stitute was  adopted. — 1861  Journal,  202. 

10.  Substitute  adopted.  When  a  substitute  is  adopted 
in  place  of  an  amendment,  it  is  not  necessary  to  take  action 
on  the  amendment. — 1862  Journal,  287. 

11.  Motion.  A  motion  that  the  Representatives  from  a 
particular  place  be  excused  from  voting  on  certain  resolu- 
tions selecting  a  place  for  the  next  session  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  is  not  in  order. — 1866  Journal,  208. 

12.  Members  of  committees.  Members  of  a  committee 
in  the  Grand  Lodge,  appointed  at  one  session,  cannot  serve 
at  the  next  subsequent  session  unless  they  are  Representa- 
tives.—1860  Journal,  33. 

13.  By  whom  business  of  Grand  Lodge  transacted — 
Work  of  a  regular  committee.  The  Constitution  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  prescribes  that  the  business  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
shall  be  transacted  by  the  elective  officers,  the  Past  Grand 
Masters  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  Representatives ;  and 
the  work  of  a  regular  committee  is  part  of  the  business 
thereof. — 1869  Journal,  117,  and  Grand  Lodge  Constitution, 
Art.  II,  Sec.  2. 

14.  Representative — Committee — Past  Grand.  A  Rep- 
resentative who  is  appointed  by  the  Grand  blaster,  previous 


Other  Rules  and  Decisions  of  Grand  Lodge.      65 

to  the  close  of  the  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  as  a  member 
of  a  regular  committee,  and  serves  on  said  committee  during 
the  recess,  and  at  the  next  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
attends  the  session,  but  is  not  returned  by  his  Lodge  as  a 
Representative,  cannot  serve  on  such  committee, — 1869 
Journal  113,  117. 

15.  Regular  Committee.  A  Past  Grand  not  a  Repre- 
sentative cannot  be  appointed  or  act  on  a  regular  committee 
of  the  Grand  Lodge.— 1869  Journal,  114,  117. 

16.  Appointed  oflfice.  The  Grand  Master  may  appoint  a 
Past  Grand  not  a  Representative  to  an  appointed  office. — 
1869  Journal,  114,  117. 

17.  Propositions  in  Duplicate.  All  propositions  offered 
for  reference  to  standing  or  select  committees  at  the  present 
and  all  future  sessions  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  to  be  submitted 
in  duplicate,  and  on  paper  equal  in  size  to  at  least  half  a 
page  of  foolscap. — 1861  Journal,  157,  158. 

18.  Finance  Committee.  The  majority  of  the  Finance 
Committee  in  the  Grand  Lodge  must  be  residents  of  the 
same  place  as  the  Grand  Secretary. — 1860  Journal,  82. 

19.  Appropriations  of  Money  by  Grand  Lodge — Finance 
Committee's  report.  Resolved,  That  no  appropriation  of 
any  money  shall  be  made  by  this  Grand  Lodge  for  any  other 
purpose  than  the  just  and  legitimate  claims  against  this 
Grand  Lodge,  after  the  report  of  the  Finance  Committee 
shall  have  been  made  and  adopted. — 1855  Journal,  152. 

20.  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates.  The  propriety 
of  a  majority  of  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates 
being  residents  of  the  same  place  as  the  Grand  Secretary 
suggested  in  a  report  and  the  report  adopted. — 1858  Journal, 
385. 

21.  Questions.  All  questions  relating  to  the  State  of 
the  Order  shall  be  submitted  in  writing  and  in  duplicate  to 
the  Grand  Secretary,  and  by  him  placed  in  the  hands  of  the 


66     Other  Rules  and  Decisions  of  Grand  Lodge. 

Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Order  ^r  their  action. — 1864 
Journal,  519. 

22.  Questions.  All  questions  of  usage  and  law,  pro- 
poimded  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  to  be  referred  to  the  proper 
committee  without  being  entered  upon  the  Journal,  unless 
otherwise  ordered  by  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1859  Journal,  497. 

23.  Questions.  All  questions  presented  in  the  Grand 
Lodge  involving  explanations  of  laws  of  this  Grand  Lodge, 
to  be  immediately  referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  State  of 
the  Order,  with  instructions  to  report  on  those  only  they 
deem  of  sufficient  importance.    1861  Journal,  169. 

24.  Questions.  In  every  instance  where  a  question,  local 
or  special  in  its  character,  is  presented  for  the  consideration 
of  the  Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Order,  such  question 
shall  be  accompanied  with  a  copy  of  the  By-Laws  of  the 
Lodge  in  which  the  subject  originated.  Adopted  as  a  gen- 
eral rule.— 1867  Journal,  361. 

25.  Abstract  questions.  Abstract  questions  upon  hypo- 
thetical propositions,  when  propounded  by  a  member  or  a 
Lodge  without  a  case  in  fact,  shall  not  be  answered  in  an 
official  manner  by  the  Grand  Master,  or  any  of  his  District 
Deputies.  All  such  questions  shall  be  presented  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  at  its  annual  session,  and  shall  be  referred  to  an 
appropriate  committee,  under  the  rule. — 1869  Journal,  89, 
115. 

26.  Hypothetical  Questions.  This  Grand  Lodge  will  not, 
in  the  future,  through  its  Committee  on  the  State  of  the 
Order,  answer  mere  hypothetical  questions,  that  every  ques- 
tion to  be  referred  to  said  committee  shall  be  framed  to  meet 
a  particular  case,  and  shall  be  accompanied  by  a  full  state- 
ment of  the  facts  of  the  case,  certified  under  the  seal  of  the 
Lodge  submitting  the  case,  and  in  which  it  arose;  that  a 
question  so  submitted  and  so  certified  may  be  forwarded  to 
the  Grand  Secretary  at  any  time,  and  shall  be  by  him  handed 
over  to  the  Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Order,  who  shall 
report  their  decision  thereon  to  this  Grand  Lodge  at  the 
first  opportunity  thereafter. — 1875  Journal,  298. 


Other  Rules  and  Decisions  of  Grand  Lodge.      67 

27.  Officer's  right  to  vote.  Officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
who  are  by  the  Constitution  entitled  to,  and  as  such  do  vote 
in  the  Grand  Lodge,  cannot  also  vote  as  Representatives — 
1860  Journal,  68. 

28.  Two-thirds  vote.  Whenever  the  sentence  *'by  a  two- 
thirds  vote"  occurs  in  the  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
it  means  two-thirds  of  all  the  members  present  entitled  to 
vote. — 1855  Journal,  155. 

29.  Petition  received  and  referred.  The  reception  and 
reference  of  a  petition  to  a  committee  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
does  not  set  aside  the  formal  action  of  the  Grand  Lodge  had 
upon  the  subject  matter  of  said  petition. — 1872  Journal, 
577,  666,  684. 

30.  Election.  The  Grand  Lodge  will  hereafter  ignore 
the  practice  of  electing  as  a  matter  of  course  the  Deputy 
Grand  Master  to  the  office  of  Grand  Master,  and  the  Grand 
Warden  to  the  office  of  Deputy  Grand  Master,  and  will 
elect  officers  without  regard  to  their  previous  service  in 
office.— 1870  Journal,  262. 

31.  Nomination.  Members  are  required  to  obtain  the 
consent  of  those  whose  names  they  place  in  nomination  for 
office  in  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1863  Journal,  440, 

32.  Nominees  for  Grand  Representatives.  That  every 
member  of  the  Grand  Lodge  who  shall  hereafter  be  pro- 
posed as  a  candidate  for  the  office  of  Grand  Representative, 
is  required  to  state,  upon  his  honor,  whether  or  not  he 
intends  (if  elected  to  the  office)  to  return  on  or  before  the 
first  day  of  January  next  succeeding  his  election. — 1859 
Journal,  502,  510,  531. 

33.  Amendments  to  Constitution.  All  proposed  amend- 
ments to  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates  must  contain  the 
section  or  sections  which  it  is  proposed  to  amend,  written 
out  in  full  as  proposed  to  be  amended. — 1862  Journal,  293. 

34.  Reports  of  Committees  on  Amendments  to  Constitu- 
tions.    Resolved,  That  hereafter  when  amendments    to    the 


68      Other  Rules  and  Decisions  of  Grand  Lodge. 

Constitutions  of  either  this  Grand  Lodge  or  Subordinate 
Lodges  be  referred  to  a  committee  for  its  consideration ; 
that  when  said  committee  submits  its  report  to  this  Grand 
Lodge,  said  committee  shall  set  out  in  full  the  proposed 
amendment  as  well  as  the  original.  Adopted  as  a  standing 
resolution  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1905  Journal,  950,  965. 


DIGEST. 


ADJOURNMENT. 

1.  Lodge  must  be  closed  in  form.  After  the  adoption  of 
a  motion  of  adjournment,  the  Lodge  must  be  closed  in  form. 
1860  Journal,  71. 

2.  Cannot  adjourn  over  for  two  weeks.  Lodges  have  no 
right,  by  a  simple  motion,  to  adjourn  over  for  two  weeks,  no 
previous  action  suspending  their  By-Laws  having  taken 
place;  but  should  such  a  case  occur,  and  there  should  be  a 
quorum  present  on  a  regular  Lodge-night,  presided  over  by 
a  Past  Grand  or  Past  Vice-Grand,  it  would  be  a  legal  Lodge- 
meeting,  and  the  minutes  of  said  meeting  must  be  entered 
on  the  Lodge  record. — 1861  Journal,  188,  189. 

3.  Motion  to  adjourn  sine  die.  Where  the  By-Laws  pro- 
vide that  the  Lodge  shall  meet  on  a  certain  day  every  week, 
a  motion  to  adjourn  sine  die  may  be  entertained,  as  that 
motion  simply  means  to  adjourn  without  fixing  any  date,  and 
if  the  motion  should  be  carried,  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Lodge  will  be  at  the  time  fixed  in  the  By-Laws. — 1884  Jour- 
nal, 19,  116,  153. 

Note. — A    Lodge    cannot    hold  Lodge  to  another  day  or  time  is 

adjourned     meetings,     but     must  never  in  order. —  (18.52,  1848,  1871 

close   its   weekly   meetings   in  due  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1846,  1886,  1949, 

form.     A   motion    to    adjourn    a  1236,  5177,  5221). 

4.  Motion  to  adjourn  always  in  order.  A  motion  to  ad- 
journ is  always  in  order  at  any  stage  of  the  proceedings  of 
the  Lodge,  and  should  the  motion  prevail,  the  Lodge  must 
then  proceed  to  close  in  regular  form;  provided,  that  in  the 
event  cases  of  sick  and  distressed  members  have  not  been 
di.sposed  of  prior  to  the  adoption  of  such  motion,  such  cases 
shall  be  considered  before  the  Lodge  is  formally  closed. — 
1889  Journal,  34,  122,  163;  1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  317,  341, 
370. 


70  Admission  to  One's  Own  Lodge. 

ADMISSION  TO  ONE'S  OWN  LODGE. 

5.  A  brother's  right.  The  Noble  Grand  may  admit  a 
member  of  his  own  Lodge  who  is  not  entitled  to  the  semi- 
annual pass-word  on  account  of  non-payment  of  dues,  until 
he  ceases  to  be  a  member.  A  brother  has  a  right  to  be  ad- 
mitted to  his  own  Lodge  until  his  membership  ceases,  al- 
though not  entitled  to  term  pass-word  or  to  vote  or  in  ar- 
rears for  weekly  or  funeral  dues. — 1862  Journal,  307 ;  Porter 
vs.  Magnolia  Lodge,  1864  Journal,  482,  521,  522 ;  1877,  1890 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7505,  11900,  12217,  12281. 

6.  Brother  without  pass-word.  The  Outside  Guardian 
should  report  to  the  Inside  Guardian,  and  that  officer  should 
report  to  the  Noble  Grand,  when  a  brother  of  the  Lodge 
without  the  pass-word  applies  for  admission. — 1898  Journal, 
11,  221,  240. 

7.  During  reading  of  minutes.  A  brother  in  good  stand- 
ing cannot  be  kept  out  of  his  Grand  or  Subordinate  Lodge, 
while  the  minutes  of  the  preceding  meeting  are  being  read, 
if  he  desires  to  enter,  and  can  work  his  way  into  the  Lodge. 
1875  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6350,  6619,  6692. 

8.  Brother  under  reprimand.  A  brother  sentenced  to  a 
reprimand  cannot  visit  his  Lodge  at  a  regular  meeting  until 
he  appears  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  his  reprimand. — 
1893  Journal,  432,  434. 

9.  Appeal  while  under  suspension.  A  brother  under  sus- 
pension has  no  right  to  sit  in  the  Lodge  during  the  pendency 
of  his  appeal. — Bay  View  Lodge  vs.  Turner,  1870  Journal, 
256,  282. 

10.  Brother  suspended  for  a  fixed  period.  A  brother 
suspended  for  a  fixed  period  cannot  visit  his  Lodge  during 
such  suspension,  even  though  he  should  appeal  to  the  Grand 
Lodge.  If  the  period  of  suspension  should  expire  before  the 
appeal  is  decided  in  his  favor  he  has  no  redress. — 1898  Jour- 
nal, 11,  256,  278. 

11.  Expelled  brother  and  an  appeal.  A  brother  who  has 
been  expelled  cannot  enter  the  Lodge-room  during  session 


Aged  Odd  Fellows.  71 

for  any  purpose  pending  an  appeal  from  him  on  expulsion. — 
1898  Journal,  10,  221,  240. 

12.  Pendency  of  charges.  A  member  has  a  right  during 
the  pending  of  charges  to  sit  in  or  visit  the  Lodge. — 1858 
Journal,  394,  395;  1898  Journal,  11,  256,  278. 

13.  An  initiate.  An  initiate  is  entitled  to  admission  into 
his  Lodge  when  opened  in  the  Initiatory  Degree. — 1882  S.  G. 
L.  Journal,  8992,  9087. 

14.  Election  of  oflficers  or  representatives.  Neither  the 
Noble  Grand  nor  the  Lodge  has  a  right  to  refuse  to  admit 
brothers  during  an  election  of  officers  or  representatives.— 
1897  Journal,  809,  1030,  1054. 

(See  Recess.) 

AGED  ODD  FELLOWS. 

15.  Aged  Odd  Fellows'  Fund.  Hereafter  all  assets  of 
Subordinate  Lodges  whose  charters  have  been  surrendered, 
shall  be  placed  by  the  Grand  Secretary  in  a  fund  known  as 
the  ''Aged  Odd  Fellows'  Fund,"  which  fund  shall  be  kept 
by  the  Grand  Lodge  as  a  distinct  and  separate  fund,  to  be 
used  only  for  the  purposes  hereinafter  stated. — Grand  Lodge 
Constitution,  Art.  XIV,  Sec.  1. 

16.  Aged  Odd  Fellows'  Register.  The  Grand  Secretary 
shall  keep  a  register,  to  be  known  as  the  ''Aged  Odd  Fel- 
lows' Register,"  upon  which  shall  appear  the  names  of  all 
Odd  Fellows  over  fifty  years  of  age,  and  whose  Subordinate 
Lodge  has  surrendered  its  charter,  and  who  would,  under 
the  laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  be  entitled  to  receive  a  Grand 
Lodge  Card,  and  who  had  been  in  continuous  membership 
for  twenty-five  years  or  over.  This  register  shall  be  cor- 
rected from  time  to  time,  as  deaths  may  occur,  or  as  new 
members  shall  appear  on  said  roll. — Grand  Lodge  Constitu- 
tion, Art.  XIV,  Sec.  2. 

17.  Petition  to  enroll  name  on  "Aged  Ofld  Fellows'  Regis- 
ter." Any  Odd  FeHow  possessing  all  the  qualifications  pre- 
scribed in  the  last  section  may  petition  the  Grand  Master  or 
the  Grand  Lodge  to  place  his  name  upon  the  "Aged  Odd  Fel- 


72  Aged  Odd  Ff.llows. 

lows'  Register,"  which  shall  be  kept  by  the  Grand  Secre- 
tary, Such  petition  shall  be  accompanied  by  a  Grand  Lodge 
Card,  and  by  proof  that  he  is  fifty  or  more  years  old;  that 
he  has  been  an  Odd  Fellow  of  good  standing  twenty-five 
years  or  more  continuously,  and  that  his  Lodge  has  sur- 
rendered its  charter.  Upon  these  proofs  appearing  to  the 
satisfaction  of  the  Grand  Master  and  the  Grand  Secretary 
they  shall  order  his  name  to  be  placed  upon  the  register  of 
''Aged  Odd  Fellows." — Grand  Lodge  Constitution,  Art. 
XIV,  Sec.  3. 

18.  Membership  as  an  "Aged  Odd  Fellow" — Fees  and 
Dues.  It  is  further  prescribed  that  any  Odd  Fellow  enrolled 
according  to  the  above  provisions  may  apply  for  admission 
to  any  Subordinate  Lodge  under  the  conditions  hereinafter 
set  forth.  He  shall  first  pay  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  through 
the  Lodge  to  which  he  has  been  or  will  be  admitted,  three 
($3)  dollars  admission  fee,  and  from  the  date  of  admission 
he  shall  pay  dues  at  the  rate  of  four  ($4)  dollars  per  annum. 
Said  dues  and  fees  shall  be  placed  to  the  credit  of  the  "Aged 
Odd  Fellows'  Fund"  by  the  Grand  Secretary. — Grand  Lodge 
Constitution,  Art.  XIV,  Sec.  4. 

19.  Benefits  to  "Aged  Odd  Fellows."  That  any  Odd 
Fellow  enrolled  as  above  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  who  be- 
comes sick  or  disabled,  so  as  to  be  incapable  to  earn  a  liveli- 
hood, shall  receive  from  the  Grand  Secretary,  through  the 
Lodge  to  which  he  has  been  admitted,  weekly  benefits 
amounting  to  three  dollars  per  week  so  long  as  the  money 
collected  under  the  preceding  provisions  of  this  article  shall 
last,  and  so  long  as  the  "Aged  Odd  Fellows'  Fund"  shall 
permit  the  payment  of  the  same. — Grand  Lodge  Constitu- 
tion, Art.  XIV,  Sec.  5. 

20.  Notice  as  to  "Aged  Odd  Fellows."  It  is  further  pre- 
scribed that  any  Subordinate  Lodge  which  such  Aged  Odd 
Fellows  shall  have  joined  shall  immediately  notify  the  Grand 
Secretary  in  all  cases  of  sickness  or  disability  referred  to  in 
the  preceding  sections,  and  of  the  commencement  and  termi- 
nation thereof,  and  the  Grand  Secretary  shall  notify  such 


Ancient  Odd  Fellows.  73 

Lodge  or  Lodges  to  which  such  aged  Odd  Fellow  belongs 
when  the  said  ''Aged  Odd  Fellows'  Fund"  shall  be  ex- 
hausted.—Grand  Lodge  Constitution,  Art.  XIV,  Sec.  6. 

21.  Right  to  vote  or  speak— Funeral  Expenses.  It  is 
further  prescribed  that  no  member  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge, 
admitted  under  the  above  provisions,  shall  be  entitled  to 
vote  or  speak  on  any  question  involving  the  disposing  of  the 
funds  or  property  of  the  Lodge  to  which  he  belongs;  and 
it  is  further  prescribed  that  upon  the  death  of  "An  Aged 
Odd  Fellow,"  enrolled  as  above,  and  who  was  entitled  to 
the  benefits  of  the  fund  herein  provided  for,  there  shall  be 
paid  as  funeral  expenses  from  the  said  ''Aged  Odd  Fellows' 
Fund"  a  sum  of  money  not  exceeding  twenty -five  dollars, 
if  that  amount  shall  be  in  the  said  fund. — Grand  Lodge  Con- 
stitution, Art.  XIV,  Sec.  7. 

22.  Benefits  and  Funeral  Expenses — Dues  and  Assess- 
ments. It  is  further  prescribed  that  no  Subordinate  Lodge 
shall  be  liable  for  the  payment  of  any  benefits  or  funeral  ex- 
penses to  or  on  account  of  such  member,  nor  shall  any  such 
member  be  required  to  pay  any  dues  or  assessments  to  such 
Subordinate  Lodge,  except  such  dues  as  are  to  be  paid  to  the 
use  and  benefit  of  the  "Aged  Odd  Fellows'  Fund."— Grand 
Lodge  Constitution,  Art.  XIV,  Sec.  8. 

(See  Odd  Fellows'  Home.) 

ANCIENT  ODD  FELLOWS. 

23.  Defined.  An  Ancient  Odd  Fellow  is  one  who  has 
been  regularly  initiated  into  the  Order  and  retired  therefrom 
in  good  standing,  either  by  taking  his  Permanent  or  With- 
drawal Card,  or  by  resignation.  If  done  by  resignation  he 
at  once  becomes  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow,  and  if  by  card,  at 
the  expiration  of  one  year  from  its  date.  The  holder  of  a 
nismi.ssal  Certificate  is  not.— 1859  Journal,  472;  1858-1890- 
1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2859,  '2925,  2963,  11893,  12253,  12299, 
514,  827,  873. 

Note. — A  member  of  a  defunct  surrender  of  the  charter,  can  ob- 
Subordinate  who  applies  therefor,  tain  a  defunct  certificate  from  the 
after  one  year  from  the  date  of  the      Grand  Secretary  or  Grand  Lodge 


74 


Ancient  Odd  Fellows. 


of  the  jurisdiction  wherein  the  de- 
funct Lodge  was  located  (see  Sec- 
tions 809  and  810  of  this  Digest), 
which  certificate  has  the  same 
force  and  effect  as  an  expired 
Withdrawal  Card,  and  will  enable 
him  to  join  another  Subordinate 
Lodge  as  an  "Ancient  Odd  Fel- 
low"—(1890  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
11898,  12229,  12284;  1866  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  3876,  3953,  3987).  With- 
in one  year  after  the  date  of  the 
surrender  of  the  charter  a  With- 
drawal Card  may  be  granted  (see 
Sections  807,  810  of  this  Digest). 
An  Ancient  Odd  Fellow  having 
satisfactorily  established  his  claim 
as  such,  and  having  proved  him- 
self in  the  initiatory  work,  is  not 
required  to  be  reinitiated.  His 
rank  in  the  Lodge  to  which  he  may 
be  admitted,  will  be  determined  by 
the  Lodge  upon  the  report  of  the 
committee  appointed  to  make  the 
necessary  examination — (1864  S. 
G.  L.  Journal,  3621,  3688,  3707). 
A  brother  having  withdrawn  from 
the  Order  by  a  written  resigna- 
tion, in  order  to  be  re-admitted  as 
an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow,  must  first 
pass  a  satisfactory  examination  in 


the  work;  should  he  fail,  he  can 
be  re-adfnitted  only  by  initiation 
—  (1853  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1992, 
2115,  2170;  1857  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
2737,2773).  Should  the  brother's 
card  be  lost  or  destroyed,  he  may 
be  re-admitted  as  an  Ancient  Odd 
Fellow  on  satisfactory  proof.  If 
he  cannot  satisfactorily  establish 
his  claim  he  can  be  admitted  only 
by  initiation,  and  in  such  case  he 
must  set  forth  in  his  petition  that 
he  has  never  been  suspended  or  ex- 
pelled from  any  Lodge,  and  that 
he  is  unable  to  obtain  evidence  of 
his  former  connection  with  the  Or- 
der—(1852  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1921, 
1956.)  A  brother  should  be  in 
possession  of  the  Annual  Travel- 
ing Password  when  depositing  a 
Withdrawal  Card  in  a  Lodge,  in 
order  to  acquire  membership  there- 
in. Should  he  fail  to  remember 
the  word  or  should  the  officers 
have  neglected  to  impart  it  to  him, 
or  should  the  card  be  an  expired 
one,  the  brother  may  be  admitted 
to  membership  as  an  Ancient  Odd 
Fellow— (1861  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
3336,  3353;  1862  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
3479). 


24.  Holder  of  Withdrawal  Card  out  of  date.  A  brother 
holding  a  Withdrawal  Card  which  has  run  out  of  date  may 
be  recognized  as  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow,  and  be  allowed  to 
renew  his  membership  by  the  deposit  of  said  card  in  a 
Lodge  at  the  place  of  his  residence,  subject  to  the  payment 
of  such  fee  as  the  local  law  may  require. — 1857  Journal. 
249;  1888  Journal,  1024,  1111,  1130;  1852,  1856  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  1841,  1898,  1952,  2560,  2628,  2664. 

25.  How  admitted — Must  answer  certain  questions.  All 
Ancient  Odd  Fellows,  whether  by  card  or  otherwise,  shall, 
previous  to  admission,  answer  to  the  satisfaction  of  a  com- 
mittee of  three  Scarlet  Degree  members  (appointed  by  the 


Anniversary  of  the  Order;  75 

Noble  Grand)  the  same  questions  that  are  propounded  to  the 
uninitiate  previous  to  his  introduction  into  the  Order,  as 
per  charge  books.  The  senior  Past  Grand  present,  or,  if  no 
Past  Grand  be  present,  then  the  acting  Noble  Grand,  shall 
be  one  of  said  committee.  They  shall  examine  the  appli- 
cant in  all  of  the  degrees  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  he  claims 
to  have  attained,  and  report  to  the  Lodge  if  correct,  and 
shall  introduce  him,  and  he  shall  sign  the  Constitution  of 
the  Lodge.— 1857  Journal,  266  j  1885  Journal,  286,  403,  432. 

26.  A  certain  By-Law  not  applicable  to  Ancient  Odd  Fel- 
low. The  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  have  this  provision :  "  No  ap- 
plication shall  be  received  from  parties  over  fifty  years  of 
age."  This  does  not  apply  to  former  members  of  the  Lodge 
who  have  become  Ancient  Odd  Fellows. — 1872  Journal,  578, 
666,  684. 

ANNIVERSARY  OF  THE  ORDER. 

27.  Twenty-sixth  of  April  the  Anniversary.  The  twenty- 
sixth  of  April  is  established  as  the  Anniversary  of  this 
Order,  and  all  Grand  Lodges  and  Encampments  are  re- 
quested to  urge  their  Subordinates  to  observe  the  day  in 
some  appropriate  manner. — 1868  Journal,  446;  1867  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  4210,  4211. 

Note. — No  anniversary,  celebra-  Anniversary  of  our  Order  without 

tion,  excursion,  picnic,  ball,  party  permission    of    the    proper     local 

or     entertainment     of     any     kind  grand    authorities,    but     sufficient 

where   regalia>    emblems   or  name  authority  for    subordinates  under 

of  the  Order  may    be    worn,    as-  the  immediate  jurisdiction  of  the 

sumed  or  used,  shall  be  held  with-  Sovereign  'Grand    Lodge —  (1877, 

out  first  obtaining  the  consent  of  1888  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7376,  7473, 

the   Senior  Grand   Officer    in    the  11104,11368,11396).  The  Anniver- 

jurisdiction  in  which   it  is  to  be  sary    Proclamation   of   the   Grand 

held,  and  then  only  upon  the  di-  Sire   gives   no   authority   ti^  wear 

rect  promise  that  no  intoxicating  regalia    or    display    any    of    the 

beverages  shall  be  offered  to  mem-  emblems     of     the     Order     where 

bers    or    guests    present    on    the  a     dance     or     banquet     or     other 

occasion — (1892  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  social      is      held      in      connection 

13067,13156).     The  proclamation  with  the  Anniversary— ( 1896  S.  G. 

of  the  Grand  Sire  is  not  sufficient  L.  Journal,   14683,  14948,  15019). 

authority  for  subordinates  to  ap-  If  the  ceremony  at  an  anniversary 

pear  in  public   in  regalia  on  the  celebration    be    conducted    by    a 


76  Annivkrsary  of  Rebekah  Degree. 

Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encamp-  Lodge  paay  expend  a  reasonable 
ment,  or  when  the  Grand  Lodge,  amount  of  its  funds  to  defray  the 
Grand  Encampment  and  their  sub-  necessary  expenses  incident  to  the 
ordinates  participate,  the  titles  of  celebration  of  the  introduction  of 
the  respective  officers  who  conduct  Odd  Fellowship  in  America,  in 
the  ceremony  shall  be  such  as  be-  such  a  manner  as  shall  tend  to 
long  to  the  body  conducting  the  promulgate  and  illustrate  its  prin- 
ceremony — (1886  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  ciples,  or  elevate  it,  or  dignify  it 
10252,10413,10487,10511.)  The  in  the  eyes  of  the  community ;  such 
expenditure  of  Lodge  funds  for  as  hiring  halls,  paying  for  print- 
music  to  accompany  a  parade,  or  ing,  procuring  orators,  etc.,  but  not 
as  an  attractive  feature  in  connec-  for  those  things  which  contribute 
tion  with  and  as  a  part  of  the  pre-  merely  to  the  pleasure  or  gratifica- 
scribed  ceremonies,  is  authorized,  tion  of  the  individual  member; 
subject  to  such  limitations  as  may  such  as  parties,  balls,  picnics,  ex- 
be  made  by  local  legislation,  as  a  cursions,  banquets  and  the  like, 
part  of  the  legitimate  expenses  in-  and  that  within  these  limits,  the 
cident  to  the  celebration  of  the  question  is  one  for  the  Subordinate 
Anniversary  of  American  Odd  Fel-  or  its  immediate  Grand  jurisdic- 
lowship  on  April  twenty-sixth,  and  tion — (1887  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
no  other  day— ( 1894  S.  G.  L.  Jour-  10714,  10951,  11005) . 
nal,  14050,  14073).    A  Subordinate 

28.  Celebration  may  be  postponed.  Our  Anniversary 
should  be  celebrated  on  its  appropriate  day,  the  twenty- 
sixth  of  April.  If  there  be  any  good  reason  why  it  should 
not  be  celebrated  on  that  day  the  Lodge  may  select  some 
other  day.  In  case  an  intended  celebration  on  the  twenty- 
sixth  of  April  does  not  take  place  for  any  good  reason,  such 
for  instance  as  that  the  town  wherein  the  Lodge  is  located, 
or  the  greater  portion  of  it,  is  destroyed  by  fire,  the  Lodge 
may,  by  dispensation  duly  issued,  postpone  it  to  some  other 
day;  and  it  is  lawful  to  use  the  regular  anniversary  cere- 
mony at  such  postponed  celebration. — 1882  Journal,  735, 
844,  879. 

(See  Funds,  Balls,  Liquors,  Dispensations.) 

ANNIVERSARY  OF  REBEKAH  DEGREE. 

29.  The  twentieth  day  of  September  the  Anniversary. 
It  is  recognized  by  the  "Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  as  the  Anni- 
versary of  the  institution  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah,  and  it 
is  to  be  annually  celebrated  and  commemorated  as  such  by 
proper  and  appropriate   ceremonies.     It  is  its  natal   day, 


Annual  Communications.  77 

it  having  been  established  on  that  day  in  the  year  1851. — 
1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15640. 

ANNUAL  COMMUNICATIONS. 

30.  Annual  sessions  shall  be  held  in  San  Francisco.  The 
Grand  Lodge  shall  hold  regular  annual  communications  at 
the  City  of  San  Francisco,  to  begin  on  the  second  Tuesday  of 
May  of  each  year,  at  nine  o  'clock  a.  m.,  and  shall  continue  to 
meet,  at  such  hours  as  may  be  agreed  upon,  from  day  to  day, 
consecutively  (Sundays  excepted),  until  the  close  of  the  ses- 
sion.— Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  II,  Sec.  1 ;  1867  Jour- 
nal, 333. 

Note. — Grand  Lodges  have  the  a  session  in  a  place  other  than  that 
power  and  privilege  to  determine  designated  in  its  Constitution;  the 
in  their  Constitution  and  By-Laws  only  way  is  to  amend  that  instru- 
where  their  sessions  shall  be  held  ment — (1867  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
—  (1851  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1759,  4144,  4169).  The  Grand  Sire  has 
1763).  When  the  place  is  so  fixed  no  power  to  change  the  date  of  the 
by  constitutional  provision  or  by  sessions  of  a  State  Grand  Body, 
law,  the  only  manner  of  removing  the  Constitution  fixing  the  date  of 
the  Body  is  by  an  alteration  of  its  annual  session — (1892  S.  G.  L. 
the  Constitution  or  By-Law  which  Journal,  12788,  13050,  13076).  The 
fixes  the  location  in  conformity  to  time  fixed  by  its  Constitution  for 
the  rules  laid  down  in  its  Consti-  the  meeting  of  a  Grand  Lodge 
tution  for  such  change — (1852,  must  be  observed.  A  Grand  Mas- 
1858,  1867  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1839,  ter  has  no  authority  to  change  the 
1897,  1952,  2859,  2925,  2963,  4144,  time  fixed  by  law  to  an  earlier  or 
4169).  The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  later  period — (1886  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
has  not  the  power  to  permit  a  nal,  10252,  10487,  10511). 
State  Grand  Body  to  meet  or  hold 

31.  Social  festivities  not  to  interfere  with  business. 
The  annual  sessions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  are  for  the  trans- 
action of  business  of  the  Order,  and  no  invitations  will  be 
accepted  to  engage  in  social  festivities  during  its  sessions, 
to  occur  during  the  daytime. — 1864  Journal,  541. 

ANTE-ROOM. 

(See  Charter,  Liquors,  Fine,  Password.) 


78  Appeals. 

APPEALS.  ' 

1.  Committee  on  Appeals  and  its  powers  and  duties,  page 
78. 

2.  Transcript  or  record  on  appeal,  page  80. 

3.  Appellate  jurisdiction — Right,  time  and  manner  of  ap- 
peal, page  85. 

4     Rules  of  decision  and  other  matters,  page  97. 

5.  Appeals  by  a  Lodge  or  General  Relief  Committee  from 
a  Lodge's  action,  page  110. 

6.  Appeal  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  page  113. 

7.  Rebekah  Lodges  and  Assembly.  (See  Rebekah 
Branch.) 

1.     COMMITTEE  ON  APPEALS  AND  ITS  POWERS  AND 

DUTIES. 

32.  A  Regular  Committee.  It  is  one  of  the  regular  com- 
mittees required  to  be  appointed  at  each  annual  session  from 
among  the  members  present. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge, 
Art.  VI,  Sec.  2. 

33.  How  appointed — Number  of  members  and  duty.    The 

Committee  on  Appeals  shall  consist  of  five  members,  who 
shall  be  appointed  by  the  Grand  Master,  by  and  with  the 
approval  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  ex- 
amine all  appeals  referred  to  them,  and  report  thereon  such 
action  as  may  be  proper  in  the  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  6. 

34.  Duty  in  case  papers  defective  or  certain  errors.  All 
appeals  taken  from  the  action  of  the  Subordinate  Lodges 
shall  as  fast  as  they  are  received  by  the  Grand  Secretary, 
be  endorsed  by  him,  over  his  signature,  showing  the  date  on 
which  such  appeal  was  received  and  filed,  and  such  endorsed 
appeal  shall  then  be  immediately  transmitted  by  the  Grand 
Secretary  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Appeals, 
which  committee  shall  examine  all  papers  immediately  after 
receiving  them,  and  if  the  committee  shall  find  the  papers 


Appeals.  79 

defective  in  any  essential  particular,  or  if  they  discover  any 
error  of  law  in  the  proceedings  by  reason  of  which  the  case 
must  be  decided  on  other  grounds  than  its  merits,  they  shall 
certify  such  fact  to  the  Grand  Secretary  within  ninety  (90) 
days  after  the  said  papers  are  received  by  and  filed  with  the 
Grand  Secretary.  The  Grand  Secretary  shall  forthwith 
send  a  copy  of  such  certificate  to  appellant  and  respondent, 
and  shall  return  the  papers  to  the  Subordinate  Lodge, 
through  which  the  appeal  was  taken,  requiring  it  forthwith 
to  correct  the  defects  complained  of,  and  return  the  amended 
papers  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  who  shall  record  thereon 
the  date  they  are  received  by  him,  and  he  shall  then  im- 
mediately transmit  the  same  to  the  chairman  of  said  Com- 
mittee on  Appeals. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI, 
Sec.  6. 

35.  To  render  decisions  on  or  before  April  15th  of  each 
year.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Committee  on  Appeals  to 
consider  all  appeals  submitted  to  them  during  the  fiscal  year 
of  this  Grand  Lodge,  and  on  or  before  the  15th  day  of  April 
of  each  year  they  shall  render  a  decision  on  all  appeals  so 
submitted,  and  shall  file  with  the  Grand  Secretary  on  or 
before  said  last  named  date,  a  full  copy  of  each  decision 
rendered.  The  Grand  Secretary  shall  forthzvith  transmit  to 
the  respective  parties,  appellant  and  respondent,  the  de- 
cisions so  rendered. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI, 
See.  6. 

36.  Appeals  after  close  of  fiscal  year.  If  an  appeal  shall 
be  presented  to  the  Grand  Secretary  after  the  close  of  the 
fiscal  year  and  before  the  next  succeeding  annual  session, 
the  Committee  on  Appeals  shall  have  discretion  to  report  on 
the  same  during  such  succeeding  annual  session ;  or  the  ap- 
peal may  be  taken  up  and  referred  to  the  Committee*  on  Ap- 
peals by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  this  Grand  Lodge.  When  such 
appeal  shall  be  so  referred,  the  Committee  on  Appeals  shall 
report  on  the  same  at  the  earliest  practical  day  of  the  ses- 
sion during  which  such  reference  is  made. — Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  6. 


80  Appeals. 

37.  Order. in  which  Chairman  and  members  to  render 
opinions.  Resolved,  That  when  any  appeal  papers  shall  be 
received  by  the  Grand  Secretary,  thirty-five  days  prior  to 
the  regular  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  he  shall  immediately 
deliver  the  same  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Ap- 
peals, and  said  Chairman  shall  examine  said  appeal  papers, 
and  shall,  as  soon  as  possible,  transmit  the  same  with  his 
opinion  thereon,  to  the  next  member  of  said  committee,  who 
shall  thereupon  examine  the  same,  and  after  adding  his 
opinion  thereto,  shall  transmit  the  same  to  the  third  member 
of  said  committee,  and  such  course  shall  be  followed  until 
each  member  of  said  committee  shall  have  acted  on  said  case, 
and  the  last  member  of  said  committee  receiving  such  report, 
shall  transmit  the  same  to  the  Chairman  thereof,  at  least 
seven  days  before  the  date  of  the  commencement  of  the  regu- 
lar annual  session. — 1889  Journal,  142,  171. 

38.  Counsel  of  party  not  to  act  on  committee.  In  case 
a  brother  has  been  counsel  or  attorney  in  any  matter,  he 
shall  not  take  part  with  or  act  as  a  member  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  Aj^eals  in  that  matter. — 1889  Journal,  171. 

(See  Section  2174.) 

2.  TRANSCRIPT  OR  RECORD  ON  APPEAL. 

39.  Recording  Secretary  must  transmit  it  forthwith — 
Notice  of  appeal  filed.  The  Secretary  shall  forthwith  send  to 
the  Grand  Secretary  a  certified  copy  of  all  minutes  and 
documents  of  the  Lodge  relating  thereto.  In  cases  of 
charges,  the  Secretary  shall  forthwith  send  a  certified  copy 
of  the  Notice  of  Appeal,  together  with  a  certified  copy  of  all 
charges,  reports,  evidence,  minutes,  documents  and  proceed- 
ings of  the  Lodge  and  of  the  Trial  Committee,  relating  to 
the  case,  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  to  be  presented  to  the 
Committee  on  Appeals  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  10. 

40.  Must  be  transmitted  within  four  weeks — Defective 
papers.  Resoh'ed,  That  hereafter  the  Secretaries  of  Subor- 
dinate Lodges  shall  perfect  appeals  substantially  in  the 
forms  prescribed  by  this  Grand  Lodge.    The  papers  in  each 


Appeals.  81 

case  of  appeal  shall  be  transmitted  within  four  weeks  after 
the  appeal  is  taken,  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  who  shall  forth- 
with forward  the  same  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of 
Appeals,  who  shall,  at  an  early  day,  examine  the  case,  and 
if  the  papers  are  found  not  to  comply  substantially  with  said 
prescribed  forms,  then  said  papers  shall  be  returned  to  the 
Grand  Secretary,  with  the  objections  thereunto,  and  he 
shall  at  once  return  the  same  to  the  Lodge  from  which  they 
were  received  for  correction.  1872  Journal,  654,  677. 

41.  Must  be  in  English  language.  All  appeals  must  be 
made  out  in  the  English  language,  even  if  the  Lodge  works 
in  German. — 1863  Journal,  433. 

42.  Must  be  printed  or  typewritten.  Resolved,  That  all 
papers  composing  the  record  or  transcript  on  appeal  in  all 
appeal  cases  brought  before  this  Grand  Lodge  be  furnished, 
in  a  printed  or  typewritten  form,  by  the  Subordinate  Lodge 
from  which  the  appeal  comes. — 1894  Journal,  765. 

43.  Right  to  inspect  and  take  copies  of  records,  papers 
and  proceedings.  In  any  and  all  controversies  in  the  Order, 
arising  or  pending  in  this  jurisdiction,  in  which  an  appeal 
has  been,  or  is  about  to  be  taken,  either  party  thereto  shall 
have  the  right  to  inspect,  and,  at  his  own  expense,  to  take  a 
copy  of  so  much  of  the  records,  papers  and  proceedings  re- 
lating thereto,  as  he  may  deem  essential  to  his  interests  in  the 
matter.  And  on  demand  in  writing  therefor,  the  Lodge  hav- 
ing the  custody  of  such  records  shall  afford  ample  facilities 
for  such  inspection,  and  for  the  taking  of  such  copy,  and,  if 
required,  shall  cause  such  copy  to  be  certified  under  seal  of 
the  Lodge.— 1888  Journal,  1163. 

44.  The  same.  The  enactment  found  on  page  1163  of  the 
Journal  for  1888  provides  for  the  right  of  inspection  of  the 
records,  papers  and  proceedings  relating  to  an  appeal  by 
either  party  thereto,  and  of  taking  of  copy  thereof  and  of 
the  certifying  to  the  same  under  seal.  The  right  under  this 
law  must  be  accorded  to  the  brother. — Piddington  vs.  On- 
tario Lodge,  1896  Journal,  524,  558. 

6 


k 


82  Appeals. 

45.  Copy  of  proceedings  in  case  of  trial.  A  Lodge  and 
its  Trial  Committee  must  furnish  to  a  brother,  on  demand, 
a  certified  copy  of  all  proceedings,  or  allow  such  brother  to 
take  from  its  records  such  copy  and  a  copy  of  the  evidence 
taken  at  the  trial  of  the  case,  for  the  purpose  of  appealing 
to  the  Grand  Lodge;  the  same  to  be  at  the  expense  of  the 
party  applying  for  such  copy. — 1898  Journal,  10,  256,  278. 

46.  Lodge  not  bound  to  furnish  appellant  certain  papers. 
The  Lodge  is  not  obliged  to  make  out  and  furnish  the  ap- 
pellant on  his  demand  with  a  copy  of  the  evidence  and  pro- 
ceedings on  the  trial. — Paul  vs.  Laurel  Lodge,  1887  Journal, 
840,  853. 

47.  Copies  of  papers,  etc.,  must  be  transmitted.  A  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge,  when  an  appeal  is  taken  to  this  Grand 
Lodge,  has  no  right  to  refuse  to  allow  said  appeal,  or  refuse 
to  transmit  the  transcript  required  by  law  or  copies  of  any 
papers  the  appellant  may  deem  necessary  to  the  full  under- 
standing of  his  appeal. — 1864  Journal,  569 ;  Wagner  vs.  Ger- 
mania  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  424,  444;  Matter  of  Sawyer, 
1890  Journal,  425,  448. 

48.  Transcript  must  be  sent  if  notice  of  appeal  filed.    If 

a  notice  of  appeal  is  filed  a  Lodge  should  transmit  copies  of 
all  papers,  minutes,  etc.  The  question  as  to  whether  a 
brother  has  forfeited  his  right  of  appeal  will  be  settled  by 
the  Grand  Lodge  when  the  case  comes  before  it. — 1891  Jour- 
nal, 586,  687,  715. 

49.  What  copies  should  be  transmitted.  It  is  the  duty 
of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  to  transmit  to  the  Grand  Secretary, 
in  all  appeal  cases,  a  copy  of  the  charges,  reports,  testimony, 
evidence  and  other  proceedings  had  before  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee ;  of  all  documents  and  proceedings  of  the  Lodge  relat- 
ing to  the  case ;  of  all  exceptions  filed  before  the  committee  or 
the  Lodge,  whatever  their  form  or  contents,  and  a  full  tran- 
script of  the  minutes  of  the  Lodge  proceedings  affecting  any 
case  in  which  an  appeal  is  taken.— 1862  Journal,  285 ;  1864 
Journal,  569. 


Appeals.  83 

50.  The  same.  Copies  of  the  notice  of  the  filing  of  the 
report  of  the  Trial  Committee  with  the  Lodge,  and  of  the 
certificate  or  admission  of  service  of  the  said  notice  on  or  by 
the  accused,  should  be  transmitted  to  the  Grand  Lodge. — 
Paul  vs.  Laurel  Lodge,  1885  Journal,  354,  367. 

51.  The  Lodge  should  send  copies  only.  Upon  an  appeal, 
the  Lodge  should  certify  copies  only,  according  to  the  Con- 
stitution of  Subordinates;  and  the  original  charges,  testi- 
mony and  proceedings  should  never  leave  the  custody  of  the 
Lodge,  unless  the  Grand  Lodge  requires  them  for  its  own 
inspection  and  issues  a  mandate  for  their  production. — Por- 
ter vs.  Magnolia  Lodge,  1862  Journal,  285 ;  Carr  vs.  North 
Star  Lodge,  1862  Journal,  299,  318 ;  1882  Journal,  739,  844, 
879. 

52.  Appeals  tried  by  certified  record.  When  record  may 
be  corrected.  Resolved,  That  cases  coming  before  this  Grand 
Lodge  upon  appeal  shall  be  tried  by  the  record  as  certified 
by  the  Secretary  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge.  The  brother 
appealing  has  a  right  to  inspect  the  record  before  it  is  re- 
turned to  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  shall  not  be  permitted  to 
contradict  it  when  returned,  unless  he  shall  have  made  a 
motion  to  correct  it  in  the  particulars  complained  of,  in  the 
Subordinate  Lodge,  before  its  return. — Kendall  vs.  Eureka 
Lodge,  1855  Journal,  122,  132. 

53.  When  the  Lodge  or  Committee  fails  to  enter  adverse 
rulings.  In  case  the  Lodge  or  Trial  Committee  do  not  en- 
ter adverse  rulings  in  the  minutes  of  the  Trial  Committee 
or  of  the  Lodge,  it  is  suggested  that  the  appellant  present 
to  the  Trial  Committee,  and  if  they  refuse  to  settle  it,  to  the 
Lodge,  a  statement  of  the  adverse  rulings  of  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee for  settlement.  If  both  committee  and  Lodge  refuse 
to  settle  a  statement  fairly,  the  appellant  should  file  with 
the  Lodge,  as  part  of  his  appeal  papers,  a  statement  support- 
ed by  his  own  verification  and  that  of  other  brothers  present 
who  understand  the  matter  as  he  does.  All  difficulty  will 
be  avoided  by  having  the  rulings  entered  as  soon  as  made, 
in  the  minutes  of  the  Trial  Committee  or  of  the  Lodge. — 
Chico  Lodge  vs.  Nathan,  1868  Journal,  469,  481. 


84  Appeals. 

54.  The  appellant  must  take  the  proper  steps  to  correct 
the  record.  Appeals  are  tried  by  the  record  or  transcript  as 
certified  by  the  Secretary.  If  the  record  is  incorrect,  the 
appellant  must  take  the  proper  steps  to  correct  or  contra- 
dict it,  as  prescribed  by  the  legislation  and  decisions  of  this 
Grand  Lodge. — Lowenthal  vs.  San  Jose  Lodge,  1876  Jour- 
nal, 466,  467 ;  Holcomb  vs.  Nietos  Lodge,  1877  Journal,  655, 
666 ;  Millard  vs.  Mountain  View  Lodge,  1879  Journal,  77,  90. 

55.  Presumption  that  the  Secretary  transmitted  all 
papers.  If  the  appealing  party  were  to  be  hindered  a  year  in 
the  prosecution  of  his  appeal  by  having  the  papers  in  his 
case  sent  back  to  the  Lodge  because  they  are  accidentally 
or  designedly  made  imperfect  or  informal,  it  would  in  many 
cases  work  a  denial  of  justice.  The  correct  position  is  that, 
as  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Lodge  to  make  the  returns  in  cases 
of  appeal,  and  to  return  all  the  papers  and  proceedings,  it 
must  be  presumed,  so  far  as  the  Lodge  is  concerned,  that  it 
has  complied  with  the  law,  and  that  the  return  made  by  the 
Secretary  does  contain  all  the  papers  and  proceedings. — 
Porter  vs.  Magnolia  Lodge,  1862  Journal,  285. 

56.  Secretary  no  right  to  add  a  voluntary  statement  to 
the  record.  The  Secretary  certifies  to  the  record  or  tran- 
script under  his  hand  and  seal  of  the  Lodge,  and  when  he 
adds  a  voluntary  statement  over  his  signature,  but  not 
under  seal,  and  not  as  a  part  of  the  record — that  Brother  L. 
returned  from  Portland,  Oregon,  to  Alturas,  Modoc  County, 
California — such  a  statement  is  not  evidence,  and  is  not  a 
part  of  the  transcript  on  appeal.  The  Secretary,  like  others, 
has  no  right  to  make  such  statements  outside  of  the  record. 
Payne  vs.  Modoc  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  71,  90. 

57.  Transcript  sent  only  in  case  of  appeal.  Where  there 
is  no  appeal  taken  in  matters  of  charges  the  transcript  or 
papers  should  not  be  transmitted  to  the  Grand  Lodge. — 
Franklin  vs.  Limpensel,  1870  Journal,  227,  251;  Strauss  vs. 
McCarthy,  1872  Journal,  562,  653. 

58.  Must  show  at  what  time  action  complained  of  was 
taken.    As  the  Grand  Lodge  cannot  entertain  an  appeal  uu- 


Appeals.  85 

der  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates  (ben- 
efit investigations),  unless  the  notice  of  appeal  be  served 
within  two  weeks  after  the  action  appealed  from  is  taken 
by  the  Lodge,  the  transcript  on  appeal  must  show  at  what 
time  the  action  complained  of  was  taken  by  the  Lodge,  this 
being  a  jurisdictional  fact. — Middleton  vs.  Eel  River  Lodge, 
1884  Journal,  110,  134. 

3.     APPELLATE    JURISDICTION— RIGHT,    TIME    AND 
MANNER  OF  APPEAL. 

59.  In  the  matter  of  charges,  appeals  must  be  taken  with- 
in two  weeks.  In  the  matter  of  charges,  an  appeal  from  the 
Judgment  of  the  Lodge  may  be  taken  at  any  time  within 
two  weeks  thereafter  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  if  no  such 
appeal  is  taken  the  judgment  of  the  Lodge  is  final. — Con- 
stitution Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  4. 

60.  An  appeal  from  the  Lodge's  action,  refusal  or  neglect 
within  two  weeks.  Appeals  may  be  taken  from  the  action, 
refusal  or  neglect  of  a  Lodge  within  two  weeks  thereafter 
by  any  brother  deeming  himself  aggrieved  thereby. — Con- 
stitution Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  15 ;  Appeal  of  Crooks, 
1903  Journal,  121,  124,  154. 

61.  Time  of  appeal.  Our  laws  require  appeals  to  be 
taken  within  two  weeks.  The  notice  must  be  given  within 
two  weeks  or  the  right  of  appeal  is  lost — Wagner  vs.  Ger- 
mania  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  73,  79 ;  1865  Journal,  75 ;  Allen 
vs.  Morilla  Lodge,  1902  Journal,  885,  892. 

62.  To  review  Lodges*  acts,  etc.,  one  must  appeal.    The 

presumption  is  in  favor  of  the  action  of  the  Lodge,  and 
those  who  do  not  desire  to  acquiesce  in  its  acts,  or  those  who 
desire  to  have  its  acts,  refusals  or  neglects  reviewed,  must 
appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge  therefrom  within  the  time  al- 
lowed for  appeal. — Appeal  of  Crooks,  1903  Journal,  121,  124, 
154. 

63.  In  case  of  death  of  member  a  beneficiary  may  be 
substituted  and  appeal.  In  cases  involving  the  good 
standing  of  a  member   with   his   Lodge,    if    such    member 


^6  Appeals. 

shall  die  before  the  time  for  ^ling  his  notice  of 
appeal  has  expired,  any  person  pecuniarily  interested 
in  the  result  of  the  case  as  a  beneficiary,  under  our 
laws,  may  be  substituted  in  place  of  such  deceased  member 
within  eight  weeks  thereafter,  and  thereafter  prosecute  said 
case  to  final  determination.  Such  substitution  shall  be  made 
by  serving  the  Lodge  with  a  written  notice,  stating  the 
death  and  the  date  thereof,  the  facts  showing  the  person  to 
be  such  beneficiary,  and  that  the  person  desires  to  prosecute 
the  case ;  and  filing  with  the  Secretary  a  notice  of  appeal. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  10. 

64.  In  benefit  investigations,  appeals  must  be  taken  with- 
in two  weeks.  In  investigation  of  claims  for  benefits  by  a 
committee  appointed  on  demand  of  a  brother,  as  provided  in 
Constitution  of  Subordinates,  an  appeal  from  the  judgment 
of  the  Lodge  may  be  taken,  at  any  time  within  two  weeks 
thereafter,  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  on  questions  of  law,  or  fact, 
or  both,  and  if  no  such  appeal  is  taken,  the  judgment  of  the 
Lodge  is  final. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5. 

65.  A  widow  may  appeal  in  certain  matters.  In  investi- 
gations of  a  widow's  claim  for  benefit  or  allowance,  by  a 
committee  appointed  on  her  demand,  as  required  in  Section 
8,  Article  IV,  of  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  she  may  ap- 
peal from  the  judgment  of  the  Lodge  within  the  time  and 
in  the  manner  provided  in  Section  5  of  said  Article. — Con- 
stitution Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sees.  5  and  8. 

66.  Any  person  in  certain  matters  as  to  benefit,  relief  or 
allowance,  may  appeal.  In  investigations  by  a  committee 
appointed  on  a  person's  demand,  as  required  in  Section  8^ 
Article  IV,  of  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  of  a  claim  for 
benefit,  relief  or  allowance,  which  our  laws  provide  shall  be 
paid,  the  person  may  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  the 
Lodge  within  the  time  and  in  the  manner  prescribed  in 
Section  5  of  that  Article. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art. 
IV,  Sees.  5  and  8. 

67.  Demand  to  appoint  Benefit  Investigating  Committee. 
Where  a  brother  demands  in  writing  that  the  Lodge  appoint 


Appeals.  87 

a  committee  under  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of 
Subordinate  Lodges,  to  investigate  his  claim  for  benefits  for 
the  four  weeks  immediately  preceding  the  demand  and  the 
Lodge  neglects  or  refuses  to  appoint  such  committee,  an  ap- 
peal may  be  taken  from  the  action,  neglect  or  refusal  of 
the  Lodge  within  two  weeks  thereafter  by  the  brother  ag- 
grieved thereby. — Petersen  vs.  California  Lodge,  1900  Jour- 
nal, 139,  176. 

68.  Investigating  Committee  as  to  benefits,  relief,  or  al- 
lowance. If  a  demand  is  made  for  the  appointment  of  a 
committee  to  investigate  as  to  benefits,  relief  or  allowance, 
as  provided  in  Sections  5  or  8  of  Article  IV,  Constitution  of 
Subordinates,  the  Lodge  must  appoint  the  same.  In  case  of 
refusal  to  appoint,  an  appeal  lies  to  the  Grand  Lodge. — In 
the  matter  of  Palmer,  1892  Journal,  109,  120. 

69.  An  appeal  is  a  matter  of  right.  All  questions  of  the 
right  of  appeal  are  independent  of  any  allowance  of  such 
appeals  by  the  Subordinate  Lodge. — Wagner  vs.  Germania 
Lodge,  1890  Journal,  424 ;  Sheridan  vs.  Millville  Lodge,  1885 
Journal,  352,  367 ;  Harbor  Lodge  vs.  Engelbright,  1886  Jour- 
nal, 609 ;  1862  Journal,  287,  322 ;  1864  Journal,  569. 

70.  An  appeal  cannot  be  ignored.  A  Subordinate  Lodge, 
when  an  appeal  is  taken  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  has  no  right 
to  refuse  to  allow,  or  to  refuse  to  grant,  said  appeal. — Wag- 
ner vs.  Germania  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  424,  448 ;  Matter  of 
Sawyer,  1890  Journal,  425,  448 ;  1877  Journal,  582,  678,  702. 

71.  Lodges  must  recognize  an  appeal  and  transmit  tran- 
script. A  Lodge  has  no  right  to  refuse  to  recognize  an  ap- 
peal from  its  action,  and  when  an  appeal  is  taken  it  is  the 
duty  of  the  Lodge  to  cause  to  be  sent  to  the  Grand  Secretary 
a  transcript  of  the  records  and  proceedings  in  the  case. — 
1901  Journal,  411,  544,  562. 

72.  Grand  Master  has  no  jurisdiction  in  matter  of 
charges.  The  Grand  Master  has  no  authority  to  act  upon 
appeals  in  cases  of  trials  of  members.  He  has  no  appellate 
jurisdiction  in  matters  of  charges  or  questions  arising  or 


88  Appeals. 

growing  out  thereof.  They  must  be  sent  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
for  action. — Noble  Grand  of  Los  Angeles  Lodge  vs.  Schlos- 
ser,  1891  Journal,  703,  727;  Harkins  vs.  St.  Helena  Lodge, 
1882  Journal,  741,  837;  Davis  vs.  Welcome  Lodge,  1876 
Journal,  490,  563;  1855  Journal,  145;  1866  Journal,  170, 
174;  1894  Journal,  720,  739. 

73.  The  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  has  no  jurisdiction 
in  matters  of  charges.  There  is  no  appeal  in  matters  of 
charges  or  trials  to  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master.  No 
power  is  lodged  in  that  officer's  hands  to  review  the  pro- 
ceedings of  a  Lodge  or  committee  in  cases  of  trial.  He  has 
no  judicial  power  and  no  appellate  jurisdiction  in  matters 
of,  or  questions  growing  or  arising  out  of,  charges. — Pid- 
dington  vs.  Ontario  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  524,  558;  Noble 
Grand  of  Los  Angeles  Lodge  vs.  Schlosser,  1891  Journal, 
703,  727 ;  1866  Journal,  170,  174 ;  1894  Journal,  720,  739. 

74.  Appeals  in  trial  cases  to  Grand  Lodge.  All  appeals 
in  matters  of  charges,  or  questions  arising  or  growing  out 
of  matters  of  charges,  must  be  taken  directly  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  and  the  transcript  on  appeal  must  be  transmitted  to 
the  Grand  Secretary  for  the  Committee  on  Appeals  and  the 
Grand  Lodge  for  action. — Dodson  vs.  Konokti  Lodge,  1876 
Journal,  490,  491,  563;  Noble  Grand  of  Los  Angeles  Lodge 
vs.  Schlosser,  1891  Journal,  703,  727;  Piddington  vs.  On- 
tario Lodge,  1896  Journal,  524,  558 ;  1894  Journal,  720,  739. 

75.  The  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  has  no  jurisdic- 
tion in  benefit  investigations.  An  appeal  from  the  action  of 
a  Lodge  denying  benefits,  after  investigating  as  provided  in 
Article  IV,  Section  5,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  cannot 
be  made  to  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master,  but  must  be 
made  directly  to  the  Grand  Lodge. — Middleton  vs.  Eel  River 
Lodge,  1884  Journal,  110,  134. 

76.  Decision  on  point  of  order  and  District  Deputy  Grand 
Master.  An  appeal  cannot  be  taken  to  the  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  from  a  decision  on  a  point  of  order  relative 
to  the  postponement  of  action  on  a  bill  of  exceptions,  as  in 
all  matters  of  trials  or  charges,  he  has  no  jurisdiction. — 1894 
Journal,  720,  739. 


Appeals.  89 

77.  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters  and  appeals.  Under 
Section  15,  Article  VIII,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  all 
appeals  unless  otherwise  provided,  are  to  be  taken  to  the 
Grand  Lodge;  there  is  no  provision  of  law  providing  for 
appeals  from  the  action  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  to  a  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master,  and  a  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 
has  no  jurisdiction  or  authority  to  entertain  such  appeals. 
He  may,  under  Section  7,  Article  IV,  Grand  Lodge  Constitu- 
tion, decide  all  questions  of  law  submitted  to  him  by  the 
Lodges  under  his  charges,  but  must  report  such  decisions 
immediately  to  the  Grand  Master  for  his  approval. — 1900 
Journal,  224,  244. 

78.  Appeal  must  be  taken  within  time.  An  appeal  must 
be  taken  within  the  time  prescribed  by  law,  otherwise  the 
right  of  appeal  is  gone,  and  it  cannot  be  resuscitated  by  a 
revival  of  the  claim,  or  otherwise.  When  the  legislation  of 
a  State  Grand  Lodge  limits  the  period  within  which  appeals 
from  the  action  of  its  Subordinates  must  be  taken,  such 
Grand  Lodge  cannot  disregard  its  own  laws  or  suspend 
them,  and  entertain  appeals  taken  after  such  period  has  ex- 
pired.— Strelitz  vs.  Los  Angeles  Lodge,  1878  Journal,  905, 
952;  1862,  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3468,  3490. 

79.  Time  elapses — Right  of  appeal  cannot  be  revived. 

Where,  by  the  laws,  appeals  are  required  to  be  made  within 
a  limited  time,  and  that  time  is  suffered  to  pass  by  without 
appeal  from  the  action  of  his  Lodge,  of  which  a  member 
complains,  his  right  of  appeal  is  gone,  and  cannot  be  resusci- 
tated by  a  revival  of  his  claim  or  demand,  or  a  second  re- 
fusal or  denial  of  his  claim  by  the  Lodge ;  the  second  denial 
being  nothing  more  than  a  reiteration  of  the  former  decision 
from  which,  if  at  all,  the  appeal  should  have  been  taken. — 
1862  Journal,  271 ;  In  re  B.  Isaacs,  1887  Journal,  898,  905 ; 
1861-1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3381,  14464,  14471. 

80.  Appeals  not  taken  in  time  dismissed.  Where  notice 
of  appeal  is  not  given,  or  served,  or  taken,  within  time,  the 
appeal  is  dismissed. — Samsel  vs.  Salmon  Creek  Lodge,  1878 
Journal,  932,  970;  Solomon  vs.  California  Lodge,  1880  Jour- 


90  Appeals. 

nal,  317,  350;  George  vs.  Grass  Valley  Lodge,  1887  Journal, 
854,  889;  Lagrave  vs.  Franco- American  Lodge,  1899  Jour- 
nal, 549,  612. 

81.  From  judgment  or  final  disposition.  Appeals  in  mat- 
ters of  charges  must  be  taken  within  two  weeks  after  judg- 
ment or  final  disposition.  Scott  vs.  Spring  Valley  Lodge, 
1891  Journal,  681,  685 ;  Lagrave  vs.  Franco-American  Lodge, 
1899  Journal,  549,  612. 

82.  Report  of  Trial  Committee  that  charges  are  insuf- 
ficient adopted,  and  appeal.  Where  a  Trial  Committee  re- 
ports charges  as  insufficient,  and  the  Lodge  at  the  same  meet- 
ing adopts  the  report,  a  notice  of  appeal  must  be  given  with- 
in two  weeks  thereafter.  When  notices  of  appeal  are  not 
given  in  time  the  appeal  is  dismissed. — Hart  vs.  Ferndale 
Lodge,  1901  Journal,  507,  539. 

83.  No  appeal  until  final  disposition.  Under  the  law 
when  charges  are  preferred,  all  incidental  questions  that 
may  subsequently  arise,  may  be  made  a  part  of  the  record 
in  the  form  of  an  exception  and  become  a  ground  of  appeal 
from  the  final  judgment  of  the  Lodge.  No  appeal,  however, 
lies  until  the  Lodge  has  made  or  rendered  a  final  disposition 
of  the  charges  or  final  judgment. — Slocomb  vs.  Cayucos 
Lodge,  1896  Journal,  519,  557. 

84.  No  appeal  on  incidental  questions.  No  appeal  lies 
till  the  Lodge  has  acted  upon  the  report  of  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee, by  rendering  a  final  judgment  or  making  final  dis- 
position. There  is  no  appeal  on  incidental  questions.  On 
an  appeal  from  final  judgment  all  the  incidental  questions 
as  to  the  appointment  of  members  of  the  Trial  Committee 
and  errors  occurring  during  the  trial,  can  be  considered. — 
Hubbs  vs.  Famsworth  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  547,  612;  Ayer 
vs.  Famsworth  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  546,  612. 

85.  A  premature  appeal — Motion — Order  for  benefits. 
Where  a  motion  was  duly  made  and  seconded  that  an  order 
be  drawn  on  the  Treasurer  in  favor  of  a  brother  for  sixteen 
dollars  for  four  weeks'  sick  benefits  for  sickness  dating  from 


Appeals.  91 

a  certain  date  and  the  Noble  Grand  declared  the  motion  not 
in  order;  and  an  appeal  was  taken  from  his  decision  to  the 
Lodge  and  the  Lodge  sustained  the  appeal,  deciding  that 
the  motion  was  in  order;  and  the  brother  then  appealed 
therefrom  to  the  Grand  Lodge.  The  appeal  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  is  premature.  The  Lodge  has  not  adopted  or  rejected 
the  motion.  It  has  not  acted  upon  it.  The  Lodge  in  passing 
upon  the  motion  might  not  adopt  it,  and  if  so,  then  there 
would  not  be  anything  for  those  opposed  to  granting  bene- 
fits from  which  to  take  an  appeal. — 1898  Journal,  163,  197. 

« 

86.  Premature  appeal — Benefit  investigation.  Where  a 
brother  made  a  demand  in  writing  that  the  Lodge  appoint 
a  committee  under  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of 
Subordinates,  to  investigate  his  claim  for  the  four  weeks 
immediately  preceding  the  demand,  which  was  referred  to 
a  benefit  investigating  committee  then  investigating  a  prior 
claim  of  the  brother  for  benefits,  and  which  committee  had 
not  yet  reported,  and  the  brother  appealed  on  the  ground 
that  the  Lodge  did  not  appoint  a  committee  on  his  last  de- 
mand as  required  by  said  Section  5,  the  appeal  was  prema- 
ture and  was  dismissed,  as  the  Lodge  took  action  on  the  de- 
mand and  had  not  at  the  time  of  the  appeal  rendered  a  final 
judgment  in  regard  thereto  or  made  a  final  disposition  of 
such  demand. — Petersen  vs.  California  Lodge,  1900  Jour- 
nal, 140,  176. 

87.  Points  of  order  and  no  action  on  motion  or  resolu- 
tion. An  appeal  may  be  taken  from  the  final  action  of  a 
Lodge  on  a  matter,  but  where  the  Lodge  has  not  acted  upon 
a  resolution  or  motion  made,  but  has  simply  decided  a  point 
of  order  in  regard  to  it  to  the  effect  that  the  Lodge  may 
entertain  and  act  thereon,  an  appeal  does  not  lie. — Gum- 
biner  vs.  Crockett  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  144,  176. 

88.  From  judgment  or  final  disposition.  Appeals  in  mat- 
ters of  investigation  of  claims  of  benefits,  under  Section  5, 
Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  must  be  taken  with- 
in two  weeks  after  judgment  or  final  disposition. — Sawyer 
vs.  Phoenix  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  667,  674;  Robertson  vs. 
Femdale  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  968,  978. 


92  Appeals. 

89.  A  premature  appeal — Report  of  Investigating  Com- 
mittee. After  the  filing  of  the  report  of  a  committee  ap- 
pointed under  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subor- 
dinate Lodges,  to  investigate  a  brother's  claim  for  benefits, 
but  before  the  Lodge  has  taken  final  action  on  the  report,  the 
claimant  gave  notice  of  appeal.  The  appeal  was  premature 
and  was  accordingly  dismissed. — George  vs.  Marion  Lodge, 
1899  Journal,  683. 

90.  Refusal  to  dismiss  charges  and  appeal.  Our  laws  do 
not  'permit  an  appeal  to  be  taken  from  the  action  of  the 
Lodge  refusing  to  dismiss  charges  for  insufficiency. — Slo- 
comb  vs.  Cayucos  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  519,  557. 

91.  Expelled  for  contempt,  and  appeal.  A  brother  ex- 
pelled for  contempt  has  the  right  to  appeal.  In  case  the 
Lodge  errs,  it  is  the  mode  of  obtaining  redress. — 1891  Jour- 
nal, 586,  687,  715 ;  Petition  of  Meyerstein,  1878  Journal,  946, 
974. 

92.  By-Laws  and  an  actual  case  under  them.  Where  By- 
Laws  of  a  Lodge  have  been  approved  by  the  Committee  on 
Laws  of  Subordinates  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  Lodge 
notified  thereof,  and  also  approved  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  a 
brother  has  no  right  of  appeal  simply  to  test  the  validity  of 
such  a  By-Law.  There  must  be  an  actual  case  under  the 
By-Laws,  or  involving  the  question  of  the  validity  of  such 
By-Laws,  and  the  appeal  must  be  in  that  case  on  the  ground 
that  the  By-Law  is  unconstitutional  or  invalid.  For  in- 
stance, if  the  Lodge  under  the  By-Laws  regulating  funeral 
assessments  should  levy  an  assessment  on  the  members  of 
the  Lodge,  then  any  member  in  the  manner  and  within  the 
time  provided  by  our  law,  may  appeal  from  such  assessment 
on  such  grounds. — Clark  vs.  Napa  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  527, 
558. 

93.  Ceased  membership.  A  brother  is  required  to  appeal 
within  two  weeks,  in  case  of  ceasing  to  be  a  member,  the 
same  as  in  other  cases. — 1865  Journal,  75. 

94.  No  right  of  appeal  in  certain  cases.  A  brother  has 
not  the  right  of  appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge  from  a  vote 


Appeals.  93 

taken  in  his  own  Lodge  refusing  to  reinstate  him  after  being 
suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues. — 1887  Journal,  869,  877, 
889. 

95.  Dues  and  assessments  during  expulsion  paid.  Where 
the  Grand  Lodge  reversed  the  judgment  of  a  Lodge  expelling 
a  brother  for  contempt,  and  the  brother  thereafter  paid  all 
dues  and  demands  charged  against  him  during  the  period 
of  his  expulsion,  and  seven  months  after  said  payment  ap- 
pealed from  the  action  of  the  Lodge  compelling  him  to  pay 
all  the  dues  and  assessments  during  the  period  of  his  ex- 
pulsion, the  appeal  was  dismissed  as  being  too  late.  Our 
laws  require  all  appeals  to  be  taken  within  two  weeks. — • 
Wagner  vs.  Germania  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  73,  91. 

96.  Cases  in  which  the  accuser  has  no  right  of  appeaL 

When  a  trial  has  been  regularly  had  on  the  charges  pre- 
ferred, and  the  accused  is  acquitted  on  the  facts  by  the  de- 
cision of  the  Lodge,  the  brother  preferring  the  charges  has 
no  right  of  appeal.— Kendall  vs.  Eureka  Lodge,  1855  Jour- 
nal, 121,  132 ;  Fletcher  vs.  Hope  Lodge,  1879  Journal,  77,  99 ; 
Martin  vs.  Cupertino  Lodge,  1902  Journal,  883,  891,  892. 

97.  The  same.  A  brother  who  presents  charges  before 
the  Lodge  against  another  has  not  the  right  to  appeal  from 
the  verdict  of  the  committee,  to  whom  the  same  was  re- 
ferred, if  no  grounds  of  informality  or  protest  have  been  en- 
tered during  the  progress  of  the  trial. — 1859  Journal,  447, 
521. 

98.  Accuser  and  questions  of  fact.  The  accused  having 
been  acquitted,  the  accuser  has  no  right  of  appeal  on  ques- 
tions of  fact  alone.  So  far  as  facts  are  concerned,  the  find- 
ing of  the  Lodge  is  conclusive. — Fraser  vs.  Los  Angeles 
Lodge,  1893  Journal,  348,  363 ;  Cohn  vs.  Hiller  Lodge,  1867 
Journal,  323,  327;  Martin  vs.  Cupertino  Lodge,  1902  Jour- 
nal, 883,  891,  892. 

99.  Accuser  may  appeal  on  questions  of  law.  After  a 
judgment  of  acquittal,  the  accuser  has  a  right  of  appeal  as 
to  matters  of  law.  The  appeal  is  confined  to  questions  of  law 


94  Appeals.  > 

alone,  and  is  the  only  safeguard  agaifist  error  in  such  cases. 
If  the  trial  is  irregular,  the  judgment  will  be  reversed  for 
that  reason,  and  the  case  sent  back  for  the  purpose  of  set- 
tling the  law.  The  decision  of  it  becomes  a  precedent  by 
which  Subordinate  Lodges  may  be  taught  to  avoid  similar 
errors. — Eureka  Lodge  vs.  Wilson,  1877  Journal,  650,  666; 
Cohn  vs.  Hiller  Lodge,  1867  Journal,  323,  327;  Swan  vs. 
Mount  Shasta  Lodge,  1868  Journal,  466,  481 ;  Shey  vs.  Porter- 
ville  Lodge,  1895  Journal,  140,  179. 

100.  Appeals,  how  taken.  All  appeals  shall  be  taken  by 
filing  with  the  Secretary  a  notice  of  appeal  and  the  grounds 
thereof. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  10. 

101.  To  the  Grand  Lodge.  All  appeals  shall  be  taken  di- 
rectly to  the  Grand  Lodge,  unless  otherwise  provided. — Con- 
stitution Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  15. 

102.  The  grounds  of  appeal  must  be  stated.  Those  who 
desire  to  appeal  must  comply  with  the  requirements  of  the 
Constitution  of  Subordinates.  If  there  is  no  statement  of 
the  grounds  of  appeal,  the  attempted  appeal  is  ineffectual 
and  will  be  dismissed. — Lang  vs.  Germania  Lodge,  McPher- 
son  vs.  Tuolumne  Lodge,  Richards  vs.  Tuolumne  Lodge, 
and  Trude  vs.  Clear  Lake  Lodge,  1894  Journal,  679,  680, 
681,  682,  716,  717 ;  Sheldon  vs.  Ramona  Rebekah  Lodge,  1895 
Journal,  140,  178;  Stein  vs.  Hermann  Lodge,  1897  Journal, 
953,  977;  Wofford  vs.  Central  California  Lodge,  Landsbor- 
ough  vs.  Florin  Lodge,  Lang  vs.  Hecker  Lodge,  Reardon  vs. 
Healdsburg  Lodge,  and  Kupper  vs.  Fountain  Lodge,  1898 
Journal,  167,  169,  198,  203 ;  Housekeeper  vs.  Ontario  Lodge, 
1899  Journal,  603,  613 ;  Miller  vs.  Los  Angeles  Lodge,  1902 
Journal,  883,  891. 

103.  The  form  of  notice  of  appeal.  The  Grand  Lodge 
has  prescribed  a  form  of  notice  of  appeal.  (See  Form  No. 
33  of  the  forms  affixed  to  this  digest.)  It  is  an  improper 
direction  to  direct  the 'notice  of  appeal  to  the  Committee 
on  Appeals.  Appeals  are  taken  by  filing  a  notice  of  appeal, 
and  the  grounds  thereof,  with  the  Secretary  of  the  Lodge,  as 
provided  in  Sections  10  and  15,  Article  VIII,  Constitution  of 


Appeals.  95 

Subordinates. — In  the  matter  of  Vickery,  1896  Journal,  575, 
617. 

104.  Notice  of  appeal  served  on  Grand  Secretary.  Sec- 
tion 10,  of  Article  VIII,  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges, 
regulates  the  manner  of  taking  all  appeals  from  Subordi- 
nate Lodges  and  prescribes  that  all  appeals  from  a  Subor- 
dinate Lodge  shall  be  taken  by  filing  with  the  Secretary  of 
the  Subordinate  Lodge  a  notice  of  appeal  and  the  grounds 
thereof.  Section  15  of  that  article  authorizes  appeals  from 
the  action,  refusal  or  neglect  of  a  Lodge  and  further  pro- 
vides in  effect  that  if  any  law  allowing  an  appeal  from  a 
Lodge  does  not  provide  to  whom  or  to  what  body  an  appeal 
may  be  taken  it  must  be  taken  to  the  Grand  Lodge.  A  notice 
of  appeal  given  to  the  Grand  Secretary  is  ineffectual  for 
any  purpose.  A  notice  of  appeal  must  be  served  on  the 
Lodge  or  no  appeal  is  taken. — Petersen  vs.  California  Lodge, 
1900  Journal,  181,  230. 

105.  Object  of  notice  of  appeal.  The  object  of  the  notice 
of  appeal  is  to  submit  succinctly  the  errors  alleged  and  not 
to  present  a  history  or  an  argument.  The  Grand  Lodge 
strongly  condemns  voluminous  and  argumentative  notices, 
and  notices  containing  unnecessary  statements  and  reitera- 
tions, as  they  involve  useless  labor  upon  the  brother  appeal- 
ing and  upon  the  Grand  Lodge.^Robinson  vs.  Templar 
Lodge,  1884  Journal,  137,  154. 

106.  Should  be  entered  in  full  on  records.  All  appeals 
in  a  Lodge  should  be  entered  in  full  upon  the  records,  and  it 
is  the  duty  of  the  Noble  Grand  to  instruct  the  Recording 
Secretary  to  so  enter  them. — 1861  Journal,  195,  196. 

107.  Appeals  from  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters.  The 
Grand  Master  shall  decide  all  appeals  on  questions  of  law 
which  may  be  made  to  him  from  the  decisions  of  his  depu- 
ties.— Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

108.  Appeal  from  decision  of  Grand  Master.     The  law 

does  not  provide  for  an  appeal  from  the  decision  of  a  Grand 
Master,  but  it  is  a  duty  as  well  as  the  practice  of  Grand 


96  Appeals. 

Masters  to  report  their  decisions  affecting  the  rights  of 
Lodges,  or  affecting  questions  of  membership,  or  the  rights 
of  members  or  persons  claiming  to  be  members,  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  for  its  approval  or  action.  There  is,  however, 
no  objection  to  any  Lodge,  or  member,  or  person  claiming 
to  be  a  member,  sending  a  communication  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  or  to  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  whether  in  form  of  appeal 
or  otherwise,  in  regard  to  a  decision  of  a  Grand  Master. — 
Appeal  of  Crooks,  1903  Journal,  121,  124,  154;  Matter  of 
Torosa  Rebekah  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  509,  539. 

109.  Right  of  appeal  cannot  be  impaired  even  if  records 
are  destroyed.  The  right  of  every  brother,  upon  a  proper 
appeal,  to  have  his  case  reviewed  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  can- 
not be  impaired  or  defeated  by  the  burning  of  the  charges 
or  evidence  or  notice  of  appeal. — Sheridan  vs.  Millville 
Lodge,  1885  Journal,  352,  367. 

110.  When  member  no  right  to  appeal.  A  brother  upon 
a  charge  of  abusive  and  offensive  language  was  tried  and 
fined  by  the  Lodge.  A  member  of  the  Lodge  who  was  not 
the  accused  or  the  complainant  and  not  interested  or  con- 
cerned in  the  case,  except  as  a  member  of  the  Lodge,  ap- 
pealed on  the  ground  that  some  irrelevant  and  incompetent 
evidence  was  received  and  that  the  Noble  Grand  voted  when 
there  was  not  a  tie  vote.  The  appeal  was  dismissed  as  the 
member  under  our  laws  had  no  right  to  appeal. — Brown  vs. 
Fall  River  Lodge,  1889  Journal,  101,  107. 

111.  When  an  appeal  may  be  taken.  Section  4,  Article 
VIII  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  provides  that  if 
an  appeal  is  not  taken  within  two  weeks  thereafter  the  judg- 
ment shall  be  final.  This  section  and  the  mode  of  procedure 
in  cases  of  charges  do  not  contemplate  an  appeal  by  any 
or  all  brothers  of  a  Lodge  upon  any  and  all  questions  of  law 
or  fact  which  may  arise  during  the  course  of  the  proceed- 
ings, from  the  preferment  of  charges  to  the  final  disposition 
thereof.  In  such  cases,  where  the  accused  is  tried  and  con- 
victed and  expelled,  and  he  does  not  appeal,  the  judgment 
is  final.    An  appeal  not  taken  by  the  accused  or  the  accuser. 


Appeals.  97 

but  by  the  Noble  Grand,  on  the  question  as  to  whether  cer- 
tain brothers  had  a  right  to  and  were  required  to  vote  was 
dismissed  as  unauthorized  by  law. — Davis  vs.  Riverside 
Lodge,  1897  Journal,  966,  977. 

(See  Stay  of  Proceedings.) 

(Appeals  from  Grand  Master  and  Noble  Grand — See 
Order,  Rules  and  Questions  of.) 

4.     RULES  OF  DECISION  AND  OTHER  MATTERS. 

112.  Burden  of  proof  on  appellant  to  show  affirmatively 
that  the  Lodge  has  erred.  Under  our  system  of  laws  a 
Lodge  is  a  sovereignty,  having  all  the  rights  of  self-govern- 
ment, subject,  however,  to  the  Constitution  and  laws  of  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  Constitution  and  laws  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  this  State.  It  possesses  and  exercises 
legislative  and  judicial  powers,  and  in  the  administration  of 
the  benefits  and  charities  of  Odd  Fellowship,  the  presump- 
tion is  in  favor  of  the  justice  and  legality  of  its  proceedings. 
The  burden  of  proof,  therefore,  is  upon  the  appellant  to 
show  affirmatively  that  the  Lodge  has  erred. — Haswell  vs. 
Capitol  Lodge,  1873  Journal,  865,  887 ;  Hitz  vs.  Alisal  Lodge, 
1877  Journal,  652,  666 ;  Osgood  vs.  Sierra  Lodge,  and  Froom 
vs.  Santa  Barbara  Lodge,  1878  Journal,  889,  890,  906,  934, 
952;  Strange  vs.  Sierra  Lodge,  and  Buck  vs.  Unity  Lodge, 
1879  Journal,  79,  99,  132,  146 ;  Fella  vs.  Golden  Gate  Lodge, 
1883  Journal,  1160,  1178;  Payne  vs.  Modoc  Lodge,  1892 
Journal,  72,  90;  Lord  vs.  Parker  Lodge,  1894  Journal,  722, 
739 ;  Lane  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  147,  177. 

113.  When  judgment  will  not  be  sustained.  In  appeal 
cases  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  the  judgment  of  the  Subordinate 
Lodge  will  not  be  sustained  unless  the  following  rules  are 
substantially  complied  with: 

First.  Charges  shall  distinctly  set  forth  the  offense,  with 
specifications  of  time,  place  and  circumstances  sufficient  to 
constitute  a  complete  offense. 

Second.  All  testimony  to  be  reduced  to  writing,  under 
oath,  if  made  by  a  person  not  a  member  of  the  Order,  and 

7 


98  Appeals. 

upon  the  honor  of  an  Odd  Fellow  if  the  witness  be  a  mem- 
ber. The  testimony  must  state  that  such  oath  or  obligation 
was  administered. 

Third.  No  testimony  to  be  taken  without  notice  to  and 
opportunity  for  cross-examination  by  the  opposing  party. — 
1856  Journal,  205. 

114.  Reversal  of  judgment — New  trial.  In  every  case 
of  the  reversal  of  a  judgment  on  appeal  by  this  Grand 
Lodge,  the  Subordinate  Lodge  has  the  power  to  order  a  new 
trial,  avoiding  the  errors  in  the  proceedings  pointed  out  by 
the  Grand  Lodge. — 1856  Journal,  205. 

115.  Reversal  of  judgment — New  trial.  In  case  of  the 
reversal  of  a  judgment  on  appeal  by  the  Grand  Lodge  on 
the  ground  of  insufficiency  of  evidence  to  establish  guilt, 
the  I^odge  may  order  a  new  trial  if  it  has  or  acquires  other 
and  additional  testimony  sufficient  to  prove  the  guilt  of  the 
accused.  Cases  seldom  justify  such  a  course,  and  the  Lodge 
should  order  the  new  trial  only  where  it  clearly  and  beyond 
doubt  has  or  acquires  such  additional  evidence.  If  a  Lodge 
should  abuse  its  power  in  this  respect  to  persecute  or 
oppress  a  brother  it  would  be  guilty  of  an  offense. — Hart 
vs.  Ferndale  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  623,  624,  672,  673. 

116.  Presumption  in  favor  of  acts  of  the  Lodge.    It  is 

undoubted  that  every  brother  must  have  allowed  to  him  a 
fair  opportunity  for  defense  from  any  alleged  fault,  and  to 
present  any  matters  in  mitigation;  but  there  is  an  equally 
familiar  principle  controlling  trials,  or  proceedings  in  the 
nature  of  trials.  The  presumption  is  that  the  acts  of  the 
Lodge  have  been  regular.  It  appears  that  the  fine  in  this 
case  was  inflicted  in  open  Lodge,  and  it  does  not  appear 
that  the  brother  was  not  present,  or  that  he  had  no  oppor- 
tunity to  make  any  excuse  he  deemed  pertinent,  and  we 
must  presume  he  had  a  fair  opportunity  for  defense,  excuse 
or  denial.— 1861  Journal,  162,  187. 

117.  Presumption  in  favor  of  a  committee.  The  pre- 
sumption is  in  favor  of  the  regularity  of  the  proceedings  of 


Appeals.  99 

a  legally  constituted  committee  until  the  contrary  is  shown. 
— Winfry  vs.  California  Lodge,  1880  Journal,  320,  351. 

118.  Unimportant  errors.  Errors  of  law  may  occur  dur- 
ing the  progress  of  a  trial  and  not  be  of  sufficient  import- 
ance to  justify  a  reversal  of  the  judgment. — Rattenbery  vs. 
Capitol  Lodge,  1870  Journal,  262,  292. 

119.  What  is  not  expected  of  Trial  Committees.  It  is 
not  expected  that  a  trial  before  a  committee  of  Odd  Fellows 
can  be  conducted  with  all  the  nice  discriminations  and 
exactness  which  attend  trials  before  regular  judicial 
tribunals.  It  is  sufficient  if  the  testimony  is  so  presented 
as  to  give  the  committee  a  full  knowledge  of  all  the  facts 
and  circumstances,  and  lead  them  to  just  and  correct  con- 
clusions.— California  Lodge  vs.  Livingston,  1870  Journal, 
258,  259,  292. 

120.  A  harmless  error  or  irregularity.  An  error  or  slight 
irregularity,  which  works  no  harm,  is  not  a  cause  of  reversal 
or  complaint. — Malcolm  vs.  Yerba  Buena  Lodge,  1879  Jour- 
nal, 80,  92 ;  Cohen  vs.  Hiller  Lodge,  1867  Journal,  323,  327 ; 
Lowenthal  vs.  San  Jose  Lodge,  1876  Journal,  466,  467. 

121.  Errors  which  do  not  render  the  trial  in  any  degree 
unfair.  Where  the  errors  committed  were  not  such  as  to 
render  the  trial  in  any  degree  unfair,  and  where  the  case 
would  not  have  been  more  favorable  to  the  defendant  had 
none  of  these  errors  existed,  the  judgment  was  affirmed. — 
California  Lodge  vs.  Livingston,  1870  Journal,  258,  259,  292. 

122.  Memorials,  petitions  and  ex-parte  statements.  Mat- 
ters involving  the  rights  of  Lodges  are  not  passed  upon  or 
reviewed  by  the  Grand  Lodge;  upon  ex-parte  statements  or 
petitions,  an  appeal  must  be  taken. — Memorial  of  Mary  New- 
man, 1886  Journal,  659,  662 ;  Petition  of  Chenhall,  1879  Jour- 
nal, 116 

123.  Acts  of  Lodges  disturbed  only  on  appeal.  The 
action  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  will  not  be  disturbed  except 
on  direct  appeal  therefrom.  After  the  time  of  appeal  has 
passed  without  an  appeal,  the  Lodge  has  a  right  which  the 


100  Ai»PEALS. 

Grand  Lodge  will  not  violate  by  acting  upon  memorials  or 
petitions. — Memorial  of  B.  Isaacs,  1887-  Journal,  898,  905. 

124.  An  appeal  not  in  due  course  of  law.  An  appeal 
must  be  taken  in  due  course  of  law,  otherwise  the  Grand 
Lodge  will  not  review  the  decisions  of  Lodges  upon  ques- 
tions of  benefits. — Memorial  of  Mary  Newman,  1886  Journal, 
659,  662. 

125.  Judgment  of  the  Lodge  final,  unless  appealed  from. 

The  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  in  the  section  relat- 
ing to  trials  upon  charges,  Article  VIII,  Section  4,  provides : 
"An  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  the  Lodge  may  be  taken 
at  any  time  within  two  weeks  thereafter  to  the  Grand  Lodge, 
and  if  no  such  appeal  is  taken,  the  judgment  of  the  Lodge 
shall  be  final."  Under  this  provision,  in  the  absence  of  an 
appeal,  the  judgment  of  a  Lodge  should  not  be  disturbed. — 
Petition  of  Jacob  Strelitz,  1877  Journal,  671,  695. 

126.  Ex-parte  communications  are  not  appeals.  A  com- 
munication wherein  a  brother  complains  that  he  is  in  good 
standing  in  his  Lodge,  that  he  has  been  a  long  time  sick,  and 
his  Lodge  refuses  to  pay  him  benefits,  was  returned  to  the 
brother,  as  it  is  a  mere  statement  without  record  and  without 
the  substance  or  form  of  an  appeal. — Kuchenmeister  vs.  Dia- 
mond Springs  Lodge,  1870  Journal,  228,  251. 

127.  The  same — ^Papers  returned.  Where  a  brother 
claiming  benefits  sends  his  statement  of  the  case,  together 
with  a  statement  from  a  Lodge  of  another  jurisdiction,  con- 
taining orders  and  reports  of  committees  in  relation  to  the 
matter,  but  there  is  no  notice  of  appeal  nor  return  thereto, 
nor  transcript,  the  papers  were  returned  to  the  brother.  In 
such  a  case  the  brother  utterly  fails  to  bring  his  case  before 
the  Grand  Lodge  so  that  the  Grand  Lodge  can  act  thereon. 
If  he  is  wronged  by  the  action  of  his  Lodge,  the  law  points 
out  the  mode  and  manner  by  which  he  may  be  relieved  by 
the  Grand  Lodge. — Hudnott  vs.  Santa  Clara  Lodge,  1870 
Journal,  273,  294,  295. 

128.  Ex-parte  statements  will  not  be  considered.  Ex- 
parte  statements  and  ex-parte  documents  on  behalf  of  the 


Appeals.  101 

appellant,  as  well  as  those  on  behalf  of  the  respondent,  filed 
or  made  or  transmitted  to  the  Grand  Lodge  after  the  appeal, 
are  not  part  of  the  transcript  on  appeal  and  cannot  be  con- 
sidered. Frazee  vs.  Santa  Rosa  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  841, 
854. 

129.  The  Grand  Lodge  cannot  decide  on  ex-parte  state- 
ments. The  Grand  Lodge  cannot  decide  as  to  the  merits  or 
truth  of  the  facts  of  the  case  upon  ex-parte  statements. 
Where  the  record  of  the  action  of  a  Lodge  is  in  form,  and 
shows  that  the  Lodge  sustains  the  action  of  its  committee 
regularly  appointed  to  make  inquiry  in  the  premises,  the 
Grand  Lodge  must  presume  the  report  of  said  committee 
to  be  correct,  and  cannot  go  behind  the  action  of  the  Lodge 
in  the  premises. — Landers  vs.  San  Francisco  Lodge,  1870 
Journal,  230,  231,  252. 

130.  Course  required  to  have  Grand  Lodge  review  action 
of  Lodge  as  to  benefits.  Where  a  Lodge  neglects  or  refuses 
to  grant  a  brother  sick  benefits,  and  he  does  not  demand  a 
committee  to  investigate  his  claim  for  benefits,  under  Section 
5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  the  action  of 
the  Lodge  will  not  be  disturbed  or  reversed  on  appeal,  but 
will  be  affirmed,  as  the  brother  has  not  pursued  the  course 
provided  by  law  for  the  review  of  such  questions  by  the 
Grand  Lodge. — Ashley  vs.  Pacheco  Lodge,  1886  Journal, 
615,  617;  Piatt  vs.  Capitol  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  383,  388; 
Wagner  vs.  Germania  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  73,  91 ;  Levy  vs. 
Magnolia  Lodge,  1893  Journal,  362,  378 ;  Lyons  vs.  Harmony 
Lodge,  1896  Journal,  612,  619 ;  Butner  vs.  University  Lodge, 
1898  Journal,  175,  203. 

131.  The  same — Petition — Memorial.  In  those  cases 
where  a  Lodge  refuses  to  pay  benefits  and  a  brother  desires 
to  prosecute  his  claim  therefor,  he  must  pursue  the  course 
prescribed  by  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates;  that  is, 
demand  a  committee  of  investigation  under  Section  5,  Arti- 
cle IV,  and  in  case  the  Lodge  decides  against  his  claim,  he 
must  take  an  appeal  as  provided  therein.  If  he  does  not, 
the  Grand  Lodge  will  not  review  or  disturb  the  action  of  the 


102  Appeals. 

Lodge  upon  petition  or  memorial. — In  matter  of  Wetherbee, 
1892  Journal,  125,  128;  in  matter  of  Wortman,  1889  Journal, 
121,  148 :  Memorial  of  Hanf ord  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  230, 
261. 

132.  Objects  of  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Subordinate  Lodge 
Constitution.  Section  5,  Article  IV,  of  the  Constitution  of 
Subordinates,  is  not  only  for  the  protection  of  the  Lodge, 
but  for  the  benefit  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  To  have  this  Grand 
Lodge  review  the  action  of  Subordinates  in  matters  of  sick 
benefits,  brothers  must  demand  the  appointment  of  the  com- 
mittee within  time  and  comply  with  the  requirements  of  this 
section  of  the  Constitution,  so  that  this  Grand  Lodge  may 
be  in  possession  of  the  evidence  upon  which  the  committee 
acts,  and  also  the  proceedings  of  the  committee,  that  it  may 
be  enabled  to  pass  intelligently  upon  the  questions  involved. 
— Breyer  vs.  San  Jose  Lodge,  1888  Journal,  1087,  1096. 

133.  Petition  from  expelled  brother — Contempt.  In  case 
a  brother  is  expelled  for  contempt  in  refusing  to  stand  trial 
on  charges,  the  Grand  Lodge  cannot  act  upon  petition  from 
the  expelled  brother  in  matters  of  this  nature.  In  case  a 
Lodge  errs,  our  laws  provide  appeal  as  the  mode  of  obtain- 
ing redress  in  such  proceedings,  and  where  no  appeal  is 
taken,  the  Grand  Lodge  is  not  authorized  to  review  the 
action  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge. — Petition  of  Meyerstein, 
1878  Journal,  946,  974. 

134.  Petition  from  expelled  brother — Charges.  The 
Grand  Lodge  cannot  act  upon  a  petition  from  an  expelled 
brother  petitioning  that  the  Grand  Lodge  compel  the  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  to  reinstate  him.  If  the  petitioner  has  any 
remedy  it  is  by  appeal.  In  matter  of  charges  and  expulsion 
our  laws  provide  appeal  as  the  means  and  mode  of  obtain- 
ing redress,  and  when  no  appeal  is  taken  the  Grand  Lodge 
is  not  authorized  to  review  the  action  of  the  Subordinate 
Lodge.— Petition  of  Rosenbaum,  1900  Journal,  142,  176. 

135.  Course  required  to  have  Grand  Lodge  review  action 
of  Lodge  as  to  funeral  expenses.  If  a  Lodge  refuses  or 
neglects  to  pay  funeral  expenses,  and  no  demand  has  been 


Appeals.  103 

made  for  the  appointment  of  a  committee  under  Section 
8,  Article  IV,  of  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  to  investi- 
gate the  matter,  as  provided  by  Section  5,  of  said  Article 
IV,  the  Grand  Lodge  will  not  review  the  action  of  Lodge  on 
appeal.  To  authorize  the  Grand  Lodge  to  review  the  action 
of  the  Lodge,  the  course  prescribed  by  said  Sections  5  and 
8  of  Article  IV  must  be  pursued. — ^Holmes  vs.  Circle  Lodge, 
1896  Journal,  634,  653. 

136.  Objections  and  exceptions  must  be  made  and  re- 
served. The  accused  who  desires  the  action  of  the  Trial 
Committee  to  be  reviewed  in  a  particular  matter,  must  make 
and  reserve  his  objection  and  exception  at  the  time,  and 
also  state  it  in  his  bill  of  exceptions.  He  cannot  be  permit- 
ted to  acquiesce  in  the  committee's  action  and  then,  if  the 
verdict  is  favorable,  accept  it,  but  if  unfavorable,  set  it 
aside. — Berns  vs.  Blue  Lake  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  92,  101. 

137.  Absence  of  the  accused  and  objections  and  excep- 
tions. The  accused  not  appearing  in  person  nor  by  attorney 
of  his  own  selection,  all  objections  to  the  sufficiency  of  the 
charges  and  the  proof  to  sustain  them  are  considered  as 
reserved,  as  also  all  exceptions  to  regularity  of  the  pro- 
ceedings had  by  a  Lodge. — 1863  Journal,  402,  441. 

138.  The  accuser  consenting  to  dismissal.  An  accuser 
who  consents  to  the  report  of  the  Trial  Committee  that  the 
proceedings  be  dismissed,  which  is  adopted  by  the  Lodge, 
has  no  cause  of  appeal  against  the  Lodge's  action. — Mitch- 
ell vs.  Grass  Valley  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  80,  91. 

139.  Evidence  for  the  prosecution  excluded.  Where  the 
aecu.ser  appealed  from  a  judgment  of  acquittal  and  it  ap- 
peared the  Trial  Committee  had  excluded  nearly  all  the 
testimony  for  the  prosecution,  the  judgment  was  reversed 
and  the  cause  was  remanded  for  a  new  trial. — Eureka  Lodge 
vs.  Wilson,  1877  Journal,  650,  666. 

140.  Conflict  of  evidence,  judgment  not  disturbed.  In 
case  of  conflict  of  evidence,  where  there  is  sufficient  evi- 
dence to  support  the  judgment  or  finding,  it  is  settled  law 


104  Appeals. 

that  the  Grand  Lodge  will  not  disturb  the  action  of  the 
Lodge. — Hayes  vs.  El  Dorado  Lodge,  4890  Journal,  384,  414; 
Moore  vs.  Eel  River  Lodge,  Whitters  vs.  Truth  Lodge  and 
Alexander  vs.  Eureka  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  668,  674,  680, 
681,  689,  716;  Holbrook  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1892  Jour- 
nal, 82,  91 ;  Yerba  Buena  Lodge  vs.  Collins,  1869  Journal, 
100,  123 ;  Kennedy  vs.  Wood,  1873  Journal,  842,  855 ;  Ayer 
vs.  Farnsworth  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  149,  150,  177. 

141.  Conflict  of  evidence,  action  or  decision  is  final.    In 

case  of  conflict  of  evidence,  the  action  or  decision  of  the 
Lodge  as  to  questions  of  fact  is  final. — Kelley  vs.  Silver  Star 
Lodge,  1887  Journal,  855,  866;  Billings  vs.  Eureka  Lodge, 
1891  Journal,  695,  717,  723 ;  Malcolm  vs.  Yerba  Buena  Lodge, 
1879  Journal,  80,  99;  Sahling  vs.  California  Lodge,  1880 
Journal,  316,  350;  Freund  vs.  Sonora  Lodge,  1889  Journal, 
146,  160;  Martin  vs.  Cupertino  Lodge,  1902  Journal,  883,  891, 
892. 

142.  To  disturb  the  judgment,  there  must  be  an  entire 
want  of  evidence.  Under  the  well-established  rule  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  the  judgment  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  will  not 
be  disturbed  unless  there  is  an  entire  want  of  testimony  to 
sustain  the  verdict. — Ott  vs.  Fidelity  Lodge,  1880  Journal, 
390,  391. 

143.  The  same.  There  must  be  an  obvious  insufficiency 
of  evidence.  The  Lodge  has  the  opportunity  to  ascertain 
the  character  of  witnesses,  and  know  the  weight  to  be  given 
to  their  testimony.  Only  in  cases  of  obvious  insufficiency 
of  testimony  will  the  Grand  Lodge  interfere  with  the  judg- 
ment of  the  Lodge  on  the  ground  that  the  verdict  is  con- 
trary to  the  evidence. — Jackson  Lodge  vs.  Paul,  1868  Jour- 
nal, 467,  481. 

144.  Lodge's  discretionary  judgment  as  to  facts.    As  to 

the  facts,  the  Lodge  has  a  discretionary  judgment  as  to  their 
force,  and  the  Grand  Lodge  will  not  reverse  the  decision  of 
the  Subordinate  Lodge  upon  the  facts,  unless  in  a  case  of 
gross  abuse,  or  unless  manifest  error  appears. — San  Juan 
Lodge  vs.  Moore,  1859  Journal,  488,  489,  495. 


Appeals.  105 

145.  The  Lodge  is  the  judge  of  the  facts.  On  questions 
of  fact,  the  Lodge  is  the  proper  and  exclusive  judge,  and 
in  no  case  has  the  Grand  Lodge  reversed  the  action  of  a  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  on  the  trial  of  a  brother  if  there  be  a  conflict 
of  testimony. — Napa  Lodge  vs.  Israelsky,  1871  Journal,  427, 
440;  Bay  City  Lodge  vs.  Ephraim,  1861  Journal,  155,  166. 

146.  Policy  of  our  laws  as  to  conflict  of  testimony.    The 

policy  of  our  laws  is  not  to  disturb  the  judgment  of  a  Lodge 
based  on  the  verdict  of  a  committee  rendered  on  matters 
of  fact,  unless  the  evidence  is  palpably  insufficient  to  jus- 
tify the  verdict  of  the  committee. — Winfry  vs.  California 
Lodge,  1880  Journal,  320,  351;  Napa  Lodge  vs.  Israelsky, 
1871  Journal,  427,  440. 

147.  Credibility  of  witness  and  value,  effect  and  weight 
of  testimony.  The  Trial  Committee  and  the  Subordinate 
Lodge  are  the  judges  of  the  facts  and  the  best  judges  of  the 
credibility  and  character  of  witnesses,  and  the  value,  effect 
and  weight  to  be  accorded  to  their  testimony,  and  as  has 
been  frequently  held,  it  is  not  the  province  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  to  review  matters  of  fact  where  the  testimony  is  con- 
flicting.— Sacramento  Lodge  vs.  McKin,  1871  Journal,  428, 
440:  Bay  City  Lodge  vs.  Ephraim,  1861  Journal,  156,  166; 
Fella  vs.  Golden  Gate  Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1160,  1178;  Mc- 
Cleery  vs.  Sacramento  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  870,  887. 

148.  The  same.  The  Trial  Committee  has  an  opportu- 
nity to  observe  the  manner  and  judge  of  the  credibility  of 
the  witnesses,  and  note  many  circumstances  in  the  testi- 
mony which  can  never  be  properly  reported  upon  paper. 
They  are  the  best  judges  upon  a  question  of  fact. — Mountain 
Rose  Lodge  vs.  McCoy,  1860  Journal,  33,  34,  40;  1861  Jour- 
nal, 159. 

149.  The  same.  The  Trial  Committee  is  much  more  capa- 
ble of  judgin^,'  of  the  testimony  of  witnesses,  and  weigh- 
ing the  same,  than  the  Committee  on  Appeals,  because  they 
see  and  hear  the  witnesses,  and  the  manner  and  tone  in 
which  the  testimony  is  given. — California  Lodge  vs.  Living- 
ston, 1870  Journal,  258,  292. 


106  Appeals. 

150.  Fact  of  disability  and  benefits.  When  the  question 
of  benefits  is  one  of  mere  fact  as  to  the  physical  disability, 
the  brethren  of  the  Lodge  are  best  able  to  decide  it,  and  the 
decision  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge  is  final,  and  will  not  be 
disturbed  on  appeal. — Chapman  vs.  Capitol  Lodge,  1895 
Journal,  197,  198,  213 ;  1860  Journal,  28 ;  Haswell  vs.  Capitol 
Lodge,  1873  Journal,  865,  887;  Osgood  vs.  Sierra  Lodge, 
1878  Journal,  890,  934;  Froom  vs.  Santa  Barbara  Lodge, 
1878  Journal,  906,  952. 

151.  A  mere  issue  of  fact.  Where  the  issue  is  purely  a 
matter  of  fact,  and  there  is  no  testimony  whatever  in  con- 
flict with  the  report  of  the  committee,  the  action  of  the 
Subordinate  Lodge  will  not  be  disturbed. — San  Bernardino 
Lodge  vs.  Perdew,  1871  Journal,  449,  470. 

152.  An  acquittal  is  final  as  to  facts.  In  cases  of  acquit- 
tal, the  action  of  the  Lodge  is  final  as  to  facts.  The  Grand 
Lodge  cannot  consider  the  question  as  to  whether  the  ver- 
dict is  contrary  to  the  testimony.  The  finding  of  facts  is 
conclusive. — Shey  vs.  Porterville  Lodge,  1895  Journal,  140, 
179 ;  Cohn  vs.  Hiller  Lodge,  1867  Journal,  323,  327. 

153.  An  expelled  Past  Grand  not  admitted  to  Grand 
Lodge.  A  Past  Grand  expelled  by  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  and 
who  has  appealed  from  the  judgment  of  expulsion,  cannot 
be  admitted  to  the  Grand  Lodge  to  defend  his  case  on 
appeal. — 1857  Journal,  230. 

154.  Before  Grand  Lodge  who  may  represent  a  Lodge. 

A  brother  who  is  not  a  Past  Grand  cannot  represent  a  Lodge 
in  case  of  an  appeal  before  the  Grand  Lodge.  No  one  but 
Past  Grands  in  good  standing  are  admitted  to  a  Grand  Lodge 
session.— 1896  Journal,  414,  578,  619. 

155.  Argument  before  Grand  Lodge — Evidence  on  appeal. 
A  brother  while  arguing  a  question  of  appeal  has  the  right 
to  read  a  portion  of  the  evidence  from  the  transcript  on 
appeal,  without  reading  the  whole  of  it,  and  it  is  proper 
and  right  for  him  to  state  what  he  claims  to  be  the  evidence 
in  the  case,  but  the  evidence  before  the  Grand  Lodge  on  an 


Appeals.  107 

appeal  is  the  evidence  contained  in  the  transcript  on  appeal. 
—1891  Journal,  715,  732. 

156.  CJharges  defective  in  name  of  accuser.  Where  the 
charges  are  defective  in  the  name  of  the  person  preferring 
them,  and  the  accused  makes  this  a  ground  of  objection, 
the  conviction  should  be  reversed. — Cloutman  vs.  Eldorado 
Lodge,  1855  Journal,  129,  139. 

157.  Name  of  accuser  cannot  be  withheld.  Where  the 
lecord  contained  a  copy  of  the  charges  preferred  in  the 
Lodge,  but  did  not  contain  the  name  of  the  person  preferring 
the  charges;  instead  of  which  name  there  was  merely  an 
entry,  ''name  withheld  by  order  of  the  Noble  Grand."  The 
record  also  showed  that  the  accused  was  not  furnished  with 
a  full  copy  of  the  charges  preferred,  but  only  with  a  copy 
deficient  in  the  name  of  the  person  who  preferred  the  charges, 
and  that  he  could  not  obtain  the  name  of  his  accuser,  all 
of  which  he  made  ground  of  objection  before  going  to  trial. 
The  proceedings  were  reversed. — Chedic  vs.  Eldorado  Lodge, 
1855  Journal,  130,  139. 

158.  Trial  Committee  appointed  by  Noble  Grand  and  no 
exception.  Where  the  records  show  that  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee was  regularly  appointed  and  the  complainant  and 
appellant  admits  to  the  Committee  on  Appeals  that  he  was 
present  when  the  Trial  Committee  was  appointed,  and  took 
no  exception  to  the  appointment,  the  appellant  cannot,  on 
the  appeal  in  the  Grand  Lodge,  object  that  the  Noble  Grand 
appointed  the  whole  committee. — Kendall  vs.  Eureka  Lodge, 
1855  Journal,  121,  132. 

159.  Where  the  Lodge  desires  to  allow  further  testimony 
and  the  accused  declines.  When  a  Lodge  desires  to  refer 
a  case  back  to  the  Trial  Committee,  to  allow  the  testimony 
of  other  witnesses  to  be  taken,  and  the  accused  declines 
to  have  such  action  taken,  he  cannot  on  appeal  raise  the 
objection  that  he  was  not  allowed  the  testimony  of  such 
witnesses. — Red  Bluff  Lodge  vs.  Porter,  1860  Journal,  34,  33. 

160.  Right  to  cross-examine  witnesses.  To  deprive  the 
accused  of  an  opportunity  to  cross-examine  a  witness  for 


108  Appeals. 

the  prosecution  who  was  examined  in  chief,  is  a  sufficient 
error  to  reverse  the  whole  proceeding.^— Livingston  vs.  Cali- 
fornia Lodge,  1863  Journal,  416,  417. 

161.  Refusing  the   accused  time   to   obtain  a  witness. 

Where  on  charges  of  feigning  sickness  and  attempting 
thereby  to  obtain  sick  benefits,  the  Trial  Committee  commit- 
ted an  error  in  refusing  the  defendant  time  to  obtain  an 
absent  witness,  a  doctor;  and  the  trial  proceeded  without 
objection,  and  both  parties  introduced  testimony  as  to  what 
the  witness  had  said  in  reference  to  the  case,  and  the  defend- 
ant was  specially  allowed  to  give  evidence  of  witness'  state- 
ment in  full,  as  to  the  exact  condition  of  defendant's  health; 
and  the  defendant  testified  or  had  an  opportunity  to  testify, 
to  all  the  facts  known  to  the  witness;  the  error  was  consid- 
ered not  detrimental  to  defendant. — California  Lodge  vs. 
Livingston,  1870  Journal,  258,  292. 

162.  Appeals  dismissed  or  withdrawn  at  request  of  appel- 
lant. The  Grand  Lodge  has  dismissed  appeals  at  the  request 
of  the  appellant,  when  the  appellant  did  not  desire  to  prose- 
cute it,  and  the  matter  had  been  amicably  settled  and  has 
allowed  appeals  to  be  withdrawn  at  request  of  appellant. — 
Simpson  vs.  Eldorado  Lodge,  1857  Journal,  255,  256 ;  Grimes 
vs.  Cherokee  Lodge,  1865  Journal,  69,  70 ;  Powers  vs.  Suisun 
Lodge,  1868  Journal,  491,  492,  508 ;  Butler  vs.  Capitol  Lodge, 
1882  Journal,  825. 

163.  Appeals    on    trivial    questions    disapproved.      The 

Grand  Lodge  disapproves  of  Lodges  appealing  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  on  questions  of  trivial  importance. — Barns  vs.  Altu- 
ras  Lodge,  1862  Journal,  281. 

164.  The  effect  of  appeal.  An  appeal  does  not  operate 
as  a  stay,  except  in  the  cases  provided  in  Section  2,  Article 
VIII,  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution.  An  appeal  by  a 
member  under  suspension  does  not  restore  him  to  the  privi- 
leges of  his  Lodge. — Newfield  vs.  Garcia  Lodge,  1881  Jour- 
nal, 503,  602,  627;  1870  Journal,  256,  282. 

(See  Stay  of  Proceedings.) 


Appeals.  109 

165.  The  same.  While  the  right  to  appeal  is  sacred  under 
the  law,  yet  a  member  expelled  from  a  Subordinate  Lodge 
stands  expelled  until  the  order  from  the  Grand  or  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  for  his  reinstatement  to  membership  reaches 
the  Subordinate  Lodge.— 1898  Journal,  10,  221,  240. 

166.  On  appeal  benefits  limited  to  the  period  claimed. 
When  a  claim  is  made  for  benefits  from  a  specified  date  only 
and  refused,  a  Grand  Lodge  cannot,  on  an  appeal  from  such 
refusal,  decide  that  the  applicant  was  entitled  to  benefits 
from  a  date  anterior  to  the  specified  date. — 1879  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  8110,  8178. 

167.  Continuance  refused  and  no  exception.  Where  a 
continuance  is  asked  and  the  Trial  Committee  refuses  it,  and 
the  accused  takes  no  exception,  he  cannot  avail  himself  of,  or 
raise  an  objection  to  the  refusal  on  appeal. — Lord  vs.  Par- 
ker Lodge,  1894  Journal,  722,  739;  Knowles  vs.  Enterprise 
Lodge,  1897  Journal,  955,  977. 

168.  Continuance.  The  continuance  of  the  hearing  is  a 
matter  which  appertains  to  the  discretion  of  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee, and  the  Grand  Lodge  will  not  interfere  on  appeal, 
unless  it  affirmatively  appears  that  the  committee  has  erred ; 
that  it  has  abused  its  discretion. — Kjiowles  vs.  Enterprise 
Lodge,  1897  Journal,  955,  977. 

169.  No  action  on  report  of  Trial  Committee.  Where  a 
Lodge  does  not  take  action  on  the  report  of  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee finding  the  accused  guilty,  or  pronounce  any  ver- 
dict upon  the  truth  or  falsity  of  the  charges,  the  judgment 
imposing  a  penalty  will  be  reversed  because  there  must  be 
a  verdict  or  judgment  by  the  Lodge. — Morris  vs.  Merced 
Lodge,  1890  Journal,  380,  388;  Turner  vs.  Camptonville 
Lodge,  1890  Journal,  423,  447. 

170.  Appeal  from  reprimand.  If  he  receives  his  repri- 
mand and  appeals  his  case  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  he  is  not  oiit 
of  standing  till  the  Grand  Lodge  decides  his  case. — 1894 
Journal,  605,  733,  771. 

171.  Reprimand  and  appeal.  If  the  accused  receives  his 
reprimand  before  the  Grand  Lodge  decides  the  case  he  waives 


110  Appeals. 

his  case  and  appeal,  and  if  the  Grand  Lodge  reverses  the 
action  of  the  Lodge,  he  is  not  entitled  to  an  apology  from  the 
Lodge.— 1894  Journal,  605,  733,  771. 

172.  When  judgment  final.  When  no  appeal  is  taken 
from  a  judgment  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  in  matter  of 
charges,  its  judgment  is  final. — ^Petition  of  Balch,  1879  Jour- 
nal, 140,  151. 

173.  The  same.  When  an  appeal  is  taken  from  the  judg- 
ment of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  in  matter  of  charges,  and  its 
judgment  affirmed  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  no  appeal  is 
taken  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  the  judgment  is  final. 
—Petition  of  Balch,  1879  Journal,  140,  151. 

174.  A  member  of  Trial  Committee  disqualified.  Where 
a  brother  who  is  disqualified  by  his  opinions  serves  on  the 
Trial  Committee,  after  objections  and  exceptions  duly  made, 
the  judgment  of  conviction  will,  on  appeal,  be  reversed.: — 
Springer  vs.  Harbor  Lodg^,  1886  Journal,  621,  622,  645. 

175.  Costs  of  an  appeal.  The  law  of  the  Order  makes  no 
provision  for  the  recovery  of  costs  of  an  appeal  by  one 
litigant  from  another;  therefore  costs  made  by  one  party 
cannot  be  recovered  from  the  other,  no  matter  what  may  be 
the  result  of  the  litigation.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  43,  219, 
243. 

5.     A    LODGE    OR    GENERAL    RELIEF    COMMITTEE 
AGAINST  A  LODGE'S  ACTION. 

176.  Such  appeals  may  be  taken.  Appeals  may  be  taken 
by  any  Lodge  within  this  jurisdiction  against  the  action  of 
any  other  Lodge  also  within  this  jurisdiction. — 1863  Journal, 
420,  431 ;  1892  Journal,  134,  135,  137. 

177.  Must  be  taken  within  twelve  weeks.  An  appeal 
taken  by  one  Lodge  against  the  action  of  another  Lodge, 
shall  be  taken  within  twelve  weeks  from  and  after  the  time 
the  appellant  shall  receive  notice  in  writing  of  the  action 
of  the  appellee.— 1892  Journal,  134,  135,  137. 


Appeals.  1 1 1 

178.  Manner  of  taking  such  appeals — Duties  of  appel- 
lant and  appellee.     Such  appeal  shall  be  taken  as  follows: 

First.  The  appellant  shall  determine  to  appeal  by  reso- 
lution entered  on  its  minutes. 

Second.  The  Secretary  shall  thereupon  and  within  said 
twelve  weeks  transmit  to  the  appellee  a  copy  of  such  reso- 
lution, certified  to  by  the  Secretary,  together  with  a  state- 
ment on  appeal,  of  all  the  facts,  as  the  appellant  claims  them 
to  be,  and  also  such  affidavits  and  documents  or  copies  there- 
of, certified  to  by  the  Secretary  as  the  Lodge  deems  expedient 
to  prove  the  facts. 

Third.  The  appellee  shall,  on  receipt  thereof,  transmit  to 
the  Grand  Lodge  a  statement  on  appeal,  stating  therein  what 
facts  in  appellant's  statements  it  admits,  and  what  facts 
therein  it  denies,  and  stating  all  other  facts  of  the  case,  and 
such  affidavits  and  documents  on  its  behalf,  or  copies  thereof 
certified  by  the  Secretary,  as  the  Lodge  deems  expedient  to 
prove  the  facts  as  it  claims  them  to  be,  and  together  with 
copies  of  all  its  minutes  and  documents  relating  to  the  case. 

Fourth.  Appellant  shall  transmit,  also,  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  certified  copies  of  all  its  minutes  and  of  all  documents 
relating  to  the  case. 

Fifth.  The  appellant  and  appellee  shall  send  to  each  other 
copies  of  all  papers  sent  by  them  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  on  the 
same  day  that  they  are  transmitted  to  the  Grand  Lodge. — 
1892  Journal,  134,  135,  137. 

179.  When  action  of  Lodge  final.  Sixth.  If  an  appeal 
is  not  taken  within  time  the  action  of  the  Lodge  shall  be  con- 
sidered as  acquiesced  in  and  final. — 1892  Journal,  134,  135, 
137. 

180.  General  Relief  Committees.  Seventh.  This  law 
(the  law  regulating  appeals  by  one  Lodge  from  another 
Lodge's  action,  see  the  foregoing  sections  176  to  180)- shall 
be  applicable  to  General  Relief  Committees. — 1892  Journal, 
134,  135,  137. 


112  Appeals. 

181.  In  case  of  ex-parte  statement  and  no  appeal.     In 

case  a  Lodge  is  divssatisfied  with  the  action  of  another  Lodge, 
the  law  provides  a  remedy  by  appeal,  and  where  there  is 
no  appeal,  but  an  ex-parte  statement,  the  Grand  Lodge  will 
not  decide  or  determine  the  issue  or  difference  between  the 
Lodges. — Marin  Lodge  vs.  Golden  State  Lodge,  1886  Journal, 
624,  646. 

182.  Petition  or  communication  and  no  appeal.  Our 
laws  provide  that  a  Lodge  of  this  jurisdiction  may  appeal 
from  the  action  of  another  Lodge  of  this  jurisdiction,  and 
therefore  if  a  Lodge  claims  that  another  Lodge  refuses  to 
pay  its  claim,  the  proper  course  to  pursue  is  to  take  an  ap- 
peal as  provided  by  law.  The  Grand  Lodge  will  not  in  such 
matters  act  on  a  petition  or  communication. — Matter  of 
Mound  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  125,  128. 

183.  Memorial  or  petition  after  time  for  appeal  has 
elapsed.  Our  laws  provide  that  a  Lodge  may  appeal  from 
the  action  of  another  Lodge,  and  regulate  the  manner  and 
time  thereof.  After  the  time  has  passed  without  an  appeal, 
the  Lodge  has  a  right  which  the  Grand  Lodge  will  not  vio- 
late by  acting  on  memorials  or  petitions. — Memorial  by  B. 
Isaacs,  1887  Journal,  898,  905. 

184.  Duty  of  Grand  Lodge.  The  Grand  Lodge  should 
not  act  on  ex-parte  statements,  nor  dispose  of  a  claim  of  one 
Lodge  against  another  Lodge  without  proof,  nor  hear  and 
adjudicate  the  same  without  notice  to  that  Lodge,  nor  with- 
out affording  the  Lodge  an  opportunity  as  a  Lodge  to  be 
heard.— Matter  of  Mound  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  125,  128. 

185.  Disputes  and  differences  between  Lodges.  Where 
there  is  a  dispute  and  difference  between  Lodges — that  is, 
where  any  Lodge  claims  that  another  Lodge  is  indebted  to 
and  should  pay  it  a  sum  of  money — our  laws  provide  for  an 
appeal  in  such  cases  to  the  Grand  Lodge  as  an  appropriate 
remedy.  In  such  cases,  in  the  absence  of  an  appeal  to  the 
Grand  Lodge,  it  will  not  review  the  action  of  the  Lodge. — 
1897  Journal,  1040,  1059. 


Appeals.  113 

186.  One   Lodge   from   the   Action   of   Another   Lodge. 

Where  a  brother  of  a  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  is  under 
the  care  of  another  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  which  believes 
him  entitled  to  benefits,  but  his  Lodge  refuses  to  pay  him 
sick  benefits,  it  is  not  the  duty  of  the  Lodge  having  him 
under  its  care  to  appeal  the  case  to  the  Grand  Lodge.  Our 
law  that  one  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  may  appeal  from  the 
action  of  another  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  does  not  apply 
to  such  a  case.  It  applies  only  to  cases  where  the  rights  or 
financial  interests  of  a  Lodge  are  at  stake.  If  the  Lodge  hav- 
ing the  brother  under  its  care  had  paid  the  brother  sick 
benefits  and  his  Lodge  had  refused  to  repay  the  Lodge  hav- 
ing him  under  its  care,  the  right  of  appeal  by  the  Lodge 
would  exist.— 1900  Journal,  27,  28,  224,  244. 

6.  APPEALS  TO  SOVEREIGN  GRAND  LODGE. 

187.  Such  appeals,  how  regulated  and  the  effect  thereof. 
Appeals  from  the  judgment  or  action  of  a  Grand  Lodge  to 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  are  regulated  by  the  Constitu- 
tion and  legislation  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  It  is 
the  duty  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  to  obey  the  decisions  of  its 
Grand  Lodge,  which  are  final  and  conclusive  until  reversed 
by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  upon  proper  appeal  thereto. 
Pending  the  appeal,  the  Subordinate  Lodge  is  not  entitled  to 
any  privileges  other  than  those  accorded  to  it  by  its  Grand 
Lodge,  which  may  enforce  its  decisions  by  demanding  the 
charter  and  effects  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge  for  non-compli- 
ance with  the  decision  appealed  from. — Lowenthal  vs.  San 
Jose  Lodge,  1876  Journal,  506,  510. 

Note. — ^With  the  consent  of  the  its  effects,  appeals  from  such  de- 
Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encamp-  cision.  Appeals  may  also  be  heard 
ment  of  a  State,  District  or  Terri-  from  a  member  or  members  of  a 
lory,  an  appeal  may  be  had  by  any  State,  District  or  Territoriil 
Subordinate  Lodge  or  Encamp-  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encamp- 
ment to  the  Sovereign  Grand  ment,  from  the  decision  thereof: 
I^dge;  such  consent,  however,  not  but  in  all  cases  the  decision  of  the 
being  necessary  when  an  expelled  State,  District  or  Territorial 
Ivodge  or  Encampment  after  hav-  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encamp- 
ing surrendered  to  its  Grand  ment  shall  be  final  and  conclusive, 
Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment  all  until  reversed  by  the  Sovereign 
8 


lU 


Appeals. 


Grand  Lodge  on  a  direct  appeal 
therefrom — (S.  G.  L.  Constitution, 
Art.  I,  See.  4 ) .  A  Subordinate 
Lodge  cannot  appeal  until  it  has 
surrendered  its  effects,  without 
permission  of  its  State  Grand 
Lodge.  A  Lodge  claimed  to  have 
done  this,  though  it  retained  in  its 
own  possession  all  the  emblems, 
regalia  and  other  usual  effects  of 
a  Lodge,  but  did  surrender  its 
working  books,  charter,  seal.  Treas- 
urer's book  and  one  record  book; 
it  was  held  that  was  not  such  a 
surrender  of  its  effects  as  the  gen- 
eral laws  contemplate.  It  should 
relinquish  available  and  unavail- 
able funds— (1848  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 1283;  1858  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
2860,  2925,  2963).  A  Grand  Mas- 
ter cannot  grant  an  appeal  from 
the  action  of  his  Grand  Lodge — 
(1875  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6350,6619, 
6692).  All  appeal  papers  on  ap- 
peals brought  before  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  shall  be  furnished 
by  the  appealing  parties,  printed 
in  pamphlet  form,  on  a  page  of 
the  same  size  as  that  of  the 
printed  journal  of  proceedings  of 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge — (1855 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2493,  2499,  2521 ; 
1880  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8376,  8469) . 
Appellants  must  furnish  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  copies  of  all  appeal 
papers  required  by  the  above  law — 
(1897     S.    G.   L.   Journal,     15509, 


15580).  The  record  in  all  cases 
of  app^als  must  be  forwarded  to 
the  Grand  Secretary,  so  as  to  reach 
him  by  Wednesday  preceding  the 
second  Monday  in  September  of 
each  year,  so  that  they  may  be 
furnished  the  Committee  on  Ap- 
peals by  the  morning  of  the  Wed- 
nesday following,  and  the  briefs 
of  both  appellants  and  appellees, 
if  printed  at  all,  shall  be  printed 
separate  and  apart  from  the  rec- 
ord—(1891  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
12681).  In  all  appeals  to  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  it  shall  be 
required  of  the  appellants  to  send, 
with  their  papers,  a  certified  copy 
of  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws 
of  their  Grand  Body,  of  the  Con- 
stitution of  Subordinates  and  of 
the  By-Laws  of  the  Subordinate 
Lodge  or  Encampment  involved  in 
the  appeal— (1886  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 10481).  In  all  cases  of  ap- 
peal to  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge,  the  appellant,  at  the  time 
the  appeal  is  filed,  shall  notify  the 
appellee  of  such  filing;  and  there- 
after either  party  filing  any  argu- 
ment or  brief  shall  serve  a  copy 
on  the  opposite  party.  When  a 
Grand  Lodge  is  appellee  such  ser- 
vice shall  be  by  sending  the  copy 
to  the  Grand  Secretary  of  sucli 
Grand  Lodge— ( 1898  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 16136,  16158). 


188.  Facts,  how  settled  and  certified.  Where  an  appeal 
is  taken  from  the  action  or  decision  of  this  Grand  Lodge 
to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  party  appealing 
desires  facts  to  be  considered  as  part  of  the  appeal,  he  must, 
within  twenty  days  after  the  adjournment  of  the  session, 
prepare  and  file  with  the  Grand  Secretary  a  statement  of 
such  facts  involved  in  the  appeal  as  he  may  deem  material ; 
whereupon  the  Grand  Secretary  must  deliver  or  transmit 


Assessments.  115 

to  the  adverse  party  such  statement,  who,  if  he  do  not  accept 
the  same,  must,  within  twenty  days,  prepare  objections  or 
amendments  to  the  same,  specifying  the  lines  and  pages  cov- 
ered by  such  objections  or  amendments.  The  statement, 
with  the  objections  and  amendments  proposed,  must  be 
delivered  or  transmitted  to  the  Grand  Secretary.  If  the 
objections  or  amendments  be  not  accepted  within  ten  days, 
the  Grand  Master  must  fix  a  place  and  time  to  settle  the 
statement,  and  the  Grand  Secretary  must  notify  the  parties. 
At  the  time  and  place  appointed,  the  Grand  Master  must 
examine  the  proposed  statement  and  amendments,  or  objec- 
tions, and  hear  the  arguments,  if  any,  of  the  parties,  and 
must  settle  such  statement  and  amendments,  or  objections. 
When  the  statement  is  settled,  unless  present  at  the  time, 
the  party  appealing  must  be  notified,  and  within  twenty 
days  thereafter  must  engross  and  file  the  statement  as  settled 
with  the  Grand  Secretary.  Such  statement,  after  being 
printed,  must  thereupon  be  certified  by  the  Grand  Master 
and  Grand  Secretary,  attested  with  the  seal  of  this  Grand 
r^odge. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Article  XII. 

189.  Res  adjudicata.  Where  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
decides  a  case  on  appeal,  and  afterwards  adjourns,  the  deci- 
sion on  said  appeal  is  res  adjudicata,  as  to  the  specific 
points  involved  in  the  case.  It  is  a  final,  conclusive  and 
binding  judgment,  which  at  no  subsequent  session  can  be 
set  aside  or  annulled,  except  in  a  case  of  gross  fraud  or 
mistake  which  the  appellant  uses  due  diligence  and  takes  the 
proper  steps  to  have  corrected. — Robinson  vs.  Templar 
Lodge,  1881  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8798. 

(See  Stay  of  Proceedings.) 

ARREARS. 

(See  Benefits,  Dues,  Assessments,  Fines,  Password.) 

ASSESSMENTS. 

1.  By  the  Grand  Lodge,  page  116. 

2.  By  Subordinate  Lodges,  page  117. 


116  Assessments. 

1.     BY  THE  GRAND  LODGE. 

190.  Assessments  on  Subordinates/  At  the  regular  annual 
session,  the  Grand  Lodge,  as  provided  in  Sections  1  and  3 
of  Article  VIII,  is  empowered  to  levy  assessments  to  pay  the 
estimated  expenses  of  the  Grand  Lodge  upon  each  Subordi- 
nate Lodge  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  its  members 
returned  at  the  last  semi-annual  report  thereof,  ending  June 
30th  of  each  year,  payable  in  July,  and  assessments  to  pay 
the  estimated  expenses  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  upon  each 
Subordinate  Lodge  in  proportion  to  its  members  as  shown 
by  the  semi-annual  reports  for  each  term,  payable  in  July 
and  January  of  each  year  in  such  proportions  as  the  Grand 
Lodge  may  determine.  Said  assessments  to  be  assessed  upon 
the  members  not  suspended  at  the  dates  above  mentioned. — 
Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  3. 

Note.  —  State  Grand  Lodges  and  to  pay  expenses — (1852-1862 
have  the  power  to  assess  their  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2885,  2924,  2963, 
Subordinates   to   meet   deficiencies      3467,  3498 ) . 

191.  Homes  for  aged  and  indigent  Odd  Fellows,  Widows 
and  Orphans.  State  Grand  Bodies  have  the  legal  right  and 
full  power  to  make  reasonable  and  necessary  assessments 
upon  their  Subordinates,  to  provide  and  maintain  Homes  for 
aged  and  indigent  Odd  Fellows,  and  widows  of  deceased 
members  of  the  Order,  and  Homes  for  the  care,  protection 
and  education  of  orphans  of  deceased  Odd  Fellows. — 1894 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14115,  14151. 

192.  To  whom  assessments  are  payable.  Assessments 
levied  by  Grand  Lodge  on  Subordinates  * '  shall  be  payable  to 
the  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters,  prior  to  the  installation 
of  officers,  who  shall  remit  the  same  without  delay  to  the 
Grand  Secretary." — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VIII, 
Sec.  3. 

193.  No  per  capita  tax  on  non-contributing  members.  The 
Lodge  shall  not  be  compelled  to  pay  per  capita  tax  on  those 
members  who,  under  the  provisions  of  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  1, 
clause  1,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  are  not  suspended 
for  non-payment  of  dues  because  they  are  over  sixty  years 


I 


Assessments.  117 

of  age  and  have  been  contributing  members  for  twenty-five 
consecutive  years,  but  are  retained  as  non-beneficial  mem- 
bers.— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  1,  clause  1 ; 
1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  294,  392,  414;  1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
1012;  1904 'S.  G.  L.  Journal,  520,  752,  820;  1905  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  209,  279,  292. 

194.  Non-contributing  members — Non-beneficial  mem- 
bers. The  law  relieving  Lodges  and  Encampments  from  the 
payment  of  per  capita  tax  on  non-beneficial  members  (non- 
contributing  members)  is  found  in  the  resolution  of  the  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge,  submitted  at  the  session  of  1901,  Jour- 
nal pages  392,  393,  and  its  consideration  postponed  until 
next  year.  Journal  page  414,  and  adopted  at  session  of  1902, 
Journal  page  1012,  and  amended  at  session  of  1904,  Journal 
pages  850,  866,  884.  (The  foregoing  refers  to  law  relating 
to  non-contributing  members.  See  Sections  1951  and  1952 
of  this  Digest.)  Sections  of  Busbee's  Digest  numbered  from 
896  to  901,  inclusive,  do  not  assume  that  there  is  another 
class  of  non-beneficial  members  exempt  from  inclusion  for 
the  per  capita  tax.  (These  sections  of  Busbee's  Digest  re- 
late to  Odd  Fellows  over  fifty  years  of  age  who  have  been 
admitted  to  Lodges  as  non-beneficial  members.  See  Section 
1956  of  this  Digest.)— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  76,  276,  291. 

(See  Finance  and  Finance  Committee.) 

2.     BY  SUBORDINATE  LODGES. 

195.  Assessments  for  Lodge  purposes.  A  Subordinate 
Lodge  may  by  its  By-Laws  provide  for  a  widows*,  orphans' 
and  educational  fund  and  funeral  tax,  and  for  extraordinary 
assessments  for  Lodge  purposes. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

196.  Must  be  uniform.  Assessments  must  be  uniform.  A 
L()(lg<'  cannot  levy  an  assessment  on  a  part  of  its  members 
and  permit  others  to  escape  or  avoid  the  same. — 1898  Jour- 
nal, 12,  231,  277. 

197.  Must  be  authorized  by  law.  A  Lodge  has  not  the 
right  to  assess  its  members  for  charges  or  dues  unless  the 


118  Assessments. 

same  are  authorized  by  law  and  the  Constitution  of  the  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge. — 1857  Journal,  274.     *■ 

198.  For  Lodge  expenses.  A  Lodge  has  not  the  right  to 
assess  its  members  for  Lodge  expenses,  unless  t^ie  By-Laws 
so  provide.— 1891  Journal,  586,  690,  716. 

199.  How  changed.  The  assessments  in  a  Subordinate 
Lodge,  being  fixed  by  the  By-Laws,  cannot  be  changed  ex- 
cept by  an  amendment  thereof. — 1856  Journal,  201,  274. 

200.  May  be  levied  even  if  Lodge  has  money  or  property. 

A  Lodge  can  levy  an  assessment  for  Lodge  purposes  in 
cases  provided  by  its  By-Laws,  even  if  it  has  money  or  prop- 
erty at  its  command  at  the  time  of  the  assessment. — Pixley 
vs.  San  Jose  Lodge,  1895  Journal,  198,  216;  1879  Journal, 
101,  110. 

201.  The  same — A  By-Law  construed.  Under  a  By-Law 
which  reads,  ''Should  the  funds  of  the  Lodge  at  any  time  be 
exhausted,  there  shall  be  an  equal  assessment  on  every  mem- 
ber for  the  relief  of  the  sick  or  disabled  brethren,  and  for 
defraying  contingent  expenses,"  the  funds  would  be  its 
available  resources.  The  word  is  often  used  in  a  wider 
sense,  and  in  some  cases  should  be  construed  to  include 
property  of  every  kind,  but  under  this  By-Law  the  Lodge  is 
not  compelled  to  sell  or  mortgage  its  property  at  a  sacrifice 
in  order  to  raise  money  with  which  to  pay  benefits  or  con- 
tingent expenses.  It  may  lawfully  levy  an  assessment. — 
Pixley  vs.  San  Jose  Lodge,  1895  Journal,  198,  213. 

202.  Appeal  from  levy  of  assessment.  A  member  can  ap- 
peal from  the  decision  or  acli'm  of  the  Noble  Grand  direct- 
ing the  levy  of  an  assessment.  If  the  Noble  Grand,  through 
an  error  of  fact  or  of  law,  directs  the  levy  of  an  assessment, 
a  member  may  appeal  therefrom  to  the  Lodge,  and  the 
Lodge  can  correct  the  error. — 1894  Journal,  609,  732,  771. 

203.  May  be  levied  on  absent  brothers.  A  Lodge  has  the 
right  to  levy  assessments  on  brothers  who  are  absent,  hold- 
ing Visiting  Cards. — 1856  Journal,  204. 

204.  A  brother  suspended  for  cause.  If  during  his  sus- 
pension for  cause  any  assessment  be  legally  levied  it  should 


Ass  ESSM  E  N  TS.  119 

be  charged  against  him  as  if  he  did  not  stand  suspended  for 
cause,  and  failure  to  pay  the  same  for  twelve  months  ren- 
ders him  liable  to  the  same  penalty  as  in  the  case  of  dues. — 
1895  Journal,  23,  195,  196,  236. 

205.  Assessment  to  pay  doctor's  bill  illegal.  A  Lodge  has 
no  right  to  levy  an  assessment  on  its  members  to  pay  a  doc- 
tor's bill  of  one  of  its  members. — 1861  Journal,  267,  268. 

206.  Interest  on  mortgage.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  can- 
not assess  its  members  to  pay  interest  on  a  mortgage,  unless 
provided  for  in  its  By-Laws. — 1898  Journal,  11,  231,  277; 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

207.  A  motion  to  assess  to  construct  a  road  or  a  fence.    A 

motion  ''that  the  members  of  this  Lodge  be  taxed  the  sum 
of  one  dollar  each,  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  the  con- 
struction of  a  road  to  the  burial  ground  of  the  Order,  and  if 
any  money  remain  after  the  road  is  finished,  the  balance  be 
applied  to  the  construction  of  a  fence  around  the  same,"  is 
not  in  order,  as  the  assessments  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge  can- 
not be  changed,  except  by  amending  the  By-Law.  The  ob- 
ject proposed  by  the  motion  may  be  obtained  by  voluntary 
contributions,  or  a  direct  appropriation  from  the  funds  of 
the  Lodge. — ^Hatch  et  al.  vs.  Tuolumne  Lodge,  1856  Jour- 
nal, 201. 

208.  No  funeral  benefits  due — No  assessments.  In  case 
no  funeral  benefits  are  due  or  payable  to  anyone,  the  Lodge 
has  no  right  to  levy  a  funeral  assessment. — 1865  Journal,  59, 
76,  77;  1874  Journal,  115,  116,  17;  1894  Journal,  609,  732, 
771. 

209.  The  same — Donation  for  funeral  expenses.  Where 
no  funeral  benefits  are  due,  and  the  Lodge  voluntarily  makes 
a  donation  to  defray  the  funeral  expenses,  the  Lodge  has 
no  right  to  levy  a  funeral  assessment. — 1870  Journal,  229, 
251. 

210.  When  should  not  be  levied.  Where  there  is  no 
provision  for  the  levying  of  a  funeral  assessment,  except  on 
the  death  of  a  member  of  the  Lodge,  the  Noble  Grand  may 


120  Assessments. 

not  declare  such  assessment  levied  in  a  case  where  the 
Lodge  attends  the  funeral  of  a  brother  who  was  not  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Lodge.— 1889  Journal,  27,  122,  163. 

211.  Funeral  assessments — When  not  to  be  made.  Wher- 
ever a  funeral  assessment  is  prescribed  by  the  By-Laws  of  a 
Lodge,  **  provided  the  funeral  is  held  under  the  auspices  of 
the  Lodge,"  the  assessment  should  not  be  levied  where  the 
funeral  is  not  so  held,  as  in  case  he  is  buried  by  a  Relief 
Committee  in  another  city.— 1888  Journal,  1102,  1104,  1128, 
1129. 

212.  When  funeral  assessments  should  be  levied.  The 
By-Laws  of  some  Lodges  restrict  the  levying  of  funeral  as- 
sessments to  cases  where  the  Lodge  attends  the  funeral.  In 
other  Lodges  there  is  no  such  restriction — in  the  latter  in- 
stance when  a  funeral  assessment  is  provided  for,  it  must 
be  levied  whether  the  Lodge  attends  the  funeral  or  not. — 
1889  Journal,  27,  122,  163. 

213.  When  members  cannot  attend  funeral.  Where  a 
Lodge  provides  in  its  By-Laws  for  funeral  assessments  upon 
the  death  of  a  brother,  and  a  member  of  a  Lodge  dies,  no 
matter  where,  the  funeral  assessment  must  be  levied  upon 
the  entire  membership,  according  to  the  By-Laws,  irre- 
spective of  whether  the  members  can  attend  the  funeral  or 
not.— 1902  Journal,  750,  900,  917. 

214.  Funeral  assessment — When  to  be  made.  When  the 
By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  a  "funeral  assessment"  of  a 
certain  amount  on  the  death  of  a  member,  the  same  must  be 
assessed  against  each  member  in  proper  cases,  and  the  Sec- 
retary should  charge  it  to  the  account  of  each  member,  an 
order  to  that  effect  from  the  Noble  Grand  not  being  neces- 
sary. The  assessment  should  be  made  whether  or  not  there 
are  funds  in  the  "funeral  benefit  fund." — 1883  Journal, 
1002,  1150,  1175. 

215.  Delinquency,  and  when  in  arrears.  Assessments  are 
not  to  be  taken  collectively  with  dues  and  fines,  because  de- 
linquency depends  upon  length  of  time  delinquent  and  not 


Assessments.  121 

the  amount  delinquent.  If  a  brother  neglects  or  refuses  to 
pay  an  assessment  for  more  than  thirteen  weeks,  he  would 
be  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears. — 1895  Journal,  21,  195,  196, 
236;  Wellenberg  vs.  Germania  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  576, 
617,  618,  637,  639 :  1896  Journal,  408,  607,  636. 

216.  Not  to  be  added  to  dues  or  fines.  Assessments  can- 
not be  added  to  dues.  Fines,  assessments  and  dues  are  con- 
sidered separately  and  cannot  in  any  instance  be  combined. 
—1896  Journal,  408,  607,  636. 

217.  Delinquency  and  money  to  brother's  credit.  Pay- 
ment by  a  brother  is  on  his  general  account,  unless  other- 
wise directed  by  him,  and  must  be  applied  to  the  payment 
of  dues,  assessments  and  fines,  in  the  order  in  which  they  be- 
come due  (except  fines  upon  charges). — Art.  IV,  Sec.  2,  Con- 
stitution of  Subordinates.  A  brother  having  sufficient  money 
to  his  credit  on  his  general  account  to  pay  a  funeral  assess- 
ment when  levied  cannot  become  delinquent  by  said  assess- 
ment.   He  is  entitled  to  benefits.— 1903  Journal,  168,  180. 

218.  Payments — How  applied.  Provided  that  all  pay- 
ments by  a  member  shall  be  on  his  general  account,  unless 
otherwise  directed  by  him,  and  shall  be  applied  to  the  pay- 
ment of  dues,  assessments  and  fines,  in  the  order  in  which 
they  become  due,  but  this  proviso  shall  not  be  applicable  to 
fines  imposed  as  penalties  upon  conviction  upon  charges. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  2. 

219.  Funeral  assessment  and  credit  for  attendance.  If 
the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  that  an  assessment  shall  be 
levied  on  all  its  members  on  the  death  of  a  brother,  such 
assessment  shall  be  charged  to  each  member  of  the  Lodge, 
whether  the  brother  attends  the  funeral  or  not,  and  whether 
the  Lodge  buried  the  brother  or  not.  Provided,  however, 
should  the  By-Laws  so  provide,  each  brother  may  be  credited 
with  the  amount  of  the  assessment  if  he  attends  the  funeral. 
—1896  Journal.  408,  588,  629. 

220.  Funeral  assessment  and  excuse.  Where  the  By- 
Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  that  a  funeral  assessment  of  $1.00 
be  charged  against  each  member  on  the  death  of  a  brother, 


122  ASSESSMKNTS. 

and  also  provide  that  each  brother  who  attends  a  funeral 
shall  be  credited  with  $1.00,  the  Nobie  Grand  cannot  excuse 
a  brother  from  this  assessment  who  did  not  attend  on  ac- 
count of  sickness  of  himself  or  family,  or  on  account  of  busi- 
ness.—1905  Journal,  744,  932,  948. 

221.  Notice  of  funeral — Distant  brothers.  It  would  not 
invalidate  the  funeral  assessment  if  members,  so  far  away 
that  they  could  not  be  reached  by  mail  or  otherwise  in  time 
to  attend  the  funeral,  were  not  officially  notified. — 1905  Jour- 
nal, 744,  932,  948. 

222.  Cannot  make  certain  payments.  A  Lodge  cannot 
by  By-Laws  pay  out  of  its  general  fund  the  assessment  upon 
a  brother  for  insurance,  he  holding  a  certificate  of  member- 
ship in  an  Odd  Fellows'  Beneficial  Association,  though  he 
constitutes  his  Lodge  his  beneficiary. — 1887  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
10988,  11027. 

223.  Levy  of  funeral  assessment  after  lapse  of  time. 
When  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  that  funeral  assess- 
ments shall  be  levied  at  the  next  regular  meeting  after  the 
funeral,  the  assessment  legally  attaches  to  the  membership 
at  the  next  regular  meeting  after  the  funeral  when  the  as- 
sessment is  required  to  be  levied,  but  if  from  any  cause  the 
death  or  funeral  is  not  known  to  the  Lodge  in  time  for  the 
assessment  to  be  declared  at  such  meeting,  then  it  may  be 
levied  when  it  does  become  known,  and  it  will  relate  back 
and  be  legal  and  binding  on  all  those  who  were  members  at 
the  time  when  the  assessment  should  have  been  levied,  and 
those  who  have  become  members  since  that  time  will  be  ex- 
empt.— Chalmers  vs.  San  Benito  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  517, 
557. 

224.  Neglect  of  Noble  Grand  to  levy.  The  right  to  levy 
a  funeral  assessment  is  not  lost  or  waived  by  the  failure  or 
neglect  of  the  Noble  Grand  to  declare  such  assessment  levied 
at  the  next  regular  meeting  after  the  funeral  of  a  deceased 
brother,  for  in  case  of  the  death  of  a  brother,  at  a  distance 
from  the  Lodge,  several  regular  meetings  may  have  elapsed 
before  it  is  known  at  all,  or  definitely  known,  when  the 


'tfsmstr 


124  Assistance  to  Lodges. 

not  entitled  to  sick  benefits,  an  assessment  would  be  illegal. 
— Weston  vs.  Centennial  Lodge,  1889- Journal,  126,  148. 

227.  Funeral  dues.  Funeral  dues  are  fines  or  assessments 
imposed  on  account  of  the  death  or  funeral  of  a  member. — 
1891  Journal,  585,  690,  716. 

228.  Odd  Fellows'  Home.  No  brother  shall  be  required 
to  pay  Lodge  dues  or  assessments  while  an  inmate  of  the 
Home  as  an  indigent. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV, 
Sec.  4. 

(See  Odd  Fellows'  Home;  Aged  Odd  Fellows.) 

ASSISTANCE  TO  LODGES. 

229.  Manner  of  petitioning  for  aid  by  Lodges.  Any  Lodge 
asking  pecuniary  aid,  in  consequence  of  loss  by  fire,  or  for 
any  other  cause,  shall,  in  the  first  instance,  make  application 
to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  State  in  which  such  Lodge  may 
be  located,  and,  if  not  in  the  power  of  the  Grand  Lodge  to 
render  the  aid  required,  such  Grand  Lodge  may,  if  deemed 
expedient,  ask  the  assistance  of  Grand  Lodges  in  adjacent 
States,  or  of  all  the  Grand  Lodges  in  the  Union,  through 
the  Grand  Masters  of  the  same,  who  shall  have  power  to 
issue  circulars  to  their  Subordinates,  stating  circumstances, 
etc.,  to  make  such  appeals  available. — 1846  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
860,  906. 

230.  Form  of  the  circular.  The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
has  prescribed  a  form  which  a  Grand  Lodge  may  use  in 
recommending  pecuniary  assistance  to  a  Subordinate  Lodge 
in  such  cases.    See  Form.— 1846  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  860,  906. 

231.  Application  for  aid  not  entertained  unless  author- 
ized. No  Lodge  or  Encampment  shall  entertain  any  appli- 
cation for  pecuniary  aid  or  assistance  under  whatever  scheme 
it  may  be  presented,  unless  the  same  be  authorized  by  the 
Grand  Body  or  its  principal  Grand  Officer  of  the  jurisdic- 
tion in  which  such  aid  is  solicited,  and  in  accordance  with 
the  form  prescribed  for  such  purposes  by  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge.— 1846  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  860,  906 ;  1866  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  3353,  3987 ;  1885  Journal,  301,  371. 


Ball.  125 

232.  Cannot  solicit  by  sale  of  tickets  or  chances  or  by 
any  scheme,  etc.,  unless  authorized — Duty  of  Grand  Masters. 

It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  Grand  Master,  Grand  Patriarch, 
or  Grand  or  Subordinate  Lodge  or  Encampment  or  any  of- 
ficer or  member  thereof,  or  any  committee  of  any  jurisdic- 
tion, to  solicit  aid  or  relief  for  any  purpose  or  in  any  man- 
ner, either  by  direct  request  for  funds,  sale  of  tickets,  or 
chances,  or  by  any  scheme  whatever,  from  the  Lodges,  En- 
campments, or  members  of  another  jurisdiction,  without  hav- 
ing first  obtained  the  consent  of  the  Grand  Master  of  such 
other  jurisdiction,  if  such  appeal  is  to  be  made  to  the 
Lodges  or  members  thereof,  or  of  the  Grand  Patriarch,  if 
such  appeal  is  to  be  made  to  Encampments  or  Patriarchs 
thereof.  Such  consent  can  only  be  obtained  upon  proper 
request  therefor,  duly  made  by  the  Grand  Master  or  Grand 
Patriarch  of  the  soliciting  jurisdiction,  of  the  Grand  Master 
or  Grand  Patriarch  of  the  solicited  juisdiction. — 1897  S.  G. 
L.  Journal,  15599,  15632. 

233.  Permission  to  apply  for  aid.  The  Grand  Master  is 
authorized  to  grant  permission  to  Lodges  to  apply  to  other 
Lodges  for  assistance. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV, 
Sec.  1. 

234.  Assistance,  how  transmitted.  When  Lodges  ask  as- 
sistance from  sister  Lodges  in  this  jurisdiction  the  amount 
donated  should  be  sent  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  and  by  him 
transmitted  to  the  applicant  Lodge,  the  Grand  Secretary 
acknowledging  receipt  of  the  same. — 1866  Journal,  234. 

BALL. 

235.  Not  held  without  permission.  Lodges  are  prohibited 
from  giving  balls  where  regalia,  emblems  or  name  of  the 
Order  will  be  worn,  assumed  or  used,  without  first  obtain- 
ing the  consent  of  the  Grand  Master,  and  upon  direct  prom- 
ise that  no  intoxicating  beverages  shall  be  offered  to  mem- 
bers or  guests.  (1892  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13067,  13156.)  A 
Lodge  shall  not  permit  the  use  of  spirituous  or  malt  liquors 
at  any  entertainment  given  by  the  Lodge  or  held  in  the 
name  of  the  Order. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  X,  Sec. 


126  Ballot  and  Voting. 

4.  This  Lodge  shall  not  get  up  any  ball  or  public  entertain- 
ment in  the  name  of  the  Order  without  permission  of  the 
Grand  Master. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  X,  Sec.  2. 

236.  A  masque  ball.  A  masque  ball  held  under  the 
auspices  of  a  Lodge  is  not  necessarily  an  affair  which  may 
scandalize  the  Order.  It  depends  on  the  character  and  sur- 
roundings of  the  ball.— 1891  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  12353,  12616, 
12652. 

(See  Dispensations,  Liquors,  Dancing,  and  Funds.) 

BALLOT  AND  VOTING. 

1.  In  Grand  Lodge,  page  126. 

2.  For  officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge,  page  129. 

3.  For  membership  and  reinstatement,  page  133. 

4.  Reconsideration  and  new  ballot,  page  139. 

5.  For  degrees,  page  143. 

6.  Miscellaneous,  page  144. 

7.  Matter  of  charges  and  trials.     (See  Trials.) 

1.     IN  GRAND  LODGE. 

237.  Past  Grands'  right  to  vote  for  officers.  In  the  selec- 
tion of  Grand  Officers  each  Past  Grand  in  attendance  at  the 
annual  communication  shall  be  entitled  to  one  vote  only. — 
Grand  Lodge  Constitution,  Art.  II,  Sec.  4. 

238.  Election  by  ballot — Only  one  candidate — Viva  voce. 

The  election  of  elective  officers  shall  be  by  ballot;  provided^ 
that  in  all  cases  where  only  one  person  is  in  nomination  for 
an  office,  the  election  may  be  held  viva  voce. — Grand  Lodge 
Constitution,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  3. 

239.  Who  conduct  business  and  vote — Election.  The 
business  of  the  Grand  Lodge  is  transacted  by  the  elective 
officers  and  Representatives  and  Past  Grand  Masters  of  this 
Grand  Lodge,  and  none  except  officers.  Past  Grand  Masters 
of  this  Grand  Lodge,  and  Representatives  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  have  the  right  to  serve  on  committees  or  to  vote,  ex- 


Ballot  and  Voting.  127 

cept  at  election. — Grand  Lodge  Constitiition,  Art.  II,  Sees.  2 
and  4. 

240.  Representatives,  Elective  Officers,  Grand  Master  and 
Past  Grand  Masters.  Each  elective  officer  except  the  Grand 
Master,  who  is  not  also  a  Representative,  and  each  Repre- 
sentative, shall  be  entitled  to  one  vote.  The  Grand  Master 
shall  be  entitled  to  a  vote  in  all  cases  of  a  tie.  Each  Past 
Grand  Master  of  this  Grand  Lodge  is  entitled  to  a  vote. — 
Grand  Lodge  Constitution,  Art.  II,  Sees.  2  and  4,  and  Art. 
VII,  Sec.  1. 

241.  Grand  Master's  casting  vote.  He  shall  give  the 
casting  vote  in  all  cases  where  the  votes  are  equally  divided, 
except  in  cases  of  election  of  officers. — Grand  Lodge  Consti- 
tution, Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

242.  Vote  of  absent  Representative.  In  case  of  the  ab- 
sence of  any  Representative,  the  Representative  of  his  Lodge 
present  may  cast  the  vote  of  the  absentee. — Grand  Lodge 
Constitution,  Art.  II,  Sec.  4. 

243.  Vote  by  Lodges.  A  majority  of  Representatives 
present  from  a  Lodge  are  permitted  to  cast  the  vote  of  ab- 
sentees when  the  vote  is  taken  by  Lodges.  If  there  be  but 
one  Representative  present  from  a  Lodge,  he  can  cast  the 
full  vote  of  his  Lodge.— 1860  Journal,  68 ;  1861  Journal,  171. 

Note. — When    the   Constitution  send  Representatives,  upon  a  vote 

of    a    State    Grand    Lodge    deter-  by  Lodges,  the  number  of  Repre- 

mines  the  number  of  Representa-  sentatives  present  are  entitled  to 

tives     a     Subordinate     Lodge     is  east  the  entire  vote  to  which  the 

entitled   to   send,   and   that  when-  Lodge  is  entitled,  the  majority  of 

ever    a    vote    shall     be     taken    by  those    present    determining    what 

Ivodges,   each    Lodge    shall    be   en-  the  vote  shall  be — (1858  S.  G.  L. 

titled  to  as  many  votes  as  it  can  Journal,  2965,  2981). 

244.  Vote  of  absentees  in  Grand  Lodge — How  recorded. 
Where,  on  a  call  for  ayes  and  noes,  the  majority  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  a  Lodge  present  cast  the  vote  of  the  absent 
Representatives  of  the  Lodge,  the  names  of  the  Representa- 
tives shall  not  be  recorded  as  voting,  but  only  the  number 
of  votes  cast  for  ab.sentees. — 1871  Journal,  479. 


128  Ballot  and  Voting. 

245.  Ayes  and  noes.  On  a  call  for  the  ayes  and  noes,  the 
Representatives  present  are  entitled  "to  but  one  vote  each. — 
1860  Journal,  38. 

246.  Elective  Officer  who  is  a  Representative  has  one  vote. 

Officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge  who  are  by  the  Constitution  en- 
titled to,  and  as  such  do,  vote  in  the  Grand  Lodge,  cannot 
also  vote  as  Representatives. — 1860  Journal,  68. 

247.  Who  may  vote  upon  questions  in  Grand  Lodge.  Past 
Grands  not  Representatives  have  no  right  to  vote  upon  a 
question  before  the  Grand  Lodge.  That  right  is  confined  to 
those  whose  credentials  as  Representatives  are  reported  cor- 
rect by  the  Committee  on  Credentials  and  Past  Grand  Mas- 
ters of  this  Grand  Lodge. — 1859  Journal,  444;  see  also  1859 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3090,  3114-,  Grand  Lodge  Constitution,  Art. 
II,  Sec.  2. 

Note — No  brother  has  the  in  ribbon  or  badge  when  its  use 
right  to  speak  or  vote  without  is  authorized — (1881-1895  S.  G. 
being  clothed  in  proper  regalia,  or      L.  Journal,  8677,  14543,  14568). 

248.  Cannot  be  excused  from  voting  on  certain  resolu- 
tions. A  motion  that  the  Representatives  from  a  particular 
place  be  excused  from  voting  on  certain  resolutions  selecting 
a  place  for  the  next  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  is  not  in 
order.— 1866  Journal  208. 

249.  Two-thirds  vote.  Whenever  the  sentence  ' '  by  a  two- 
thirds  vote"  occurs  in  the  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
it  means  two-thirds  of  all  the  members  present  entitled  to 
vote. — 1855  Journal,  155. 

250.  Majority  vote  determines  unless  otherwise  provided. 
All  questions  and  votes  before  the  Grand  Lodge,  not  in  this 
Constitution  otherwise  provided  for,  shall  be  determined  by 
a  majority  of  the  votes  given. — Grand  Lodge  Constitution, 
Art.  VII. 

251.  Removal  of  Grand  Officer.  Two-thirds  of  the  votes 
of  the  members  present  are  necessary  for  removal  of  Grand 
Officer,  for  misconduct  or  neglect  of  duty. — Grand  Lodge 
Constitution,  Art.  V,  Sec.  1. 


Ballot  and  Voting.  129 

252.  Expulsion  of  member.  A  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the 
members  present  is  necessary  for  expulsion  of  member  from 
Grand  Lodge. — Grand  Lodge  Constitution,  Art.  V,  Sec.  3. 

253.  To  amend  Subordinate  Constitution.  A  two-thirds 
vote  is  necessary  to  change  or  amend  Subordinate  Lodge 
Constitution.  An  affirmative  vote  of  three-fourths  of  the 
Representatives  present  is  necessary  to  adopt  an  amend- 
ment at  the  same  session  at  which  it  is  offered. — Grand 
Lodge  Constitution,  Art.  IX,  Sec.  5. 

254.  To  amend  Grand  Lodge  Constitution.  A  vote  of 
two-thirds  of  the  Representatives  present  is  necessary  to 
amend  or  alter  Grand  Lodge  Constitution. — Grand  Lodge 
Constitution,  Art.  XIV. 

255.  To  suspend  Rules  of  Order.  A  two-thirds  vote  is 
necessary  to  suspend  the  Rules  of  Order  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 
— Grand  Lodge  Constitution,  Art.  XIII,  Sec.  2. 

256.  Lodge  interested  not  entitled  to  vote.  It  is  clearly 
against  law  and  justice  to  allow  a  Lodge  having  a  direct 
interest  in  any  matter  before  a  Grand  Lodge  to  vote  upon 
any  question  in  which  it  is  so  interested.  The  rule  is  the 
same,  although  the  question  be  ''only  preliminary  to  the 
consideration  of  a  subject  in  which  said  Lodge  is  inter- 
ested,'* and,  although  the  Rules  of  Order  provide  that  every 
member  present  shall  vote  on  any  question  before  the  Grand 
Lodge,  unless  he  is  personally  interested  in  the  result,  or 
has  been  excused  hy  the  Grand  Lodge  or  is  otherwise  in- 
capacitated.—1868  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4363,  4402 ;  1875  S.  G. 
L.  Journal,  6625,  6694. 

2.     FOR  OFFICERS  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE. 

257.  Election  by  ballot.  All  officers  shall  be  elected  by 
ballot  at  the  first  regular  meeting  in  June  and  December  of 
each  year,  unless  otherwise  provided  in  the  By-Laws,  and  at 
special  elections  to  fill  vacancies. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  VI,  Sees.  6  and  8. 


\ 


130  Ballot  and  Voting. 

258.  Election  by  acclamation.  At  all  regular  elections 
or  special  elections  to  fill  a  vacancy,  if  there  be  but  one  can- 
didate for  an  office,  such  candidate  may  be  elected  by  ac- 
clamation.— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  13. 

259.  The  same.  If  there  is  but  one  candidate  for  an  of- 
fice, and  the  Lodge  decides  to  elect  by  acclamation,  that  is 
the  only  vote  necessary. — 1894  Journal,  604,  732,  771. 

260.  When  election  by  acclamation  is  illegal.  It  is  illegal 
for  a  Lodge,  on  motion,  to  elect  a  brother  to  office  by  accla- 
mation, he  being  the  only  nominee,  when  a  brother  inter- 
poses an  objection  to  such  an  election. — Deveran  vs.  Modoc 
Lodge,  1896  Journal,  451,  633,  653. 

261.  How  elected  by  acclamation.  In  case  there  be  but 
one  candidate  for  an  office;  and  the  Lodge  desires  to  elect  by 
acclamation,  a  brother  should  make  a  motion  that  Brother 
be  elected  by  acclamation.  Should  that  mo- 
tion receive  the  affirmative  vote  of  all  voting — that  is,  a  unan- 
imous viva  voce  vote — the  Noble  Grand  should  declare  the 
brother  elected.  No  further  motion  is  necessary. — 1895  Jour- 
nal, 19,  195,  196,  236. 

262.  Casting  the  vote  of  the  Lodge.  If  there  is  no  ob- 
jection by  any  member  to  such  a  course,  and  there  is  but 
one  person  in  nomination  for  an  office,  the  Secretary  may 
cast  the  vote  of  the  Lodge  for  such  candidate. — 1875  Jour- 
nal, 291,  295. 

263.  A  brother  in  arrears  may  cast  the  vote  of  the  Lodge. 

A  brother  over  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  may  be  authorized 
to  cast  the  ballot  of  the  Lodge  at  an  election. — Deveran  vs. 
Modoc  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  451,  633,  653. 

264.  Casting  vote  of  the  Lodge  illegal  if  objected  to.  No 
member  who  has  conformed  to  the  requirements  of  the 
By-Laws  of  his  Lodge,  and  is  in  good  standing,  can  be  de- 
prived of  his  right  to  vote  at  an  election  of  Lodge  officers; 
hence,  when  there  is  but  one  candidate  for  the  office  for 
which  the  Lodge  is  about  to  vote,  no  brother  can  legally  cast 
the  vote  of  the  Lodge  if  any  member  objects  thereto,  no  mat- 


Ballot  and  Voting.  131 

ter  what  the  rule  of  the  Lodge  may  be,  for  the  Lodge  has  no 
right  to  adopt  any  rule  that  is  antagonistic  to  law  and  jus- 
tice.— Barnhard  vs.  Forest  City  Lodge,  1875  Journal,  200, 
275,  276;  Deveran  vs.  Modoc  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  451,  633, 
652. 

265.  The  same — The  ballot  must  be  open  to  all.  It  is  a 
legal  motion  for  a  brother  to  move  that  another  brother  cast 
the  ballot  of  the  Lodge  for  an  elective  officer,  in  case  there 
be  but  one  candidate.  If,  however,  any  other  brother  de- 
sires to  vote,  he  cannot  be  deprived  of  his  right,  and  if  he 
insists  upon  his  right,  the  ballot  should  then  be  opened  to 
all  entitled  to  vote.— 1878  Journal,  818,  928,  965 ;  1879  Jour- 
nal, 32,  107. 

266.  Vote  by  acclamation.  The  vote  by  acclamation 
should  be  by  *'aye"  or  '*no,"  and  not  by  the  voting  sign. 
The  election  of  officers  by  the  voting  sign,  instead  of  by  ac- 
clamation, should  not  be  declared  illegal,  as  you  have  the 
expression  of  the  members  without  a  ballot.  The  proper  way 
to  elect  officers  by  acclamation  is  by  "aye"  or  "no." — 1897 
Journal,  805,  994,  1034. 

267.  No  cumulative  voting.  There  is  no  law,  or  prece- 
dent of  the  Grand  Lodge  which  permits  what  is  termed 
cumulative  voting  for  any  officer  in  this  jurisdiction. — Fox 
vs.  Bay  View  Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1011,  1166,  1180. 

268.  Blank  ballots  must  be  counted.  A  vote  in  blank  is 
as  much  a  vote  to  be  counted  as  though  it  had  the  name  of 
a  candidate  upon  it.— 1859  Journal,  472 ;  1858  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 2859,  2925,  2963 ;  1891  Journal,  588,  686,  715. 

269.  The  same — Certain  votes  regarded  as  blank  ballots. 
At  election  for  officers  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  all  ballots 
cast  for  other  than  regular  nominees,  shall  be  counted  as 
blanks.  A  candidate  who  declines  is  not  in  nomination.  A 
majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  is  necessary  to  a  choice,  blanks 
being  counted  as  votes. — 1863  Journal,  422. 

270.  Effect  of  blank  ballots  when  only  one  candidate. 
When  there  is  but  one  candidate  in  nomination  for  an  office 


132  Ballot  and  Voting. 

and  on  successive  ballots  a  majority  of  blank  votes  are  cast, 
it  is  not  competent  for  the  Noble  Grand  to  declare  the  Lodge 
open  for  new  nominations,  and  then  proceed  to  an  election 
on  the  same  evening.  He  can  receive  such  nominations  after 
all  the  other  officers  are  elected,  but  the  ballot  cannot  be  had 
until  the  next  regular  meeting  of  the  Lodge,  without  a  dis- 
pensation. Blank  votes  are  to  be  counted  when  there  is  but 
one  candidate  in  nomination,  the  same  as  if  there  were  sev- 
eral candidates.— 1872  Journal,  577,  666,  684 ;  1881  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  8534,  8711,  8787. 

271.  A  ballot  with  same  name  on  it  three  times.  Where 
there  are  three  officers  to  vote  for  upon  one  ballot,  and  a 
brother  casts  a  ballot  with  the  name  of  one  candidate  writ- 
ten three  times  thereon,  the  ballot  shall  be  counted  as  one 
vote  only  for  said  candidate. — ^Fox  vs.  Bay  View  Lodge,  1883 
Journal,  1011,  1166,  1180. 

272.  Cannot  suspend  By-Laws  to  enable  brothers  to  vote. 

A  Lodge  cannot  suspend  the  By-Laws,  or  any  portion  there- 
of, for  the  evening,  to  enable  brothers  in  arrears  for  dues, 
or  otherwise  disqualified,  to  vote  for  officers. — 1890  Journal, 
315,  407,  410,  436;  1857  Journal,  281. 

273.  A  candidate  may  vote  for  himself.  The  rule  of  a 
Lodge  that  ''no  member  shall  vote  on  any  question  in  which 
he  is  immediately  interested"  does  not  apply  to  elections 

'for  officers  of  the  Lodge.  A  candidate  for  office  has  a  right 
to  vote  for  himself. — Barns  vs.  Van  Duzen,  1891  Journal, 
588,  589,  686,  715. 

274.  The  Noble  Grand.  The  Noble  Grand  is  entitled  to 
vote  at  all  elections  for  officers. — 1867  Journal,  292. 

275.  Nominees.  Being  in  nomination  for  an  office  in  the 
Lodge  or  for  Representative  to  the  Grand  Lodge  does  not 
deprive  a  member  of  the  right  to  vote  for  such  an  officer  or 
Representative.  This  is  not  what  is  meant  by  being  "per- 
sonally interested  in  a  question." — 1897  Journal,  809,  1030, 
1054. 


Ballot  and  Voting.  133 

3.     FOR  MEMBERSHIP  AND  REINSTATEMENT. 

276.  Must  ballot  for  candidates  for  membership.     The 

candidate  shall  be  balloted  for  with  ball  ballots,  and,  if  not 
more  than  two  black  balls  appear,  he  shall  be  elected,  but 
if  three  or  more  black  balls  appear,  the  candidate  shall  be 
declared  rejected. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  Ill, 
Sec.  1. 

277.  Must  ballot  in  Third  Degree.  All  ballots  upon  ap- 
plication for  membership  shall  be  had  when  the  Lodge  is 
open  in  the*  Third  Degree. — Ritual;  1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
11481,  11728,  11786. 

278.  To  reinstate  brother  suspended  for  non-payment  of 
dues.  Brothers  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  who 
petition,  more  than  one  year  after  their  suspension,  to  be 
reinstated  in  their  Lodges,  must  be  balloted  for,  and  dis- 
posed of  in  all  respects  the  same  as  candidates  for  member- 
ship by  initiation. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII, 
Sec.  1. 

279.  The  same.  To  reinstate  a  brother  suspended  for 
non-payment  of  dues,  within  a  year  thereafter,  requires  a 
two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  present,  and  the  vote  must 
be  by  ballot. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  L 

280.  The  same.  In  voting  upon  the  application  of  a  mem- 
ber suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  for  reinstatement, 
within  one  year,  under  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  1,  clause  2,  Constitu- 
tion of  Subordinate  Lodges,  the  voting  must  be  by  ball  bal- 
lot.—1899  Journal,  468,  631,  675 ;  1902  Journal,  750,  900,  917. 

281.  To  reinstate  an  expelled  member.  An  expelled  mem- 
ber must  be  balloted  for  the  same  as  in  the  case  of  a  newly- 
proposed  member,  and  permission  to  receive  proposition 
must  first  be  obtained  from  Grand  Master. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  9,  and  Art.  X,  Sec.  2;  1895 
Journal,  56,  195,  196. 

282.  Cubes.  Lodges  may  use  cubes  instead  of  black  balls 
for  balloting.— 1897  Journal,  805,  1030,  1054. 


134  Ballot  and  Voting. 

Note. — The  use  of  cubes  in  tak-  not   more   than   three   black   balls 

ing  the   ballot   on   candidates   for  appe&r  against  him    he    shall   be 

membership   under   a   Subordinate  elected,"  etc.,  is  a  fair,  reasonable 

constitutional      provision      which  and   substantial   compliance    with 

reads  "The  candidate  shall  be  bal-  the  law — (1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

loted  for  with  ball  ballots,  and  if  15079,  15094). 

283.  When  the  ballot  may  be  retaken.  In  case  one  or 
more  black  balls  appear  in  a  ballot  for  a  candidate  for  mem- 
bership, the  Lodge  may  immediately  retake  the  ballot  for 
such  candidate,  in  order  to  verify  the  fact  that  such  black 
balls  may  not  have  been  cast  in  error. — Constitntion  Subor- 
dinates, Art.  Ill,  Sec.  4. 

Note. — State  Grand  Lodges  are  black  balls   appear,    in    order   to 

authorized  to  adopt  a  law  permit-  verify   the    fact    that   black   balls 

ting  their  Subordinates  to  imme-  may  not  have  been  cast  in  error — 

diately    retake    a    ballot    for    can-  (1892    S.    G.   L.    Journal,     13147, 

didates     for     membership,     where  13193). 

284.  The  Noble  Grand's  right  and  duty  to  ballot.  A 
Koble  Grand  of  a  Lodge  has  a  right  to  vote  on  an  applica- 
tion for  membership,  and  it  is  his  duty  to  do  so,  unless  ex- 
cused by  the  Lodge.— 1889  Journal,  34,  122,  163 ;  1862  Jour- 
nal, 278,  289;  1867  Journal,  292,  338,  349. 

285.  Duty  of  Noble  Grand.  The  Noble  Grand  shall  in- 
spect and  announce  the  result  of  all  ballotings,  or  other 
votes,  by  the  Lodge. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII, 
Sec.  1. 

286.  Duty  of  Vice-Grand.  He  shall  examine  and  ascer- 
tain the  condition  of  the  ballot  in  all  cases  where  the  vote 
is  required  to  be  taken  by  ball  ballots. — Constitution  Subor- 
dinates, Art.  VII,  Sec.  2. 

287.  The  manner  of  taking  the  ballot  and  official  duties. 

In  balloting  on  petition  for  membership,  or  for  degrees,  the 
Warden  presents  the  ballot-box  first  to  the  Vice-Grand,  who 
should  examine  both  the  empty  drawer  and  also  the  ball 
ballots,  to  ascertain  whether  or  not  there  are  three  or  more 
black  balls  or  cubes.  The  ballot-box  is  then  taken  to  the 
Noble  Grand,  who  makes  a  similar  examination.    The  Noble 


Ballot  and  Voting.  1S5 

Grand  then  announces  for  what  the  ballot  is  to  be  had,  after 
which  he  casts  his  ballot,  when  the  ballot-box  may  be  taken 
to  the  Vice-Grand  to  receive  his  ballot,  after  which  it  is 
placed  upon  the  pedestal  by  the  Warden  for  the  members 
to  vote.  After  all  have  voted,  the  Warden  carries  the  ballot- 
box  to  the  Vice-Grand,  who  inspects  its  contents.  The  War- 
den then  takes  the  ballot-box  to  the  Noble  Grand,  and,  be- 
fore he  examines  it,  he  asks  the  Vice-Grand  how  he  finds 
the  ballot.  If  less  than  three  black  balls  appear,  his  report 
should  be  ''favorable;"  if  three  or  more  black  balls  appear, 
his  report  should  be  ''unfavorable."  The  Noble  Grand  then 
examines  the  ballot-box,  and  reports  it  "favorable"  or  "un- 
favorable," as  the  ease  may  be,  and  makes  the  announce- 
ment to  the  Lodge.  This  is  the  intent  of  Article  VII,  Section 
2,  of  the  Constitution.  This  interpretation  also  applies  to 
balloting  in  Rebekah  Lodges.— 1896  Journal,  407,  588,  629. 
See  Section  363. 

288.  No  collective  ballot  on  membership.  Every  mem- 
ber has  a  right  to  deposit  his  ballot  upon  each  individual 
application  for  membership,  and  a  collective  ballot  on  mem- 
bership is  illegal.— 1857  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2700,  2764,  2810 ; 
1003  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  27,  214,  284. 

289.  Investigating  Committee  must  report  before  ballot. 
Hefore  a  Lodge  can  take  action  upon  a  petition  for  member- 
ship, there  must  be  a  majority  report  of  the  committee  upon 
the  application.  Where  there  is  a  favorable  report  from 
one  member  and  an  unfavorable  report  from  another,  there 
are  two  minority  reports,  but  no  majority  report. — 1890 
Journal,  316,  407,  417,  436;  1894  Journal,  605,  731,  771. 

290.  Must  ballot  on  unfavorable  report  of  committee.    A 

ballot  must  be  had  on  a  proposition  for  membership  if  the 
report  of  the  committee  is  unfavorable,  except  in  case  of 
death  or  removal  from  the  jurisdiction  of  the  applicant. 
The  Lodge  may  not,  on  motion,  accept  the  report  and  return 
the  fee  without  further  action. — 1859  Journal,  523. 

291.  When  compulsory  to  vote.  All  qualified  members 
present  must  vote,  unless  excused  by  the  Lodge,  but  the 


156  Ballot  and  Voting. 

Lodge  may,  by  a  By-Law,  make  it  compulsory  upon  mem- 
bers in  good  standing  who  may  be* present  to  vote  upon  all 
applications  of  persons  to  become  members  of  the  Order, 
and  in  such  case  the  Lodge  cannot  excuse  a  member  entitled 
to  vote.— 1867  Journal,  339,  349;  1871-1873-1874  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  4992,  5194,  5245-5847,  5935-6267,  6324. 

292.  Thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  weekly  or  funeral 
dues.  A  brother  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for 
weekly  or  funeral  dues  is  not  entitled  to  vote  on  a  proposi- 
tion for  membership. — 1889  Journal,  35,  122,  163. 

293.  Brothers  in  arrears  for  dues.  Where  the  By-Laws  of 
a  Lodge  provide  that  brothers  in  arrears  for  dues,  for  a 
specified  time,  shall  not  be  entitled  to  vote  upon  any  ques- 
tion before  the  Lodge,  brothers  of  the  Lodge,  so  in  arrears, 
are  thereby  prohibited  from  balloting  upon  applications  for 
membership,  and  it  is  in  accordance  with  the  spirit  of  Odd 
Fellowship.— 1860  Journal,  88. 

294.  Excuse  for  declining  to  vote.  A  brother  has  a  right 
to  state  his  reasons  for  desiring  to  be  excused  from  voting 
on  an  application  for  admission. — 1889  Journal,  34,  122,  163. 

295.  Brothers  should  not  explain  acts  of  the  Lodge.  It  is 
irregular  and  exceedingly  injudicious  for  any  number  of 
brothers,  whatever  their  position  in  a  Lodge,  to  volunteer 
any  explanations  of  the  acts  of  their  own  or  a  neighboring 
Lodge  on  the  question  of  balloting  for  candidates.  Such  in- 
terference is  unjustifiable  and  improper  in  the  extreme. — 
1855  Journal,  101,  154. 

296.  Reason  why  applicant  should  not  be  balloted  for. 

After  the  report  of  an  Investigating  Committee  and  prior  to 
balloting  on  an  application,  it  is  improper  for  the  Noble 
Grand  to  ask  if  any  brother  has  "any  reason  to  offer  why 
the  applicant  should  not  now  be  balloted  for." — 1856  Jour- 
nal, 190,  203. 

297.  The  number  of  black  balls  cast— Noble  Grand.  After 
a  ballot  in  a  Lodge  for  membership,  and  the  Noble  Grand  on 
examining  the  ballot-box,  declares  the  candidates  rejected, 


Ballot  and  Voting.  137 

he  has  the  right  to  refuse  to  state  the  number  of  black  balls 
cast.— 1874  Journal,  102,  114;  1874  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6202, 
6262. 

298.  Secret  ballot  and  Vice-Grand.  The  Vice-Grand  has 
no  right  to  disclose  the  ballot  by  stating  the  number  of  black 
balls  cast  in  balloting  on  an  applicant  for  membership. — 1899 
Journal,  464,  628,  675. 

299.  Three  black  balls  reject.  It  requires  three  black 
balls  in  the  ballot  to  reject  a  candidate,  whether  the  candi- 
date applies  by  initiation  or  holds  a  Dismissal  Certificate 
from  another  Lodge.— 1887  Journal,  771,  875,  888. 

Note. — A  brother  cannot  be  re-  Journal,  9806,  9820 ) .  To  endeavor 
quired  to  disclose  the  fact  of  his  to  discover  how  a  brother  has 
having  cast  a  black  ball  against  a  voted  upon  a  secret  ballot,  for  the 
candidate — (1860  S.  G.  L.  Jour-  purpose  of  bringing  odium  upon 
nal,  3268,  3270;  1865  S.  G.  L.  him  is  an  offense  of  itself— (1871 
Journal,  3836,  3847),  nor  to  give  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4992,  5194, 
his  reason  for  his  vote  under  pen-  5245).  A  member  cannot  make 
alty  of  punishment — (1853  S.  G.  L.  known  his  ballot  on  an  application 
Journal,  2132,  2174).  It  is  the  for  membership,  under  any  cir- 
right  of  a  brother  to  vote  a  secret  cumstances,  except  as  provided  by 
ball  ballot,  and  he  has  no  right  to  the  law  regulating  and  permit- 
conceal  or  expose  the  character  of  ting  a  voluntary  motion  for  recon- 
his  vote  at  pleasure,  except  that  in  sideration  of  all  those  who  cast 
the  case  of  a  voluntary  motion  of  black  balls — (1888  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
all  those  who  cast  black  balls  nal,  11104,  11368,  11396).  A 
against  an  applicant  for  member-  brother's  vote  in  the  affirmative  or 
ship  for  reconsideration  of  the  bal-  negative  is  to  be  governed  by  his 
lot.  In  such  case  it  is  lawful  for  own  sense  of  propriety — (1853  S. 
such  brothers  to  expose  the  char-  G.  L.  Journal,  2132,  2174). 
acter  of  their  vote— (1884  S.  G.  L. 

300.  The  same.  It  takes  three  black  balls  to  reject  a 
member  holding  a  Withdrawal  Card  less  than  one  year  old, 
whether  he  applied  for  admission  to  his  own  or  another 
Lodge.— 1888  Journal,  1022,  1111,  1130. 

301.  Ballot  rejecting  a  candidate.  A  ballot  by  which  a 
candidate  was  rejected  cannot  be  declared  null  and  void  on 
account  of  errors  committed  by  several  brothers  voting. — 
1897  Journal,  805,  994,  1034. 


138  Ballot  and  Voting. 

302.  Rejection.  Three  black  balls  reject  on  a  reballot,  as 
well  as  at  any  time.— 1897  Journal,  809,  1030,  1054. 

303.  Three  black  balls — Noble  Grand  declaring  result. 

When,  on  the  ballot  for  a  candidate  aged  forty-eight  years 
for  membership  by  initiation,  three  black  balls  were  cast, 
and  the  Vice-Grand  disclosed  the  condition  of  the  ballot  by 
stating  that  three  black  balls  were  cast,  and  a  brother  who 
cast  a  black  ball  gave  his  reason  therefor  that  in  his  opinion 
the  applicant  was  too  old,  the  Noble  Grand  had  no  right  to 
declare  the  candidate  elected,  as  the  Constitution  of  Sub- 
ordinates provides  that  "where  three  or  more  black  balls 
appear,  the  candidate  shall  be  declared  rejected." — 1899 
Journal,  464,  628,  675. 

304.  Ballot — Application  withdrawn — Minutes.  Where 
a  Lodge  balloted  on  an  application  for  membership,  and  the 
Vice-Grand  announced  the  ballot  black,  and  the  Lodge  there- 
upon permitted  the  application  to  be  withdrawn,  and  the 
minutes  simply  read  that  after  the  report  of  the  committee 
the  application  for  membership  was,  on  motion,  withdrawn, 
it  was  illegal  for  the  Lodge  to  permit  the  application  to  be 
withdrawn,  and  the  minutes  should  have  stated  the  facts  as 
they  occurred. — Matter  of  Modoc  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  612, 
6I9' 

305.  Cannot  ballot  at  special  meeting.  A  Lodge  cannot 
ballot  for  membership  at  a  special  meeting,  except  when 
the  Grand  Master  is  present  at  the  special  meeting  and 
grants  a  dispensation  to  receive  the  petition  and  ballot  there- 
at.—1897  Journal,  808,  1030,  1054;  Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1 ;  1887,  1892  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10737, 
10951,  11005,  12797,  13050,  13075. 

306.  May  ballot  on  expired  Withdrawal  Card.  Where 
a  Withdrawal  Card  is  deposited  with  an  application  for 
membership,  the  Lodge  may  ballot  on  the  application,  al- 
though the  card  has  expired  pending  the  consideration  of 
the  application.— 1887  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10864,  10903. 

307.  Rejected  applicant  cannot  demand  committee.  A 
rejected  applicant  for  membership  by  deposit  of  card  can- 


Ballot  and  Voting.  139 

not  claim  as  a  right,  or  demand,  through  a  member  of  the 
Lodge  or  by  letter  from  himself,  that  the  Lodge  appoint  a 
special  committee  to  investigate  into  the  correctness  of  the 
statements  made,  or  the  grounds  upon  which  the  brothers 
were  induced  to  deposit  black  balls.  The  appointment  of 
such  a  committee  would  be  contrary  to  law  and  usage,  and 
therefore  a  motion  to  that  effect  is  out  of  order. — 1859  Jour- 
nal, 447,  529. 

308.  After  ballot,  application  cannot  be  withdrawn.    A 

Lodge  has  no  right  to  permit  an  application  for  membership 
to  be  withdrawn  after  a  ballot  has  taken  place.  It  is  then 
the  duty  of  the  officers  to  announce  the  result  of  the  ballot, 
and  of  the  Noble  Grand  to  declare  the  applicant  elected  or 
rejected,  according  to  the  fact  as  it  appears  from  the  ballot. 
—Matter  of  Modoc  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  612,  619. 

309.  The  right  of  brothers  to  cast  black  balls  is  beneficial 
to  the  Order.  The  law  regulating  balloting  for  membership 
should  be  strictly  obeyed.  The  right  of  brothers  to  cast 
black  ballots  should  be  respected ;  it  is  a  most  beneficial  law, 
designed  to  prevent  the  admission  of  improper  persons  and 
to  preserve  the  peace  and  harmony  of  the  Lodge.  Lodges 
which  violate  this  law  relative  to  balloting  for  membership 
are  subject  to  charges  and  penalty  for  same. — Matter  of  Mo- 
doc Lodge,  1896  Journal,  612,  619. 

4.  RECONSIDERATION  AND  NEW  BALLOT. 

310.  A  favorable  ballot  may  be  reconsidered.  A  favor- 
able ballot  for  a  candidate's  admission  may  be  reconsidered 
at  any  time  or  meeting  prior  to  the  admission  of  the  candi- 
date, by  a  majority  vote  of  the  members  present. — 1886  Jour- 
nal, 656,  655;  1893  Journal,  277,  391,  421;  Constitution  Sub- 
ordinates, Art.  Ill,  Sec.  4. 

311.  Manner  of  voting  to  reconsider  a  favorable  ballot. 
In  voting  to  reconsider  a  favorable  ballot  for  a  candidate's 
admission,  the  vote  is  by  the  usual  voting  sign. — 1886  Jour- 
nal, 656,  655. 


140  Ballot  and  Voting. 

312.  The  vote  required  to  reconsider  a  favorable  ballot. 
Where,  upon  a  motion  to  reconsider  ar  ballot  electins?  a  candi- 
date for  membership,  six  votes  are  counted  in  the  affirmative 
and  four  in  the  negative — five  members  (entitled  to  vote) 
not  voting — there  is  no  legal  reconsideration,  as  it  requires 
a  majority  of  the  members  present  to  agree  thereto. — Con- 
stitution Subordinates,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  4;  1872  Journal,  657, 
677. 

313.  Effect  of  reconsidering  a  favorable  ballot.  When  a 
favorable  ballot  for  a  candidate  has  been  reconsidered  by 
the  Lodge,  the  case  stands  as  if  no  ballot  had  been  had. — 
1872  Journal,  575,  665,  684. 

314.  Where  elected  candidate  fails  to  qualify.  If  a  can- 
didate for  initiation  has  been  duly  elected,  and  on  the  night 
of  initiation  fails  to  qualify  by  not  answering  a  certain  ques- 
tion to  the  Examining  Committee  in  the  affirmative,  the 
Lodge  should  reconsider  the  ballot,  provided  the  disqualifi- 
cation is  of  such  character  as  to  debar  the  candidate  from 
becoming  a  member  of  the  Lodge. — 1865  Journal,  59,  77. 

315.  No  reconsideration  of  vote  reinstating  brother.    A 

brother  reinstated  by  vote  in  due  form  cannot  be  rejected  at 
a  subsequent  meeting  by  a  reconsideration  of  the  first  vote. 
—1870  Journal,  189,  255. 

316.  A  favorable  ballot  on  application  for  transfer  of 
membership  by  card.  When  application  is  made  to  become 
a  member  of  a  Lodge  under  Sec.  2,  Art.  Ill,  Constitution 
of  Subordinates,  which  provides  for  transfer  of  member- 
ship by  card,  a  favorable  ballot  cannot  be  reconsidered. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  2. 

317.  Time  and  manner  of  reconsidering  an  unfavorable 
ballot  and  reballot  to  verify.  No  reconsideration  of  an  un- 
favorable ballot  can  be  had  unless  all  the  brothers  who  may 
cast  black  balls  against  an  applicant  for  membership  volun- 
tarily make  a  motion  for  a  reconsideration  of  the  ballot; 
provided  such  reconsideration  be  had  within  four  regular 
meeting  nights  next  succeeding  such  rejection;  and  in  such 


Ballot  and  Voting.  141 

case  the  vote  on  the  reconsideration  shall  be  taken  by  ball 
ballots,  and  if  all  the  balls  cast  be  in  favor  of  it,  the  recon- 
sideration shall  be  had ;  whereupon  the  application  shall  lie 
over  till  the  succeeding  meeting,  when  another  ballot  shall 
be  had  with  ball  ballots,  and  if  the  same  be  unanimously  in 
favor  of  the  applicant  he  shall  thereby  be  elected ;  but  if  one 
or  more  black  balls  appear  in  either  ballot,  the  applicant 
shall  be  rejected;  and  in  no  case  shall  a  reconsideration  be 
had  except  upon  a  voluntary  motion  of  all  those  who  cast 
black  balls;  and  never  more  than  one  motion  for  a  recon- 
sideration in  the  same  case  shall  be  allowed.  In  case  one  or 
more  black  balls  appear  in  a  ballot  for  a  candidate  for  mem- 
bership, the  Lodge  may  immediately  retake  the  ballot  for 
such  candidate,  in  order  to  verify  the  fact  that  such  black 
balls  may  not  have  been  cast  by  error. — Constitution  Subor- 
dinates, Art.  Ill,  Sec.  4 ;  1893  Journal,  277,  391,  421. 

Note. — The    foregoing    is '  based  ship,    and    prohibiting    the    same, 

upon    the    law    of    the    Sovereign  except      under      certain      circum- 

Grand  Lodge  regulating  the  recon-  stances      and     conditions — (1857- 

sideration  of  an  unfavorable  bal-  1868  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2773,  2792, 

lot  on  an  application  for  member-  2827-4316,  4365,  4402). 

318.  Ballots  accepted  de  facto  become  de  jure.  After  a 
ballot  has  been  taken  and  the  result,  when  unfavorable,  an- 
nounced, and  the  Lodge  closes  without  placing  upon  its 
minutes  any  doubt  of  such  announcement,  and  the  mem- 
bers disperse  under  the  impression  that  the  petition  has  been 
definitely  acted  upon,  nothing  in  the  way  of  a  reballot,  re- 
consideration, or  reversal  can  legally  take  place,  except  a 
reconsideration  of  the  unfavorable  ballot,  as  provided  in  Art. 
Ill,  Sec.  4,  Constitution  of  Subordinates.  A  ballot  accepted 
de  facto,  becomes  by  law,  after  the  close  of  the  evening,  de 
jure,  and  cannot  be  repudiated. — Stinson  vs.  Auburn  Lodge, 
1859  Journal,  515 ;  Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  III.  Sec.  4. 

Note. — As  to  reconsidering  at  a      gating  committee. — See  Sec.  629  of 
subsequent    meeting   the    adoption      this  Digest, 
of  the  report  of  a  benefit  investi- 

319.  The  same.  When,  on  voting  on  a  motion  to  rein- 
state a  brother  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues,  the 
Noble  Grand  announced  the  applicant  rejected,  and  no  ob- 


142  Ballot  and  Voting. 

jection  was  made  thereto,  and  no  doubt  as  to  the  correctness 
of  the  announcement  entered  on  the  minutes,  and  the  Lodge 
closes,  the  voting  and  rejecting  is  final.  Each  regular  meet- 
ing of  a  Lodge  is  a  session.  The  vote  having  taken  place, 
and  the  unfavorable  result  announced,  and  the  Lodge  having 
acquiesced  therein,  and  closed  its  session,  the  vote  and  re- 
jection becomes  by  law  legal  and  binding.  At  a  subsequent 
session  of  the  Lodge  it  is  not  in  order  to  take  an  appeal  from 
the  previous  decision  or  announcement  of  the  Noble  Grand 
to  the  Lodge,  and  reverse  the  Lodge's  action,  and  declare 
the  brother  reinstated.  The  decision  or  announcement  of  the 
Noble  Grand,  acquiesced  in  by  the  Lodge  at  the  session  in 
which  it  was  made,  became  the  decision,  announcement  and 
action  of  the  Lodge. — In  the  matter  of  Gouldson,  1892  Jour- 
nal, 72,  91. 

320.  When  illegal  vote  does  not  change  result.  A  Lodge 
has  no  right  to  rescind  a  ballot  on  account  of  a  brother  vot- 
ing illegally,  when  the  illegal  vote  does  not  change  the  re- 
sult of  the  ballot.— 1878  Journal,  957. 

Note. — No  error  or  informality  for  the  error  has  done  no  harm; 

will   reverse  any  action  unless   it  but  if  it  might  by  any  possibility 

may  have  affected  the  result.     If  have   affected  the  result,  there  is 

the  error  be  such  that  it  can  be  error,    and    the    decision    will    be 

seen,  that  it  could  not  by  any  pos-  overturned — (1879  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 

sibility   have    affected    the    result,  nal,  8107,  8178). 
the  decision  will  not  be  reversed, 

321.  Candidate  rejected — No  further  investigation — No 
new  ballot.  When,  upon  a  ballot,  the  number  of  black  balls 
required  by  the  local  law  to  reject  are  cast,  the  applicant 
shall  be  declared  to  be  rejected,  and  it  is  not  lawful  for  the 
application  to  be  referred  for  further  investigation,  and  a 
new  ballot  at  some  future  meeting. — 1872  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
5519,  5547. 

Note. — No  dispensation  can  be  cant  who  has  been  rejected — 
granted   to   reballot   on   an   appli-       (1889  Journal,  34,  122,  163). 

(See  Degrees.) 


Ballot  and  Voting.  143 

5.     FOR  DEGREES. 

322.  Election  to  degrees  by  ballot.  When  application  for 
election  to  either  of  the  three  Subordinate  Degrees  is  pre- 
sented to  the  Lodge,  it  shall  ballot  upon  the  same,  and  if  not 
more  than  two  black  balls  or  cubes  be  cast,  the  applicant 
shall  be  declared  elected. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art. 
V,  Sec.  1. 

323.  Balloting  on  two  or  more  applicants  for  the  same 
degree.  Two  or  more  applications  for  the  same  degree  may 
be  balloted  upon  at  the  same  time,  and  if  not  more  than  two 
black  balls  or  cubes  be  cast,  all  shall  be  declared  elected  to 
the  degree  balloted  for ;  but  if  more  than  two  black  balls  or 
cubes  be  cast,  the  Lodge  shall  then  proceed  to  ballot  upon 
each  application  for  such  degrees,  separately. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  V,  Sec.  3. 

324.  Must  ballot  while  open  in  Third  Degree.  All  ballots 
upon  applications  for  degrees  shall  be  had  when  the  Lodge 
is  open  in  the  Third  Degree.— 1886  Journal,  536,  620,  646 ; 
Ritual,  1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11481,  11728,  11786 ;  1882  S. 
G.  L.  Journal,  8839,  8840,  9025,  9101-8992,  9087. 

325.  Manner  of  balloting  for  degrees  and  official  duties. 
In  balloting  for  degrees  the  Lodge  must  ballot  in  the  same 
manner  as  it  is  required  to  ballot  in  applications  for  mem- 
bership, and  the  Noble  Grand,  Vice-Grand,  and  Warden  have 
the  same  duties  to  perform. — See  Sec.  287  of  this  Digest. 

326.  Separate  ballot  for  each  degree.  It  is  illegal  to  vote 
for  the  three  degrees  of  Odd  Fellowship  at  one  and  the  same 
ballot.— 1886  Journal,  536,  620,  646. 

Note. — In   the  absence  of  local  ate  for  each  degree  or  for  all  col- 
legislation,   a   separate   ballot   for  lectively — (1882  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
each  degree  must  be  had,  but  it  is  8839,     8840,     9025,     9101,     8992, 
a     subject     for     local     legislation  9087). 
whether  the  ballot  shall  be  separ- 

327.  Ballot  must  take  place  on  night  of  application.  Sec- 
tion 1,  Article  V,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges, 
requires  that  a  ballot  for  degrees  shall  take  place  on  the 
night  of  application.— 1867  Journal,  292,  338,  349. 


144  Ballot  and  Voting. 

328.  Lodge  may  reconsider  favorable  ballot.  A  Lodge 
has  the  right  to  reconsider  a  favorable  ballot  for  a  certificate 
for  degrees  at  any  time  before  the  degrees  granted  have 
been  conferred.— 1873  Journal,  870,  892. 

329.  Lodge  not  compelled  to  vote  degrees.  There  is  no 
law  compelling  a  Lodge  to  give  a  brother  his  degree,  no  mat- 
ter how  good  he  may  stand  on  the  books  of  the  Lodge;  he 
must  be  balloted  for,  and  it  is  for  the  voters  to  decide 
whether  he  shall  advance  or  not ;  no  one,  under  our  present 
system,  can  question  their  right  to  reject  or  refuse  to  con- 
fer the  degree  on  any  brother. — 1872-1873  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
5279,  5919,  5950. 

330.  When  may  ballot  for  Third  Degree.  It  is  legal  to 
ballot  for  the  Third  Degree  before  the  candidate  has 
received  the  Second.— 1893  journal,  277,  391,  421. 

6.     MISCELLANEOUS. 

331.  Brothers  interested  in  questions  prohibited  from 
voting.  Resolved,  That  no  member  or  members  of  any  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  or  Encampment  shall  vote  upon  any  question 
in  which  he  or  they  may  be  interested,  or  in  which  he  or 
they  intend  to  become  interested,  by  reason  of  his  or  their 
eonnection  or  intended  connection  with  any  Lodge  or  En- 
campment of  this  Order,  then  existing  or  about  to  exist,  or 
with  any  other  organization.  And  should  a  member  so 
vote  he  shall,  upon  the  discovery  and  proof  of  the  fact,  be 
considered  guilty  of  unbecoming  conduct,  for  which  he  may 
be  suspended  from  the  Order.  And  the  Lodge  or  Encamp- 
ment in  which  the  offense  was  committed  nlay,  in  case  said 
member  has  joined  some  other  Lodge  or  Encampment  of  this 
Order,  institute  charges  for  said  offense  in  said  other  juris- 
diction, with  the  right  to  appeal  from  its  decision,  should 
the  brother  be  acquitted  of  the  charge. — 1873  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 5776,  5785;  1874  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  50. 

332.  No  member  to  vote  if  personally  interested,  except 
renting  and  leasing  hall  and  other  property  in  certain  cases. 
No  member  of  a  Lodge  or  Encampment  shall  vote  upon  any 


Ballot  and  Voting.  145 

question  relating  to  the  fiscal  affairs  of  his  Lodge  or  En- 
campment, in  the  result  of  which  he  has  a  direct  personal 
interest;  but  may  vote  upon  all  questions  concerning  the 
leasing  or  renting  of  the  hall,  or  other  property  of  his  Lodge 
or  Encampment  to  any  Lodge,  Encampment,  Rebekah  Lodge 
or  Uniform  Degree  Camp  of  this  Order,  and  all  law  in  con- 
flict herewith  is  hereby  repealed. — 1885  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
10095,  10174. 

333.  Members  personally  interested — Renting  Lodge 
property.  ^lembers  of  a  Lodge  who  are  personally  inter- 
ested in  any  other  organization,  except  as  set  forth  in  pre- 
ceding section,  cannot  vote  on  the  question  of  renting  the 
property  of  the  Lodge  to  such  organization. — 1905  Journal, 
743,  932,  948. 

334.  Trustee  personally  interested — Renting  Lodge 
property.  A  Trustee  of  a  Lodge  who  is  personally  interested 
in  the  matter  as  stated  in  preceding  section  cannot  vote 
on  the  question  of  rental,  nor  can  he  use  his  official  position 
to  rent  the  property  on  an  illegal  vote  of  the  Lodge. — 1905 
Journal,  743,  932,  948. 

335.  The  same — Members  of  the  Good  Templars — Loan. 
Members  of  an  Odd  Fellows'  Lodge  who  are  also  members 
of  the  Good  Templars  and  part  owners  of  hall  belonging  to 
the  Good  Templars,  have  no  right  to  vote  on  proposition  to 
loan  the  money  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Lodge  to  the  Good 
Templars,  taking  as  security  a  mortgage  on  said  hall. — 1880 
Journal,  257,  359,  375. 

336.  The  same — Members  of  other  Orders — Rent.  In  fix- 
ing the  rent  of  a  hall  which  belongs  to  a  Lodge  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows, and  which  is  let  to  other  Orders,  the  Odd  Fellows  who 
are  members  of  the  other  Orders  have  no  right  to  vote. — 
1887  Journal,  845,  867. 

337.  The  same — Members  of  other  Orders — Lodge  prop- 
erty. Members  of  an  Odd  Fellows'  Lodge  who  are  also 
members  of  another  Order  are  prohibited  from  voting  on 
the  question  to  dispose  of  the  Lodge  property  to  such  other 
Order.— 1883  Journal,  1170,  1180. 

10 


146 


Ballot  and  Voting. 


338.  The  same — The  interest  of  other  Orders.  No  mem- 
ber of  the  Order  should  be  permitted  to  vote  on  matters  of 
vital  interest,  perhaps,  to  his  Lodge  when  such  action  on  his 
part  may  be  entirely  in  the  interest  of  some  other  Order. — 
1883  Journal,  1170,  1180. 

339.  Member  of  Rebekah  Lodge  and  question  concerning 
Rebekah  Lodge.  A  brother  who  is  a  member  of  a  Rebekah 
Lodge  is  qualified,  and  by  reason  of  such  membership  can- 
not be  deprived  of  the  right  to  vote  in  his  Subordinate  Lodge 
upon  any  question  concerning  such  Rebekah  Lodge. — 1901 
Journal,  411,  551,  562. 

340.  An  officer  fined.  When  the  rules  of  order  provide 
that  **no  brother  shall  vote  on  any  question  in  which  he  is 
immediately  interested,"  and  the  Noble  Grand  orders  a  fine 
against  an  officer  for  neglect  of  duty,  and  an  appeal  is  taken 
on  the  ground  that  there  has  been  no  neglect,  the  officer 
against  whom  the  fine  was  ordered  has  no  right  to  vote  on 
the  appeal. — 1865  Journal,  59,  72. 

341.  Manner  of  voting.  It  is  not  lawful  for  the  Noble 
Grand,  on  demand  for  a  recount  of  a  declared  vote,  or  in  any 
other  case,  to  order  the  members  to  vote  by  standing;  but 
the  Noble  Grand  may  require  the  members  to  stand  and  vote 
in  order  to  facilitate  the  count. — 1871  Journal,  461,  479. 


Note. — All  voting  in  Subordi- 
nate Lodges  and  Degree  Lodges  is 
by  the  voting  sign,  unless  other- 
wise provided.  The  exception  is 
"not  alone  to  a  ballot  for  mem- 
bership," but  advancing  to  de- 
grees, granting  Withdrawal  Cards, 
suspending  or  expelling  members 
and  reinstating  them,  electing 
officers,  reconsidering  a  ballot  for 
membership,  when  the  ayes  and 
nays  are  ordered,  etc.,  in  which 
cases   provision   is    made   by    law 


for  voting  otherwise — (1871  S.  G. 
L.  Journal,  4993,  5185,  5222). 
On  resolutions  relative  to  the 
death  of  a  brother  in  a  Subordi- 
nate Lodge,  a  rising  vote  may  be 
taken  without  giving  the  voting 
sign— (1881  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
8533,  8701,  8767).  As  to  cards, 
see  cards  and  certificates.  No 
brother  has  a  right  to  speak  or 
vote  without  being  clothed  in 
proper  regalia— ( 1881,  1885  S.  G. 
L.  Journal,  8677,  14543,  14568). 


342.  The  same — When  division  demanded.  When  a  vote 
is  about  to  be  taken,  and  a  division  is  asked  for,  and  the 
Noble  Grand  requests  the  members  to  rise,  the  vote  is  to  be 


Ballot  and  Voting.  147 

taken  by  the  usual  sign  while  standing. — 1879  Journal,  108, 
112. 

343.  Withdrawal  Cards.  They  are  granted  by  a  majority 
vote,  by  ballot,  of  the  members  present. — Constitution  Sub- 
ordinates, Art.  XII,  Sec.  1. 

344.  Withdrawal  Cards — Viva  voce  vote.  A  Withdrawal 
Card  is  granted  according  to  the  provisions  of  Section  1, 
Article  XII,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  and  where  a  Lodge 
attempts  to  grant  a  card  by  viva  voce  vote  and  the  brother 
refuses  to  accept  the  same  and  withdraws  his  application 
for  a  card,  he  has  not  severed  his  membership  with  the 
Lodge.— 1898  Journal,  13,  14,  231,  277. 

345.  Withdrawal    Cards — Voting   in    ordinary   manner. 

Section  1,  Article  XII,  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges, 
prescribes  that  the  vote  on  an  application  for  a  Withdrawal 
Card  shall  be  by  ballot.  Where  in  voting  the  vote  was  taken 
in  the  ordinary  manner,  and  not  by  ballot,  and  the  Lodge, 
the  same  evening,  issued  and  delivered  to  the  applicant  the 
Withdrawal  Card,  and  an  appeal  was  taken  therefrom,  the 
Grand  Lodge  reversed  the  Lodge's  action,  annulled  the  card, 
and  directed  the  Lodge  to  ballot  on  the  application  for  the 
eard,  unless  the  applicant  withdrew  his  application  there- 
for.—Martin  vs.  Cupertino  Lodge,  1902  Journal,  884,  892. 

346.  Withdrawal  Card  on  transfer  of  membership.  Un- 
der the  new  legislation  providing  for  transfer  of  member- 
ship by  card  where  a  brother  has  made  an  application  and 
has  been  elected  to  become  a  member  of  a  Lodge  by  deposit 
of  card  on  transfer  of  membership,  and  the  Lodge  in  which 
he  has  been  elected  has  asked  the  brother's  Lodge  for  his 
Withdrawal  Card,  it  can  only  be  issued  by  the  action  and 
vote  of  the  Lodge,  and  the  vote  must  be  by  ball  ballot. — 1905 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  38,  219,  243. 

(See  Sections  1861  and  1860.) 

347.  Payment  of  arrears  entitles  one  to  vote.  A  brother 
more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  dues,  and  for  that 
reason  not  qualified  to  vote,  may  at  any  time  before  the 


148  Ballot  and  Voting. 

ballot  is  taken,  place  himself  in  standing,  and  thereupon  be 
entitled  to  vote,  irrespective  of  the^  number  of  ballots  pre- 
viously taken  upon  the  proposition. — 1902  Journal,  750,  900, 
917. 

348.  Meaning  of  two-thirds  vote  of  members  present. 

Whenever  the  sentence  **by  two-thirds  vote  of  members 
present"  occurs  in  the  By-Laws  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  in 
this  jurisdiction,  it  means  two-thirds  of  all  the  members 
present  entitled  to  vote. — 1856  Journal,  189,  202. 

349.  Two-thirds  vote.  In  voting,  a  '' two-thirds  vote" 
or  ''two-thirds  of  those  present"  means  those  actually  pres- 
ent by  count  of  numbers,  and  not  by  count  of  ballot. — 1860 
Journal,  29. 

350.  Two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  voting.  Article  VI, 
Section  7,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  reads  **may 
be  removed  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  voting. ' ' 
Under  this  provision  no  count  is  to  be  made  of  qualified 
brothers  who  do  not  vote. — Armstrong  vs.  Fidelity  Lodge, 
1892  Journal,  75,  91. 

351.  Two-thirds  vote  and  the  Noble  Grand's  casting 
vote.  Where  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  that  the  Noble 
Grand  shall  have  only  the  casting  vote  on  all  questions  aside 
from  elections,  and  that  brothers  shall  not  be  excused  from 
fines  except  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds,  if  the  vote  on  a  motion 
to  excuse  stands  eight  in  favor  to  four  against,  the  Noble 
Grand  cannot  vote  in  the  negative  and  so  decide  the  question 
adversely.  In  such  a  case  the  motion  is  carried. — 1865 
Journal,  59,  72. 

352.  Two-thirds  vote  and  the  Noble  Grand's  right  to 
vote.  Where  there  is  a  question  before  the  Lodge  requiring 
a  two-thirds  vote  of  members  present,  sixteen  members  being 
present,  including  the  Noble  Grand,  and  but  fifteen  votes 
are  cast,  ten  for  and  five  against  the  question,  the  question 
is  lost,  as  ten  is  not  two-thirds  of  sixteen.  If  the  By-Laws 
of  the  Lodge  say  that  the  Noble  Grand  shall  give  the  casting 
vote  on  all  questions  before  the  Lodge,  except  in  the  election 


Ballot  and  Voting.  149 

of  officers,  the  Noble  Grand  would  have  a  right  to  vote  on 
such  a  question,  but  he  would  not  have  a  casting  vote. — 1871 
Journal,  461,  479. 

353.  Two-thirds  vote  and  a  member  excused  from  voting. 

Where  there  are  thirteen  members  present  entitled  to  vote, 
exclusive  of  the  Noble  Grand,  and  the  Noble  Grand  excuses 
one  member  from  voting,  at  his  request,  and  upon  a  call  of 
the  ayes  and  noes  eight  vote  aye  and  four  vote  no  on  a 
proposition  to  amend  the  By-Laws,  and  the  Lodge  has  a 
By-Law  which  reads  'Svhen,  if  two-thirds  of  the  members 
present  vote  in  favor  of  the  proposed  amendment,  it  shall 
be  adopted,"  the  member  excused  from  voting  must  be 
counted  as  a  member  present,  and  the  proposed  amendment 
is  not  adopted.— 1876  Journal,  403,  483,  503. 

354.  When  By-Laws  require  a  two-thirds  vote  and  the 
Constitution  is  silent.  Where  the  Constitution  is  silent  as 
to  what  vote  is  required  in  a  Lodge  upon  certain  questions, 
and  the  By-Laws  require  a  two-thirds  vote,  the  By-Laws  of 
the  Lodge  govern  the  matter. — Holbrook  vs.  San  Lorenzo 
Lodge,  1885  Journal,  291,  388,  420. 

355.  Consolidation  of  Lodges.  To  consolidate  two  Lodges 
requires  an  affirmative  vote  of  three-fourths  of  all  members 
present  in  each  Lodge  at  the  time  of  voting  and  provided 
there  are  not  five  Third-Degree  members  in  good  standing 
of  one  of  the  Lodges  who  object  or  protest  against  the 
same. — Grand  Lodge  Constitution,  Art.  IX,  Sec.  6. 

356.  Noble  Grand  no  right  to  dictate  to  a  brother.    The 

Xoble  Grand  has  no  right  to  dictate  to  a  brother  how  he 
shall  vote  on  any  question. — ^Bidwell  Lodge  vs.  Price,  1873 
Journal,  856,  864. 

357.  Voting  on  night  of  initiation.  A  By-Law  prohibit- 
ing members  from  voting  on  the  night  of  their  initiation  is 
constitutional.  Every  Lodge  has  a  right  to  adopt  such  a 
By-Law;  but  the  Grand  Lodge  does  not  approve  such  By- 
Laws,  and  recommends  that  the  matter  be  left  to  the  judg- 
ment and  discretion  of  such  members. — 1856  Journal,  204. 


150  Ballot  and  Voting. 

358.  Rights  of  non-beneficial  members.  Non-beneficial 
members  may  vote.  They  are  entitled  to  the  same  rights 
and  privileges  as  beneficial  members,  except  in  the  matter 
of  benefits.— 1896  Journal,  415,  607,  636;  1892  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  12797,  13050,  13075. 

359.  Finance  Committee  may  vote  upon  its  own  report. 

A  member  of  the  Finance  Committee  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge 
has  the  right  to  vote  upon  receiving  the  report  of  said 
committee.— 1867  Journal,  292,  338,  349. 

(As  to  Trial  Committee,  see  Section  3009.) 

360.  When  not  entitled  to  vote — Arrears.  A  member 
more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  weekly  or  funeral 
dues  is  not  entitled  to  vote. — 1889  Journal,  35,  122,  163; 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  13. 

361.  Arrears — Officer's  salary — Compensation  for  work 
and  labor.  If  a  brother  performs  the  duties  of  a  salaried 
officer  of  a  Lodge,  or  performs  services  or  work  and  labor 
for  a  Lodge  for  which  he  may  be  legitimately  paid,  the 
amount  due  him  must  be  paid  to  him,  and  a  warrant  drawn 
in  the  usual  manner  in  his  favor.  When  he  obtains  the 
warrant  or  order,  he  can  draw  the  money  out  of  the  treasury, 
and  he  has  the  right  to  use  it  in  paying  his  dues,  or  he  has 
the  right  to  use  it  for  his  own  purposes,  and  to  decline  to 
appropriate  it  to  the  payment  of  his  dues.  A  Lodge  cannot 
apply  any  part  of  the  indebtedness  for  services,  etc.,  to  the 
payment  of  his  dues,  against  his  wishes  or  without  his  con- 
sent.—1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15559,  16616. 

(As  to  benefits  due  a  sick  brother  in  such  cases,  see  Sec- 
tions 512  and  513.) 

362.  Right  to  vote,  and  term  password.     The  By-Laws 

of  a  Lodge  provide  that  ''any  member  who  is  more  than 
thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  weekly  or  funeral  dues  shall 
not  be  entitled  to  the  term  password  or  to  vote  upon  any 
question  in  the  Lodge."  Under  this  By-Law  it  does  not 
follow  that  all  members  who  have  the  term  password  shall 
be  entitled  to  vote  upon  questions  in  the  Lodge,  such  as 


Ballot  and  Voting.  151 

elections    for    Representatives  to  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1888 
Journal,  1021,  1111,  1130. 

363.  No  voting  in  ante-room.  Members  cannot  vote  from 
the  ante-room.  To  be  entitled  to  take  part  in  the  business 
of  the  Lodge,  they  must  come  into  the  Lodge-room  proper. — 
1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14250,  14487. 

364.  All  present  must  vote.  Every  member  present  in  a 
Lodge,  if  qualified  to  vote,  is  obliged  to  vote  on  all  ques- 
tions, unless  excused  by  the  Lodge.— 1871-1873-1874  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  4992,  5194,  5245-5847,  5935-6267,  6324. 

Note. — Noble  Grand  has  the  unless  so  excused. —  ( 1881  Journal, 
right  to  compel  brothers  to  vote,      502,  601,  627). 

365.  Right  to  vote — By-Law.  A  brother  cannot  be  de- 
prived of  the  right  to  vote,  unless  he  is  more  than  thirteen 
weeks  in  arrears,  and  any  By-Law  in  conflict  with  this  law  is 
void. — Chalmers  vs.  San  Benito  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  517, 
557. 

366.  When  not  entitled  to  vote — By-Laws.  A  Lodge 
cannot  provide  in  its  By-Laws  that  a  member  shall  be  enti- 
tled to  vote  in  the  Lodge  until  he  is  twenty-six  weeks  in 
arrears  for  dues.  The  limit  is  thirteen  weeks  by  law  of  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  Lodge  cannot  change  it. — 
1888  Journal,  1026,  1111,  1130. 

Note. — A  member  of  a  Subordi-  thirteen  weeks  is  not  entitled  to 
nate  Lodge  who  is  in  arrears  for  vote  in  the  Lodge — (1877  S.  G.  L. 
weekly  or  funeral  dues  more  than      Journal,  7505). 

367.  Noble  Grand  and  expulsion  and  suspension.  The 
Noble  Grand  has  the  right  to  vote  on  a  question  of  the  pen- 
alty of  expulsion  or  suspension. — 1873  Journal,  782,  900,  901. 

368.  Right  of  Noble  Grand  to  vote.  The  Noble  Grand 
of  a  Lodge  has  no  right  to  vote  to  sustain  himself  in  the  case 
of  an  appeal  from  his  decision.  He  has  no  right  to  vote 
except  at  the  election  of  officers  and  when  balloting  for  can- 
didates; when  the  members  are  equally  divided  on  other 
questions,  he  shall  give  the  casting  vote,  except  in  cases  of 


152  Benefits. 

appeal  from  his  decision. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art. 
VII,  Sec.  1;  Sierra  Lodge  vs.  Shepherd,  1885  Journal,  291, 
368,  420. 

369.  Secret  ballot — Illegal  clause.  A  clause  in  the  Con- 
stitution of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  requiring  the  brother  who 
casts  a  black  ball  to  "communicate  in  writing  to  the  Noble 
Grand  his  reason  for  so  doing"  is  illegal  and  void.  The 
right  to  the  secret  ballot  is  sacred,  no  brother  being  required 
to  disclose  or  divulge  his  ballot,  or  give  his  reasons  therefor, 
to  anyone.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14678,  14948,  15019. 

(As  to  claiman.t  of  benefits,  see  Section  609.) 

(As  to  adoption  of  By-Laws  as  a  whole,  see  Section  682.) 

(See  Trials;  Representatives;  Cards  and  Certificates; 
Trustees;  Benefits  under  the  head  of  Investigating  Com- 
mittee as  to  sick  benefits;  Officers  as  to  election.) 

BENEFITS. 

1.  General  principles  and  provisions,  page  152. 

2.  When  entitled  to  benefits,  page  170. 

3.  When  not  entitled  to  benefits,  page  181. 

4.  When  discretionary,  page  196. 

5.  Investigating  Committee  as  to  sick  benefits,  page  198. 

6.  Funeral  benefits  and  funeral  expenses,  page  218. 

7.  Benefits  to  widows,  page  230. 

8.  For  relief  furnished  by  Relief  Committees  and  other 
Lodges,  see  Relief  and  Relief  Committees. 

9.  For  Nurses  and  Watchers,  see  Nurses  and  Watchers. 

1.     GENERAL  PRINCIPLES  AND  PROVISIONS. 

370.  Lodges  must  provide  for  benefits.  It  is  the  duty 
of  Lodges  to  provide  in  their  By-Laws  for  granting  benefits 
to  members.— 1860  Journal,  86 ;  1878  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7820, 
7867 ;  1880  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8364,  8468. 


Benefits.  15:5 

Note. — A    Lodge    may    provide  is  subject — (1857   S.  G.   L.  Jour- 

by  its   By-Laws  for  such  benefits  nal,    2807,    2830;     1864    S.    G.   L. 

to   members,   both   as   to    amount  Journal,  3685,  3698)    or  with  the 

and  in  the  disposition  of  the  same,  minimum  benefit  law  of  the  Sov- 

as   in   its  judgment   it  may  seem  ereign     Grand    Lodge — (1892-1893 

proper;  provided  said  By-Laws  do  S.    G.    L.    Journal,    13054,     13139, 

not  conflict  with  the  laws  of  the  12787,  13150,  13195,  13257,  13548, 

Grand  Lodge  to  which  said  Lodge  13671). 

371.  The  beneficial  character  of  our  Order.  The  pay- 
ment of  weekly  benefits  to  sick  members  is  the  distinguish- 
ing characteristic  of  our  Order,  and  may  be  regarded  as  the 
fundamental  principle  of  Odd  Fellowship  which,  combined 
with  the  moral  precepts  and  teachings  of  the  Order,  has 
made  our  organization  so  eminently  successful. — 1864  Jour- 
nal, 514 ;  1872  Journal,  690 ;  1867  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4177,  4179. 

372.  Right  of  Lodge  to  tax  for  benefits.  The  beneficial 
character  of  the  Order  is  its  distinguishing  feature,  and  it 
is  the  right  and  duty  of  Subordinate  Lodges  to  tax  their 
members  in  order  to  grant  stipulated  weekly  benefits  to  sick 
members;  but  the  taxation  must  be  provided  for  in  their 
By-Laws.— 1864  Journal  514 ;  1863  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3584 ; 
1867  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4177,  4197. 

Note. — Whether    a  Subordinate  ury,   to    pay    weekly    benefits    to 

Lodge  can  retain  its  charter  and  members    entitled    thereto,     is     a 

continue     working     after     it     has  subject  for  local  legislation — (1857 

failed,   from   an  exhausted    treas-  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2770,  2831). 

373.  Grand  Lodge 's  power  over  benefits.  A  Grand  Lodge 
may  enact  and  amend  constitutional  provisions  for  Subordi- 
nates upon  the  subject  of  benefits,  but  subject  to  the  mini- 
mum benefit  law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 1875-1880- 
1883  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6618,  6691,  8385,  8476,  9275,  9347 ;  1892 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13054,  13139. 

374.  The  general  minimum  benefit  law.  It  is  made 
obligatory  upon  each  Subordinate  Lodge  of  the  Order  to  pay 
from  its  funds  during  the  continuance  of  the  disability  a 
weekly  benefit  of  not  less  than  two  dollars  to  every  member 
entitled  to  sick  benefits  by  the  Constitution  or  By-Laws  of 
his  Lodge,  who  shall  be  disabled  by  sickness  or  bodily 
injury  from  following  his  usual  occupation,  or  otherwise 


154  Benefits. 

earning  a  livelihood  for  himself;  provided  such  disability- 
be  not  the  result  of  his  own  vice  or  immorality;  provided, 
Itozi'ez'cr,  that  Grand  Lodges  may  provide  that  when  a  mem- 
ber shall  have  received  one  full  year's  benefits,  the  weekly 
benefits  thereafter  to  such  member  may  be  fixed  at  not  less 
than  one  dollar  per  week;  provided,  further,  that  any  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  may  provide  by  By-Law  that  no  benefits  shall 
be  paid  for  the  first  one  week  or  two  weeks  of  such  sickness 
or  disability.— 1892  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13054,  13139,  12787, 
13150,  13195;  1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15062,  15090. 

375.  Benefits  must  be  uniform  in  a  Lodge.  Benefits  must 
have  a  uniform  operation  upon  all  beneficiaries  occupying 
the  same  relation  to  the  Lodge — to  the  brothers,  for  example, 
of  the  same  degree,  equal  amounts. — 1872  Journal,  690. 

Note. — ^A  Lodge  cannot  provide  Journal,  15212,  15213,  15534, 
by  its  Constitution  that  members  15584).  It  is  not  legal  for  a 
admitted  free  of  charge  shall  not  Lodge  to  pass  a  By-Law  making  a 
be  entitled  to  benefits;  nor  for  the  part  of  its  membership  beneficial 
payment  of  nominal  benefits  (a  after  three  months'  membership 
less  amount  than  to  other  mem-  and  another  part  not  beneficial 
bers)  to  persons  who  are  over  until  after  six  months'  member- 
fifty  years  of  age  when  admitted,  ship — (1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
except  under  the  provisions  of  the  14250,  14489,  14570).  Discrimina- 
law  they  may  provide  for  the  ad-  tion  on  account  of  length  of  mem- 
mission  of  non-beneficial  members  bership  by  By-Law,  allowing  $5.00 
—  (1880  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8211,  per  week  to  members  of  ten  years' 
8337,  8440).  Different  rates  to  standing  and  $3.00  per  week  to 
members  of  the  same  degree  not  members  of  three  years'  standing, 
allowed— (1888  S,  G.  L.  Journal,  is  illegal— ( 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
11102,  11368,  11396;  1897  S.  G.  L.  15602,  15633). 

376.  Subordinate  Lodge  sovereign  in  what  respect.     In 

payment  of  sick  and  funeral  benefits,  the  Subordinate  Lodge 
is  sovereign  both  as  to  the  amount  of  such  benefits  and  in 
the  disposition  of  the  same,  so  long  as  the  benevolent  and 
charitable  features  that  underlie  the  institution  of  Odd 
Fellowship  are  complied  with,  and  the  enactments  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  and  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  in  that 
connection  are  obeyed.— 1875  Journal,  292,  295 ;  1864  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  3685,  3698 ;  1875  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6560,  6591 ;  1892 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13054,  13139. 


Benefits.  155 

Note. — ^Lodges  may  make  By-  minimum  benefits  to  $1.00  after 
Laws  providing  that  after  mem-  the  first  year  by  a  general  law 
bers  shall  have  received  or  shall  passed,  or  a  Grand  Lodge  may  ap- 
thereafter^  receive  a  specified  prove  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  so 
amount  of  benefits,  the  benefits  fixing  them.  The  power  to  enable 
shall  be  reduced,  and  they  may  its  Subordinates  to  pass  such  a 
also  provide  that  after  a  brother  By-Law  is  vested  in  a  Grand 
has  been  sick  and  in  the  receipt  Lodge — (1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
of  benefits  for  a  specified  time,  his  14682,  14948,  15019).  A  By-Law 
benefits  shall  be  reduced  to  another  approved  by  its  Grand  Lodge  fix- 
specified  amount  of  weekly  bene-  ing  the  benefits  to  be  paid  at  $1.00 
fits,  but  subject  to  the  general  per  week  after  the  first  fifty 
minimum  benefit  law  of  the  Sov-  weeks,  may,  if  so  worded,  embrace 
ereign  Grand  Lodge — (1871-1875-  the  weeks  a  brother  is  sick  before, 
1880-1881  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  5139,  as  well  as  after,  the  passage  of 
5234-6574,  6641-8329,  8439-8646,  the  By-Law,  he  being  sick  at  the 
8707;  1892  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  time  of  its  passage— (1896  S.  G. 
13054,13139,  12787,13150,13195).  L.  Journal,  14682,  14948,  15019). 
A  Grand  Lodge  may  reduce    the 

377.  Sick  benefits  are  regulated  by  local  laws.  Sick 
benefits  are  regulated  by  local  laws,  and  it  is  competent  for 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  a  State  to  determine  any  question  relat- 
ing thereto  without  interference  from  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge. — Holbrook  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  621, 
622,  623,  673 ;  1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  16069,  16070,  16116. 

378.  Benefits  reduced  after  a  certain  amount.  A  Lodge 
adopted  By-Laws,  in  1892,  to  the  effect  that,  after  a  brother 
had  drawn  benefits  to  the  amount  of  $200,  he  should  be 
entitled  to  only  $4.00  per  week.  Years  before  this  By-Law 
was  adopted,  a  brother  drew  sick  benefits  for  a  certain 
length  of  time.  Subsequent  to  the  adoption  of  the  By-Law 
mentioned,  the  brother  was  taken  sick,  and  when,  in  such 
case,  the  benefits  which  he  draws  in  this  last  sickness 
amounted,  together  with  what  he  drew  prior  to  the  adoption 
of  the  By-Law  named,  to  the  sum  of  $200,  it  is  lawful  for 
the  Lodge  to  reduce  the  brother's  sick  benefits  to  $4.00  per 
week.  Such  By-Laws  are  valid. — 1895  Journal,  23,  195,  196, 
236. 

379.  Benefits  reduced  while  a  brother  is  sick.  A  brother 
who  has  been  sick  for  nearly  four  years,  is  a  member  of  a 
Lodge  which  changed  its  By-Laws  to  the  effect  that  after  a 


156  Benefits. 

brother  has  been  sick  for  twenty-six  weeks,  the  weekly  bene- 
fits shall  be  reduced  from  $7.00  to  ^-i'.OO  during  the  remainder 
of  such  sickness.  Immediately  upon  the  approval  of  this 
By-Law  by  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates,  the  sick 
brother's  benefits  are  reduced  from  $7.00  to  $4.00. — 1896 
Journal,  410,  588,  629. 

Note. — An  amendment  to  a  By-  bers   from   its   operation,   is  bind- 

Law  of  a  Lodge,  reducing  amount  ir.f  upon  all  the  members  of  such 

of    sick   benefits    upon   continuous  Lodge  when  approved  by  the  Grand 

sickness    or    disability,     which    is  Lodge   of   the   jurisdiction — (1901 

general  in  its  terms  and  does  not  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  279,  300). 
specifically  except  any  of  its  mem- 

380.  Reduced  benefits  after  receipt  of  $500  for  one  con- 
tinuous sickness.  If  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  are  amended 
reducing  the  weekly  sick  benefits  to  $2.00  per  week,  when 
a  brother  shall  have  received,  in  the  aggregate,  the  sum  of 
$500  for  one  continuous  sickness,  such  amendment  affects 
all  brothers  alike  from  the  time  of  its  approval  by  the  Com- 
mittee on  Laws  of  Subordinates,  and  applies  alike  to  those 
who  are  then  drawing  benefits  for  a  continuous  sickness, 
and  those  wh6  may  thereafter  draw  benefits  to  the  extent 
of  $500  for  a  continuous  sickness.  If  a  brother  has  drawn 
$400  for  a  continuous  sickness  at  the  time  the  By-Law  goes 
into  efi^ect  and  continues  to  draw  for  the  same  sickness  $100 
more,  then  he  is  entitled  to  only  $2.00  a  week  thereafter. — 
1901  Journal,  409,  557,  562. 

381.  Consolidation  of  Lodges.  The  By-Law  of  a  Lodge 
which  provides  that,  "after  any  member  has  received  from 
this  Lodge  a  sum  aggregating  five  hundred  dollars  for  sick 
benefits,  he  shall  thereafter  be  entitled  to  receive  only  four 
dollars  per  week,"  can,  as  to  brothers  who  become  members 
thereof,  by  consolidation  of  their  Lodges  into  said  Lodge, 
apply  only  from  the  date  of  the  consolidation.  The  benefits 
which  were  paid  by  the  Lodge  which  ceased  to  exist,  cannot 
be  considered  or  taken  into  account  under  such  By-Law. — 
1895  Journal,  26,  189,  234. 

382.  Candidates  cannot  waive  benefits  as  to  certain  sick- 
ness.   A  Lodge  cannot  enter  into  an  agreement  with  a  candi- 


Benefits.  157 

date  for  admission  by  card  who  is  afflicted  with  paralysis, 
to  the  effect  that  said  candidate,  if  admitted,  shall  not  receive 
sick  benefits  on  account  of  any  disability  which  may  result 
directly  or  indirectly  from  such  paralysis. — 1895  Journal, 
24,  185,  235. 

383.  The  same.  A  Lodge  cannot  make  an  agreement  with 
an  applicant  for  admission  by  initiation,  who  was  at  one 
time  subject  to  spells  of  insanity  but  has  been  well  for  some 
time  past,  that  in  case  he  should  become  insane  again  he 
shall  not  be  entitled  to  benefits. — 1884  Journal,  22,  116,  153. 

Note. — Neither  has  a  Lodge  the  void  would  not  release  the  Lodge 

right  to  initiate  a  man  suffering  from  the  obligation  to  pay  bene- 

from   a   chronic   disease   upon   the  fits,    nor    would    the    brother    be 

applicant    signing    an    agreement  liable  to  trial  and  expulsion  for  a 

not   to   claim    benefits    in    conse-  violation    of    it — (1870    S.   G.   L. 

quence  of  disability  or  sickness  by  Journal,  4915,  4925). 
said  disease.    The  agreement  being 

384.  Agreement  by  candidate  to  waive  benefits  illegal. 
No  Lodge  shall  enter  into  an  agreement  with  an  applicant 
for  admission  whereby  such  applicant,  while  agreeing  to  pay 
all  dues  as  other  members,  waives  all  rights  to  pecuniary 
benefits.  Such  an  agreement  on  the  part  of  the  individual 
not  to  claim  benefits  would  not  release  the  Lodge  from  the 
obligation  to  pay  them. — 1883  Journal,  1003,  1150,  1175; 
1870  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4915,  4925. 

385.  The  same — Age  of  candidate.  The  age  of  a  candi- 
date for  initiation  cuts  no  figure  in  regard  to  benefits.  lie 
would  be  entitled  to  benefits  if  sick  and  in  good  standing, 
and  could  neither  be  deprived  of  them  nor  enter  into  an 
agreement  with  the  Lodge,  previous  to  admission,  not  to 
receive  them.— 1888  Journal,  1023,  1111,  1130. 

Note. — A  By-Law  of  a  Lodge  de-      and  void — (1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
priving  a  member  of  benefits  after      14248,  14489,  14570). 
reaching  the  age  of  65  is  illegal 

386.  Who  entitled — Minimum  benefits — Reduced  benefits 
after  receipt  of  $500.  Every  member  qualified  as  required 
by  the  By-Laws  shall,  in  case  of  being  disabled  by  sickness 
or  bodily  accident  from  earning  a  livelihood,  be  entitled  to, 


158  Benefits. 

and  may  receive  such  weekly  benefits  as  may  be  fixed  by 
law,  from  the  funds  of  the  Lodge,  \thich  shall  in  no  case  be 
less  than  four  dollars  per  week  for  Third-Degree  members: 
provided^  that  Lodges  may  provide  in  their  By-Laws  that 
when  a  brother  shall  have  received,  in  the  aggregate,  the 
sum  of  five  hundred  dollars  as  sick  benefits  from  the  funds 
of  the  Lodge,  he  shall  thereafter  be  entitled  to  receive  two 
dollars  per  week  as  sick  benefits. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  IV,  Sec.  2. 

Note. — Benefits  are  payable  weekly — (1893  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13443, 
13565). 

387.  Funeral   and   sick   benefits,    how   regulated.     The 

funeral  and  sick  benefits  shall  be  regulated  by  the  By-Laws 
of  the  Lodge,  and  all  orders  drawn  for  the  above  benefits 
shall  be  by  vote  of  the  Lodge. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  IV,  Sec.  4. 

388.  Terms  and  conditions.  Lodges  have  a  right,  subject 
to  the  laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge  and  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge,  to  prescribe  by  their  By-Laws  the  terms  and  condi- 
tions upon  which  their  members  are  entitled  to  benefits. — 
1860  Journal,  50. 

389.  May  limit  benefits  to  Third-Degfree  members.     A 

Lodge  may  provide  in  its  By-Laws  that  none  but  Third- 
Degree  members  shall  be  entitled  to  weekly  benefits. — Con- 
stitution Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  2. 

Note. — A  law  of  a  Subordinate  efits — (1877    S.    G.    L.    Journal, 

providing  for  the  payment  of  ben-  7363,   7451 ) .     May  limit  benefits 

efits   to   degree   members   only    is  to  Third  Degree   members — (1872 

valid  and  binding.     Under  such  a  S.     G.     L.    Journal,     5280,     5919, 

law,   members   who  have   received  5950). 
no  degrees  are  entitled  to  no  ben- 

390.  May  provide  for  weekly  benefits  in  each  degree. 
The  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  may  provide  for  the  granting  of 
weekly  benefits  to  a  brother  of  the  Initiatory,  First  and 
Second  Degrees.— 1884  Journal,  13,  116,  153. 

391.  May  increase  or  reduce  the  rate  of  benefits.  A 
Subordinate  Lodge  has  the  right  to  regulate  the  rate  of 


Benefits.  159 

benefits  to  members,  and  may  increase  or  reduce  the  same. 
A  member  takes  his  benefits  subject  to  any  and  all  amend- 
ments and  changes  in  the  By-Laws. — 1872  Journal,  690,  691. 

392.  May  amend  By-Laws  concerning  benefits.  A  Lodge 
has  the  right  to  amend  its  By-Laws  affecting  benefits  at  any 
time,  so  long  as  the  amendment  or  By-Law  is  uniform  in  its 
operation.  This  law  is  equally  applicable  to  the  widows  of 
deceased  Odd  Fellows.— 1883  Journal,  1137,  1139,  1174;  1880 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8330,  8439 ;  1881  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8647,  8708. 

Note. — A  Lodge  cannot,  by  tacit  thereby   a   brother   of   benefits   to 

consent  of  its   members,   keep    in  which  he  is  fairly  entitled  by  the 

force  a   By-Law  which    has    been  existing  law — (1857  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 

actually     repealed,     and     deprive  nal,  2790,  2827). 

393.  Reducing  benefits.  A  Lodge  can  reduce  its  benefits 
by  changing  the  By-Laws,  which  requires  a  vote  according  to 
the  Constitution.  It  cannot  reduce  them  one-half  for  six 
months  or  a  year  simply  by  a  vote  of  the  Lodge.  A  Lodge 
must  not  disregard  its  own  By-Laws. — 1897  Journal,  806, 
1030,  1054. 

394.  The  same.  When  a  Lodge  changes  its  By-Laws, 
reducing  benefits  of  a  member  who  has  drawn  them  for 
twenty-six  weeks,  or  any  specified  time,  said  By-Law  applies 
to  that  brother  and  all  brothers  immediately ;  the  same  rule 
would  apply  if  the  benefits  were  raised. — 1897  Journal,  806, 
1030,  1054. 

395.  When  amount  changed,  it  applies  to  sick  and  well 
alike.  When  a  Lodge  changes  the  amount  of  weekly  benefits, 
all  the  members,  sick  and  well,  are  equally  affected. — 1863 
Journal,  366,  410,  421. 

Note. — But  after  benefits  have  amount  of  the  benefits  that  have 
accrued  to  a  brother,  a  Lodge  can-  accrued — (1882  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
not,    by    its    action,    reduce    the      8838,9025,9101). 

396.  Lodge  may  fix  amount  of  benefits,  provided.  A 
Subordinate  Lodge  has  the  right  to  fix  the  amount  of  benefits 
to  be  paid  its  members,  provided  the  amount  be  not  less 
than  that  provided  in  Article  IV,  Section  2,  Constitution  of 
Subordinates.— 1877  Journal,  582,  675,  697. 


160  Benefits. 

Note.  —  And       provided       the  etc.,  should  be  entitled  to  receive 

amount     is     not     less     than     the  four  *  dollars    per    week,    it    was 

amount  fixed  by  the  general  mini-  held     that     the     Lodge     had     the 

mum  benefit  law  of  the  Sovereign  right     to     adopt     a     By-Law     to 

Grand  Lodge.     See  Section  374  of  pay    six    dollars,    as    the    greater 

this  Digest.     Where  the  Subordi-  sum  included  the  lesser — (1884  S. 

nate   Constitution    provided    that  G.  L.  Journal,  9633,  9707,  Metrop- 

every  bona   fide   member,   if   sick,  olis  Lodge  Appeal ) . 

397.  First  week's  sickness.  A  Lodge  may  provide  in  its 
By-Laws  that  benefits  shall  not  be  allowed  for  the  first 
week's  sickness. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  2. 

398.  When  benefits  shall  commence,  and  who  entitled  to. 
Such  benefits  shall  commence  six  months  from  the  date  of 
admission  to  membership  in  this  Lodge,  whether  the  same 
be  by  initiation,  deposit  of.  card,  as  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow, 
or  by  dismissal  certificate;  provided  the  brother  shall  have 
attained  the  degree  required  by  the  By-Laws;  and  all 
brothers,  if  otherwise  qualified,  shall  be  entitled  to  benefits 
if  not  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  dues,  assess- 
ments or  fines. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  2. 

399.  Power  of  Lodge  as  to  arrears  and  benefits.  The  pro- 
vision of  Section  2  of  Article  IV,  of  the  Constitution  of  Sub- 
ordinates, merely  fixes  the  minimum  period  of  delinquency 
in  the  payment  of  dues,  etc.,  for  which  a  brother  may  be 
deprived  of  benefits.  Lodges  may,  in  their  By-Laws,  fix  a 
longer  period  for  such  delinquency. — 1893  Journal,  389,  427, 
430. 

400.  By-Laws — Less  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears.  A 
Lodge  cannot,  in  its  By-Laws,  reduce  below  thirteen  weeks, 
the  period  for  which  a  brother  must  be  in  arrears  for  weekly 
and  funeral  dues,  before  he  can  be,  for  that  reason,  deprived 
of  benefits.— 1898  Journal,  231,  277. 

401.  Benefits  commence  six  months  from  admission.    The 

provision  of  Article  IV,  Section  2,  of  the  Constitution  of 
Subordinates,  where  it  is  prescribed,  among  other  things, 
that  "benefits  shall  commence  six  months  from  the  date  of 
admission  to  membership,"  etc.,  does  not  conflict  with  any 


Benefits.  161 

law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 1883  Journal,   1003, 
1150,  1175;  1872  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  5280,  5919,  5950. 

402.  Construction  of  Section  2,  Article  IV.  Section  2, 
Article  IV,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  applies  to  all 
members  who  join  the  Lodge,  be  it  by  initiation,  deposit  of 
card,  or  otherwise. — 1892  Journal,  15,  97,  103. 

403.  Must  be  a  member  six  months  to  receive  benefits. 
It  is  not  legal  to  pay  a  brother  benefits  until  he  has  been  a 
member  of  the  Order  six  months. — 1888  Journal,  1025,  1111, 
1130;  1886  Journal,  538,  620,  646;  Smalls  vs.  Cedarville 
Lodge,  1888  Journal,  1032,  1122,  1152. 

404.  Brother  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues,  rein- 
stated, and  the  six  months'  limit.  A  brother  having  been 
suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues,  was  thereafter  rein- 
stated on  February  2,  1895.  On  February  25,  1895,  he 
was  taken  sick.  The  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  provide  that 
after  a  brother  has  been  reinstated  for  non-payment  of  dues, 
he  is  not  entitled  to  sick  benefits  if  taken  sick  within  six 
months  after  his  reinstatement.  Such  a  By-Law  is  uncon- 
stitutional. The  six  months'  limit  provided  in  Article  IV, 
Section  2,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  applies  only  to 
brothers  admitted  to  membership  by  initiation,  deposit  of 
card,  etc.— 1896  Journal,  409,  588,  629. 

405.  The  same.  A  By-Law  of  a  Lodge  which  reads ''that 
members  shall  not  be  entitled  to  benefits  until  the  expira- 
tion of  six  months  after  admittance"  is  not  applicable  to 
members  reinstated. — 1878  Journal,  827,  946,  974. 

406.  Transfer  of  membership  by  card — ^When  benefits 
commence.  The  law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  con- 
cerning transfer  of  membership  by  card  (see  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  Journal,  1904,  pp.  755-761,  845),  which  pro- 
vides, under  certain  conditions,  for  the  admission  of  a  mem- 
ber by  card  without  payment  of  admission  fee,  does  not 
abrogate  the  provision  of  our  Constitution  of  Subordinates, 
which  reads  "benefits  shall  commence  six  months  from  the 
date  of  admission  to  membership  in  the  Lodge."    A  brother 


162  Benefits. 

must  be  a  member  of  a  Lodge  six  months  before  he  is  entitled 
to  benefits.— 1905  Journal,  744,  932,  948;  1905  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 32,  219,  243. 

407.  Transferring  membership — Elected,  but  fails  to 
obtain  Withdrawal  Card.  When  a  member  of  a  Lodge  has 
been  elected  to  membership  by  another  Lodge  upon  applica- 
tion to  become  a  member  by  card  on  transfer  of  membership, 
and  does  not  apply  for  nor  obtain  a  Withdrawal  Card 
from  his  Lodge,  his  Lodge  is  liable  for  sick  benefits. — 1902 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  527,  528,  979,  1002. 

408.  Transferring  membership — Holder  of  Withdrawal 
Card  dies  before  depositing  it.  When  a  member  of  a  Lodge 
is  elected  to  membership  by  another  Lodge  upon  application 
to  become  a  member  by  card  on  transfer  of  membership,  and 
then  obtains  from  his  Lodge  a  Withdrawal  Card,  but  dies 
before  he  deposits  the  card  with  the  Lodge  that  elected  him 
to  membership,  whose  Constitution  provides  "upon  the 
deposit  of  which  (the  withdrawal  card)  with  said  Lodge 
in  which  he  has  been  elected,  he  shall  be  entitled  to  sign  the 
Constitution  and  be  received  in  full  membership  from  that 
time,"  his  heirs  have  not  any  legal  claim  against  either 
Lodge  for  benefits.— 1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  527,  528,  979, 
1002. 

409.  When  sick  benefits  accrue.  Sick  benefits  accrue  and 
become  payable  weekly. — ^Briggs  vs.  Lodi  Lodge,  1897  Jour- 
nal, 963,  977. 

'Tie.  Brothers  should  not  attach  another's  benefits.  It  is 
not  consistent  with  the  principles  of  the  Order  for  a  brother 
to  attach  the  benefits  granted  another  brother,  while  the 
benefits  are  in  the  hands  of.  the  Treasurer  of  the  Lodge. — 
1880  Journal,  361,  376 ;  1894  Journal,  606,  732,  771. 

411.  Attachment.  A  Lodge  cannot  prevent  the  attach- 
ment of  benefits  due  to  a  brother  while  in  the  hands  of  the 
Treasurer.  The  question  as  to  whether  such  an  attachment 
can  be  maintained  is  one  that  comes  under  our  State  law, 
and  not  under  the  laws  of  the  Order. — 1898  Journal,  10,  256, 
278. 


Benefits.  163 

412.  The  same.  Where  a  Lodge  ordered  sick  benefits  to 
be  paid  to  a  brother  and  another  brother  leaves  the  Lodge 
room  and  informs  a  public  office  of  the  same,  who  enters 
the  Lodge  room  after  the  close  of  the  Lodge  and  attaches 
the  benefits  granted  to  the  brother  in  the  hands  of  the  Sec- 
retary, it  was  decided  that  it  is  a  violation  of  obligation  to 
divulge  the  private  business  of  a  Lodge  to  any  but  Odd 
Fellows.— 1887  Journal,  777,  875,  888. 

413.  Proportion  of  dues  to  benefits.  The  Grand  Lodge 
recommends  that  Lodges  do  not  give  as  weekly  benefits  an 
amount  to  exceed  two-thirds  of  that  collected  annually  as 
dues.— 1879  Journal,  118,  140. 

414.  The  same — The  recommendation  is  not  binding.  .  It 

is  not  obligatory  on  Lodges  to  so  change  their  By-Laws  that 
the  weekly  sick  benefits  paid  to  a  member  of  the  Lodge  shall 
not  exceed  a  sum  equivalent  to  two-thirds  of  the  yearly  dues 
paid  by  said  member  to  his  Lodge.  The  special  committee 
on  dues  and  benefits  recommended  the  adoption  of  legisla- 
tion to  that  effect  (1887  Journal,  893),  which  report  was 
adopted.  The  necessary  legislation  to  put  the  recommenda- 
tion into  effect  was  not  had,  and  it  is  not,  therefore,  binding 
upon  the  Lodges.— 1888  Journal,  1019,  1111,  1130. 

415.  When  an  amendment  to  By-Laws  is  disapproved. 

Where  an  amendment  to  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  is  disap- 
proved by  the  Grand  Lodge,  the  brothers  of  the  Lodge  who 
were  sick  and  were  entitled  to  benefits  should  be  granted 
the  same  at  the  rate  fixed  by  the  By-Laws  prior  to  this 
proposed  amendment. — Petition  of  Lowenthal,  1875  Journal, 
302. 

416.  Not  less  than  $4.00  per  week  to  Third-Degree  mem- 
bers, except.  A  Lodge  is  required  to  pay,  under  Section  2, 
Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  not  less  than  $4.00 
per  week  to  Third-Degree  members,  even  though  their  By- 
Laws  adopted  and  approved  at  a  date  prior  to  the  late 
amendment  of  said  Section  2  provide  a  less  sum,  except  it 
may  provide  in  its  By-Laws  that  when  a  brother  shall  have 
received  in  the  aggregate  the  sum  of  $500.00  as  sick  benefits 


164  Benefits. 

from  the  funds  of  the  Lodge,  he  shall  thereafter  be  entitled 
to  receive  $2.00  per  week  as  sick  benefits. — 1877  Journal, 
585,  675,  697;  Constitution  Suborjjinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  2; 
1898  Journal,  10,  231,  277. 

417.  Reducing  benefits — Amount.  A  Lodge  cannot  le- 
gally reduce  its  weekly  sick  benefits  to  less  than  $4.00  per 
week  to  Third-Degree  members,  except  it  may  provide  in 
its  By-Laws  that  when  a  brother  shall  have  received  in  the 
aggregate  the  sum  of  $500.00  as  sick  benefits  from 
the  funds  of  the  Lodge,  he  shall  thereafter  be  entitled  to 
receive  $2.00  per  week  as  sick  benefits. — 1898  Journal,  10, 
231,  277;  Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  2. 

418.  Lodge  cannot  cease  paying  after  a  certain  amount. 

A  Lodge  cannot  legally  provide  in  its  By-Laws  that  it  will 
cease  paying  benefits  after  a  certain  amount  has  been  paid 
to  a  brother.— 1898  Journal,  10,  11,  231,  277. 

419.  Higher  benefits  for  higher  degrees.  When  a  Lodge 
pays  higher  benefits  for  higher  degrees,  the  brother  is  enti- 
tled to  the  higher  benefits  whenever  he  receives  a  higher 
degree,  provided  he  has  been  six  months  a  member  of  the 
Lodge.— 1885  Journal,  288,  403,  432;  Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  IV,  Sec.  2. 

Note. — The  matter  of  paying  Degree  members  is  left  entirely  to 
higher  benefits  to  Third-Degree  local  legislation — (1856  S.  G.  L. 
members  than  to  First  or  Second-      Journal,  2562,  2629,  2664). 

420.  "Benefits"  includes  both  sick  and  funeral.  A  strict 
construction  of  our  laws  does  not  discriminate  as  to  benefits 
in  the  true  adaptation  of  the  term.  When  the  laws  do  not 
distinguish  between  sick  and  funeral  benefits,  in  alluding 
to  benefits,  it  covers  both. — 1874  Journal,  15,  115,  116. 

421.  Benefits  illegally  paid  must  be  returned.  Where 
benefits  have  been  paid  illegally  to  a  brother,  the  brother 
may  be  compelled  to  pay  the  amount  received  by  him  back 
into  the  treasury,  and  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Lodge  to  require 
him  to  do  so.— 1875  Journal,  292,  295. 

422.  Effect  of  a  brother's  change  of  Lodge.  A  brother's 
benefits  are  affected  by  his  removal  from  one  Lodge  to 


Benefits.  165 

another.— 1857  Journal,  274;  1848  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1202, 
1246 ;  1849  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1444,  1492,  1512. 

423.  Not  payable  to  legal  representatives  of  member's 
estate.  Benefits  are  rights  personal  to  the  member,  his 
family  and  dependent  relatives,  and  are  not  payable  to  the 
legal  representatives  of  a  member's  estate. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  2. 

Note. — The  above    provision  is  vision   is   made   by  law  for  their 

lawful,  and  in  case  of  the  death  payment,   then   the  Lodge    is  not 

of  a  brother  entitled  to  such  bene-  bound   to  pay   the   money  to   any 

fits,  leaving  no  family  or  depend-  person — (1886    S.    G.    L.    Journal, 

ent   relations,    and   no   other   pro-  10254,  10487,  10511). 

424.  No  dependent  relatives.  Where  a  brother  was  sick 
in  a  hospital  in  another  county,  and  under  instruction  from 
his  Lodge  the  Relief  Committee  paid  him  two  weeks'  bene- 
fits, and  he  left  the  hospital  without  notifying  either  the 
Relief  Committee  or  his  Lodge  of  his  whereabouts,  and  six 
weeks  thereafter  died,  leaving  no  dependent  relatives,  the 
Lodge  is  not  required  to  pay  the  benefits  for  the  six  weeks. — 
1905  Journal,  744,  932,  948. 

425.  Not  assignable  and  not  payable  to  executor  or  ad- 
ministrator. Sick,  funeral  or  other  benefits,  allowance  to 
defray  burial  or  funeral  expenses,  relief,  donation,  aid, 
assistance  or  allowance,  are  not  assignable,  and  are  not  pay- 
able to  an  executor  or  administrator. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  IV,  Sec.  10;  1900  Journal,  224,  244;  Morse  vs. 
California  Lodge,  1902  Journal,  886,  892. 

426.  Administrators  and  executors  will  not  be  recog- 
nized. Our  Order  does  not  recognize  executors  or  adminis- 
trators as  having  any  claim  upon  benefits.  The  Grand  Lodge 
has  declared  that  the  claims  of  executors  or  administrators 
to  either  sick  or  funeral  benefits  will  not  in  any  manner  be 
recognized  by  the  Grand  Lodge  or  its  Subordinates. — Hard- 
man  vs.  Yerba  Buena  Lodge,  1894  Journal,  687,  717;  1885 
Journal,  404,  433 ;  1900  Journal,  224,  244. 

Note. — The  laws  of  this  Order  dues  to  a  member,  "even  when 
do  not  recognize  any  claim  by  there  is  no  dispute  on  the  question 
legal  repreaentativea,  as  such  for      of    the    right    of    claim    in    the 


):66  Benefits. 

brother,**  as  such  legal  representa-  tives  on  his  decease,   the  amount 

tives  may  be  relatives  in  a  remote  due    should   be    paid    directly   to 

degree,   or    merely   creditors,   and  such  relatives,  and  in  no  case  to 

not  the  widow,  orphan,  or  depend-  his  ^  executors    or    administrators, 

ent    relatives    of    the    deceased —  as   in  case   there   were  debts,  the 

(1859     S.    G.    L.     Journal,     3118,  executors  or  administrators  must 

3135).     They  are  designed  for  the  apply  these  funds  with  others  to 

comfort  of  a  brother  and  his  fam-  the   payment   of   debts.      It  is   no 

ily,  and  to  relieve  and  administer  part  of  the  design  of  our  Order  to 

to     their     personal     and     present  pay   such   debts — (1875    S.   G.   L. 

need.     If  there  be  dependent  rela-  Journal,  6563,  6629). 

427.  When  our  laws  do  not  designate  the  person  to  whom 
payable.  In  any  case  in  which  neither  this  Constitution  nor 
the  Laws  of  the  Lodge,  nor  of  the  Order,  designate  the  per- 
son to  whom  the  benefits,  expenses,  allowance,  relief,  etc., 
shall  be  paid,  the  Lodge  may  determine  the  same. — Consti- 
tution Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  10. 

428.  Brothers  have  no  right  to  resort  to  courts  of  law — 
The  decisions  of  the  Lodge  and  the  authorities  of  the  Order 
are  conclusive  and  final.  This  Constitution  and  all  laws, 
rules  and  regulations  providing  for  the  granting  of  sick, 
funeral  and  other  benefits,  or  of  any  aid,  relief,  assistance, 
allowance,  expenses,  or  money,  to  any  member,  wife,  widow, 
orphan,  or  any  person  whatever,  or  providing  for  the  pay- 
ment to  the  Lodge  of  dues,  assessments  and  demands  by  a 
member,  are  not  intended  and  shall  not  be  construed  to 
create  the  relation  of  debtor  and  creditor,  nor  to  create  legal 
rights,  liabilities,  nor  responsibilities,  nor  any  legal  con- 
tractual relation,  nor  to  confer  any  right  to  enforce  the 
granting  or  payment  of  the  same  by  resort  to  courts  of  law ; 
on  the  contrary,  all  questions,  whether  of  law  or  fact,  rela- 
tive to  the  granting,  payment  or  refusal  of  the  same,  relate 
to  moral  duties  or  obligations,  and  not  to  legal  ones,  and 
appertain  to  the  sole  jurisdiction  of  this  Lodge  and  the 
authorities  of  this  Order,  and  their  decisions  in  the  premises 
{-'lall  be  binding,  conclusive  and  final  upon  all  members, 
wives,  widows,  orphans  or  persons.  Every  person  by  be- 
coming or  continuing  a  member  of  this  Lodge  consents  to 
and  agrees  to  abide  by  all  the  laws  and  decisions  of  this 


Benefits.  167 

Lodge  and  of  the  authorities  of  the  Order. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  6. 

429.  A  Grand  Lodge  cannot  undertake  the  payment  of 
benefits.  It  cannot  assume  the  payment  of  sick  benefits  in 
its  jurisdiction,  and  tax  all  its  members  to  provide  a  fund 
for  that  purpose ;  nor  can  it  form  such  a  fund,  to  which  such 
Lodges  as  choose  may  contribute  such  sums  as  the  Grand 
Lodge  may  name,  to  be  paid  as  sick  benefits  to  members  of 
such  contributing  Lodges.— 1892  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  12791, 
13050,  13075. 

430.  Penalty  as  to  disability  occurring  after  arrears  paid. 
A  brother  is  indebted  to  the  Lodge  one  year's  dues,  $12.00, 
and  on  receiving  notice  of  his  indebtedness,  he  pays  up 
in  full.  The  Lodge  cannot  by  its  By-Laws  deprive  the 
brother  from  receiving  benefits  for  six  months  thereafter. 
The  following  proposed  By-Law  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge, 
the  Grand  Lodge  disapproved  and  disallowed:  "A  member 
of  this  Lodge  being  in  arrears  more  than  thirteen  weeks 
shall  be  punished  with  two  weeks'  exclusion  from  weekly 
benefits  of  this  Lodge;  more  than  six  months'  arrears  shall 
be  punished  with  four  weeks'  exclusion  from  benefits;  more 
than  nine  months'  arrears  shall  be  punished  with  eight 
weeks'  exclusion  from  benefits;  and  more  than  eleven 
months'  arrears  shall  be  punished  with  thirteen  weeks'  ex- 
clusion from  benefits.  This  exclusion  shall  commence  from 
the  date  of  payment  of  arrears."  The  Grand  Lodge^of  the 
State  of  California  in  the  exercise  of  its  authority,  does  not 
allow  such  penalties  in  this  jurisdiction,  but  it  may  permit 
the  same  if  it  sees  fit,  as  appears  by  the  note  to  this  section. 
— 1891  Journal,  585,  690,  716 ;  Memorial  of  Germania  Lodge, 
1890  Journal,  385,  410,  436;  1896  Journal,  409,  588,  629. 

Note. — Subordinates    may    pro-  him   of    benefits   under  the    local 

vide  by  By-Law  that  members  in  law,    cannot    become    entitled    to 

arrears   shall    not  be    entitled    to  them  until  he  shall  have  paid  up 

benefits  until  a  specified  time  after  in  full  all  dues  and  fines   (weekly 

they  shall  have  paid  up  their  dues  and    funeral)    that   have     accrue*! 

—  (1877    S.   G.   L.   Journal,    7347,  against   him,    nor    then    until    the 

7449).     A  member  who  is  in  ar-  expiration  of  such  time  thereafter 

rears  for  dues  so  as    to    deprive  as  may  also  by  the  laws  be  pro- 


168  Bknefits. 

vided    as    a    penalty — (1877-1879-  rearage   shall   not  be   entitled    to 

1888  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7462,  7505,  benefits  until  thirteen  weeks  there- 

7909,     8072,     8173-11105,     11368.  after,  the  Lodge   is  not  bound  to 

11396;  1874  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7802,  pay  him  benefits  until  the  thirteen 

7841).     Where  the   By-Laws  pro-  weeKs    have    expired    after    such 

vide  that  a  brother  one  year    in  payment — (1874  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

arrears   for   dues   paying   his    ar-  6178,  6264). 

431.  Reinstatement — Time  limit — Penalty.  A  Lodge  can- 
not affix  a  time  limit  as  a  penalty  after  reinstatement. — 1898 
Journal,  209,  210,  211,  255. 

432.  Duty  of  Chairman  of  Visiting  Committee.  It  is  the 
duty,  if  not  in  conflict  with  the  By-Laws,  of  the  Noble  Grand 
as  Chairman  of  the  Visiting  Committee  to  announce  to  the 
Lodge  whether  a  brother  who  has  been  reported  sick  is  enti- 
tled to  benefits.— 1875  Journal,  301,  300. 

433.  Lodge  determines  when  benefits  shall  cease.     The 

Visiting  Committee  of  a  Lodge  reports  as  to  the  physical 
condition  of  a  brother,  but  the  Lodge  determines  when  the 
brother's  benefits  shall  cease.— 1882  Journal,  741,  844,  879. 

434.  Reports  of  Visiting  Committee.  It  is  illegal  for  a 
Lodge  to  insert  in  its  By-Laws  a  provision  that  no  benefits 
shall  be  paid  without  a  report  of  the  Visiting  Committee. 
While  it  is  proper  to  require  that  appropriate  committees 
shall  visit  the  sick,  render  such  assistance  as  may  be  re- 
quired, and  report  fully  in  respect  thereto,  and  to  inflict  such 
penalties  upon  the  members  of  those  committees  who  shall 
fail,  without  adequate  excuse,  in  the  performance  of  the 
duties  imposed  upon  them,  it  cannot  make  a  member's  right 
to  sick  benefits,  or  the  prompt  payment  of  the  same  to  him, 
contingent  upon  the  performance  or  non-performance  of 
duties  by  others  who  may  happen  to  be  members  of  a  com- 
mittee or  officers  of  the  Lodge. — 1896  Journal,  534,  558,  559. 

435.  When  claimant  does  not  pursue  the  course  pre- 
scribed by  law.  In  this  jurisdiction,  in  cases  of  difference 
or  disputes,  or  a  claim  by  a  member  of  a  Lodge  of  this  juris- 
diction that  sick  benefits  are  due  him  from  his  own  Lodge, 
this  Grand  Lodge,  under  our  laws,  does  not  review  or  disturb 
the  action  of  the  Lodge  when  the  member  has  not  pursued 


Benefits.  169 

the  course  prescribed  by  Section  5,  Article  IV,  of  our  Consti- 
tution of  Subordinate  Lodges,  which  provides  for  an  Investi- 
gating Committee  and  an  appeal  to  this  Grand  Lodge. — 
Tisquantum  Lodge  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1904  Journal, 
370,  590. 

436.  Donation  not  a  benefit,  when.  Where  a  donation  is 
made  to  a  brother  in  arrears,  and  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge 
read  *'the  Treasurer  shall  deduct  all  dues  from  benefits," 
the  donation  is  not  a  benefit  in  this  sense,  and  cannot  be  so 
considered.— 1871  Journal,  366,  445,  471. 

437.  Action  on  report  of  Visiting  Committee.  The  report 
of  the  Visiting  Committee,  like  the  report  of  ordinary  com- 
mittees or  a  member  thereof,  is  only  a  recommendation  or 
report,  and  it  is  for  the  Lodge  to  determine  whether  it  will 
acquiesce  in  or  accept  the  report. — Matter  of  Phelps,  1893 
Journal,  407,  424. 

438.  Grand  Lodges  and  Subordinates  control  as  to  ar- 
rears depriving  of  benefits.  State  Grand  Lodges,  and  they 
alone,  are  authorized  to  declare  in  their  several  jurisdictions 
what  sum  of  dues  and  what  length  of  time  a  brother  shall 
be  in  arrears  to  constitute  him  non-beneficial,  whether  it  be 
one  or  thirteen  weeks,  or  longer;  but  when  no  such  declara- 
tion is  made  by  State  Grand  Bodies,  Subordinates,  by  their 
By-Laws,  may  fix  the  sum  or  the  length  of  time. — 1884-1893 
S.^  G.  L.  Journal,  9502,  9734,  9801,  9426,  9466. 

439.  Drafts   for  benefits,    and   questions    of   order.    A 

motion  to  draw  a  draft  for  two  weeks'  benefits  involves 
questions  of  law  and  fact,  and  not  of  order,  especially  the 
question  of  fact  whether  the  brother  had  been  sick  two 
weeks.  It  does  not  fall  within  the  questions  of  order  to 
be  decided  by  the  Noble  Grand ;  its  determination  appertains 
to  the  Lodge.— Matter  of  Phelps,  1893  Journal,  407,  424; 
1898  Journal,  163,  164,  197. 

440.  Aged,  infirm  and  indigent  members.  Grand  Lodges 
may,  by  appropriate  legislation,  make  such  provision  for 
benefits  for  aged,  infirm  and  indigent  members  as  they  may 


170  Benefits. 

deem  proper.— 1884-1887  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  9733,  9800,  10943, 
10980. 

441.  Certain  By-Law  as  to  benefit^  valid.  A  By-Law  which 
contains  the  following  provision,  to-wit:  "No  member  who 
is  in  arrears  for  weekly  or  funeral  dues  for  more  than  thir- 
teen weeks  shall  be  entitled  to  benefits,  provided  that  any 
member  living  more  than  five  miles  distant  from  the  Lodge 
shall  be  granted  four  weeks'  additional  time  in  which  to 
receive  benefits,"  is  not  in  conflict  with  the  laws  of  the 
Order.— 1889  Journal,  31,  144,  162. 

(See  Aged  Odd  Fellows:   Grand  Master.) 

2.     WHEN  ENTITLED  TO  BENEFITS. 

442.  When  not  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears.    All 

brothers,  if  otherwise  qualified,  shall  be  entitled  to  benefits, 
if  not  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  dues,  assess- 
ments or  fines ;  provided  that  all  payments  by  a  member  shall 
be  on  his  general  account,  unless  otherwise  directed  by  him, 
and  shall  be  applied  to  the  payment  of  dues,  assessments 
and  fines  in  the  order  in  which  they  become  due;  but  this 
proviso  shall  not  be  applicable  to  fines  imposed  as  penalties 
upon  conviction  upon  charges. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  IV,  Sec.  2. 

443.  The  same — The  minimum  of  delinquency.  The  pro- 
visions of  Section  2,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nates, 'which  reads  ''and  brothers,  if  otherwise  qualified, 
shall  be  entitled  to  benefits  if  not  more  than  thirteen  weeks 
in  arrears  for  dues,  assessments  or  fines,"  merely  fixes  the 
minimum  of  delinquency  in  the  payment  of  dues,  etc.,  for 
which  a  member  may  be  deprived  of  benefits.  Lodges  may, 
in  their  By-Laws,  fix  a  longer  period  of  such  delinquency. — 
1893  Journal,  427,  430. 

444.  A  Lodge  may  provide  for  payment  of  benefits  dur- 
ing membership.  A  Lodge  may  provide  in  its  By-Laws  for 
the  payment  of  benefits  to  members  who  are  more  than 
thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  dues.  A  Lodge  may  provide 
for  the  payment  of  benefits  as  long  as  the  brother  is  a  mem- 


Benefits.  171 

ber  of  his  Lodge.  A  Lodge  cannot,  however,  refuse  to  pay- 
benefits  to  a  member  who  is  not  more  than  thirteen  weeks 
in  arrears  for  dues.— 1888  Journal,  1020,  1111,  1130;  1890 
Journal,  449,  450. 

445.  Must  be  over  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  to  deprive  of 
benefits.  The  clause  in  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  as  follows : 
"All  brothers,  if  otherwise  qualified,  shall  be  entitled  to 
benefits  until  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  dues, 
assessments  or  fines,"  does  not  mean  that  if  a  brother  is 
more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  he  shall  not  be  entitled 
to  benefits.  It  simply  means  that  a  brother  must  be  at  least 
thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  before  benefits  can  be  denied  him 
on  account  of  being  so  in  arrears.  A  Lodge  cannot  deprive 
a  brother  of  benefits  until  after  he  is  more  than  thirteen 
weeks  in  arrears,  but  may  grant  him  benefits  as  long  as  he 
is  a  member  of  the  Lodge,  if  the  By-Laws  so  provide. — 1884 
Journal,  158,  168. 

446.  The  same.  A  brother  who  is  not  more  than  thirteen 
weeks  in  arrears  for  dues,  fines  or  assessments  cannot  be 
denied  benefits.  The  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  cannot  provide 
that  less  than  thirteen  weeks'  arrears  shall  deprive  of  bene- 
fits. A  By-Law  which  does  not  deprive  a  brother  of  benefits 
until  he  is  twenty-six  weeks  in  arrears  is  constitutional  and 
valid.— 1897  Journal,  805,  1030,  1031,  1055. 

447.  After  six  months*  membership,  when  sickness  com- 
mences prior  thereto.  A  brother  taken  sick  prior  to  having 
been  a  member  of  the  Lodge  six  months,  and  his  sickness 
continues,  is  to  be  regarded  as  having  been  taken  sick,  so 
far  as  his  right  to  benefits  is  concerned,  at  the  expiration  of 
six  months  from  the  date  of  his  admission. — 1889  Journal, 
31,  122,  163. 

448.  The  same.  Where  the  By-Laws  provide  that  a 
brother  shall  be  a  member  six  months  before  being  entitled 
to  benefits,  and  the  brother  falls  sick  before  the  expiration 
of  the  first  six  months  of  his  membership,  and  such  sickness 
continues  beyond  such  six  months,  the  brother,  if  otherwise 
qualified,  becomes  entitled  to  benefits  immediately  upon  the 
expiration  of  the  six  months. — 1869  Journal,  83,  107. 


172  Benkfits. 

449.  For  first  week's  sickness.  Unless  there  is  a  pro- 
vision in  the  By-Laws  to  the  contrary,  under  the  provisions 
of  the  Constitution,  a  Subordinate  Lodge  must  pay  benefits 
for  the  first  week's  sickness.— 1893  Journal,  278,  384,  420. 

450.  Brother  in  good  standing.*  A  brother  in  good  stand- 
ing is  entitled  to  benefits  during  all  of  the  time  of  his  sick- 
ness. A  Lodge  can,  however,  regulate  the  amount  to  be 
paid,  subject  to  the  provisions  of  the  Constitution.^1880 
Journal,  333,  373. 

451.  Effect  of  receipt  for  dues.  When  the  Secretary 
gives  a  brother  a  receipt  for  dues  for  a  longer  time  than  he 
is  entitled  to,  such  receipt  holds  good  as  to  the  brother's 
standing  in  the  Lodge  until  the  brother  is  notified  of  the 
error  contained  therein. — 1889  Journal,  34,  122,  163. 

452.  Not  informing  Secretary  of  change  of  residence  and 
penalty.  A  brother  can  only  be  deprived  of  his  benefits  in 
the  manner  provided  by  law.  The  Lodge  may,  it  is  true, 
impose  a  fine  on  a  brother  for  not  informing  the  Secretary 
of  his  change  of  residence,  but  it  cannot  forfeit,  as  a  penalty, 
the  benefits  to  which  a  brother  is  entitled. — 1880  Journal, 
333,  373. 

453.  Third  Degree  members.  As  soon  as  a  beneficial 
brother  becomes  a  Third  Degree  member  he  becomes  enti- 
tled to  Third  Degree  benefits. — Williams  vs.  Yerba  Buena 
Lodge,  1889  Journal,  136,  160. 

454.  Cannot  refuse  on  account  of  change  of  residence. 

Full  benefits  cannot  be  refused  for  the  reason  that  members 
propose  a  temporary  residence  in  some  other  place  in  which 
a  change  in  their  ordinary  occupation  would  increase  the 
risk  of  life  or  health;  nor  because  sickness  accrued  in  a 
more  dangerous  clime  than  that  in  which  the  Lodge  is 
•ocated,  and  a  Subordinate  has  no  right  to  enact  a  By-Law 
that  members  in  the  receipt  of  benefits  shall  forfeit  the  same 
in  case  they  leave  the  vicinity  of  the  Lodge,  nor  to  prohibit 
its  members  from  going  to  any  point  to  which  their  interest 
may  take  them,  or  their  welfare  or  comfort  demand. — 1851- 
1855  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1712,  1739,  1798-2494,  2508,  2521 ;  1852 


Benefits.  17H 

S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1845,  1885,  1948;  1877-1886  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
7401,  7477-10255,  10521,  10659. 

455.  Brother  receiving  salary  during  sickness.  A  brother 
who  receives  a  salary  amply  sufficient  to  maintain  himself 
and  family,  and  becomes  sick  and  disabled,  is  entitled  to 
benefits  until  he  again  becomes  able  to  follow  the  business 
for  which  he  receives  the  salary. — 1882  Journal,  741,  844, 
879. 

456.  In  military  service.  A  brother  in  good  standing, 
w^ho  is  in  the  military  service  and  is  taken  sick,  but  receiving 
his  full  pay  and  rations,  is  legally  entitled  to  benefits. — 1866 
Journal,  219,  230. 

457.  A  sailor  in  hospital.  A  sailor  sick  in  Government 
hospital  is,  if  in  good  standing,  entitled  under  the  general 
laws  of  the  Order  to  sick  benefits. — 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
504,  827,  873. 

458.  American  soldier  in  Government  hospital  in  Phil- 
ippines. An  American  soldier  serving  in  the  Philippines, 
a  member  in  good  standing  of  a  Lodge,  is  sick  and  confined 
in  a  Government  hospital  and  incapacitated  for  work,  but 
his  wages  continue  during  his  illness  and  his  expenses  for 
medical  attendance,  medicine,  nursing,  etc.,  are  paid  by 
the  Government,  he  is  entitled  to  benefits. — 1900  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  507,  827,  873. 

459.  During  suspension  or  expulsion.  When  a  brother 
has  been  illegally  expelled  or  suspended,  and  is  afterwards 
restored  by  action  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  he  is  entitled  to  sick 
benefits  during  the  time  of  his  expulsion  or  suspension,  in 
case  of  sickness. — 1864  Journal,  574. 

460.  Brother's  private  and  financial  affairs — Competence. 
A  Lodge  has  no  right  to  inquire  into  the  private  affairs  of 
a  brother.  If  he  is  in  good  standing  at  the  time  of  being 
taken  sick,  he  is  entitled  to  the  benefits  provided  by  the 
By-Laws  of  his  Lodge,  and  the  Lodge  is  bound  to  pay  them. 
It  makes  no  difference  whatever,  whether  the  brother  is  in 
need  or  enjoying  a  competence. — 1866  Journal,  219,  230; 


174  Benefits. 

1875  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6350,  6619,  6692 ;  Cunning  vs.  Mound 
Lodge,  1900  Journal,  137,  176. 

461.  Without  property  or  with  income  sufficient  to  sup- 
port. It  makes  no  difference  whatever  whether  the  brother 
is  in  need  or  enjoying  a  competence,  whether  he  is  entirely 
without  property  or  has  an  income  sufficient  for  his  sup- 
port. If  he  is  in  good  standing  at  the  time  he  is  taken  sick, 
he  is  entitled  to  benefits. — Cunning  vs.  Mound  Lodge,  1900 
Journal,  137,  176. 

462.  Payment  of  wages.  It  is  not  the  question  of  the 
payment  of  wages,  but  of  the  ability  of  a  brother  to  earn 
wages,  which  constitutes  the  test  in  respect  to  a  claim  for 
benefits.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  507,  827,  873. 

463.  Brother  cannot  waive  benefits.  A  Lodge  has  no 
right  to  dispense  with  voting  a  brother  benefits  who  is  enti- 
tled to  the  same,  even  if  he  files  with  the  Lodge  a  written 
waiver  or  release  to  the  same,  when  the  Constitution  of 
Subordinates  is  as  follows:  ''All  brothers  sick  shall  be  enti- 
tled to  and  receive  such  weekly  benefits,"  and  the  By-Laws 
of  the  Lodge  further  providing  that  ''the  following  weekly 
benefits  shall  be  paid." — 1864  Journal,  525,  545. 

464.  Insane  entitled  to  benefits.  Where  a  member  in 
good  standing  in  his  Lodge  becomes  insane,  he  is  entitled 
to  sick  benefits.  If  he  is  sent  to  an  asylum  he  is  entitled 
to  sick  benefits  while  in  that  institution. — Matter  of  Vick- 
ery,  1896  Journal,  575,  617 ;  1870  Journal,  188,  255. 

Note. — It  is  the  bounden  duty  ported   at  public  expense  is  enti- 

of  Lodges  to  extend  the  same  ben-  tied  to  benefits — (1886-1887  S.  G. 

efits  to  lunatics   as   are   given   to  L.    Journal,    10387,    10391,    10441, 

those  who  suffer  from  bodily    in-  10474-10712,  10951,  11005).   While 

firmity — (1853   S.   G.  L.   Journal,  an  inmate  of  a  hospital   for    the 

2137,    2177).     An   insane   brother  insane,  the  liability  of  the  Lodge 

in  a  State  lunatic  asylum,  and  in  for  such  brother's  benefits  is  the 

the  exclusive  charge  of  that  insti-  same  as  that  towards  other  mem- 

tution,    is    entitled    to    benefits —  bers — (1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  27, 

(1882    S.    G.    L.    Journal,    8953,  365,387,388,413). 
9081).     An   insane    brother    sup- 


Benefits.  175 

465.  When  benefits  of  insane  brother  paid  to  guardian. 
A  brother  taken  sick,  who  is  insane  and  has  had  a  guardian 
appointed  by  a  court,  and  he  being  unmarried  and  no  near 
of  kin  residing  in  the  State,  is  entitled  to  benefits,  which 
must  be  paid  to  his  guardian. — 1872  Journal,  575,  665,  684. 

466.  Insane  brother  and  absent  guardian.  A  guardian 
appointed  by  a  court  of  this  State  of  an  insane  brother,  who 
has  no  dependent  relatives,  and  is  not  in  an  asylum,  but 
with  a  private  family,  departs  from  this  State  and  becomes 
a  resident  of  the  State  of  Kansas,  and  gives  a  power  of 
attorney  to  a  brother  who  is  Secretary  of  a  General  Relief 
Committee,  under  whose  care  the  insane  brother  is,  to  col- 
lect the  sick  benefits;  the  same  may  be  paid  to  such  attor- 
ney, but  the  court  should  be  apprised  of  the  fact  that  the 
guardian  has  permanently  removed  beyond  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  court.— 1895  Journal,  26,  27,  195,  196,  236. 

467.  Insane  brother.  Benefits  must  be  paid  to  an  insane 
brother  as  freely  and  as  fully  as  in  any  other  case  of  inca- 
pacity of  obtaining  a  livelihood;  and  the  plea  that  "benefits 
are  not  payable  to  the  legal  representatives  of  a  member's 
estate,"  does  not  avail  while  the  member  is  still  living,  and 
so  is  his  own  estate. — Appeal  of  General  Relief  Committee 
of  Stockton  vs.  Sacramento  Lodge,  1882  Journal,  878;  1882 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8953,  9081 ;  1883  Journal,  1074. 

468.  Attempted  suicide  while  insane.  Where  the  By- 
Laws  of  a  Lodge  contain  this  provision,  to-wit:  "Sickness 
resulting  from  intemperance  or  immoral  conduct,  shall  not 
entitle  a  member  to  benefits,"  and  the  brother  attempts 
suicide  and  is  reported  sick  to  the  Lodge,  he  is  not  entitled 
to  sick  benefits,  if  at  the  time  of  his  attempted  suicide  he 
was  of  sound  mind,  as  in  that  event  he  would  be  guilty  of 
immoral  conduct.  But  if  a  brother  attempts  suicide  while 
insane  or  under  an  insane  impulse,  he  should  receive  our 
commiseration  and  friendly  offices  and  is  entitled  to  bene- 
fits. The  Lodge  should  determine  the  question  upon  the 
circumstances  of  each  case,  considering  the  brother's  acts 
in  the  spirit  of  humanity  and  mercy. — 1882  Journal,  738, 
844,  879;  1884  Journal,  14,  116,  153. 


\76  Benefits. 

469.  Benefits  of  insane  brothers,  how  paid,  and  to  whom. 
Resolved,  That  when  a  brother  of  this  Order,  entitled  to 
benefits,  shall  become  insane  and  ^shall  be  confined  in  an 
insane  asylum,  and  while  therein  shall  be  supported  at  public 
expense,  the  Lodge  of  which  said  brother  may  be  a  member, 
shall,  at  least  once  in  every  month,  pay  to  the  Grand  Treas- 
urer of  the  Grand  Lodge  under  which  said  Lodge  holds  its 
charter,  the  benefits  due  such  brother,  which  said  money 
shall  be  held  by  such  Grand  Treasurer  as  a  trust  fund  for 
the  support  of  such  brother,  when  required  therefor.  The 
money  so  deposited  shall  be  paid  out  by  such  Grand  Treas- 
urer upon  the  order  of  the  Grand  Master  having  immediate 
jurisdiction  of  such  Lodge.  If  such  insane  brother  shall  be 
discharged  as  sane,  the  money  remaining  of  such  fund  shall 
be  paid  over  to  him  in  the  manner  hereinbefore  directed; 
proznded,  however,  that  if  said  brother  shall  die  while  insane, 
if  any  of  the  money  so  deposited  shall  remain  in  the  hands 
of  such  Grand  Treasurer,  and  there  shall  be  no  heirs  enti- 
tled to  inherit,  the  money  so  remaining,  if  not  claimed  by 
his  heirs  within  six  months  from  the  death  of  such  brother, 
shall  be  repaid  to  the  Lodge  depositing  the  same,  and  the 
same  thereafter  shall  be  the  property  of  such  Lodge.  In 
like  cases,  where  money  has  heretofore  been  paid  to  any 
Relief  Committee  or  Grand  Master,  such  committee  or  Grand 
Master  shall  immediately  deposit  the  money  so  received,  as 
hereinbefore  directed,  to  be  held,  used  and  disposed  of  as  a 
trust  fund  in  the  same  manner  and  for  the  purposes  afore- 
said; provided,  however,  that  in  case  such  insane  brother 
has  dependent  relatives,  the  Lodge  to  which  the  brother 
belongs  may  use  its  discretion  as  to  the  payment  of  a 
brother's  benefits  to  such  relatives,  instead  of  as  provided  by 
this  resolution.— 1884  Journal,  109,  117,  152.  But  if  the 
Lodge  should  pay  the  brother's  benefits  to  his  wife,  and  the 
brother  should  recover,  he  cannot  in  such  case  compel  the 
Lodge  to  pay  the  benefits  a  second  time. — 1882  Journal, 
720,  844,  877. 

470.  Insane  brother  in  hospital.  Under  the  laws  of  our 
Order,  ''weekly  benefits,"  due  an  insane  brother  while  in 


I 


Benefits.  177 

a  hospital  for  the  insane,  should  be  held  for  his  use  or 
expended  solely  for  his  benefit ;  but  any  such  accrued  bene- 
fits should,  at  the  death  of  the  brother,  be  paid  to  his  widow, 
orphans,  or  dependent  relatives,  according  to  the  fact. 
If  there  be  none  such,  then  any  such  unexpended  benefits 
revert  to  the  general  funds  of  the  brother's  Lodge. — 1904 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  866,  884. 

471.  Nervous  affection  treated  in  sanitarium.  A  nervous 
affection  necessitating  treatment  in  a  sanitarium  entitles 
a  member  to  sick  benefits.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  268,  290. 

472.  Aged  brother  and  softening  of  the  brain.  An  aged 
person,  incapacitated  to  work  or  earn  a  livelihood  by  soft- 
ening of  the  brain,  is  entitled  to  benefits.  It  may  be  true 
that  aged  persons  are  more  liable  to  such  an  affliction  than 
others,  still  this  does  not  change  the  fact  that  softening  of 
the  brain  is  a  disease,  or  lessen  the  fraternal  obligation,  to 
pay  to  the  aged  sufferer  the  benefits  to  which  the  sick  are 
entitled,  under  the  laws  of  our  Order. — Stratton  vs.  Chan- 
nel City  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  526,  558. 

473.  Sickness  incident  to  old  age.  A  brother  in  good 
standing  is  entitled  to  benefits  during  sickness,  whether 
such  sickness  is  incident  to  old  age  or  not.  If  not  sick,  but 
merely  infirm  from  old  age,  he  is  not  entitled. — 1901  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  24,  360,  371,  372. 

474.  Donation  and  mistake  as  to  brother's  standing. 
Where  donations  have  been  made  to  a  brother  in  lieu  of 
benefits  (it  not  being  clear  that  the  brother  is  legally  enti- 
tled to  benefits,  and  the  donations  not  having  been  made 
to  put  the  brother  in  standing,  but  to  afford  him  relief 
because  he  was  sick),  and  it  subsequently  appears  that  the 
brother  was  entitled  to  benefits,  the  said  benefits  should  be 
paid  to  the  brother  less  the  amount  of  the  donations. — Hol- 
brook  vs.  Pajaro  Lodge,  1884  Journal,  31,  128,  154. 

475.  Reported  out  of  care,  and  a  relapse.  A  brother  in 
jjood  standing  who  had  been  sick  for  some  time,  when  con- 
valescing and  nearly  well,  desired  to  be  and  was  reported  out 

12 


178  Benefits. 

of  care.  Shortly  after,  there  was  a  relapse  in  his  disease, 
which  wholly  incapacitated  him  from  attending  to  any  busi- 
ness. He  is  as  much  entitled  to  ^sick  benefits  under  this 
relapse  and  consequent  incapacity  as  if  he  had  been  actually 
and  fully  restored  to  health  and  subsequently  prostrated  by 
the  same  or  any  other  disease. — 1872  Journal,  576,  665,  684. 

476.  Benefits  improperly  obtained  at  a  previous  time. 

If  a  brother  at  some  previous  time  obtained  benefits  by 
falsely  pretending  sickness,  such  conduct  is  a  proper  sub- 
ject for  charges  against  the  brother;  but,  in  the  absence  of 
such  charges,  it  cannot  be  sufficient  to  defeat  the  brother's 
claim  for  subsequently  accruing  benefits,  without  other  evi- 
dence relating  to  the  time  for  which  such  subsequent  bene- 
fits are  claimed. — Jackson  vs.  California  Lodge,  1885  Jour- 
nal, 421,  435. 

477.  In  case  of  blindness.  A  brother  in  good  standing 
who  by  sickness  or  accident  has  become  blind,  is  prima  facie 
entitled  to  benefits,  although  in  other  respects  his  bodily 
health  may  be  good.  If  such  a  brother  has,  or  can  reas- 
onably obtain  any  occupation  whereby  he  can  make  a  living, 
he  would  not  be  entitled  to  benefits.  This,  however,  cannot 
be  presumed,  but  must  be  made  to  appear  affirmatively. — 
1881  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8736,  8798;  1885  Journal,  373,  401, 
431. 

478.  When  brothers  pay  arrears.  Where  a  brother,  being 
in  arrears  eleven  months,  notified  in  time,  pays  after  the 
lapse  of  twelve  months  (without  being  read  out)  eight  dol- 
lars on  his  indebtedness,  he  will  be  entitled  to  benefits  at 
once,  if  the  payment  places  him  in  good  standing. — 1886 
Journal,  610,  636,  648.  (See  Sections  430,  404,  and  398  of 
this  Digest.) 

Note. — But  payment  of  arrears  entitle  sick  brother  to  benefits  dur- 
while  sick  does  not  reinstate  a  ing  that  sickness. —  (See  Section 
brother  in  good  standing  so  as  to      490.) 

479.  Shall  begin  from  what  date.  A  By-Law  reads:  *'No 
member  shall  be  entitled  to  benefits  for  more  than  one  week 
prior  to  being  reported  sick  to  the  Lodge."     The  same 


I 


I 


f 


Benefits.  179 

By-Law  further  provides  that  the  brother  must  be  reported 
to  some  officer  of  the  Lodge.  The  Lodge  having  directed  by- 
its  By-Laws  that  a  brother  taken  sick  will  have  discharged 
his  duty  by  reporting  to  an  "officer  of  the  Lodge,"  the 
Lodge  must  take  that  day  as  determining  the  date  of  sick- 
ness.—1890  Journal,  401,  412,  435. 

480.  A  brother  beneficial  when  reported  sick.  A  brother 
who  is  reported  sick  and  who  is  then  sick  and  bene- 
ficial, cannot  become  delinquent  or  not  beneficial  during  that 
sickness,  though  he  become  in  arrears. — 1898  Journal,  209, 
210,  211,  255. 

481.  Reported  sick  last  day  of  arrearage  for  dues.  Under 
By-Laws  which  read:  "No  member  shall  be  entitled  to 
benefits  who  is  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for 
dues,"  "A  member  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears 
for  either  assessments,  dues  or  fines  shall  not  be  entitled  to 
sick  benefits,"  "No  benefits  shall  be  allowed  unless  the 
brother  has  been  sick  two  weeks;  then  the  brother  shall  be 
entitled  to  one  week's  benefits;  his  sickness  must  be  reported 
to  the  Lodge,  and  until  such  report  is  received  no  benefits 
can  be  granted,"  "Every  member  shall  pay  as  dues  nineteen 
and  three-thirteenths  cents  per  week  into  the  general  fund, ' ' 
a  sick  brother  who  reports  himself  sick  to  the  Recording 
Secretary  on  the  last  day  of  the  thirteen  weeks  of  arrear- 
age for  dues  cannot  be  deprived  of  the  sick  benefits  result- 
ing from  such  sickness. — Bigelow  vs.  Marion  Lodge,  1903 
Journal,  140,  154. 

482.  A  brother  beneficial  at  commencement  of  his  sick- 
ness. A  brother  who  is  beneficial  at  the  commencement  of 
his  sickness  cannot  be  deprived  of  benefits  during  that  sick- 
ness, though  he  become  in  arrears,  as  it  is  the  fault  of  the 
Lodge  in  nSt  retaining  so  much  of  his  benefits  as  would 
keep  him  in  good  standing  during  such  sickness. — 1857- 
1880  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2700,  2764,  2810,  8461. 

483.  Beneficial  when  sickness  commenced,  but  in  arrears 
when  reported  to  Lodge.  Whether  a  sick  brother  who  is 
beneficial  at  the  commencement  of  his  sickness,  but  is  more 


180  Benefits. 

than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  dues  and  not  in  good 
standing  when  he  is  reported  sick  to  the  Lodge,  is  entitled 
to  benefits,  depends  upon  the  time  and  circumstances  under 
which  he  is  reported  sick  to  the  Lodge  and  the  By-Laws  of 
the  Lodge  applicable  thereto.— 1898  Journal,  256,  257,  278. 

484.  Dues  paid,  and  Secretary  fails  to  report  the  same 
to  the  Lodge,  but  embezzles  the  money.  If  a  member  pays 
his  dues  to  the  Financial  Secretary  during  the  week,  and 
the  Financial  Secretary  fails  to  report  said  payment  to  the 
Lodge  and  embezzles  the  money,  the  Lodge  is  responsible 
for  the  loss,  and  if  a  member,  through  such  neglect  of  the 
Financial  Secretary,  falls  in  arrears,  he  is  entitled  to  bene- 
fits; and  if  the  Lodge,  by  resolution,  had  prohibited  the 
Financial  Secretary  to  receive  dues  except  in  open  Lodge, 
the  Lodge  nevertheless  would  be  responsible  for  any  future 
loss  in  such  cases  where  the  Financial  Secretary  receives 
the  dues  during  the  week.— 1878  Journal,  951,  957,  974,  975. 

485.  Expulsion  reversed  by  Grand  Lodge — Appeal  to 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge — Benefits.  When  a  member  is  tried 
and  expelled  by  his  Lodge,  and  he  appeals  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  and  the  Grand  Lodge  reverses  the  decision  of  the 
Subordinate  Lodge,  and  the  Lodge  asks  for,  and  is  granted 
permission  to  appeal  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  the 
action  of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  reversing  the  judgment  rein- 
states the  brother  into  good  standing,  and,  unless  otherwise 
disqualified  on  account  of  non-payment  of  dues  or  such 
other  conditions  as  would  disqualify  him  from  receiving 
benefits,  he  would  be  entitled  to  all  the  rights  and  privileges 
as  though  no  appeal  were  pending  to  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  from  the  action  and  judgment  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  this  jurisdiction,  and  if  the  brother  be  taken  sick  pending 
the  appeal  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  the  Lodge  cannot 
refuse  to  pay  sick  benefits  until  after  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  has  rendered  its  decision  thereon. — 1899  Journal,  464, 
657,  679. 

486.  Lodge  suspended  or  charter  arrested  by  Grand 
Master  and  restored.    If  the  Grand  Lodge  approves  and  sus- 


Benefits.  181 

tains  the  suspension  of  a  Lodge  or  the  arrest  of  its  charter 
by  the  Grand  Master,  and  yet  restores  the  charter  to  the 
Lodge,  it  may  prescribe  the  terms  and  conditions  thereof. 
If  the  Grand  Lodge  disapproves  and  does  not  sustain  the 
suspension,  or  decides  that  the  suspension  was  illegal  or 
unjust,  and  restores  the  charter,  a  brother  who  was  sick 
and  disabled  during  said  suspension,  and  otherwise  quali- 
fied to  receive  benefits,  would,  on  the  restoration  of  the  char- 
ter, be  entitled  to  benefits  during  the  period  of  suspension. — 
1899  Journal,  464,  657,  679. 

487.  A  suspended  inmate  of  Odd  Fellows*  Home.  An 
inmate  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  who  is  suspended  from 
its  privileges  for  a  limited  time  can,  during  such  suspension, 
pay  dues  to  his  Lodge,  and  if  sick  or  taken  sick  during  such 
time,  he  is  entitled  to  sick  benefits,  provided  he  has  complied 
with  the  By-Laws  of  his  Lodge.— 1902  Journal,  749,  900,  917. 

488.  Offered  admission  to  an  I.  0.  0.  F.  Home  and  de- 
clines. A  brother  in  good  standing  is  unable  physically  to 
take  care  of  himself  and  is  offered  a  place  at  an  I.  0.  0.  F. 
Home,  but  refuses  to  go,  his  Lodge  is  bound  to  give  him 
attention  and  sick  benefits  in  accordance  with  its  By-Laws 
and  the  laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  his  jurisdiction. — 1902 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  530,  978,  1002. 

(See  Aged  Odd  Fellows.) 

3.     WHEN    NOT    ENTITLED    TO    BENEFITS. 

489.  The  local  law  controls  as  to  arrears  and  beneflta. 

The  length  of  time  and  amount  of  dues  that  a  brother  shall 
be  in  arrears  to  constitute  him  non-beneficial  is  a  matter 
of  local  legislation.— 1899  Journal,  524 ;  1898  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 16073,  16139. 

490.  Payment  of  arrears  while  sick  does  not  entitle  sick 
brother  to  benefits.  A  brother  who  is  not  entitled  to  sick, 
funeral  or  other  benefits,  by  reason  of  non-payment  of  dues 
or  demands  against  him,  cannot,  during  his  sickness,  by 
the  payment  of  arrearages,  reinstate  himself  in  good  stand- 
ing, so  as  to  be  entitled  to  benefits  during  that  sickness. — 


182  Benefits. 

Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  10;  1859  Journal, 
472;  1863  Journal,  422;  Landers  vs.  San  Francisco  Lodge, 

1870  Journal,  230,  252;  Burtt  vs.  ^Red  Bluff  Lodge,  1883 
Journal,  1010,  1166,  1180;  Herman  vs.  Cayucos  Lodge,  1895 
Journal,  166,  184;  Lang  vs.  Aecker  Lodge,  1898  Journal, 
167,  168,  198;  1848-1854-1858  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1318-2311, 
2346-2859,  2925,  2963. 

491.  The  same.  A  donation  of  dues.  Where  a  Lodge 
donates  a  sick  brother  the  full  amount  of  his  dues,  the 
brother  being  in  arrears  so  as  to  disqualify  him  from  receiv- 
ing benefits,  he  is  not  entitled  to  benefits  for  that  sickness. — 

1871  Journal,  366,  445,  471. 

492.  Reinstated  while  sick.  If  sickness  dates  prior  to 
reinstatement,  a  brother  who  is  reinstated  while  sick  is  not 
entitled  to  benefits  during  that  sickness. — 1897  Journal, 
844,  994,  1034. 

493.  Criminal  and  immoral  acts,  causes,  etc.  No  bene- 
fits shall  be  paid  for  any  injury  or  disability  received  in 
the  commission  of  a  crime  or  an  immoral  act,  nor  for  any 
sickness  or  disability  arising  from  any  criminal  or  immoral 
acts,  conduct,  causes  or  considerations,  nor  in  cases  where 
the  same  contribute  thereto. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  IV,  Sec.  8. 

494.  Illness  or  disability  from  immoral  conduct.  Under 
By-Laws  which  read  ''that  any  brother  sick  or  disabled 
shall  receive  benefits,  provided  such  illness  or  disability  does 
not  result  from  his  own  immoral  conduct,"  it  is  not  neces- 
sary that  the  brother  be  convicted  of  the  immoral  conduct 
by  regular  trial  upon  charges,  before  the  Lodge  can  refuse 
benefits  on  that  ground. — Byington  vs.  California  Lodge, 
1873  Journal,  784,  889,  896;  Holland  vs.  Oakland  Lodge, 
1881  Journal,  505,  615,  628;  1873  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  5837, 
5877. 

495.  Trial  on  charges  not  necessary.  A  trial  on  charges 
is  not  a  prerequisite  to  a  denial  of  benefits. — 1873  Journal, 
900,  901 ;  Byington  vs.  California  Lodge,  1873  Journal,  784, 
889,  896. 


Benefits.  183 

496.  Immorality  before  or  after  admission  as  member. 
The  provision,  in  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge,  that  to  entitle  a 
brother  to  benefits  on  account  of  his  sickness  or  disability, 
such  sickness  or  disability  shall  not  proceed  from  immoral 
conduct  on  his  part,  is  perfectly  legal.  Therefore,  where 
the  By-Laws  contain  such  a  provision,  it  is  a  prerequisite 
that  the  brother's  sickness  or  disability  was  not  caused  by 
immorality.  It  is  immaterial  whether  the  immoral  conduct 
resulting  in  such  sickness  was  prior  or  subsequent  to  the 
brother's  admission  to  the  Lodge. — Kaempffmann  vs.  Yerba 
Buena  Lodge,  1885  Journal,  398,  425. 

497.  Immoral  conduct,  and  its  consequences.  If  a  brother 
becomes  disabled  by  immoral  conduct,  two  consequences 
follow:  First,  he  may  lose  his  benefits;  second,  he  may  be 
put  on  trial  and  punished.  But  the  Lodge  is  not  compelled 
to  try  him  unless  charges  are  brought  against  him.  It,  on 
the  contrary,  may  deem  the  loss  of  benefits  a  sufficient  inci- 
dental punishment  for  his  conduct,  and  may  decline  to  prose- 
cute the  matter  any  further.— 1873  Journal,  784,  889,  896. 

Note. — ^To  entitle  a  sick  or  dis-  ness  or  disability  was  not  caused 

abled  member  to  his  benefits,  be-  by    immorality — (1873    S.    G.    L. 

sides  being  in  good  standing,  it  is  Journal,  5837,  5877). 
also  a  prerequisite  that  the  sick- 

498.  When  saloon-keeper  not  entitled  to  benefits.  Where 
a  brother,  after  the  prohibitory  legislation  of  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  on  the  subject,  entered  into  the  saloon  busi- 
ness and  while  engaged  in  that  business  as  a  consequence 
thereof  became  injured;  that  is,  in  performing  work  per- 
taining to  such  business,  mashed  one  of  his  fingers  between 
two  barrels  of  beer  and  thereby  disabled  himself  from  doing 
any  work,  he  is  not  entitled  to  weekly  benefits.  Under  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  legislation  and  its  decisions,  the 
entering  into  such  business  after  such  prohibitory  legis- 
lation by  an  Odd  Fellow  must  be  assumed  to  be  immoral 
conduct  and  if  an  ailment  or  injury  is  received  in  or  conse- 
quent upon  such  business,  he  would  not  be  entitled  to  bene- 
fits.—1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  30,  219,  243. 


184  Benefits. 

499.  A  fraction  of  a  week.  A  brother  reported  sick,  and 
who  is  sick  a  fraction  of  a  week,  is  not  entitled  to  benefits 
unless  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  ^provide  otherwise. — Mat- 
ter of  Phelps,  1893  Journal,  407,  408,  424;  1880  Journal, 
397,  396 ;  1886  Journal,  534,  620,  645 ;  1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
25,  360,  371,  372. 

500.  A  brother  sick  six  days.  A  brother  is  not  entitled 
to  a  week's  sick  benefits  unless  he  is  sick  the  entire  week. 
The  fact  that  he  is  sick  six  days  will  not  entitle  him  to  be 
allowed  a  week's  benefits.— 1889  Journal,  28,  122,  163. 

501.  Visiting  Card,  and  first  week's  sickness.  When 
Visiting  Card  granted,  the  By-Laws  provided  for  benefits 
for  first  week's  sickness,  but  were  changed  so  that  benefits 
were  not  payable  therefor.  The  holder  of  the  Visiting  Card 
is  not  entitled  to  benefits  for  first  week's  sickness  happening 
after  such  change. — 1895  Journal,  42,  185,  235. 

502.  In  arrears.  A  Lodge  may  pay  benefits  to  a  brother 
who  is  in  arrears  for  dues,  or  may  make  such  a  brother  a 
donation,  but  it  cannot  deduct  such  payment  or  donation 
from  said  brother's  "funeral  expense"  at  his  death.  A 
brother  in  arrears  cannot  demand  benefits  as  a  right. — 1897 
Journal,  809,  1030,  1054. 

Note. — The    By-Laws    fix    when      tiition  of  Subordinates. — See   Sec. 
arrears  deprive  of  benefits,  subject      399  of  this  Digest.) 
to  Article   IV,   Section   2,   Consti- 

503.  The  same.  A  Lodge  may  give  a  brother  benefits  as 
long  as  he  is  a  member,  whether  in  arrears  or  not,  and  may 
do  so  either  by  adopting  a  By-Law  providing  generally  for 
payment  of  benefits  for  a  specified  time  after  the  member 
shall  have  been  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears,  or  by  the  vote  of 
the  Lodge  directing  payment  of  benefits  in  a  particular 
case,  notwithstanding  more  than  thirteen  weeks'  arrearage. 
The  right  of  a  Lodge  to  pay  benefits  to  a  brother  who  is  in 
arrears  is  unlimited,  and  may  be  exercised  in  any  manner 
the  Lodge  deems  proper.— 1897  Journal,  805,  1030,  1031, 
1055. 


Benefits.  185 

504.  Arrears  thirteen  weeks  for  dues.  Under  a  By-Law 
which  reads  "Any  member  of  this  Lodge  who  is  in  arrears 
over  thirteen  weeks,  whether  the  same  be  for  fines,  dues  or 
assessments,  shall  not  be  entitled  to  speak  or  vote  on  any 
subject,  nor  shall  he  receive  benefits";  a  member  cannot 
receive  benefits  if  he  owes  the  Lodge  more  than  thirteen 
weeks'  dues. — Beach  vs.  Fortuna  Lodge,  1878  Journal,  947, 
974. 

505.  The  same — Duty  to  pay  dues.  Every  brother  has 
ample  opportunity  to  pay  his  dues  before  he  becomes  thir- 
teen weeks  in  arrears.  The  responsibility  and  duty  of  pay- 
ment rests  upon  him,  and  not  upon  the  Lodge.  Where  the 
By-Laws  provide  that  a  brother  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears 
shall  not  be  entitled  to  benefits,  and  a  brother's  dues  are  not 
in  fact  paid  to  the  Lodge,  or  its  officer  or  officers  authorized 
to  receive  them,  and  the  brother  becomes  over  thirteen 
weeks  in  arrears,  he  is  not  entitled  to  benefits. — Twitchell 
vs.  Santa  Ana  Lodge,  1894  Journal,  689,  718. 

506.  Time,  not  amount,  determines  standing.  Time  only, 
and  not  amount,  determines  a  brother's  standing  and  right 
to  benefits,  as  well  as  his  liability  to  suspension  for  non- 
payment of  dues.— 1885  Journal,  289,  404,  433. 

507.  Dues  in  arrears  and  partial  payment.  Whether  a 
brother  who  pays  twelve  months'  dues  when  he  owes  twenty 
months'  dues,  and  thereafter  is  taken  sick,  is  entitled  to 
benefits,  depends  entirely  upon  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge. — 
1895  Journal,  40,  225,  249. 

508.  The  same.  If  the  Secretary  allows  a  brother's 
account  to  run  over  fifteen  months  before  he  notifies  him, 
and  the  brother  remits  but  one  year's  dues,  he  is  not  enti- 
tled to  benefits  when  the  By-Laws  provide  that  a  member 
owing  over  thirteen  weeks'  dues,  etc.,  shall  not  be  entitled. 
—1891  Journal,  584,  686,  715. 

509.  Member  in  arrears.  No  member  in  arrears  more 
than  thirteen  weeks  when  taken  sick,  is  entitled  to  benefits 
during  the  continuance  of  such  sickness  if  the  By-Laws  so 
provide. — Freund  vs.  Sonora  Lodge,  1886  Journal,  659,  662. 


186  BENEFITS. 

510.  When  arrearages  debar  from  benefits.  When  the 
By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  specify  the  time,  beyond  which  a 
brother  in  arrears  shall  not  be  entitled  to  benefits,  such 
arrearages  commence  at  a  date  which  will  equal  the  full 
time  prescribed  by  the  By-Laws,  after  deducting  such  length 
of  time  as  is  covered  by  crediting  the  last  payment. — 1860 
Journal,  1086. 

511.  Sick  brother  not  in  arrears — When  benefits  due. 
If  the  Lodge  is  cognizant  of  a  brother's  sickness,  and  he  has 
complied  with  the  laws  of  the  Lodge,  he  cannot  be  in  arrears 
until  the  benefits  due  him  are  liquidated,  and  all  dues  should 
be  deducted  from  the  benefits  previous  to  paying  the  same. 
—1864  Journal,  482,  521. 

Note. — ^A  brother  cannot  be  de-  to  place  him   in  good  standing — ■ 

prived    of    sick    benefits    on    the  ( 1854    S.    G.     L.     Journal,     2291, 

ground  that  he  is  in  arrears,  if  the  2341;     1897     S.     G.    L.     Journal, 

Lodge  is  indebted  to  him,  on  ac-  15559,  16616). 
count  of  a  prior  sickness,  sufficient 

512.  Arrears  and  promissory  note.  A  brother  is  not 
entitled  to  benefits  who  is  in  arrears  for  dues  according  to 
the  By-Laws  of  his  Lodge,  notwithstanding  the  Lodge  is 
indebted  to  him  on  a  promissory  note  for  borrowed  money 
bearing  interest. — 1866  Journal,  198,  214. 

513.  Arrears — Officer's  salary — Compensation  for  work 
and  labor.  It  is  a  universal  rule  that  the  right  to  benefits 
depends  upon  the  payment  of  dues  within  the  time  fixed 
by  law.  Payment  is  a  condition  precedent.  If  a  brother 
perform  the  duties  of  a  salaried  office  of  a  Lodge,  or  per- 
form services,  or  work  and  labor  for  a  Lodge  for  which  he 
may  legitimately  be  paid,  the  amount  due  him  must  be  paid 
to  him,  and  an  order  drawn  in  the  usual  manner  in  his  favor. 
When  he  obtains  the  warrant  or  order,  he  can  draw  the 
money  out  of  the  treasury,  and  he  has  the  right  to  use  it  in 
paying  his  dues;  or  he  has  the  right  to  use  it  for  his  own 
purposes,  and  to  decline  to  appropriate  it  to  the  payment 
of  his  dues.  Where  a  brother  or  officer  is  taken  sick,  who 
is  sufficiently  in  arrears  for  dues  to  debar  him  from  sick 


Benefits.  187 

benefits,  and  yet  the  Lodge  is  indebted  to  him  for  salary  or 
services  rendered  by  him  to  it,  in  an  amount  sufficient  to 
pay  his  dues,  he  is  nevertheless  not  entitled  to  benefits.  A 
Lodge  cannot  apply  any  part  of  the  indebtedness  for  serv- 
ices, etc.,  to  the  payment  of  his  dues  against  his  wishes,  or 
without  his  consent.  But  when  a  sick  brother  is  entitled 
to  sick  benefits,  the  Lodge  should  pay  his  dues  out  of  the 
benefits  due  him,  the  law  being  that  a  sick  brother  entitled 
to  benefits  cannot  become  delinquent  while  sick. — 1897 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15559,  16616;  1899  Journal,  441,  650,  677. 

514.  Case  where  money  due  cannot  be  credited.  Where 
two  Lodges  are  owners  in  common  of,  and  occupy  the  same 
building  and  hall,  and  have  joint  Trustees  to  supervise,  con- 
trol, manage  and  rent,  etc.,  the  joint  property,  and  the  Trus- 
tees employ  a  brother  of  one  of  the  Lodges  as  janitor,  the 
amount  due  from  the  joint  Trustees  cannot  be  credited  on 
account  of  the  brother's  dues  on  the  books  of  his  Lodge,  in 
order  to  place  him  in  good  standing  and  entitle  him  to  bene- 
fits.— ^Holbrook  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1884  Journal,  26. 
128,  154. 

515.  When  brother  not  entitled  to.  Where  the  By-Laws 
provide  that  "every  member  shall  pay  into  the  general  fund 
three  dollars  per  quarter,  which  must  be  promptly  paid  on 
or  before  the  last  regular  meeting  of  each  quarter,"  and 
**no  member  who  is  in  arrears  for  dues  over  thirteen  weeks 
shall  be  entitled  to  receive  benefits  by  reason  of  any  pay- 
ments he  may  make  during  his  sickness  or  bodily  infirm- 
ity," a  member  cannot  receive  benefits  if  he  owes  the  Lodge 
more  than  thirteen  weeks'  dues. — 1873  Journal,  870,  892. 

516.  In  arrears  for  funeral  assessments.  Where  the  By- 
Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  that  a  brother  thirteen  weeks  in 
arrears  for  assessments,  shall  not  be  entitled  to  benefits,  a 
brother  whose  weekly  dues  are  paid,  but  who  is  more  than 
thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  a  funeral  assessment,  is  not 
entitled  to  benefits. — Wettenberg  vs.  Germania  Lodge,  1896 
Journal,  576,  637,  638,  639,  617,  618;  1896  Journal,  607, 
636,  408. 


188  Bknefits. 

517.  The  same.  Where  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  read: 
"No  member  shall  be  entitled  to  benefits  who  is  over  thirteen 
weeks  in  arrears  for  dues,  fines  and  assessments,"  a  brother 
is  not  entitled  to  benefits  when  his  account  stands  charged 
with  an  assessment  more  than  thirteen  weeks,  although  his 
dues  are  paid  to  the  close  of  the  current  term. — 1882  Jour- 
nal, 739,  740,  844,  879. 

518.  Sickness  must  be  reported  to  Lodge.  A  sick  brother 
claiming  benefits  must  report  himself,  or  cause  himself  to 
be  reported  sick  to  the  Lodge  without  delay .^ — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  10. 

519.  Reporting  sickness  to  Lodge.  Under  a  By-Law 
which  reads,  *'His  sickness  must  be  reported  to  the  Lodge, 
and  until  such  report  is  received  no  benefits  can  be  granted," 
a  report  by  the  sick  brother  of  his  sickness  to  the  Recording 
Secretary  is  a  report  to  the  Lodge  within  the  meaning  of 
such  a  By-Law. — Bigelow  vs.  Marion  Lodge,  1903  Journal. 
140,  154. 

520.  In  case  sickness  is  not  reported.  The  By-Laws  of  a 
Lodge  provide  as  follows:  ''Any  member  becoming  sick  or 
disabled  shall  forthwith  report,  or  cause  himself  to  be  re- 
ported, to  the  Lodge,  and  no  benefits  shall  be  voted  by  the 
Lodge  unless  he  shall  have  been  previously  reported  to  the 
Lodge."  A  member  of  said  Lodge  becomes  sick  or  dis- 
abled and  remains  so  sick  or  disabled  for  over  a  month ;  he 
fails  to  report,  or  cause  himself  to  be  reported,  although 
residing  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge.  The  brother 
is  not  entitled  to  benefits  for  the  length  of  time  that  he 
claims  that  he  was  sick  or  disabled,  unless  the  brother  ean 
show  that  his  sickness  was  of  such  a  nature  that  it  was  im- 
possible for  him  to  have  reported  himself  to  the  Lodge,  or 
to  have  caused  a  report  to  have  been  made  in  his  behalf,  and 
that  he  did  report  himself  as  soon  as  he  was  able  to  do  so. — 
1890- Journal,  411,  415,  435. 

Note. — The  By-Law  of  a  Lodge  or  two  weeks,  cannot  apply  to 
requiring  certified  notices  to  be  cases  in  which  a  brother  by  in- 
sent  to  the  Lodge  once  in  a  week      sanity  or  mental  sickness  is  inca- 


Benefits.  189 

pacitated  from  complying  with  it,  cases  cannot    be  withheld — (1856 

nor  to  any  case  where  it  is  impoa-  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2621,  2650;  1862 

sible  for  a  brother  to  comply  with  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3470,  3490). 
the  requirements.   Benefits  in  such 

521.  When  sick  brother  does  not  report  himself  sick  till 
in  arrears.  Under  a  By-Law  which  reads:  "His  benefits 
shall  not  commence  more  than  one  week  previous  to  the 
time  of  his  being  reported,"  a  brother  does  not  become  en- 
titled to  benefits  because  he  is  sick  and  in  good  standing,  he 
must  also  report  himself,  or  cause  himself  to  be  reported,  to 
the  Lodge  as  sick,  and  then  his  benefits  commence  from  one 
week  prior  to  this  report  if  he  was  sick  from  that  time.  A 
sick  brother  who  fails  to  report  himself,  or  cause  himself  to 
be  reported  to  the  Lodge  as  sick,  may  be  said  to  waive  his 
benefits,  but  more  strictly  speaking,  by  such  failure  or  neg- 
lect he  does  not  become  entitled  to  benefits.  Where  the 
brother  was  not  in  good  standing  for  benefits  when  he  was 
reported  sick  to  the  Lodge,  nor  was  he  so  one  week  prior 
thereto,  he  was  not  therefore  entitled  to  benefits,  notwith- 
standing he  was  in  good  standing  when  first  taken  sick. — 
Abraham  vs.  Healdsburg  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  70,  90. 

522.  Notice  of  sickness  by  absent  brother.  A  provision 
requiring  a  member  absent  from  his  Lodge  to  notify  another 
Lodge  where  he  is  of  his  sickness  is  a  reasonable  regulation, 
and  if  a  member  does  not  comply  with  it,  if  there  was  a 
Lodge  near  enough  to  him  to  be  reasonably  accessible  to 
notice,  and  if  his  physical  or  mental  condition  was  not  such 
as  to  render  him  incapable  of  giving  the  notice,  then  he 
would  not  be  entitled  to  benefits. — 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
351,  873,  886. 

523.  Where  requirements  of  By-Laws  not  complied  with. 
If  a  brother  does  not  comply  with  all  the  requirements  of  his 
Lodge's  By-Laws,  in  relation  to  benefits,  he  cannot  enforce 
their  payment  whether  the  Lodge  refuses  for  that  reason  or 
not. — Mysell  vs.  Harmony  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  669,  674; 
Cooke  vs.  California  Lodge,  1888  Journal,  1088,  1096;  Keel 
vs.  Harmony  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  670,  674. 


100  Benefits. 

524.  Where  By-Laws  require  an  attested  statement. 
Those  who  desire  benefits  must  comply  with  all  the  require- 
ments of  their  Lodge's  By-Laws.  Where  the  By-Laws  pro- 
vide that  a  member  taken  sick  remote  from  his  Lodge  must 
send  or  cause  to  be  sent  to  his  Lodge  a  statement  of  his 
case,  etc.,  attested  by  the  Noble  Grand  of  some  Lodge  near 
him,  etc.  If  he  fails  to  send  such  statement  he  cannot  enforce 
against  his  Lodge  his  claim  for  benefits.  A  brother  who  fails 
to  comply  with  such  a  By-Law,  but  continues  sick,  may, 
however,  send  such  statement,  as  provided  by  the  By-Law,  to 
his  Lodge,  and  if  otherwise  qualified  and  entitled  to  sick 
benefits,  may  enforce  his  claim  to  benefits  as  to  future  sick 
benefits,  that  is,  such  sick  benefits  as  may  arise  or  accrue 
after  the  Lodge  has  received  such  statement. — Walton  vs. 
Capay  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  141,  176;  Gardner  vs.  Donner 
Lodge,  1894  Journal,  691,  692,  718. 

525.  Where  By-Laws  require  a  sworn  statement  and  a 
doctor's  certificate.  Where  By-Laws  provide  that  a  brother 
being  or  residing  at  a  distance  from  the  city  in  which  the 
Lodge  is  located,  or  in  another  county  or  State,  and  claim- 
ing benefits,  must,  without  delay,  forward  to  his  Lodge  a 
true  statement  of  his  case,  verified  by  his  oath,  etc.,  and  at- 
tested by  certain  officers,  or  shall  send  to  his  Lodge  a  state- 
ment or  certificate  of  the  cause  and  nature  of  the  illness  or 
disability,  signed  by  a  physician  and  certified  by  a  certain 
officer,  and  if  a  brother  fails  to  forward  or  send  such  state- 
ment or  such  certificate  as  required  by  the  By-Laws,  he  is 
not  entitled  to  benefits  and  cannot  enforce  against  the  Lodge 
his  claim  for  benefits. — Cooke  vs.  California  Lodge,  1888 
Journal,  1088,  1096 ;  Petition  of  Carl  Kruger,  1878  Journal, 
919,  920,  953 ;  Levy  vs.  Golden  Gate  Lodge,  1888  Journal, 
1087,  1096. 

526.  Where  By-Laws  require  monthly  statements.  Where 
a  By-Law  requires  a  brother  claiming  benefits  who  is  absent 
from  the  county  where  the  Lodge  is  located,  without  de- 
lay to  forward  to  his  Lodge  a  statement  of  his  case,  specify- 
ing the  sickness  and  disability  to  work  and  the  time  and 
probable  duration  thereof,  and  attested  by  the  Noble  Grand 


Benefits.  191 

and  Secretary,  with  the  seal  of  the  Lode^e  nearest  to  his 
abode,  and  to  furnish  such  statement  monthly ;  if  he  fails  to 
send  such  statement,  he  cannot  enforce  his  claim  for  ben- 
efits against  the  Lodge.  Those  who  desire  benefits  must 
comply  with  all  the  requirements  of  their  Lodge's  By-Laws 
in  relation  thereto. — Keel  vs.  Harmony  Lodge,  1891  Journal, 
670,  674;  1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15979,  15995. 

527.  The  same — A  sworn  statement  is  not  conclusive. 
Where  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  require  a  brother  demanding 
benefits  to  forward  to  the  Lodge  a  sworn  statement  of  his 
condition,  the  Lodge  may  refuse  the  benefits  notwithstand- 
ing the  sworn  statement,  if  the  representations  contained  in 
the  statement  are  false,  or  the  brother  is  not  entitled  to  ben- 
efits.—Cooke  vs.  California  Lodge,  1888  Journal,  1088,  1096. 

528.  The  same — A  doctor's  statement  or  certificate  is  not 
conclusive.  A  By-Law  of  a  Lodge  providing  that  a  brother, 
residing  at  a  distance  from  the  location  of  the  Lodge,  who 
claims  benefits,  must  send  to  the  Lodge  a  certificate  or  state- 
ment of  a  physician  of  his  case,  complaint  and  cause,  does 
not  make  such  certificate  conclusive  evidence  of  the  facts 
therein  stated  or  of  the  brother's  right  to  benefits,  and  in 
such  case  if  the  facts  stated  in  the  certificate  are  not  true 
or  the  brother  is  not  entitled  to  benefits,  it  is  the  duty  of  the 
Lodge  to  refuse  to  grant  the  same. — Hitz  vs.  Alisal  Lodge, 
1877  Journal,  653,  666;  Christensen  vs.  Unity  Lodge,  1875 
Journal,  287,  295. 

529.  Brother  sentenced  to  a  reprimand.  A  brother  sen- 
tenced to  a  reprimand  is  not,  in  case  of  sickness,  entitled  to 
benefits,  until  he  appears  in  his  Lodge  for  the  purpose  of  re- 
ceiving his  reprimand. — 1893  Journal,  432,  434. 

530.  By-Law  requiring  sick  brother  to  report  to  Visiting 
Committee  once  a  week.  Where  a  brother  claiming  sick  ben- 
efits is  under  the  care  of  the  Visiting  Committee  and  yet 
able  to  be  upon  the  street,  he  must  report  in  person  once  a 
week  to  such  committee  if  the  By-Laws  of  his  Lodge  so  pro- 
vide, otherwise  the  Lodge  may  refuse  to  grant  benefits.  The 
affirmative  or  burden  of  proof  is  always  upon  the  brother 


192  Benefits. 

claiming  benefits,  to  show  that  he  has  complied  with  the  re- 
quirements of  the  law  under  which  the  claim  is  made. — 
McNeely  vs.  Oakland  Lod^e,  1887  Jojirnal,  899,  904. 

531.  When  brother  able  to  collect  debts,  settle  accounts, 
etc.  A  member  of  the  Lodg:e  who,  though  sick  and  disabled. 
is  yet  able  to  go  out  and  collect  debts,  settle  accounts  and 
make  contracts,  is  not  entitled  to  benefits  as  a  matter  of 
right  or  legal  claim,  but  the  matter  is  entirely  within  the 
control  of  a  vote  of  the  Lodge.— 1857  Journal,  270,  274. 

532.  When  brother  can  earn  a  living.  The  fact  that  the 
brother  is  disabled  by  sickness  from  following  his  usual 
vocation  is  not  sufficient  to  entitle  him  to  benefits,  if  he  can 
earn  a  living  in  another  pursuit  or  business.  If  he  can  do 
so,  it  is  his  duty  to  engage  in  that  other  occupation,  and 
not  to  be  a  charge  upon  his  Lodge.  Each  case  must  be  de- 
termined by  its  own  peculiar  surroundings.  The  mere  fact 
that  the  brother  can  hitch  up  his  team  and  drive  it  to  town 
would  not,  of  itself,  prove  his  ability  to  earn  his  living  by 
other  means  than  farming. — 1889  Journal,  29,  122,  163. 

533.  Declining  to  receive  benefits  or  accepting  less 
amount  than  is  due.  A  brother  entitled  to  benefits  is  en- 
titled to  the  full  amount  of  such  benefits  provided  in  the 
By-Laws,  and  after  sick  benefits  have  accrued  a  brother 
may,  in  the  absence  of  local  legislation,  decline  to  receive 
said  benefits,  or  decline  to  receive  the  full  amount,  and  may 
agree  to  accept,  and  accept  a  less  amount,  and  in  such  case 
he  is  debarred  from  further  right  to  demand  said  benefits. — 
1898  Journal,  256,  14,  278 ;  1880  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8343,  8461. 

534.  Effect  of  a  brother  reporting  himself  out  of  care. 
A  brother  reporting  himself  out  of  care,  or  authorizing  the 
proper  officer  to  do  so,  thereby  abandons  any  further  claim 
to  benefits  for  that  sickness,  and  if  afterwards  it  is  claimed 
that  undue  influence  was  used  to  induce  him  to  thus  declare 
himself  out  of  care,  that  influence  must  not  be  presumed, 
but  must  clearly  appear  by  competent  testimony.  A  mem- 
ber cannot  sleep  for  years,  upon  a  demand  he  may  claim  to 


Benefits.  193 

have  against  his  Lodge,  and  then  revive  the  claim  thus  long 
abandoned  or  ignored  by  himself — 1862  Journal,  270,  271. 

535.  Brother  able  to  earn  a  livelihood  while  sick.     A 

brother  suffering  from  a  chronic  disease,  or  afflicted  with  a 
partial  loss  of  sight,  or  deprived  of  the  use  of  an  arm,  and 
yet  able  to  superintend  a  business  so  as  to  earn  a  livelihood, 
is  not  entitled  to  benefits. — Simonton  vs.  Morning  Star 
Lodge,  1877  Journal,  657,  666. 

536.  A  brother  who  has  a  sore  hand,  etc.  A  member  who 
has  a  sore  hand,  but  who  is  able  to  and  does  keep  his  books, 
superintend  his  business  and  make  sales,  is  not  legally  en- 
titled to  benefits.— 1889  Journal,  32,  122,  163. 

537.  Brother  able  to  superintend  business,  etc.  A  brother 
who  has  boils  on  his  arm  which  prevent  him  from  following 
his  occupation  of  blacksmith  and  carriage  maker,  and  yet 
superintends  his  business  and  is  able  to  make  contracts,  col- 
lect debts,  etc.,  is  not  entitled  to  benefits. — 1882  Journal, 
740,  844,  879. 

538.  A  brother  with  a  chronic  disease.  A  brother  in  good 
standing,  disabled  from  following  his  usual  occupation  of 
hard  manual  labor,  but  having  sufficient  means  to  invest  in 
a  business  which  earns  him  a  livelihood,  and  being  able  to 
visit  his  place  of  business  daily,  the  brother  being  a  chronic, 
is  not  entitled  to  receive  sick  benefits  from  his  Lodge, 
whether  he  is  under  a  physician's  treatment  or  not. — 1855 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2471,  2503;  1857  Journal,  270;  1886  Jour- 
nal, 610,  635,  648. 

539.  Renunciation  of  the  Order.  An  Odd  Fellow  who  re- 
nounces the  Order,  thereby  forfeits  all  benefits  to  which  by 
law  he  may  be  entitled,  from  the  time  of  such  renunciation. 
—1881  Journal,  501,  601,  627;  1875  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6596, 
6612,  6689. 

540.  Infirmity  from  old  age.  A  brother  who  has  become 
infirm  from  old  age,  and  who  has  thereby  been  rendered  in- 
capable of  following  his  usual  occupation,  is  not  as  a  matter 

13 


194  Benefits. 

of  right  entitled  to  benefits,  but  is  the  subject  of  such  dona- 
tions or  relief  as  his  necessities  may  require.  It  is  a  question 
left  to  the  Subordinate  Lodges  to  regulate  for  themselves. 
The  words,  **or  otherwise  from  earning  a  livelihood,"  refer 
to  labor  or  business,  otJicr  than  the  usual  occupation  of  the 
brother  and  not  to  his  physical  condition.  The  framers  of 
the  Constitution  intended  that  brothers  should  reasonably 
be  required  to  assist  themselves.  If  not  able  to  pursue  their 
usual  occupation,  it  being  such  as  requires  much  strength 
and  both  hands,  they  should,  if  able,  employ  themselves  in 
some  lighter  work  or  occupation. — 1883  Journal,  1131,  1132, 
1174;  Freer 's  Appeal,  1883  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  9281,  9427. 

541.  Brother  must  not  delay  making  his  claim.  Where 
the  By-Laws  provide  that '  *  benefits  shall  not  commence  more 
than  one  week  previous  to  the  time  of  a  brother's  being  re- 
ported to  the  Lodge,  unless  the  sickness  or  disability  be  of 
such  a  character  as  to  render  it  impossible  for  him  to  notify 
the  Lodge,  in  which  case  the  benefits  shall  accrue  from  the 
date  of  disability,"  a  brother  is  not  at  liberty  to  delay  the 
matter  for  months  or  years  and  then  make  a  claim  for  ben- 
efits for  such  long  period,  unless  the  nature  of  his  sickness 
or  disability  is  such  as  to  make  it  impossible  for  him  to 
notify  his  Lodge. — Dodge  vs.  Capitol  Lodge,  1887  Journal, 
856,  866. 

542.  Holder  of  Withdrawal  Card.  The  holder  of  a  With- 
drawal Card  is  not  entitled  to  benefits,  even  in  case  of  acci- 
dent, on  the  day  after  accepting  it. — 1880  Journal,  258,  359, 
375. 

Note. — A      Withdrawal       Card  card  be  actually  taken    or    not — 

voted  a  brother  severs  his  connec-  (1845-1846-1847-1851     S.     G.     L. 

tion  with  the  Lodge,  and  relieves  Journal,     787,     916,     1080,     1101, 

the    Lodge    granting    it    from    all  1734,  1797). 
liability  for  benefits,  whether  the 

543.  By-Laws  take  effect  notwithstanding  erroneous 
notice  by  the  Secretary.  The  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provided 
that  a  brother  was  entitled  to  benefits  who  was  not  more 
than  twenty-six  weeks  in  arrears.  Thereafter,  the  By-Laws 
were  amended  so  as  to  read,  ''that  a  member  is  not  entitled 


Benefits.  195 

to  benefits  who  is  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears." 
This  amendment  was  approved  by  the  Committee  on  Laws 
of  Subordinates  on  October  21st,  1895.  The  Secretary  noti- 
fied the  members  that  this  amendment  was  not  to  be  oper- 
ative until  January  1st,  1896.  No  provision  was  made,  how- 
ever, in  said  amendment,  that  it  should  not  be  in  effect  until 
January  1st,  1896.  After  said  amendment  had  been  ap- 
proved as  aforesaid,  a  brother  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in 
arrears  for  dues,  and  not  twenty-six  weeks  in  arrears,  was 
taken  sick.  Relying  on  the  notification  sent  him  by  the 
Secretary  of  the  Lodge  that  said  amendment  was  not  to 
become  operative  until  January  1st,  1896,  he  claimed  he 
was  entitled  to  benefits.  The  By-Law  became  operative  as 
soon  as  approved  by  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordi- 
nates, even  though  the  Secretary  of  the  Lodge  misinformed 
the  brother  as  to  when  the  By-Law  should  become  operative. 
This  brother  knew  that  such  an  amendment  had  been  made 
before  he  was  taken  sick,  and  he  was  bound  by  its  pro- 
visions.—1896  Journal,  413,  588,  629. 

544.  Liability  of  Lodge  to  pay  benefits,  limited.  A  Lodge 
is  not  necessarily  liable  to  pay  benefits  to,  or  expenses  in- 
curred on  behalf  of  a  sick  brother,  merely  because  he  con- 
tinues to  hold  membership  in  the  Lodge. — 1869  Journal,  121 ; 
1870  Journal,  302. 

545.  Effect  of  undecided  charges.  The  effect  of  unde- 
cided charges,  when  they  bear  upon  the  right  to  benefits,  is 
to  suspend  the  payment  thereof  until  a  final  decision. — 1858 
Journal,  395,  371 ;  1859  Journal,  473 ;  1854  Journal,  17. 

546.  Inmate  of  Odd  Fellows*  Home.  No  brother  who 
shall  have  been  admitted  to  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  as  an 
indigent  shall  be  entitled  to  sick  benefits  during  the  time  he 
shall  remain  an  inmate  of  the  Home. — Constitution  Subor- 
dinates, Art.  IV,  Sec.  4. 

(See  Sections  2083  and  2084.) 

547.  Non-beneficial  members.  Brothers  admitted  as  non- 
beneficial  members  are  not  entitled  to  any  sick  benefits. — 
1895  Journal,  195,  196,  236 ;  1902  Journal,  899,  900,  917. 


196  Benefits. 

548.  Suspension  from  membership.  A  brother  suspended 
from  membership  in  his  Lodge  is  thereby  cut  off  from  all 
benefits,  and  in  case  of  his  death  the  Lodge  incurs  no  new 
liability  on  account  of  his  decease. — 1856  Journal,  189,  203 ; 
1857  Journal,  249. 

549.  Placed  in  quarantine.  A  brother  placed  in  quaran- 
tine by  the  government  authorities  on  account  of  sickness 
of  a  contagious  character  in  his  family,  he  not  being  sick 
himself,  is  not  entitled  to  benefits,  under  a  By-Law  giving 
benefits  in  case  of  sickness  or  accident. — 1881-1892  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  8534,  8711,  8787,  13050,  13075. 

550.  Lodge  suspended  or  charter  arrested.  When  the 
charter  of  a  Lodge  is  arrested  or  the  Lodge  suspended  by 
the  Grand  Master  during  the  interval  between  the  annual 
sessions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  and  the  Grand  Lodge  approves 
and  sustains  the  suspension  and  yet  restores  the  charter 
without  prescribing  any  terms  or  conditions,  a  brother  sick 
during  the  suspension  is  not  entitled  to  benefits  during  the 
suspension. — 1899  Journal,  404,  657,  679. 

4.     WHEN  DISCRETIONARY. 

551.  Non-compliance  with  By-Laws.  It  is  within  the 
province  of  a  Lodge  to  pay  sick  benefits  to  its  members,  even 
if  such  members  have  not  complied  strictly  with  all  the  re- 
quirements of  the  By-Laws. — 1892  Journal,  13,  112,  127. 

552.  Failure  to  send  an  attested  statement,  etc.  A  By- 
Law  requiring  a  member  of  the  Lodge,  in  another  county 
or  State,  to  send  at  specified  times,  a  statement  of  his  sick- 
ness, attested  by  a  Noble  Grand,  etc.,  and  place  himself  un- 
der the  care  of  a  Lodge,  is  designed  for  the  protection  of 
the  Lodge.  Where  a  By-Law  is  made  for  the  Lodge's  pro- 
tection, and  the  liodge  deems  it  expedient  as  a  matter  of 
charitable  or  fraternal  justice  to  pay  a  brother  sick  benefits 
who  would  be  entitled  to  them,  except  for  non-compliance 
with  such  By-Law,  it  may  in  its  discretion  do  so. — Mysell  vs. 
Harmony  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  669,  674. 


I 


Benefits.  197 

553.  Failure  to  send  certificate  or  statement  by  physi- 
cian, consul  or  magistrate.  Where  the  By-Laws  require  a 
brother  to  send  to  his  Lodge  a  certificate  or  statement,  etc., 
of  his  sickness,  by  physician,  magistrate  or  consul,  etc.,  and 
the  absent  brother  does  not  comply  with  their  provisions,  a 
Lodge  may  refuse  benefits,  but  it  may,  if  it  consider  fraternal 
justice  or  charity  to  require  it,  grant  benefits,  notwithstand- 
ing the  failure  to  comply. — Payne  vs.  Modoc  Lodge,  1892 
Journal,  71,  90;  Parkinson  vs.  San  Joaquin  Lodge,  1892 
Journal,  77,  91. 

554.  Failure  to  demand    an    Investigating    Committee. 

Where  there  is  no  By-Law  of  the  Lodge  prohibiting  it,  the 
Lodge,  if  it  deem  it  expedient,  as  a  matter  of  charitable  or 
fraternal  justice,  to  pay  a  brother  sick  benefits  who  would 
be  entitled  to  them  except  for  a  failure  to  demand  a  com- 
mittee to  investigate  his  claim  for  benefits  as  provided  un- 
der Article  IV,  Section  5,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  may 
in  its  discretion  do  so. — Schofield  vs.  Yreka  Lodge,  1893 
Journal,  364,  378. 

555.  A  By-Law  giving  discretion  in  certain  cases.  Where 
a  section  of  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  declares  that  a  brother 
thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  shall  not  be  entitled  to  benefits, 
and  further  reads,  "provided,  this  section  shall  not  be  con- 
strued to  forbid  the  payment  of  benefits  to  a  member  en- 
titled to  them,  who,  from  residing  at  a  distance  or  from  some 
other  cause,  has  been  unable  to  comply  with  the  require- 
ments of  this  section  of  the  By-Laws."  The  payment  of 
benefits  to  a  brother  who  comes  within  the  proviso  rests  en- 
tirely in  the  discretion  of  the  Lodge. — Twitchell  vs.  Santa 
Ana  Lodge,  1894  Journal,  689,  718. 

556.  Benefits  discretionary  under  a  certain  By-Law. 
Under  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  which  read:  **No  member 
who  neglects  to  pay  his  dues  for  such  length  of 
time  as  by  the  laws  of  this  Lodge  shall  disqualify  him 
from  receiving  them,  shall  be  entitled  to  receive 
them  by  reason  of  any  payments  he  may  make  during 
his  sickness  or  bodily  infirmity.    No  member  whose  dues 


198  Benefits. 

remain  unpaid  more  than  thirteen  weeks  shall  be  enti- 
tled to  receive  pecuniary  benefits  from  this  Lod^e." 
Although  a  sick  brother  unable  thereby  to  earn  a  living  may 
not  be  entitled  to  sick  benefits  on  account  of  non-payment 
of  dues,  yet  the  Lodge  may,  notwithstanding  such  arrearage, 
pay  the  brother  benefits.  These  By-Laws  are  not  a  prohibi- 
tion that  the  Lodge  shall  not  pay  in  such  cases.  To  pre- 
vent the  Lodge  from  exercising  such  discretionary  power, 
the  By-Laws  must  prohibit  the  payment  of  the  same. — 1898 
Journal,  163,  164,  197. 

557.  A  prohibitory  By-Law.  A  By-Law  of  a  Lodge  which 
reads:  ''Payment  of  benefits  shall  commence  not  over  one 
week  previous  to  the  date  of  notification  to  a  Lodge  or  Re- 
lief Committee,  if  in  the  power  of  the  brother  to  cause  such 
notice  to  be  given,"  involves  a  prohibition,  and  the  Lodge 
cannot  lawfully  pay  benefits  to  a  brother  for  more  than  one 
week  previous  to  the  notification  mentioned  therein. — 1898 
Journal,  163,  164,  197. 

5.    INVESTIGATING  COMMITTEE  AS  TO  SICK 
BENEFITS. 

558.  On  demand,  in  writing,  Investigating  Committee  ap- 
pointed. If  a  Lodge  refuses  or  neglects  to  grant  sick  ben- 
efits to  a  brother,  he  may,  at  any  time,  within  four  weeks 
thereafter,  demand,  in  writing,  that  the  Lodge  appoint  a 
committee  to  investigate  the  matter,  whereupon  the  Lodge 
shall  appoint  a  committee  of  five  to  hear  the  evidence  and 
report  the  facts  and  their  conclusions  to  the  Lodge. — Con- 
stitution Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5. 

559.  Must  appoint  such  committee.  If  a  demand  is  made 
for  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  investigate,  as  pro- 
vided under  Sections  5  or  8  of  Article  IV  of  Constitution  of 
Subordinates,  the  Lodge  must  appoint  the  same. — In  the 
matter  of  Palmer,  1892  Journal,  109 ;  Petersen  vs.  California 
Lodge,  1900  Journal,  139,  176. 

560.  Such  committee  is  a  matter  of  right.  Where  a 
brother  who  has  been  deuied  benefits  demands  an  Investi- 


Benefits.  199 

gating  Committee,  under  the  Constitutional  provision,  the 
Lodge  should  immediately  appoint  the  committee,  as  the 
appointment  of  such  committee  is  a  matter  of  right,  not  of 
favor,  and  cannot  be  denied  any  brother.  It  is  not  sufficient 
that  the  Lodge  should  delegate  the  Noble  Grand,  Vice-Grand 
and  Treasurer  of  the  Lodge  to  investigate  the  matter  and 
report. — Kaempffmann  vs.  Yerba  Buena  Lodge,  1884  Jour- 
nal, 150,  166;  McNeely  vs.  Oakland  Lodge,  1888  Journal, 
1132,  1155. 

561.  Where  the  Lodge  refuses  to  pay  benefits  at  a  speci- 
fied rate,  or  in  full.  Section  5  of  Article  IV,  Constitution  of 
Subordinates,  must  be  complied  with.  This  law  applies  not 
only  where  the  Lodge  refuses  to  pay  any  benefits  at  all,  but 
also  where  it  refuses  to  pay  them  at  a  specified  rate  per 
week,  or  to  pay  them  in  full.  It  applies  to  all  cases  of  re- 
fusal or  neglect  to  pay  benefits,  whatever  may  be  the  reason 
or  cause  assigned. — Levy  vs.  Magnolia  Lodge,  1893  Journal, 
362,  378 :  Trout  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  140, 
170. 

562.  By  deciding  a  brother  is  not  entitled  to  benefits  a 
Lodge  refuses.  Under  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of 
Subordinates,  the  committee  to  investigate  a  claim  for  sick 
benefits  must  be  demanded  within  four  weeks  after  the 
Lodge  refuses  or  neglects  to  grant  the  same.  A  Lodge,  by 
deciding  that  a  claimant  is  not  entitled  to  benefits,  thereby 
refuses  to  grant  the  same,  and  the  committee  must  be  de- 
manded within  four  weeks  thereafter. — Matlock  vs.  Red 
Bluff  Lodge,  1904  Journal,  518,  527. 

563.  This  Investigating  Committee,  Visiting  Committee 
and  Special  Committee.  It  is  a  matter  within  the  Lodge's 
discretion  whether  it  will  or  will  not  refer  a  question  of 
benefits  again  to  the  Visiting  Committee,  or  would  or  would 
not  refer  it  to  a  Special  Committee,  but  if  a  demand  in  writ- 
ing is  made  under  Article  IV,  Section  5  of  Constitution  of 
Subordinates,  a  committee  as  therein  provided  must  be  ap- 
pointed.—Harding  vs.  Volcano  Lodge,  1885  Journal,  376,  41. 

564.  The  number  of  weeks  or  period  to  be  investigated 
and  benefits  accruing  or  to  accrue.     Section  5,  Article  IV, 


200  Benefits. 

Constitution  of  Subordinates,  provides  for  the  investigation 
of  the  right  of  a  claimant  for  benefits  for  the  period  not  ex- 
ceeding five  weeks  prior  to  the  demand  for  such  investiga- 
tion; that  is,  if  the  Lodge  neglects  to  pay  any  particular 
week's  benefits,  the  demand  for  such  committee  must  be 
made  within  four  weeks  thereafter.  If  the  demand  should 
be  made  four  weeks  thereafter,  and  the  brother  claims  to 
have  been  continuously  sick,  and  entitled  thereby  to  ben- 
efits, the  investigation  would  cover  the  particular  week,  and 
the  four  intervening  weeks — that  is,  the  period  of  five  weeks 
immediately  preceding  the  demand.  It  does  not  authorize 
the  investigation  of  a  claimant's  right  to  benefits  accruing, 
or  to  accrue,  after  the  date  of  such  demand. — Briggs  vs.  Lodi 
Lodge,  and  Holbrook  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1897  Journal, 
963,  977,  987,  993 ;  Robinson  vs.  Templar  Lodge,  1889  Jour- 
nal, 133,  160;  Sims  vs.  Grass  Valley  Lodge,  1890  Journal, 
420,  434;  Breyer  vs.  San  Jose  Lodge,  1888  Journal,  1087, 
1096;  Holbrook  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  621, 
622,  623,  673 ;  Reininghaus  vs.  Merced  Lodge,  1901  Journal, 
534,  543. 

565.  To  investigate  as  to  certain  weeks.  As  to  those 
weeks  that  the  demand  is  made  within  time,  such  a  committee 
should  investigate  as  provided  in  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Con- 
stitution of  Subordinates. — Freund  vs.  Sonora  Lodge,  1890 
Journal,  382,  388. 

566.  Committee  must  be  demanded  within  time.  As  to 
any  particular  week's  benefits  that  a  Lodge  neglects  or  re- 
fuses to  pay,  a  brother  must  demand  in  writing  the  appoint- 
ment of  an  Investigating  Committee  within  four  weeks 
thereafter,  or  his  right  to  such  a  committee  is  lost,  and  he 
cannot  enforce  his  right  to  benefits  for  those  weeks.  The 
object  of  Article  IV,  Section  5  of  the  Constitution  of  Sub- 
ordinates, is  to  require  brothers  who  desire  to  enforce  their 
rights  or  alleged  rights  to  benefits,  to  make  the  demand 
within  a  certain  time,  that  is,  four  weeks,  so  that  these  mat- 
ters may  be  speedily  disposed  of.  If  the  demand  is  not  thus 
made  the  claim  is  barred. — Dodge  vs.  Capitol  Lodge,  1887 
Journal,  856,  866;  Levy  vs.  Golden  Gate  Lodge,  Breyer  vs. 


Benefits.  201 

San  Jose  Lodge,  and  Dodge  vs.  Capitol  Lodge,  1888  Journal, 
1087,  1096.  1153;  Kobinson  vs.  Templar  Lodge,  1889  Jour- 
nal, 133;  Sims  vs.  Grass  Valley  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  420, 
434 ;  Piatt  vs.  Capitol  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  383 ;  Freund  vs. 
Sonora  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  382;  Wagner  vs.  Germania 
Lodge,  1892  Journal,  73,  91;  Briggs  vs.  Lodi  Lodge,  1897 
Journal,  963,  977 ;  Bigelow  vs.  Marion  Lodge,  1898  Journal, 
194,  215 ;  Reininghaus  vs.  Merced  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  534, 
543 ;  Sutherland  vs.  Magnolia  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  148,  177. 

567.  When  committee  must  be  demanded.  Sick  benefits 
accrue  and  become  payable  weekly.  A  brother  who  intends 
to  enforce  his  claim  for  sick  benefits  should  cause  himself  to 
be  reported  sick  to  the  Lodge,  and  if  the  Lodge  does  not 
pay  the  brother  any  particular  week's  benefits,  the  demand 
must  be  made  for  this  committee  within  four  weeks  there- 
after. A  formal  or  express  refusal  or  neglect  is  not  neces- 
sary, and  if  it  take  place  it  does  not  extend  the  time  within 
which  the  demand  is  required  to  be  made.  The  action  or 
non-action  of  the  Lodge  or  of  the  brother  does  not  change 
the  constitutional  period  within  which  the  demand  must  be 
made.  A  brother  might  not  cause  himself  to  be  reported, 
or  he  might  not  be  reported  as  sick  to  the  Lodge,  or  he 
might  be  reported  sick  to  the  Lodge,  and  the  Visiting  Com- 
mittee might  not  report  on  his  case,  or  might  report  favor- 
ably or  unfavorably  as  to  the  benefits  he  claims,  or  the  Lodge 
might  take  or  not  take  any  action  in  regard  thereto,  yet  if 
the  Lodge,  at  the  first  regular  meeting  thereof,  when  any 
particular  week's  benefits  is  due  and  payable,  does  not  in 
fact  grant  the  brother  benefits  for  that  particular  week,  the 
committee  as  to  that  particular  week's  benefits  must  be  de- 
manded within  four  weeks  thereafter.  The  object  of  this 
section  is  to  have  this  investigation,  provided  for  by  the  Con- 
stitution of  Subordinates,  take  place  while  the  witnesses  can 
be  readily  obtained  and  the  facts  readily  and  easily  ascer- 
tained. If  there  is  to  be  a  contest  in  the  Lodge  the  brother 
must  be  vigilant  and  prompt  in  asserting  his  rights. — Briggs 
vs.  Lodi  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  963,  977. 

568.  Lodge's  right.  The  fact  that  the  Lodge  appoints 
such  an  Investigating  Committee  under  said  Constitutional 


202  Benefits. 

provision  upon  such  demand,  or  the  committee  hears  testi- 
mony or  evidence,  does  not  estop  the  Lodge  from  availing 
itself  of  its  rights  that  the  demand  must  be  made  within  four 
weeks.  It  may  avail  itself  thereof  &t  any  time  before  it 
finally  adjudicates  in  such  an  investigation  that  the  brother 
is  entitled  to  a  certain  amount  of  benefits. — Briggs  vs.  Lodi 
Lodge,  1897  Journal,  963,  977;  Bigelow  vs.  Marion  Lodge, 
1898  Journal,  194,  215. 

569.  Question  whether  demand  made  within  time.  Where 
a  brother  makes  demand  upon  his  Lodge  for  the  appointment 
of  an  Investigating  Committee  under  the  provisions  of  Sec- 
tion 5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  the  Lodge 
must  forthwith  appoint  the  committee.  The  question  as  to 
whether  the  demand  was  made  within  the  required  time  or 
not  can  only  be  determined  upon  an  investigation  by  the 
committee  appointed. — 1898  Journal,  13,  256,  278. 

570.  Prior  investigation,  or  appeal,  or  prior  judgment,  or 
continuous  sickness.  The  fact  of  the  pendency  of  a  prior 
investigation  of  the  same  character,  or  the  pendency  of  an 
appeal  in  such  a  prior  investigation,  or  the  fact  that  there 
had  been  a  prior  final  judgment  favorable  or  unfavorable  to 
the  brother  on  appeal  or  without  appeal,  would  not  alter  or 
suspend  this  Constitutional  provision,  or  extend  the  time 
within  which  a  demand  must  be  made  as  to  any  particular 
week's  benefits  that  a  Lodge  neglects  or  refuses  to  pay,  for 
a  brother  must  demand  in  writing  the  appointment  of  an 
Investigating  Committee  within  four  weeks  thereafter,  or 
his  right  to  such  a  committee  is  lost,  and  he  cannot  enforce 
his  right  to  benefits  for  those  weeks.  This  law  is  applicable 
to  all  sickness,  whether  it  is  claimed  to  be  continuous  or 
not. — Holbrook  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  987, 
993 ;  Holbrook  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  26. 

571.  The  same.  Section  131,  of  White's  New  Digest,  of 
1895,  which  reads:  ''When  a  member  appeals  from  a  refusal 
to  pay  benefits  and  his  appeal  is  sustained,  he  is  not  bound 
to  make  demand  for  the  further  benefits  accruing  pending 
his  appeal  until  the  determination  of  the  proceedings  on  ap- 


Benefits.  203 

peal  (1875  Journal,  6607,  6687),"  is  an  error.  The  Sover- 
eign Grand  Lodge  has  declared  that  White 's  Digest  is  a  mere 
compilation,  and  so  that  what  is  or  is  not  law  does  not  de- 
pend on  that  Digest,  but  on  the  enactments  and  decisions 
of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  (1873  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  Journal,  5931,  5952.)  This  Section  131  is  a  mistake. 
The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  has  not  so  decided.  The  cita- 
tion, 1875  (Sovereign  Grand  Lodge)  Journal,  6607,  6687,  re- 
fers to  a  decision  where  a  brother  was  charged  with  matters 
bearing  on  the  right  to  benefits  and  was  suspended  and  rein- 
stated by  the  Grand  Lodge,  on  appeal,  and  it  was  decided 
he  w^as  not  required  to  demand  benefits  until  reinstated.  It 
also  does  not  appear  that  there  was  any  local  law  regulating 
the  matter.  It  is  competent  for  a  Grand  Lodge  of  a  State 
(See  1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  16069,  16070,  16116)  to  deter- 
mine any  question  relating  to  the  matter  of  sick  benefits 
without  interference  from  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 
Holbrook  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  621,  622, 
623,  673. 

572.  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates. 
The  Supreme  Court  of  the  State  of  California,  in  Eobinson 
vs.  Templar  Lodge,  No.  17  (117  Cal.  Rep.,  376,  370),  held  that 
said  Section  5,  requiring  a  demand  for  such  committee  to 
be  made  every  five  weeks,  was  valid  and  reasonable  when  ap- 
plied to  cases  of  chronic  illness,  and  held  that  "the  Order 
can  control  their  procedure  in  such  respects"  (page  376). — 
Holbrook  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  621,  622, 
623,  673. 

573.  Prior  judgment  as  evidence.  In  such  investigations, 
if  it  should  become  material,  relevant  or  pertinent  to  con- 
sider whether  a  brother  had  been  at  a  prior  period  of  time 
able  or  not  to  earn  a  livelihood,  a  final  judgment  in  a  former 
investigation,  whether  favorable  or  unfavorable  to  the 
brother,  might  be  introduced  in  evidence  to  prove  the  prior 
ability  or  disability  to  earn  a  livelihood. — Holbrook  vs.  San 
Lorenzo  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  987,  993. 

574.  Evidence  as  to  sickness  from  its  beginning — Prior 
judgments.    Where  a  committee  is  appointed  under  Section 


204  Bkxefits. 

5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  to  investigate 
a  brother's  claim  for  sick  benefits  for  the  period  of  five 
weeks  immediately  preceding  the  8th  day  of  June,  1896, 
the  brother  has  the  right  to  introduce  evidence  as  to  the  time 
when  his  sickness  originated  and  as  to  its  continuance  and  as 
to  his  disability  to  earn  a  livelihood  from  its  beginning  to 
and  including  the  period  of  said  five  weeks  involved  in  the 
investigation,  and  to  offer  in  evidence  prior  judgments  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  in  prior  benefit  investigations  by  the  Lodge 
as  to  hira  to  prove  his  disability  during  the  periods  involved 
in  those  prior  investigations,  or  appeals. — Ilolbrook  vs.  San 
Lorenzo  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  174,  203. 

575.  The  committee — By  whom  appointed.  The  Noble 
Grand  shall  appoint  three  members  of  such  committee  and 
the  Vice-Grand  shall  appoint  two  members. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5. 

576.  Who  may  be  members  of  the  committee.  The  law 
does  not  require  that  the  Investigating  Committee  shall  be 
composed  of  Past  Grands,  nor  of  any  particular  persons. — 
Robinson  vs.  Templar  Lodge,  1884  Journal,  137,  154. 

577.  The  same— The  Vice-Grand.  The  Vice-Grand  is  dis- 
qualified to  act  as  one  of  the  Investigating  Committee. — 
1895  Journal,  199,  213,  214. 

578.  Minutes  of  committee's  appointment.  The  proceed- 
ings should  show  by  whom  such  committee  was  appointed. — 
1895  Journal,  199,  213,  214. 

579.  Objections  to  the  committee  and  disposition  thereof. 

Objections  to  the  appointment,  or  to  any  of  the  committee, 
must,  if  the  claimant  is  present  in  the  Lodge  when  the  com- 
mittee is  appointed,  be  made  then,  unless  the  brother  re- 
quests a  continuance,  which  shall  be  granted  for  at  least  one 
week,  and  each  member  of  the  committee  may  be  examined 
as  to  their  qualifications  to  act  thereon,  and  if  the  claimant 
is  not  present  when  the  committee  is  appointed,  he  must 
make  his  examination  of,  and  his  objections  to,  the  com- 
mittee before  it  proceeds  to  receive  the  testimony  or  evi- 


Bknefits.  205 

dence.  Such  objections,  when  made  to  the  committee,  as 
herein  provided,  shall  be  forthwith  referred  and  reported 
to  the  Lodge  for  its  action  thereon. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  IV,  Sec.  5. 

580.  Report  referred  back  to  committee — Objection  to 
committee.  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nates, provides  that  objections  to  the  committee  must  be 
made  before  the  committee  "proceeds  to  receive  the  testi- 
mony or  evidence. ' '  This  applies  to  the  first  taking  of  testi- 
mony by  the  committee.  When  a  committee  takes  the  testi- 
mony of  a  witness  and  then  submits  its  report  to  the  Lodge, 
and  the  Lodge  refers  the  report  back  to  the  same  committee, 
as  it  is  ejfpressly  authorized  to  do  by  said  Section  5,  then 
objections  cannot  be  made  to  the  committee  or  members 
thereof  serving  as  such.  It  is  too  late  to  raise  the  same. — 
Cunning  vs.  Mound  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  547,  548,  612. 

581.  Challenging  committee  and  exceptions.  The  com- 
mittee should  be  composed  of  fair  and  impartial  persons. 
Its  members  may  be  challenged  for  cause,  but  if  challenge 
be  disallowed,  an  exception  must  be  entered  in  due  time. — 
Robinson  vs.  Templar  Lodge,  1884  Journal,  138,  154. 

582.  The  full  committee  must  act.  The  committee  shall 
be  composed  of  the  full  number  required  by  the  Constitution, 
and  all  must  be  present  to  see  and  hear  all  the  witnesses  and 
testimony.  They  all  must  act  and  try  the  matter,  and  this 
cannot  be  waived  by  consent.  It  is  designed  that  the  investi- 
gation should  be  after  notice  or  summons,  and  upon  testi- 
mony upon  oath  or  obligation,  and  with  full  right  of  cross- 
examination,  and  that  the  committee  should  report  to  the 
Lodge  their  conclusions  with  the  testimony,  etc.,  so  that  the 
matter  should  be  fairly  and  impartially  investigated,  and 
the  Lodge  and  the  brother  have  the  benefit  of  the  con- 
scientious actions  and  conclusions  of  the  five  members  of 
the  committee.  It  requires  at  least  three  members  to  make 
the  report.  If  three  only  acted,  in  case  of  difference  of 
opinion,  a  report  of  the  committee  could  not  be  obtained. 
Less  than  a  full  committee,  of  course,  may  adjourn  from  time 


206  Benefits. 

to  time.— 1887  Journal,  767,  891,  904;  Wilson  vs.  Templar 
Lodge,  1887  Journal,  892,  904;  Hardman  vs.  Yerba  Buena 
Lodge,  1893  Journal,  350,  351,  363;  Jansen  vs.  Samaritan 
Lodge,  1898  Journal,  174,  203. 

583.  Proceedings  in  case  of  death,  absence  or  inability  of 
a  member  to  act.  If  after  the  committee  has  taken  part  of 
the  testimony,  three  members  of  the  committee  should  die, 
the  Lodge  shall  appoint  a  new  committee,  and  the  investiga- 
tion commence,  and  proceed  anew.  If  one  or  two  should  die, 
or  a  positive  disability  should  prevent  a  member  from  act- 
ing, the  Lodge  may,  with  consent  of  the  claimant,  permit 
the  others  to  continue  and  complete  the  investigation,  or  may 
appoint  a  new  committee  and  commence  anew.  If  one  of 
the  committee  leaves  or  removes  from  the  county  where 
the  Lodge  is  located,  and  resides  elsewhere,  so  that  he  can- 
not attend  the  meetings  of  the  committee,  or  cannot  attend 
without  too  much  trouble,  delay  and  expense,  the  Lodge 
may,  with  the  consent  of  the  claimant,  permit  the  others  to 
proceed.  The  law  cannot  be  set  aside  by  consent,  but  yields 
only  to  a  necessity.  While  it  is  true  that  these  investigations 
are  not  trials  upon  charges  for  offenses  against  Odd  Fel- 
lowship, yet  they  are  of  the  greatest  importance  to  the 
Lodge  and  the  brother,  and  a  full  committee  should  act, 
unless  in  case  of  some  over-riding  necessity. — 1887  Journal, 
767,  890,  904 ;  Wilson  vs.  Templar  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  892, 
904. 

584.  Proxy  not  allowed.  Under  no  circumstances  shall 
an  absent  member  of  the  committee  vote  and  act  by  proxy. 
—Wilson  vs.  Templar  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  892,  904. 

585.  Laws  that  govern  the  committee.  The  committee 
shall  be  governed  by  the  laws  applicable  to  Trial  Com- 
mittees upon  charges. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV, 
Sec.  5. 

586.  Counsel  for  the  Lodge.  A  Lodge  has  a  right  to 
authorize  the  committee  appointed  under  Section  5,  Article 
IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  to  investigate  a  brother's 
claim  for  benefits,  to  engage  a  brother  to  act  as  attorney  for 


Benefits.  207 

the  Lodge  in  the  matter. — Alexander  vs.  Eureka  Lodge,  1891 
Journal,  689,  716. 

587.  Full  minutes  must  be  kept  and  reported  to  the  Lodge. 

The  committee  shall  keep  full  minutes  of  the  evidence  and 
of  their  proceedings,  and  report  the  same  to  the  Lodge  with 
their  conclusion. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5 ; 
Heinze  vs.  Charity  Lodge,  and  McCleery  vs.  Sacramento 
Lodge,  1887  Journal,  870,  887,  888;  Jansen  vs.  Samaritan 
Lodge,  1898  Journal,  174,  203. 

588.  What  must  be  taken  down.  The  committee  must  take 
down  all  the  testimony  and  all  the  proceedings,  and  all  ob- 
jections and  exceptions  should  be  entered.--Heinze  vs.  Char- 
ity Lodge,  and  McCleery  vs.  Sacramento  Lodge,  1887  Jour- 
nal, 870,  887,  880;  Jansen  vs.  Samaritan  Lodge,  1898  Jour- 
nal, 174,  203. 

589.  Notice  as  to  time  and  place  of  meeting  of  committee. 

Such  committee  shall,  without  unnecessary  delay,  notify  the 
brother  of  the  time  and  place  of  their  meeting,  and  investi- 
gate the  case. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5; 
Heinze  vs.  Charity  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  870,  887 ;  McCleery 
vs.  Sacramento  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  870,  887. 

590.  Notice  of  subsequent  meetings  of  committee.  After 
the  committee  have  obtained  jurisdiction  over  the  brother 
and  the  subject  matter,  it  is  the  brother's  duty  to  ascertain 
for  himself,  either  by  attention  to  the  proceedings  or  by  in- 
quiry, as  to  the  time  and  place  of  the  subsequent  meetings 
of  the  committee.  It  is  not  necessary  that  the  committee 
should  notify  the  brother  of  each  meeting. — Winfry  vs.  Cal- 
ifornia Lodge,  1880  Journal,  320,  351. 

(See  Sections  3023  and  3024.) 

591.  Witness  must  be  obligated  or  sworn.  If  a  witness  be 
a  member  of  the  Order  he  shall  be  obligated  and  give  his 
testimony  on  the  honor  of  an  Odd  Fellow.  If  he  be  not  a 
member,  then  on  oath  or  aflfirmation,  and  the  proceedings 
must  state  that  such  oath,  aflfirmation  or  obligation  was  ad- 
ministered.   The  obligation,  oath  or  aflfirmation  may  be  ad- 


208  Benefii-s. 

ministered  by  any  member  of  the  committee. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5 ;  Heinze  vs.  Charity  Lodge,  and 
McCleery  vs.  Sacramento  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  870,  887,  880. 

592.  On  the  honor  of  an  Odd  Fellow.  Witnesses  who  are 
members  of  the  Order  are  to  be  obligated  on  the  honor  of  an 
Odd  Fellow,  and  not  sworn. — Cunning  vs.  Mound  Lodge, 
1899  Journal,  547,  548,  612. 

593.  Physicians  and  evidence.  In  these  investigations, 
under  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates, 
all  the  witnesses  must  appear  before  the  committee  and  be 
obligated  or  sworn.  Doctors  must  be  obligated  or  sworn 
and  give  their  testimony  before  the  committee  the  same  as 
other  witnesses.  All  evidence  for  the  Lodge  or  for  the 
claimant  must  be  taken  before  the  committee.  It  is  error 
for  the  Lodge  to  receive,  consider  and  act  upon  information 
from  doctors  not  taken  before  the  committee  while  such  an 
investigation  is  pending. — Lagrave  vs.  Franco-American 
Lodge,  1897  Journal,  961,  977. 

594.  By  whom  oaths  may  be  administered.  Any  member 
of  the  committee  may  administer  the  oath  to  a  witness  who 
is  not  a  member  of  the  Order.  The  member  who  admin- 
isters the  oath  in  such  investigations  in  our  Order  is  not 
required  by  the  laws  of  the  Order  to  be  a  public  officer  or 
one  authorized  by  the  laws  of  the  State  to  administer  oaths. 
— Sims  vs.  Grass  Valley  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  421,  434. 

595.  Testimony  must  be  taken  down  and  signed  by  the 
witnesses.  Each  witness  at  the  conclusion  of  his  testimony, 
or,  if  the  committee  adjourn  before  its  conclusion,  then  at 
each  adjournment,  shall  have  his  testimony  as  taken  down 
by  the  committee  read  over  to  him,  and,  after  making  such 
corrections  thereof  as  he  may  desire,  shall  then  sign  each 
page  of  said  testimony.  The  fact  that  his  testimony  has  not 
been  concluded  shall,  in  case  of  adjournment,  be  noted  in 
the  minutes. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  4,  Sec.  5. 

596.  When  the  testimony  may  be  taken  down  by  a 
.stenographer.    In  lieu  of  the  taking  down  of  the  testimony 


I 


Benefits.  209 

by  the  committee  and  the  signing  of  the  same  as  herein  pro- 
vided, the  same  may,  by  consent,  duly  signed,  be  taken 
down  by  a  shorthand  reporter,  and,  as  soon  as  possible  there- 
after, written  out  by  him  in  long  hand,  and  duly  certified  by 
him  to  be  correct,  but  any  witness  may,  if  he  desire,  correct 
his  testimony  after  it  is  so  written  out,  and  in  such  case  of 
correction  shall  sign  the  same.  The  Lodge  shall  not  be  liable 
for  the  expenses  of  the  stenographer,  or  any  parly  thereof, 
except  it  shall  have  authorized  the  employment  of  said 
stenographer  by  vote,  at  a  regular  meeting  prior  to  his  em- 
ployment.— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5. 

597.  Testimony  taken  by  questions  and  answers.     The 

testimony  of  witnesses  should  be  taken  by  questions  and 
answers.  It  is  not  proper  to  swear  or  obligate  a  witness  and 
then  without  any  question  permit  him  to  make  a  statement. 
— Heinze  vs.  Sacramento  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  870,  887; 
Cunning  vs.  Mound  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  547,  548,  612. 

598.  Power  to  summon  witnesses.  A  committee  appointed 
under  Section  5,  Article  IV,  of  Constitution  of  Subordinates, 
to  investigate  a  brother's  rights  to  benefits  has  the  same 
power  to  summon  witnesses  as  in  the  case  of  regular  charges 
against  a  brother.— 1880  Journal,  361,  370. 

599.  Right  of  cross-examination.  No  testimony  shall  be 
taken  without  notice,  or  opportunity  for  cross-examination 
by  the  opposing  party. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV, 
Sec.  5. 

600.  Hearsay  and  ex-parte  statements  and  evidence. 
Hearsay  and  ex-parte  statements  must  not  be  received,  but 
the  witness  must  personally  appear  and  testify,  or  his  depo- 
sition must  be  taken  as  provided  by  the  laws  of  the  Order. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5. 

601.  Physician's  certificate  not  admissible.  The  mere 
certificate  or  written  statement  of  a  physician  is  not  com- 
petent evidence  in  any  case.  If  the  opinion  of  a  physician 
is  in  any  case  required  for  the  purposes  of  evidence,  he  should 
be  required  to  testify  as  other  witnesses  are.    He  should  be 

14 


210  Benefits. 

obligated  or  sworn,  and  the  adverse  party  should  have  the 
privilege  of  examining  him,  if  necessary,  to  test  his  qualifi- 
cations as  an  expert,  and  also  to  cross-examine  him  as  to 
his  testimony  in  chief. — Kaempffmann  vs.  Yerba  Buena 
Lodge,  1884  Journal,  150,  166;  Wilson  vs.  Templar  Lodge, 
McNeely  vs.  Oakland  Lodge,  and  Heinze  vs.  Charity  Lodge, 
1887  Journal  870,  887,  893,  899,  904;  Robinson  vs.  Templar 
Lodge,  1888  Journal,  1142,  1162;  Perkins  vs.  Nietos  Lodge, 
1897  Journal,  1025,  1053. 

602.  Opinions  of  persons  not  physicians.  Witnesses  who 
are  not  doctors  may,  upon  their  own  personal  observation  and 
knowledge,  testify  or  give  their  opinion  that  a  brother  was 
or  was  not  sick,  or  could  or  could  not  stand  or  walk,  or  per- 
form labor  or  pursue  a  business,  or  follow  an  occupation  or 
earn  a  livelihood.  Of  course,  on  direct  or  cross-examination 
all  the  circumstances  known  to  the  witness  may  be  proven 
or  inquired  into.  The  opinions  of  such  witnesses,  like  the 
opinion  of  a  physician,  is  to  receive  such  weight  as  under 
all  the  circumstances  and  evidence  it  may  justly  and  fairly 
be  entitled  to. — McCleery  vs.  Sacramento  Lodge,  1887  Jour- 
nal, 870,  887. 

603.  The  claimant's  health,  sickness  or  condition  prior 
or  subsequent  to  period  in  dispute.  Where  a  brother  is  be- 
fore an  Investigating  Committee  claiming  benefits  for  a  cer- 
tain period,  the  committee,  for  the  purpose  of  allowing  the 
brother  to  show  that  he  was  sick  during  said  period,  should 
allow  him  to  introduce  evidence  as  to  his  sickness,  physical 
condition  and  disability  to  earn  a  livelihood  prior  and  sub- 
sequent to  said  period. — Dodge  vs.  Capitol  Lodge,  1888  Jour- 
nal, 1153,  1164. 

604.  What  Investigating  Committee  may   inquire    into. 

The  fact  that  a  Visiting  Committee  or  a  brother  reports  a 
cause  or  reason  for  not  declaring  a  brother  entitled  to  bene- 
fits, or  the  Lodge  assigns  a  reason  or  cause  for  refusing  ben- 
efits, does  not  limit  the  investigation  to  that  cause  or  rea- 
son. If  the  brother  for  any  reason  be  not  entitled  to  benefits, 
the  committee  should  so  report. — Sims  vs.  Grass  Valley 
Lodge,  1890  Journal,  421,  434. 


Benefits.  211 

605.  Burden  of  proof  is  on  claimant.  The  claimant  in 
these  investigations  has  the  affirmative  of  the  issue.  The 
burden  is  on  him  to  prove  that  he  is  sick  and  in  consequence 
of  the  sickness  is  unable  to  earn  a  livelihood,  or  that  he  is 
so  disabled  thereby  as  to  be  entitled  to  benefits. — Alexander 
vs.  Eureka  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  689,  716;  Woods  vs.- Cali- 
fornia Lodge,  1896  Journal,  613,  617;  Clecak  vs.  Porter 
Lodge,  1899  Journal,  602,  625,  626 ;  1898  Journal,  170,  203 ; 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5. 

606.  When  claimant  abandons  his  case.  The  affirmative 
of  the  issue  is  upon  the  brother  who  demands  the  committee, 
and  he  must  furnish  the  testimony  to  maintain  said  affirm- 
ative. Should  he  refuse  to  do  so,  it  is  practically  an  aban- 
donment of  his  case,  and  the  committee  is  not  bound  to  in- 
vestigate further. — ^Robinson  vs.  Templar  Lodge,  1884  Jour- 
nal, 137,  154. 

607.  Pecuniary  inducements  to  feign  sickness.  In  an 
investigation  involving  the  bona  fides  of  a  brother's  claim  of 
sickness,  it  is  perfectly  competent  and  proper  to  inquire 
how  long  and  under  what  circumstances  the  brother  has 
been  sick,  and  what,  if  any,  pecuniary  inducements  he  may 
have  had  to  feign  sickness.  Clendennin  vs.  Humboldt  Lodge, 
1889  Journal,  117,  148. 

608.  Reports  of  Visiting  Committee  not  evidence  before 
Investigating  Committee.  The  reports  of  the  Visiting  Com- 
mittee to  the  Lodge  that  a  brother  is  well  or  is  not  entitled 
to  benefits  because  he  is  attending  to  business,  or  is  in  ar- 
rears, or  any  other  reports  to  the  Lodge,  are  not  before  the 
Investigating  Committee  evidence  against  the  claimant  or 
for  him  as  to  his  sickness  or  health  or  ability  or  inability  to 
earn  a  livelihood  or  his  standing  in  the  Lodge.  All  these 
matters  depend  upon  the  evidence  given  by  witnesses  who 
may  be  examined  and  cross-examined  and  who  testify  about 
matters  within  their  own  personal  knowledge. — Sims  vs. 
Grass  Valley  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  420. 

609.  Claimant  no  right  to  vote  on  certain  questions. 
Where  the  majority  of  a  Committee  of  Investigation  ap- 


212  Benefits. 

pointed  under  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nates, reports  that  the  claimant  is  not  entitled  to  benefits, 
and  the  claimant  files  a  bill  of  exceptions  to  the  effect  that 
the  majority  report  is  not  sustained  by  the  evidence,  on  a 
question  to  adopt  the  bill  of  exceptions  or  on  a  question  to 
adopt"  the  majority  report,  the  claimant  has  a  direct,  per- 
sonal and  pecuniary  interest  in  the  questions,  a  direct  and 
distinct  interest  which  separately  belongs  to  him  and  there- 
fore has  no  right  to  vote  thereon. — Van  Every  vs.  Sonoma 
Lodge,  1891  Journal,  661,  674. 

610.  When  vote  of  disqualified  brothers  do  not  affect  the 
result.  Where  two  disqualified  brothers  voted  in  opposition 
to  each  other  on  a  question  to  adopt  a  report,  those  votes  do 
not  aft'ect  the  result  or  the  validity  of  the  result. — Van  Every 
vs.  Sonoma  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  661,  674. 

611.  Agreement  as  to  facts  when  and  by  whom  per- 
missible. A  Committee  of  Investigation  has  no  right  to  en- 
ter into  any  agreement  as  to  facts.  They  should  hear  the 
evidence  and  reduce  it  to  writing,  as  required  by  the  Con- 
stitution. When  the  Lodge  is  represented  by  an  attorney  in 
these  investigations  the  attorney  may  enter  into  such  an 
agreement  with  the  claimant. — Breyer  vs.  San  Jose  Lodge, 
1888  Journal,  1087,  1096. 

612.  Notice  of  report — Two  weeks  to  file  exceptions. 
Upon  report  being  made  by  the  committee  to  the  Lodge, 
notice  thereof  shall  be  given  by  the  Secretary  to  the  claim- 
ant, and  he  shall  have  two  weeks  after  service  of  such  notice 
in  which  to  file  his  exceptions  thereto.  The  Secretary  shall 
file  a  written  certificate  or  proof  of  such  service. — Consti- 
tution Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5. 

613.  Lodge  cannot  legally  act  on  report  on  night  of  its 
receipt.  A  Lodge  cannot  legally  act  upon  the  report  of  the 
Investigating  Committee,  under  Section  5,  Article  IV,  of 
Constitution  of  Subordinates,  on  the  evening  that  the  same 
is  presented.  The  claimant  must  be  notified  of  the  report 
and  given  two  weeks  after  service  of  the  notice  within 
which  to  file  his  exceptions. — Stafford  vs.  Rocklin  Lodge, 


Benefits.  213 

and  Perkins  vs.  Nietos  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  528,  558,  574, 
617;  Hardman  vs.  Yerba  Buena  Lodge,  1893  Journal,  350, 
351,  363 ;  Young  vs.  Sonoma  Lodge,  1902  Journal,  886,  892 ; 
Jansen  vs.  Samaritan  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  174,  203. 

614.  The  same — The  Lodge's  action  reversed.  When  the 
committee's  report  is  received  by  the  Lodge,  notice  thereof 
should  forthwith  be  given  by  the  Secretary  to  the  party 
against  whom  the  verdict  is  rendered,  and  he  should  have 
two  weeks  after  notice  within  which  to  file  his  exceptions, 
and  the  Lodge  should  then  proceed  to  pronounce  its  judg- 
ment. Where  the  report  was  acted  upon  the  night  of  its 
receipt,  the  Lodge's  action  was  reversed. — Freund  vs.  So- 
nora  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  382,  388. 

615.  Report  of  committee.  The  report  of  the  committee 
should  be  in  writing,  and  should  not  be  acted  upon  at  the 
meeting  at  which  it  is  presented,  but  its  consideration  should 
be  fixed  for  some  future  meeting.  Written  notice  should  be 
given  of  the  filing  of  the  report  to  the  claimant,  and  he 
should  have  two  weeks  thereafter  within  which  to  file  with 
the  Lodge  a  bill  of  exceptions. — Lagrave  vs.  Franco-Amer- 
ican Lodge,  1897  Journal,  962,  977. 

616.  Majority  and  minority  reports — Notice — Action 
thereon.  When  a  committee  appointed  to  investigate  a 
claim  for  sick  benefits  submits  majority  and  minority  re- 
ports, the  Lodge  cannot  act  on  the  reports  of  the  committee 
without  first  giving  the  claimant  notice  thereof,  and  allow- 
ing him  two  weeks  after  the  service  of  the  notice  in  which 
to  file  a  bill  of  exceptions  to  the  reports,  as  authorized  and 
required  by  Section  5  of  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subor- 
dinates.— ^Atkinson  vs.  Morse  Lodge,  1904  Journal,  522,  527, 
528. 

617.  Duty  and  report  of  Investigating  Committee.  It  is 
the  duty  of  a  committee  appointed  under  Section  5,  Article 
IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  by  its  investigation  to 
ascertain  if  the  claimant  is  or  is  not  entitled  to  sick  benefits, 
and,  if  entitled  to  benefits,  to  find  and  report  to  the  Lodge 
the  number  of  weeks'  sick  benefits  under  his  demand  to 


214  Benefits. 

which  he  is  entitled. — Whitson  vs.  Selma  Lodge,  1905  Jour- 
nal, 921,  936. 

618.  Report — Sick  list.  A  repo^rt  of  an  Investigating 
Committee  that  the  claimant  is  entitled  to  be  placed  on  tht 
sick  list  is  not  such  a  report  as  is  contemplated  by  Section 
5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  which  regulates 
demands  or  claims  for  benefits  and  their  investigation.  If 
such  a  report  is  made  it  is  proper  for  a  Lodge  to  refer  the 
report  back  to  the  committee  with  instructions  to  submit  a 
proper  report. — Whitson  vs.  Selma  Lodge,  1905  Journal, 
921,  936. 

619.  To  "accept"  a  report — Judgment.  A  motion  to 
''accept"  a  report  is  a  motion  to  receive  the  report,  and  is 
not  a  motion  to  sustain  or  adopt  the  report.  The  Lodge  must 
pronounce  a  judgment  on  the  claim  for  benefits. — Whitson 
vs.  Selma  Lodge,  1905  Journal,  921,  936. 

620.  Lodge  should  observe  the  law.  The  Lodge  should  in 
all  matters  observe  all  the  requirements  of  Section  5,  Article 
IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates. — Whitson  vs.  Selma  Lodge, 
1905  Journal,  921,  936. 

621.  Majority  and  minority  reports — A  new  committee. 

When  an  Investigating  Committee  as  to  sick  benefits,  ap- 
pointed under  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subor- 
dinates, after  hearing  the  evidence,  submits  to  the  Lodge  a 
majority  report  that  the  claimant  is  entitled  to  seven  weeks' 
benefits,  and  a  minority  report  that  the  claimant  is  entitled 
to  nineteen  weeks'  benefits,  the  appointment  of  a  new  com- 
mittee of  investigation  by  the  Lodge  of  its  own  motion  mere- 
ly to  study  or  consider  the  testimony  already  taken  and  re- 
duced to  writing  by  the  first  committee  and  report  its  opinion 
thereon  to  the  Lodge,  is  without  warrant  of  law. — Atkinson 
vs.  Morse  Lodge,  1905  Journal,  900,  901,  911. 

622.  Objects  of  bill  of  exceptions — ^Neglect  to  file.     As 

to  the  bill  of  exceptions,  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Consti- 
tution of  Subordinates,  is  like  Section  4,  Article  VIII,  of 
the  same  Constitution.    The  object  of  the  provisions  of  this 


Benefits.  215 

section,  relative  to  exceptions,  is  to  enable  the  Lodge  to  pass 
upon  the  errors  or  objections  in  the  proceedings  so  that  the 
Lodge  may  make  a  just  and  proper  disposition  of  the  case. 
In  order  that  the  Lodge  may  do  this,  it  is  the  duty  of  the 
brother  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Lodge  to  them,  and  to 
point  them  out  in  his  written  exceptions  in  his  bill  of 
exceptions.  A  neglect  to  do  this  is  a  waiver  of  objections 
and  an  acquiescence  in  the  report  of  the  committee. — Hayes 
vs.  El  Dorado  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  385,  414. 

623.  Failure  to  file  bill  of  exceptions.  If  a  brother,  by 
waiving  all  formalities,  do  not  have  the  testimony  and 
evidence  in  the  record  upon  which  the  committee  acts,  he 
must  be  considered  as  acquiescing  in  the  committee's  action. 
The  failure  to  file  a  bill  of  exceptions  is  an  acquiescence  in 
the  report  of  the  committee. — Breyer  vs.  San  Jose  Lodge, 
1888  Journal,  1087,  1096;  Smith  vs.  Stoney  Creek  Lodge, 
1887  Journal,  837,  838. 

624.  The  same.  No  bill  of  exceptions  having  been  filed, 
as  provided  in  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  the  ob- 
jections made  prior  to  the  time  within  which  the  bill  of  ex- 
ceptions may  be  filed  are  waived. — Hayes  vs.  El  Dorado 
Lodge,  1890  Journal,  385,  414. 

625.  Action  upon  bill  of  exceptions — Judgment  of  Lodge. 
If  a  bill  of  exceptions  to  the  report  of  the  committee  be 
filed,  as  above  provided,  the  Lodge  may  determine  upon  its 
merits,  and  either  change,  modify  or  sustain  the  report  of  the 
committee;  or  refer  it  back  to  the  same  or  another  com- 
mittee, or  order  a  new  investigation.  If  the  Lodge  shall 
deem  the  exceptions  not  well  taken,  or  if  no  exceptions  have 
been  filed  within  two  weeks,  as  above  provided,  it  shall  pro- 
nounce its  judgment  and  decision. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  IV,  See.  5. 

626.  Judgment  must  be  pronounced.  The  Lodge  must 
pronounce  judgment  whether  exceptions  are  filed  or  not. 
In  pronouncing  judgment  the  Lodge  can  adopt  the  report 
of  the  committee,  or  modify  it,  or  refer  it  back  to  the  same 
or  another  committee,  or  grant  a  new  investigation.    It  may 


216  Benefits. 

find  that  the  brother  is  or  is  not  entitled  to  benefits,  or  give 
such  judgment  as  it  deems  the  evidence  justifies  and  re- 
quires.— Bassett  vs.  Elmira  Lodg:e,  1886  Journal,  607,  608; 
Newington  vs.  Silver  Star  Lodge,  1886  Journal,  638,  648; 
1869  Journal,  112,  113,  117. 

627.  Action  on  report  necessary.  Until  the  Lodge  has 
taken  action  on  the  report  of  the  Investigating  Committee 
there  is  no  judgment. — 1869  Journal,  112,  113,  117 ;  Bassett 
vs.  Elmira  Lodge,  1886  Journal,  607,  608 ;  Newington  vs.  Sil- 
ver Star  Lodge,  1886  Journal,  638,  648. 

628.  No  bill  of  exceptions  after  report  adopted  or  acted 
upon  by  the  Lodge.  Our  law,  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Consti- 
tution of  Subordinates,  does  not  provide  for,  nor  authorize 
the  filing  or  presenting  a  bill  of  exceptions  to  the  report  of 
the  committee  after  the  report  has  been  adopted  or  acted 
upon  by  the  Lodge.  A  Lodge,  therefore,  should  not  con- 
sider a  bill  of  exceptions  so  presented  or  filed. — Holbrook 
vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  521,  557. 

629.  Motion  to  adopt  report  lost,  and  reconsideration. 

A  motion  to  adopt  the  report  of  the  Investigating  Com- 
mittee, that  a  brother  is  not  entitled  to  benefits,  under  Sec- 
tion 5,  Article  IV,  of  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  having 
been  lost,  and  the  Lodge  having  closed  without  further 
action  thereon,  the  vote  by  which  it  was  lost  or  rejected  can- 
not be  reconsidered  at  a  subsequent  meeting. — Day  vs.  Wood- 
land Lodge,  1896  Journal,  576,  619. 

630.  Payment  of  benefits  after  investigation  and  judg- 
ment. A  Lodge  having  appointed  a  committee,  under  Sec- 
tion 5,  Article  IV,  of  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  and  in- 
vestigated a  brother's  claim  for  benefits,  and  pronounced 
its  judgment  as  required  thereby,  that  the  brother  is  en- 
titled to  the  benefits  claimed,  must  pay  the  same. — Hol- 
brook vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  521,  557. 

631.  Majority  and  minority  reports.  Where  there  are 
two  reports  of  an  Investigating  Committee,  a  majority  re- 
.port,  that  the  brother  is   entitled   to   the  benefits,   and  a 


Benefits.  217 

minority  report,  that  he  is  not,  and  the  Lodge  adopts  the 
majority  report,  it  must  thereupon  pay  the  benefits. — Sahl- 
berg  vs.  Santa  Clara  Lodge,  1888  Journal,  1120,  1152. 

632.  The  committee  shall  make  no  recommendation.  The 
committee  appointed  to  investigate  a  brother's  right  to  ben- 
efits has  no  right  in  its  report  to  make  a  recommendation. 
The  committee 's  duty  is  to  keep  full  minutes  of  the  evidence 
and  of  the  proceedings,  and  report  the  same  to  the  Lodge 
with  their  conclusions,  but  without  any  recommendation. — 
1885  Journal,  387,  401,  431. 

633.  Fraud  as  a  defense  to  claim  for  benefits.  If,  at  the 
time  of  a  brother's  admission  to  a  Lodge,  he  were  suffering 
from  a  disease  which  directly  or  indirectly  caused  the  sick- 
ness on  account  of  which  his  claim  for  benefits  is  based,  and 
if  he  knowingly  and  fraudulently  concealed  that  fact  from 
the  Lodge  at  the  time  of  his  admission,  then  his  claim  for 
benefits  is  a  fraud  upon  the  Lodge.  The  final  claim  is  based 
upon  and  tainted  with  the  original  frautl,  and  the  Lodge 
has  a  right  to  prove  the  fraud  in  all  its  phases,  from  its  in- 
ception to  its  consummation.  The  Lodge  is  not  estopped 
from  asserting  and  proving  the  fraud  by  the  lapse  of  time. 
A  fraud  never  becomes  ''stale  and  outlawed"  so  long  as 
financial  claims  are  being  immediately  and  actively  asserted 
and  prosecuted  upon  the  status  secured  by  it.  Nothing  but 
a  judgment  based  upon  a  full  and  fair  trial  upon  that  issue 
can  estop  a  Lodge  from  proving  such  fraud  as  a  defense  to 
a  pecuniary  claim  asserted  against  it. — Robinson  vs.  Temp- 
lar Lodge,  1888  Journal,  1142,  1162. 

(See  Section  693.) 

634.  Grand  Lodge  will  not  interrupt  investigation  in 
Subordinate  Lodge.  Where  there  is  a  contention  as  to  sick 
benefits,  in  course  of  examination  in  a  Lodge,  the  Grand 
Lodge  will  not  interrupt  or  interfere  with  the  proceedings. 
There  must  be  a  final  action  upon  the  part  of  the  Lodge  and 
an  appeal  therefrom  taken  within  legal  time,  before  the 
Grand  Lodge  will  act. — Nathan  vs.  California  Lodge,  1881 
Journal,  598,  625. 


218  Benefits. 

635.  Procedure  in  case  of  death  of  member.  If  any  mem- 
ber shall  die  before  the  time  for  making  any  demand  or 
exercising  any  right  under  our  laws  has  expired,  his  widow, 
or  other  relative  or  person  pecuniarily  interested  in  the  mat- 
ter under  our  laws,  may  be  substituted  in  the  place  of  such 
deceased  member  within  eight  weeks  after  said  death,  and 
thereafter  prosecute  the  matter  to  final  determination  in  the 
Order.  Such  substitution  shall  be  made  by  serving  the 
Lodge  with  a  written  notice,  stating  the  death  and  the  date 
thereof,  the  facts  showing  the  person  to  be  such  beneficiary, 
and  that  the  person  desires  to  prosecute  the  matter,  and 
also,  within  the  said  eight  weeks,  make  the  demand  on  the 
Lodge  or  exercise  the  right  by  notice,  in  writing,  to  the 
Lodge. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  9. 

636.  Order  and  decorum  before  committee.  The  Investi- 
gating Committee  appointed  under  Section  5,  Article  IV, 
Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  has  full  power  to  con- 
duct the  investigation  in  a  legal  and  orderly  manner. — 
Nichols  vs.  Branciforte  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  603,  604,  613. 

637.  Grand  Master.  As  to  powers  and  duties  of  Grand 
Master  in  those  cases  in  benefit  investigations  when  a  Lodge 
is  guilty  of  unnecessary  delays,  obstructions,  etc.,  see  Sec- 
tion 2174  of  this  Digest. 

6.  FUNERAL  BENEFITS  AND  FUNERAL  EXPENSES. 

638.  Funeral  benefits.  Besides  providing  for  funeral 
expenses,  the  Lodge  may  provide  in  its  By-Laws  for  a 
funeral  benefit. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  3. 

639.  Funeral  expenses.  In  case  of  the  death  of  a  member, 
irrespective  of  his  standing  relative  to  sick  benefits,  there 
shall  be  allowed  from  the  Lodge  a  uniform  sum  of  not  less 
than  thirty  dollars  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  burial,  to 
be  paid  by  the  Noble  Grand  on  account  of  the  funeral; 
provided^  the  brother  be  buried  by  the  Order,  or  at  the 
expense  of  the  family  of  the  deceased.  In  the  absence  of 
competent  relations,  the  Noble  Grand  shall  take  charge  of 
the  funeral  and  render  an  account  of  the  disbursements. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  3. 


I 


Benefits.  219 

640.  Funeral  expenses — Proviso.  The  proviso  in  Section 
3,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  is  valid  and 
under  such  provision  a  Subordinate  Lodge  is  not  liable  for 
funeral  expenses  unless  the  deceased  member  be  buried  by 
the  Order  or  at  the  expense  of  the  family.  1899  Journal  534 ; 
1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal  16069,  16071,  16116. 

641.  Funeral  expenses — Local  laws.  Funeral  expenses 
are  regulated  by  local  laws,  and  it  is  competent  for  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  a  State  to  determine  any  question  relating 
thereto  without  interference  from  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge.  Grand  Jurisdictions  of  the  several  States  and  other 
governmental  divisions  have  the  right  to  limit  the  extent  to 
which  Subordinates  shall  be  liable  in  such  cases.  Holbrook 
vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  621,  622,  623,  673 ;  1898 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  16070,  16071,  16116. 

642.  Funeral  benefits  regulated.  The  funeral  and  sick 
benefits  shall  be  regulated  by  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge,  and 
all  orders  drawn  for  the  above  benefits  shall'  be  by  vote  of 
the  Lodge. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  4. 

643.  Distinction  between  funeral  benefits  and  funeral 
expenses.  The  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges  (Section 
3,  Article  IV)  draws  a  distinction  between  funeral  expenses 
and  funeral  benefits,  and  authorizes  Lodges  to  provide  for 
a  funeral  benefit  in  addition  to  funeral  expenses. — 1894 
Journal,  609,  732,  771. 

644.  The  same.  The  decisions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  have 
uniformly  recognized  the  distinction  between  * 'funeral  ben- 
efits" and  "funeral  expenses." — Weston  vs.  Centennial 
Lodge,  1889  Journal,  126,  148. 

645.  Funeral  benefits  for  wife.  A  Subordinate  Lodge 
may  provide  by  its  By-Laws  for  funeral  benefits  for  the  wife 
of  a  brother  if  it  desire  so  to  do. — 1883  Journal,  1149,  1175 ; 
1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  530,  979,  1002. 

646.  A  brother  sentenced  upon  charges   to   reprimand. 

A  brother  found  guilty  upon  charges  and  sentenced  to  repri- 
mand, is  thereby  suspended  from  all  the  privileges  and  bene- 


220  Benefits. 

fits  of  membership  until  he  appears  before  the  Lodge  for  the 
purpose  of  receiving  the  reprimand,  and  if  he  die  before  so 
appearing,  he  is  not  entitled  to  fune/al  benefits. — Matter  of 
L.  Katz,  1893  Journal,  433,  432. 

647.  Charges  pending  at  death  and  funeral  honors  and 
benefits.  If  a  brother  shall  die  after  charges  have  been  pre- 
ferred against  him,  and  while  they  are  still  pending  in  the 
Lodge,  the  Lodge  must  bury  the  deceased  with  funeral 
honors,  and  is  liable  for  the  payment  of  such  benefits  as  may 
be  provided  in  its  By-Laws.— 1896  Journal,  408,  578,  619. 

648.  Death  of  widow  and  funeral  benefits.  A  Lodge 
is  not  under  any  obligation  to  pay  funeral  benefits  on  the 
death  of  a  widow  of  a  brother,  unless  the  By-Laws  so  pro- 
vide.—1895  Journal,  196,  236. 

649.  When  not  entitled  to  funeral  benefits.  A  brother 
is  not  entitled  to  funeral  benefits  who  is  not  entitled  to  sick 
benefits.— 1893  Journal,  278,  384,  391,  421. 

650.  Bargain  for  relinquishment  of  funeral  benefits 
prohibited.  It  is  improper  for  any  Lodge  to  bargain  for  the 
relinquishment  of  funeral  benefits  with  the  wife  or  other 
relatives  of  a  brother  before  the  brother's  death,  as  said 
benefits  have  not  then  accrued. — 1892  Journal,  113,  120,  128. 

651.  Initiatory  members  and  funeral  benefits.  Initiatory 
members,  if  entitled  to  sick  benefits,  are  entitled  to  funeral 
benefits.— 1893  Journal,  278,  384,  391,  421. 

652.  Funeral  benefit  and  Masonic  burial.  A  brother,  in 
accordance  with  his  wishes,  was  buried  by  the  Masonic 
Order,  with  Masonic  funeral  rites,  in  the  I.  0.  O.  F.  Ceme- 
tery, but  the  family  paid  all  the  expenses  incurred,  the 
family  is  entitled  to  the  funeral  benefit. — 1895  Journal,  39, 
185,  235. 

653.  Lodge  cannot  deduct  dues  from  funeral  benefits. 
A  Lodge  cannot  legally  deduct  the  amount  a  brother  owed 
the  Lodge  at  the  time  of  his  death,  for  dues,  from  the  funeral 
benefit  due  the  deceased  brother's  widow  or  dependent  rel- 


Benefits.  221 

atives.  A  funeral  benefit  is  a  widow's  right  guaranteed  to 
her  by  the  Lodge  and  its  By-Laws;  and  a  less  amount  paid 
to  her  would  not  be  a  compliance  with  the  By-Laws. — 1892 
Journal,  14,  97,  103. 

654.  Residence  of  beneficiary  immaterial.  The  place  of 
residence  of  the  claimant  of  a  funeral  benefit  is  of  no  conse- 
quence. If  the  relative  in  a  foreign  country  be  a  dependent 
relative,  the  Lodge  is  bound  to  pay  such  relative  the  funeral 
benefits  provided  by  its  By-Laws,  which  provide  for  such 
benefit  to  a  deceased  brother's  dependent  relative. — 1893 
Journal,  426,  430. 

655.  A  brother's  mother  who  remarries.  A  brother's 
mother  who  remarries  is,  if  at  the  time  of  his  death  she  be 
his  dependent  relative,  entitled  to  the  funeral  benefit ;  if  she 
be  not  his  dependent  relative,  she  is  not  entitled  thereto. — 
1893  Journal,  426,  430. 

656.  Who  are  beneficiaries  of  funeral  benefit — Funeral 
expenses.  The  only  persons  who  are  the  beneficiaries  of  a 
funeral  benefit  are  the  widow,  orphans  (under  age  of  twenty- 
one  years),  or  dependent  relatives  of  the  deceased,  or  rel- 
atives upon  whom  the  deceased  was  dependent  at  the  time  of 
death.  In  the  event  of  the  death  of  a  member  in  good  stand- 
ing not  possessing  any  of  the  above-named  beneficiaries  of 
a  funeral  benefit  and  leaving  no  estate  or  insufficient  assets 
to  pay  the  expenses  of  a  funeral,  the  Lodge  shall  pay  the 
bill  of  the  undertaker  and  other  necessary  expenses  to  an 
amount  not  exceeding  in  the  aggregate  the  funeral  benefits. 
—1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  16027,  16053 ;  Morss  vs.  California 
Lodge,  1902  Journal,  886,  892. 

657.  Funeral  benefit — Estate  of  deceased — Burial.  The 
funeral  benefit  should  in  no  event  become  an  asset  of  the 
estate  of  the  deceased.  When  a  member  dies,  he  should  have 
a  decent  burial,  and  if  he  dies  in  indigent  circumstances,  he 
should  never  be  allowed  to  fill  a  pauper's  grave. — 1898 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  16027,  16053. 

658.  Dependent  relatives.  Dependent  relatives  are  rel- 
atives who  were  members  of  the  family  of  the  deceased,  and 


222  Benefits. 

were  dependent  upon  the  deceased  for  support  at  the  time 
of  death. — Morss  vs.  California  Lodge,  1902  Journal,  886, 
892. 

659.  Insane  brother — Divorced  wife — Right  of  minor 
child  to  benefits  after  death.  An  insane  brother  in  good 
standing  is  placed  in  a  lunatic  asylum;  his  wife  obtains  a 
divorce  and  the  custody  of  the  minor  child ;  then  she  marries 
another  man ;  her  insane  husband  dies,  and  is  buried  by  the 
Lodge.  The  child  is  entitled  to  benefits  as  his  orphan. — 1900 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  504,  827,  873. 

660.  In  case  of  suicide.  The  family  of  a  brother  who  has 
committed  suicide  is  entitled  to  the  funeral  benefits  if  the 
brother  were  in  good  standing. — 1865  Journal,  10,  60,  77. 

Note. — A  Lodge    cannot   refuse  — (1845    S,    G.    L.    Journal,    807; 

to  pay  funeral  benefits  to  the  fam-  1855  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2403,  2481, 

ily  of  a   deceased  brother  on  the  2503). 
ground  that  he  committed  suicide 

661.  Payment  of  arrears  while  sick  and  not  entitled  to 
benefits.  A  member  being  under  charges  in  his  Lodge 
becomes  in  arrears  while  said  charges  are  pending;  the 
charges  are  sustained,  and  the  brother  is  suspended  for  a 
fixed  period ;  during  such  suspension  he  is  taken  sick ;  imme- 
diately after  the  expiration  of  such  suspension  he  pays  his 
dues  and  is  accepted  by  the  Lodge;  he  remains  sick  and 
dies.  The  By-Laws  provide  that  no  member  can  place  him- 
self in  standing  so  as  to  receive  benefits  during  such  sick- 
ness. In  such  a  case  the  wife  is  not  entitled  to  funeral  ben- 
efits on  the  decease  of  her  husband. — 1877  Journal,  682,  699. 

Note. — A  brother  while  in   ar-  sickness;    his   widow  is  not  enti- 

rears  so  as  to  deprive  him  of  ben-  tied  to  funeral  benefits — (1854  S. 

efits  was  taken  sick.    He  then  paid  G.  L.  Journal,  2311,  2346). 
up  his  dues   and  died  from   that 

662.  Where  no  family  or  dependent  relatives.  Where  the 
brother  leaves  no  family  or  dependent  relatives,  and  there 
is  no  other  provision  made  by  law  for  their  payment,  then 
the  Lodge  is  not  bound  to  pay  the  money  to  any  person. — 
1886-1887  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10254,  10487,  10511,  10711. 
10951,  11005. 


Benefits.  223 

663.  The  same.  In  cases  where  the  friends  of  a  deceased 
brother  refuse  the  Order  the  privilege  of  burying,  and  do  it 
at  their  own  expense,  there  being  no  widow,  children  or 
dependent  relatives,  said  friends  have  no  right  to  demand 
and  collect  the  funeral  benefits  of  his  Lodge. — 1868  Journal, 
490,  503. 

Note. — The  great  object  of  a  fu-  of  property  to  the  funeral  benefits 

neral   benefit   in   the   Order   is   to  is  in  the  family  of  the  deceased, 

extend  immediate  aid  to  the  fam-  and  not  in  the  brother.     It  does 

ily  of   a  deceased  brother  at  the  not  begin  to  exist  until  after  his 

time,     and     under     circumstances  death,  and,   therefore,   no  disposi- 

when  the  family  requires  support  tion  of  such  benefits  can  be  made 

and  sympathy  more  than  at  any  by  him  in  his  lifetime — (1858   S. 

other   time    or    under   any   other  G.  L.  Journal,  2957,  2981) . 
condition    of    things.      The     right 

664.  No  dependent  relatives — Funeral  expenses.  Where 
a  brother  was  sick  in  a  hospital  in  another  county,  and 
under  instruction  from  his  Lodge,  the  Relief  Committee  paid 
him  two  weeks'  benefits,  and  he  left  the  hospital  without 
notifying  either  the  Relief  Committee  or  his  Lodge  of  his 
whereabouts,  and  six  weeks  thereafter  he  died,  leaving  no 
dependent  relatives,  the  Lodge  is  not  required  to  pay  funeral 
benefits.  If  the  brother  was  buried  under  the  direction  of 
the  Lodge  the  actual  expenses  of  the  funeral  should  be  paid 
by  the  Lodge.— 1905  Journal,  744,  932,  948. 

665.  Funeral  benefits — Murder  of  wife  and  death  of 
husband.  Where  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  do  not  contain 
any  provision  for  funeral  expenses  as  prescribed  in  Section 
3  of  Article  IV  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  but  do 
contain  a  provision  that  on  the  death  of  a  brother's  wife  a 
sum  equal  to  fifty  cents  for  each  member,  at  the  time  of  her 
death,  shall  be  appropriated  by  the  Lodge  and  paid  by  the 
Noble  Grand  to  the  brother;  and  provide  that  on  the  death 
of  a  brother  a  sum  equal  to  one  dollar  for  each  member,  at 
the  time  of  his  death,  shall  be  appropriated  by  the  Lodge 
and  paid  by  the  Noble  Grand  to  the  widow  of  the  deceased 
brother,  or  his  children,  or  dependent  relatives,  and  provide 
that  after  the  funeral  of  a  deceased  member,  or  wife  of  a 
member,  the  Noble  Grand  shall  direct  a  funeral  assessment 


224  Benefits. 

to  be  levied  of  one  dollar  on  each  member,  in  ease  of  the 
death  of  a  member,  and  fifty  cents  in  case  of  the  death  of  a 
member's  wife,  they  thereby  provide  for  funeral  benefits.  A 
brother  having  murdered  his  wife  is  not  entitled  to  the 
funeral  benefit  provided  for  in  these  By-Laws.  He,  after 
murdering  his  wife,  killed  himself,  and  having  left  no  chil- 
dren or  dependent  relatives,  no  funeral  benefit  is  due  or 
payable  to  anyone  under  such  By-Laws.  In  case  no  funeral 
benefits  are  due  or  payable  to  anyone,  the  Lodge  has  no  right 
to  levy  a  funeral  assessment. — 1894  Journal,  609,  732,  771. 

666.  Inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home  and  funeral  benefits. 
No  brother  who  shall  have  been  admitted  to  the  Odd  Fel- 
lows' Home  as  an  indigent  shall  be  entitled  to  funeral  bene- 
fits during  the  time  he  shall  remain  an  inmate  of  the  Home. 
— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  4. 

667.  Inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home  and  funeral  expenses. 

The  funeral  expenses  allowed  by  the  By-Laws  of  his  Lodge, 
in  case  of  his  death  and  burial  by  the  Home,  shall  be  paid 
into  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  Fund. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  IV,  Sec.  4. 

(See  Odd  Fellows'  Home.) 

668.  When  funeral  expenses  payable.  Upon  the  death 
of  any  member,  including  non-beneficial  members,  the  sum 
provided  by  the  By-Laws  for  funeral  expenses,  which  must 
be  uniform  for  all  members,  must  be  appropriated  and  paid 
toward  the  expenses  of  his  funeral,  provided  the  brother  is 
buried  by  or  at  the  expense  of  the  Order,  or  at  the  expense 
of  his  family.— 1895  Journal,  195,  196,  236;  1885  Journal, 
288,  403,  433. 

669.  Death  immediately  after  reinstatement  and  funeral 
expenses.  A  Lodge  is  compelled  to  pay  the  amount  allowed 
by  its  By-Laws  for  funeral  expenses  on  the  death  of  a  mem- 
ber who  dies  immediately  after  being  reinstated  to  mem- 
bership, after  suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues,  provided 
he  is  buried  by  the  Order,  or  at  the  expense  of  his  family. — 
1892  Journal,  14,  112,  127. 


Benefits.  225 

670.  Over  twelve  months  in  arrears  for  dues  and  funeral 
expenses.  When  a  Lodge,  by  its  own  affirmative  act,  retains 
upon  its  roll  members  over  twelve  months  in  arrears  for 
dues,  it  is  liable  until  they  are  suspended  for  funeral  ex- 
penses and  care  during  sickness. — 1895  Journal,  39,  224,  249. 

671.  Funeral  expenses  not  paid  unless  actually  incurred. 
Wlien  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  make  a  distinction  between 
funeral  benefits  and  funeral  expenses,  the  Lodge  cannot  be 
required  to  pay  anything  on  account  of  funeral  expenses 
where  a  deceased  brother  has  been  buried  while  in  the  public 
service,  at  the  expense  of  the  United  States,  and  no  such 
expenses  have  been  incurred  by  the  family;  though  the 
widow  is  entitled  to  the  funeral  benefit  whether  expense  has 
been  incurred  or  not.— 1857  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2812,  2814, 
2830 ;  1863  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3566,  3588 ;  Morss  vs.  California 
Lodge,  1902  Journal,  886.  892. 

672.  Funeral  expenses  and  estate  of  deceased.  Funeral 
expenses  are  payable  by  the  Lodge  irrespective  of  the  es- 
tate or  amount  of  estate  left  by  deceased,  if  the  deceased  is 
buried  by  the  Order  or  at  the  expense  of  the  family  of  de- 
ceased.— Morss  vs.  California  Lodge,  1902  Journal,  886,  892. 

673.  The  same — Buried  by  another  Order.  A  Lodge  is 
bound  to  pay  the  amount  provided  in  its  By-Laws  for 
funeral  expenses  when  one  of  its  members  is  buried  by  an- 
other Order,  but  at  the  expense  of  the  family  of  the  de- 
ceased.--1889  Journal,  34,  144,  162. 

Note. — An     Odd     Fellow     was  ceased   towards   defraying  the   fu- 

buried   by  the  Masonic  Lodge    to  neral  expenses.     The  Lodge  could 

which  he  belonged  and  the  Masons,  not  be  required  to  pay  funeral  ex- 

to  the  exclusion  of  the  Odd   Fel-  penses,   as    the    deceased    brother 

lows   Ix>dge,   paid   all   funeral   ex-  was  buried  without  expense  to  the 

penses.    The  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  family — (1875    S.    G.   L.    Journal, 

provided  that  thirty  dollars  shall  6562,  6628,  656.3,  6629). 
be  paid  to  the  family  of  the    de- 

674.  Non-beneficial  member  and  funeral  expenses.  A 
non-beneficial  member  is  entitled  to  funeral  expenses,  pro- 
vided he  is  buried  by  or  at  the  expense  of  the  Order,  or  at 

15 


226  Benefits. 

the  expense  of  his  family.— 1902  Journal,  899,  900,  917; 
1896  Journal,  415,  588,  629. 

675.  Non-beneficial  member  and  funeral  benefits.  A  non- 
beneficial  member  is  not  entitled  to  funeral  benefits. — 1902 
Journal,  899,  900,  917. 

676.  Death  of  wife  of  non-beneficial  member.  A  non- 
beneficial  member  is  not  entitled  to  funeral  benefits  on  the 
death  of  his  wife,  nor  to  funeral  expenses  on  the  death  of 
his  wife.— 1902  Journal,  750,  899,  900,  917. 

677.  Initiatory  members  and  funeral  expenses.  Initia- 
tory members  are  entitled  to  the  funeral  expenses  provided 
by  the  By-Laws  for  all  members  alike. — 1893  Journal,  384, 
420. 

678.  Before  a  member  six  months.  Under  Article  IV, 
Section  3,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  a  brother  of 
a  Lodge  is  entitled  to  funeral  expenses  if  he  die  before  he 
has  been  a  member  six  months. — 1883  Journal,  1149,  1175. 

679.  Carriages  for  pall-bearers,  floral  decorations  and 
draping  the  hall.  Under  a  By-Law  which  reads,  ' '  In  case  of 
the  death  of  a  member  of  this  Lodge  there  shall  be  allowed 
from  the  Lodge  $75.00  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  burial, 
to  be  paid  by  the  Noble  Grand  on  account  of  the  funeral, 
provided  the  brother  be  buried  by  the  Order  or  by  the  family 
of  the  deceased,"  the  expenses  of  carriages  for  pall-bearers 
is  a  proper  charge,  to  be  paid  out  of  the  $75.00.  The  Lodge 
should  see  that  the  more  necessary  and  indispensable  ex- 
penses of  the  funeral  are  paid  before  applying  any  portion 
of  the  $75.00  to  the  payment  of  expenses  for  floral  decora- 
tions and  draping  the  hall.  These  latter  expenses  and  ex- 
penses for  carriages  for  a  choir  may  be  paid  if  there  is 
money  enough  for  such  purposes,  in  addition  to  paying  for 
the  more  essential  expenses.  No  expense,  however,  for 
draping  the  hall  can  be  paid  out  of  the  $75.00  unless  the 
funeral  services  are  held  at  the  hall. — 1889  Journal,  131, 
132,  163. 

(See  Sections  1513  and  1514.) 


Benefits.  227 

680.  Buried  by  a  General  Relief  Committee  when  in  ar- 
rears. Article  IV,  Section  3,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subor- 
dinates, requires  the  Lodge  to  pay  not  less  than  thirty  dol- 
lars to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  burial  of  a  member, 
whether  he  be  in  arrears  or  not,  provided  he  be  buried  by 
the  Order  or  at  the  expense  of  the  family  of  the  deceased.  So 
where  a  member  who  is  in  arrears  for  dues,  no  matter  how 
much,  dies  under  charge  of  a  General  Relief  Committee, 
which  attends  to  his  burial,  the  Lodge  to  which  the  member 
belongs  must  reimburse  the  General  Relief  Committee  to  the 
extent  of  thirty  dollars  at  least,  and  more  if  its  By-Laws  so 
provide. — General  Relief  Committee  of  San  Francisco  vs. 
Diamond  Springs  Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1005,  1134,  1161, 
1178. 

681.  Buried  by  another  Order  and  part  of  expenses  paid 
by  family.  A  Lodge  has  this  By-Law:  *'0n  the  death  of  a 
brother  the  sum  of  $50.00  shall  be  appropriated  and  paid 
towards  defraying  his  funeral  expenses,  provided  if  no 
funeral  expenses  are  incurred  by  the  Lodge  or  dependent 
relatives,  by  the  death  of  a  brother,  no  appropriation  shall 
be  made."  Where  a  deceased  brother's  funeral  is  conducted 
solely  by  another  Order,  which  takes  sole  charge  of  the  body 
and  pays  the  expenses,  except  such  items  as  car  fare,  sexton, 
watching  with  the  body,  washing  the  body,  etc.,  which  are 
paid  by  the  family,  under  this  By-Law  the  Lodge  of  which 
the  brother  was  a  member  must  pay  the  sum  set  forth  in 
the  By-Law  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  funeral,  to  the 
family,  if  such  family  be  composed  of  those  who  are  de- 
pendent upon  him  for  support. — 1885  Journal,  381,  382,  418. 

682.  What  funeral  expenses  should  not  be  paid.  Where 
the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  one  hundred  dollars  as 
funeral  expenses,  and  also  provide  that  *'if  no  funeral  ex- 
penses are  incurred  by  the  death  of  a  brother,  no  appropria- 
tion shall  be  made  from  the  funds  of  the  Lodge,"  and  where 
only  eighty-seven  dollars  are  actually  expended,  the  Lodge 
cannot,  under  such  By-Laws,  legally  pay  any  greater  or  other 
sum  than  the  actual  funeral  expenses  of  the  deceased  mem- 
ber.   If  the  actual  expenses  do  not  amount  to  the  sum  stated 


228  Benefits. 

in  the  By-Laws,  the  balance  should  not  be  paid  to  the  widow. 
—1878  Journal,  822,  928,  965. 

683.  Duty  of  Lodge  to  pay  funeral  expenses  or  benefits. 
The  obligation  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  to  pay  funeral  ex- 
penses or  funeral  benefits  is  fully  considered  in  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  Journal,  13989,  of  the  proceedings  of  1894. 
From  said  decision  there  are  only  two  exceptions  which  will 
prevent  a  Lodge  from  paying  the  funeral  expenses,  as  will 
be  found  in  White's  Digest,  99,  100.— 1896  Journal,  408,  588, 
629. 

Note. — The  White's  Digest  re-  said  exceptions,  also,  see  Sections 
ferred  to  in  the  above  decision  is  671  and  672  of  this  Digest,  and 
White's  Digest  of  1889.     For  the      note  to  Section  673  of  this  Digest. 

684.  Immoral  conduct  of  deceased.  Where  a  brother  is 
in  good  standing  financially,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  his 
widow  is  entitled  to  funeral  and  widow's  benefits,  notwith- 
standing the  brother  has  been  refused  sick  benefits  during 
the  sickness  of  which  he  died,  by  reason  of  the  fact  that 
such  sickness  was  caused  by  his  immoral  conduct. — 1875 
Journal,  280,  295. 

685.  Not  buried  by  the  Order.  Subordinate  Lodges  are 
required  by  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates  to  pay  a  uni- 
form sum  of  not  less  than  thirty  dollars  upon  the  death  of 
their  members,  as  funeral  expenses,  and  there  is  no  law 
permitting  a  Lodge  to  escape  this  duty  where  the  surviving 
relatives  of  a  deceased  brother  refuse  to  have  him  buried  by 
our  Order.— 1897  Journal,  991,  993. 

686.  Buried  at  the  expense  of  Government  or  of  another 
Order.  Where  a  deceased  brother  has  been  buried  while  in 
the  public  service,  at  the  expense  of  the  United  States  Gov- 
ernment, and  no  part  of  such  expense  has  been  incurred  by 
the  family,  or  where,  being  a  member  of  another  Order,  he 
has  been  buried  by  such  Order,  to  the  exclusion  of  the  Odd 
Fellows'  Lodge,  such  Order  paying  all  funeral  expenses, 
without  any  expense  to  the  family,  the  Lodge  cannot  be 
required  to  pay  anything  on  account  of  funeral  expenses. 
In  all  other  cases  the  funeral  expenses,  provided  by  the 


Benefits.  229 

By-Laws,  must  be  paid,  and  where  in  addition  to  the  funeral 
expenses  the  By-Laws  provide  for  the  payment  of  a  funeral 
benefit,  the  payment  of  such  benefits  must  be  governed  en- 
tirely by  such  By-Laws.— 1897  Journal,  1032,  1055. 

687.  Testimony — Funeral  expenses  or  benefits  paid.  There 
is  no  law  in  case  a  Lodge  votes  or  pays  funeral  expenses  or 
funeral  benefits,  providing  for  taking  the  testimony  of  wit- 
nesses as  to  the  facts  of  the  case. — Lane  vs.  San  Lorenzo 
Lodge,  1900  Journal,  148,  177. 

688.  An  Investigating  Committee — Evidence,  report,  ap- 
peal. In  cases  where  the  Lodge  refuses  or  neglects  to  pay 
any  benefit  or  relief,  or  allowance,  which  our  laws  provide 
shall  be  paid,  the  person  may,  within  four  weeks  thereafter, 
likewise  demand  a  committee,  as  provided  in  Section  5, 
Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  and  the  section 
shall  likewise,  in  all  matters,  including  the  time  and  man- 
ner of  appeal,  be  applicable  thereto. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  IV,  Sec.  8. 

689.  The  committee  investigates,  hears  evidence  and  re- 
ports— Appeal.  When  a  Lodge  refuses  or  neglects  to  pay 
funeral  expenses,  a  committee  may  be  demanded  under  Sec- 
tion 8,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  to  investi- 
gate the  claim  and  to  hear  evidence,  and  report  the  facts 
and  their  conclusions,  as  provided  in  Section  5  of  said  Article 
IV,  the  same  as  in  case  of  a  claim  for  sick  benefits.  The 
action  of  the  Lodge  will  not  be  reviewed  on  appeal  by  the 
Grand  Lodge,  unless  this  course  is  pursued. — Holmes  vs. 
Circle  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  634,  653. 

690.  On  demand  committee  must  be  appointed.  In  case  a 
Lodge  refuses  or  neglects  to  pay  funeral  expenses  or  funeral 
benefits,  and  the  sons  of  the  deceased  demand  in  writing 
the  appointment  of  a  committee,  under  Sections  5  and  8, 
Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  to  investi- 
gate the  claim  of  the  family  of  the  deceased  to  the  same, 
the  Lodge  must  appoint  such  a  committee  to  investigate  the 
matter. — Morss  vs.  California  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  510,  539. 


230  Benefits. 

691.  Burden  of  proof.  In  investigations  of  claims  for 
funeral  benefits  and  funeral  expenses,  under  Article  IV,  Sec- 
tions 5  and  8,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  the  claimants 
have  the  affirmative  of  the  issue  an(f  the  burden  of  proof  is 
on  them. — Morss  vs.  California  Lodge,  1902  Journal,  886, 
892. 

692.  Should  not  resort  to  courts  of  law.  Our  laws  pro- 
viding for  funeral  benefits  and  funeral  expenses  do  not 
create  legal  rights,  liabilities  or  responsibilities,  nor  legal 
contractual  relations,  nor  confer  any  right  to  resort  to 
courts  of  law  to  enforce  the  granting  or  payment  of  the 
same. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  6. 

693.  When,  if  admitted  by  fraud,  widow  not  entitled. 
Any  fraudulent  misrepresentation  of  his  age  by  a  party 
seeking  admission  into  the  Order,  whereby  membership 
therein  is  illegally  obtained  for  a  less  consideration  than  the 
law  of  the  Lodge  requires,  shall  discharge  the  Lodge  from 
any  and  all  responsibilities  growing  out  of  the  initiation  of 
the  party  in  question  from  and  after  the  time  such  fraud 
shall  be  discovered  and  proved  or  determined,  upon  a  fair 
investigation  and  upon  competent  testimony.  It  shall  be 
legal  to  investigate  and  determine  the  fact  of  such  fraud 
even  after  the  death  of  the  party  alleged  to  be  guilty  there- 
of, provided  due  notice  of  such  investigation  is  given  to  the 
representatives  or  family  of  the  deceased  claiming  benefits 
of  the  Lodge.— 1863-1864  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3601-3679. 

(See  as  to  Sick  Benefits,  Sec.  633  of  this  Digest.) 

(See  as  to  Executors,  Administrators,  etc.,  Sees.  423,  425, 
426  of  this  Digest.) 

(See  Aged  Odd  Fellows;  Grand  Master,  under  head  of 
Officers.) 

7.     BENEFITS  TO  WIDOWS. 

694.  May  provide  benefits  for  widows.  A  Lodge  may 
provide  in  its  By-Laws  for  the  payment  of  a  portion  of  its 
funds  or  of  benefits  to  the  widows  of  its  members  during 
their  widowhood.— 1858  Journal,  383 ;  1865  Journal,  62,  81. 


BeiNEFITS.  231 

695.  Widows'  and  orphans'  fund.  The  Lodge  may  pro- 
vide in  its  By-Laws  for  a  widows',  orphans'  and  educational 
fund. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

696.  Immoral  act  or  conduct  deprives  of  benefits.  No 
benefit  or  allowance  shall  be  paid  to  any  widow  of  an  Odd 
Fellow,  except  while  she  maintains  a  good  moral  character 
in  fact. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  8. 

697.  The  rights  of  widows — The  rule  governing.  The 
true  rule  is  that  the  rights  of  widows  and  orphans  of  de- 
ceased brothers  survive  or  perish  with  the  brother's  rights. 
As  they  derive  their  benefits  through  the  membership  and 
good  standing  of  the  husband  or  father,  so  must  the  benefits 
end  with  his  ceasing  to  be  a  member  of  the  Order,  or  with 
his  ceasing  to  be  a  member  in  good  standing.  Any  other 
rule  would  inflict  upon  us  obligations  to  reward  those  who 
were  undeserving,  and  support  those  whose  parents  and 
fathers  when  living  had  not  contributed  to  the  funds  from 
which  such  support  is  paid. — Bohn  vs.  Harmony  Lodge,  1872 
Journal,  560,  653 ;  Appeal  of  Julius  Levy,  1874  Journal,  115, 
116,  16 ;  Mysell  vs.  Harmony  Lodge,  1882  Journal,  809,  825. 

698.  When  the  husband  was  in  arrears  and  paid  them 
while  sick.  A  brother  was  taken  sick  while  in  arrears  for 
non-payment  of  dues,  and  hence  not  in  good  standing ;  dur- 
in^^  his  illness  he  paid  up  his  dues;  during  that  same  illness 
the  brother  died  and  was  buried  by  the  Lodge.  The  By- 
Laws  of  the  Lodge  provide,  among  other  things,  that  the 
widows  of  deceased  brothers  shall  be  entitled  to  a  monthly 
benefit  of  ten  dollars.  In  such  case  the  widow  is  not  en- 
titled to  benefits.— 1872  Journal,  559,  653. 

699.  Where  husband  was  not  in  good  standing.  Not- 
withstanding the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  that  the 
widow  of  a  deceased  brother,  so  long  as  she  maintains  a 
good  character,  shall  receive  a  certain  yearly  benefit,  pay- 
able quarterly,  or  provide  for  a  monthly  benefit,  yet  if  her 
husband  be  not  in  good  standing  at  the  time  of  his  death, 
she  is  not  entitled  to  the  yearly  benefit,  or  monthly  benefit. 


232  Benefits. 

— 1874  Journal,  115,  116,  17;  Mysell  vs.  Harmony  Lodge, 
1882  Journal,  809,  823. 

700.  The  same— Donation.  The  Widow  of  an  Odd  Fel- 
low is  not  entitled  to  benefits  if  her  husband  were  not  at 
the  time  of  his  decease,  but  the  Lodge  has  the  right  to  do- 
nate from  its  funds  for  her  benefit. — 1877  Journal,  581,  675, 
697. 

701.  A  Lodge  cannot  discriminate  as  to  rank  of  husband, 
but  may  as  to  amount.  If  a  Subordinate  Lodge  make  any 
provision  for  the  payment  of  stipulated  benefits  to  widows 
of  deceased  brothers,  no  discrimination  can  be  made  on  ac- 
count of  the  rank  the  brother  may  have  held  in  the  Lodge, 
except  as  to  the  amount  to  be  paid,  which  is  entirely  under 
the  control  of  the  Lodge.— 1872  Journal,  690,  689. 

702.  The  same — Scarlet  and  other  Degrees.    The  By-Laws 

of  a  Lodge  provided  '*that  to  entitle  a  deceased  brother's 
widow  to  benefits,  the  brother  shall,  at  the  time  of  his 
death,  have  been  in  good  standing  and  in  possession  of  the 
Scarlet  Degree."  The  latter  clause  requiring  the  attainment 
of  the  Scarlet  Degree  is  not  a  legal  requirement.  The  widow 
of  a  brother,  who  was  in  good  standing  and  had  attained 
lower  degrees,  is  entitled  to  benefits  under  such  a  By-Law, 
for  such  a  By-Law  conflicts  with  a  well  established  prin- 
ciple of  the  Order  if  not  the  written  law,  and  is  therefore 
illegal ;  but  the  amount  to  be  so  paid  the  Lodge  can  regulate 
by  its  By-Laws.— 1873  Journal,  690. 

703.  May  increase  or  reduce  the  benefits.  Subordinate 
Lodges  have  the  right  to  regulate  the  rate  of  benefits  to 
widows,  as  well  as  to  members,  and  may  increase  or  reduce 
the  same.  Benefits  to  widows  are  payable  at  the  rate  pre- 
scribed by  the  By-Laws  at  the  time  they  are  voted,  as  well 
to  those  who  were  widows  before  as  after  the  rate  allowed 
may  have  been  reduced. — 1872  Journal,  690,  689. 

704.  Benefits  under  new  By-Laws.  After  a  Lodge  has 
adopted  a  new  set  of  By-Laws,  a  widow  cannot  claim  the 
benefits  under  the  old  By-Laws,  claiming  as  a  reason  that 


Benefits.  233 

her  husband  died  before  the  new  ones  were  adopted. — 1873 
Journal,  895,  901. 

705.  A  Lodge  may  change  its  By-Laws  so  as  to  make 
benefits  to  widows  discretionary.  The  By-Laws  of  a  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  provided  that  the  widow  of  a  deceased 
brother  who  died  in  good  standing  should  receive  the  sum 
of  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  per  annum  while  she  re- 
mained a  widow  and  maintained  a  good  character.  The 
brother  died  in  good  standing  and  the  Lodge  paid  one  year's 
benefits.  The  Lodge  then  changed  its  By-Laws,  so  as  to  leave 
it  discretionary  with  the  Lodge  whether  to  pay  widows'  ben- 
efits or  not.  The  Lodge  then  declined  to  pay  the  widow  any 
further  benefits  on  the  ground  that  she  was  able  to  earn  a 
support  by  her  labor,  her  character  being  good.  The  action 
of  the  Lodge  was  legal. — 1872  Journal,  691. 

706.  May  repeal  law.  So,  where  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge 
provide  that  the  widows  of  deceased  members  shall  receive 
eight  dollars  per  month,  without  reservation  of  any  kind,  and 
after  the  death  of  a  brother  of  the  Lodge,  the  By-Laws  are  so 
altered  and  amended  as  to  discontinue  the  payment  of  any 
stipulated  amount  per  month,  a  widow  is  bound  by  the 
amended  By-Law,  and  is  not  entitled  to  receive  the  amount 
of  eight  dollars  per  month.— 1882  Journal,  864,  872,  885. 

707.  A  widow  who  does  not  maintain  a  good  character. 
The  question  of  the  moral  character  of  a  widow  of  an  Odd 
Fellow  who  has  died  in  good  standing  is  a  fact  which  may 
be  submitted  to  a  committee  for  investigation.  If  it  be  de- 
termined that  she  has  not  maintained  a  good  character,  all 
benefits  of  the  Order  ought  to  be  withheld  from  her. — 1873 
Journal,  871,  892. 

708.  Widow  may  demand  a  committee  to  investigate — 
Evidence — Appeal.  In  case  a  Lodge  neglects  or  refuses  to 
grant  any  benefit  or  allowance  on  account  of  any  immoral 
act  or  conduct,  or  otherwise,  she  may  demand  within  four 
weeks  thereafter  the  appointment  of  a  committee,  as  pro- 
vided in  Section  5  of  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordi- 


284  Bible — Black  Book. 

nates,  and  said  section  shall,  in  all  matters,  including  man- 
ner and  time  of  appeal,  be  applicable  thereto. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sees.  5  and  8.^ 

709.  Widow  should  not  sue  Lodge.  Our  laws  providing 
for  benefits  or  allowance  to  widows  do  not  create  legal  rights 
or  contractual  relations,  nor  confer  the  right  to  enforce  the 
payment  of  the  same  by  resort  to  courts  of  law. — Constitu- 
tion Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  6. 

710.  Not  assignable.  Benefits  and  allowances  to  widows 
are  not  assignable. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec. 
10. 

711.  Widow  remarries  and  is  divorced.  The  By-Laws  of 
a  Lodge  provide  that  on  the  death  of  a  widow  of  a  brother 
who,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  was  in  good  standing,  there 
shall  be  allowed  the  sum  of  $25.00  to  the  dependent  rela- 
tives of  the  deceased  brother.  The  widow  remarries,  and 
is  subsequently  divorced  from  her  second  husband.  This 
does  not  restore  her  to  widowhood  that  would  justify  a 
Lodge  in  paying  $25.00  to  dependent  relatives. — 1896  Jour- 
nal, 410,  581,  629. 

BIBLE. 

712.  In  Lodge  room.  The  Bible  should  be  in  the  Lodge 
room  when  the  Lodge  is  open  for  business;  but  there  is  no 
provision  requiring  it  to  be  placed  on  an  altar  in  the  center 
of  the  room.— 1892  Journal,  137. 

713.  Reading  from  it.  A  Lodge  cannot  adopt  a  rule  re- 
quiring the  reading  of  a  chapter  from  the  Bible  at  the  open- 
ing or  closing  of  a  Lodge.  It  is  not  permitted  to  add  any- 
thing to  the  form  laid  down  in  the  Ritual. — 1900  Journal,  25, 
185,  230. 

BLACK  BOOK. 

714.  Lodges  required  to  keep  black  book.  Resolved, 
That  this  Grand  Lodge  re-establish  the  rule  requiring  all 
Subordinate  Lodges  to  keep  a  black  book  and  a  proper 
record  of  all  brothers  suspended,  expelled,  and  all  appli- 
cants for  membership  rejected. — 1895  Journal,  246. 


FO : 


T  t  >i>. 


Bonds.  235 

715.  Names  to  be  immediately  entered.  When  a  com- 
munication is  received  from  a  sister  Lodge  of  expulsion  or 
suspension,  the  names  should  be  immediately  entered. — 1860 
Journal,  50. 

716.  What  entries  to  be  made.  Notices  of  suspensions, 
expulsions  and  rejections  should  be  written  up  in  the  black 
book,  and  the  fact  of  their  reception  entered  on  the  minutes. 
—1868  Journal,  495,  511. 

717.  In  case  of  resignation.  In  case  of  the  resignation  of 
a  brother  from  the  Order,  all  Lodges  in  the  county  and  the 
Grand  Secretary  should  be  notified,  but  his  name  should  not 
be  entered  in  the  black  book. — 1860  Journal,  64,  73,  74. 

BLANK  BONDS  AND  FORMS. 

(See  Grand  Secretary,  under  head  of  Officers;  Forms.) 

BONDS. 

718.  Bonds  of  Grand  Officers  and  Trustees — Surety  Com- 
pany— ^Expense  thereof.  The  Grand  Secretary,  Grand  Treas- 
urer, Grand  Trustees,  and  Trustees  of  the  Odd  Fellows' 
Home,  before  entering  upon  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of 
their  respective  offices,  shall  execute  and  deliver  to  the  Grand 
blaster  a  good  and  sufficient  bond,  payable  to  the  Grand 
Master  and  to  his  successor  in  office,  in  such  penal  sum  as 
the  Grand  Lodge  shall  fix  at  the  annual  meeting  when  such 
officers  are  elected,  conditioned  for  the  faithful  performance 
of  their  respective  duties.  The  payment  of  the  penalty  fixed 
by  such  bonds  shall  be  guaranteed  by  some  reliable  surety 
company,  and  the  expense  of  procuring  the  said  bonds  shall 
be  paid  by  the  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge, 
Art.  IV,  Sec.  9. 

719.  Bond  of  Lodge  Treasurer.  The  Treasurer,  prior  to 
installation,  shall  give  a  joint  and  several  bond,  payable  to 
the  Trustees,  in  trust  for  the  Lodge,  in  the  sum  of  not  less 
than  one  thousand  dollars,  with  two  or  more  sureties,  for  the 
faithful  performance  of  his  duties. — ^Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  VII,  Sec.  5. 


236  Bonds. 

720.  Sureties  not  Odd  Fellows.  A  Treasurer-elect  may 
present  as  sureties  on  his  bond  persons  not  members  of  the 
Order.— 1886  Journal  537,  620,  646.   , 

721.  A  Treasurer  or  Trustee  cannot  be  surety.  A  Treas- 
urer or  Trustee  shall  not  be  permitted  to  become  surety  for 
the  funds  of  the  Lod^e. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VI, 
Sec.  14. 

722.  Bonds  of  Lodge  Trustees.  The  Trustees  (if  there 
be  any)  shall  give  a  joint  and  several  bond  in  such  sum  as 
may  be  required,  for  the  faithful  performance  of  their  duties, 
to  be  approved  by  the  Lodge,  and  made  payable  to  the 
Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand,  with  two  good  and  sufficient 
sureties  for  each  Trustee;  provided,  that  each  Trustee  may 
execute  a  separate  bond  with  two  sureties  as  aforesaid,  if  he 
so  elect,  or  the  By-Laws  so  prescribe. — Constitution  Subor- 
dinates, Art.  VII,  Sec.  6. 

723.  The  same.  Each  Trustee  of  a  Lodge  must,  under 
the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  give  a  separate,  joint  and 
several  bond.— 1888  Journal,  1025,  1111,  1130. 

724.  Trustees  cannot  be  sureties  for  each  other.     The 

Trustees  of  a  Lodge  should  not  be  allowed  to  become  bonds- 
men for  each  other. — 1^76  Journal,  493,  508. 

725.  Bonds  with  two  sureties  required.  Every  officer 
having  care  of  the  funds  of  the  Lodge  shall  be  required  to 
give  sufficient  bond  to  the  Lodge  for  the  funds  that  may 
come  into  his  hands,  with  not  less  than  two  good  sureties, 
men  of  property. — 1854  Journal,  77. 

Note. — Under  the  present  Con-  for  the  acceptance  of  the  guarantee 

stitution  of   Subordinates,  Article  of  an  incorporated   security  com- 

VII,     Section     12,    a    Subordinate  oany  in  lieu  thereof. 
Lodge  may  provide  in  its  By-Laws 

726.  When  principal  and  sureties  not  allowed  in  Lodge 
room.  Neither  the  principal  or  surety  shall  be  allowed  in 
the  Lodge  room  while  action  is  being  had  on  the  bonds  of 
officers  having  care  of  the  funds  of  the  Lodge. — 1854  Jour- 
nal, 77. 


Bonds — Book-keeping.  237 

727.  Guarantee  of  security  company  in  lieu  of  bonds. 
Any  Lodge  may  provide  in  its  By-Laws  for  the  acceptance 
of  the  guarantee  of  an  incorporated  security  company  in 
place  of  the  bonds  provided  for  in  Article  VII  of  the  Con- 
stitution of  Subordinates,  for  the  faithful  performance  of 
their  respective  duties  by  the  financial  officers  of  the  Lodge. 
— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  12. 

728.  Liability  of  sureties.  Where  an  officer,  such  as  a 
Lodge  Treasurer,  embezzles  the  funds  of  his  Lodge,  the  lia- 
bility of  a  surety  upon  his  bond  attaches  immediately  upon 
the  defalcation,  and  without  any  legal  proceedings.  The 
surety  should  not  cause  the  Lodge  or  Encampment  the 
trouble,  delay  and  expense  of  litigation.  The  surety  ex- 
pressly obligates  himself,  jointly  and  severally  with  the 
others,  to  pay  such  default,  and  he  should  in  the  spirit  of 
justice  and  Odd  Fellowship  forthwith  comply  with  his  con- 
tract.— Preble  vs.  Harmony  Lodge,  1879  Journal,  81,  82,  99. 

729.  Treasurer's  bond.  See  Form  No.  21  of  the  forms 
affixed  to  this  Digest. 

730.  Trustee's  bond.  See  Form  No.  20  of  the  forms  af- 
fixed to  this  Digest. 

BOOK-KEEPING. 

731.  Lodge  may  adopt  their  own  system.  Lodges  have 
a  right  to  adopt  their  own  system  of  book-keeping.  The 
Grand  Lodge  will  not  prescribe  a  uniform  mode  therefor. — 
1856  Journal,  170,  202. 

732.  Incorrect  system  of  book-keeping.  To  enter  in  the 
cash  book  of  the  Treasurer  of  a  Lodge,  on  the  credit  side, 
the  amount  of  each  draft  drawn  on  the  Treasurer,  and  to 
enter  it  as  of  date  of  the  draft,  irrespective  of  the  time  of 
payment  of  the  draft,  is  an  incorrect  system  of  accounts  or 
book-keeping.  The  credit  should  not  be  given  until  the 
draft  is  paid  by  the  Treasurer. — Occidental  Lodge  vs. 
Adams,  1874  Journal,  81,  82,  117. 

733.  Errors  may  be  corrected.  Any  error  or  incorrect- 
ness in  the  manner  of  keeping  books  or  accounts  or  making 


238  BusTiTESs  OF  Grand  Lodge. 

monthly  reports  by  the  officers  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  may 
be  corrected  by  the  Lodge,  as  it  is  a  matter  within  its  con- 
trol.— Occidental  Lodge  vs.  Adams,  1874  Journal,  81,  82,  117. 

BOYCOTT. 

734.  Brothers  should  not  injure  one  another.  The  mean- 
ing of  the  word  ''boycott"  seems  to  be  difficult  to  ascertain, 
but  the  obligations  of  an  Odd  Fellow  are  such  as  to  forbid 
his  doing  any  act  that  would  injure  a  brother  Odd  Fellow  in 
any  manner  or  form  whatever. — 1886  Journal,  606,  636,  648. 

BUSINESS  OF  GRAND  LODGE. 

735.  By  whom  transacted.  The  business  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  shall  be  transacted  by  the  elective  officers  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  Past  Grand  Masters  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  and 
the  Representatives  elected  in  the  manner  hereinafter  pro- 
vided. All  Past  Grands  in  good  standing,  who  have  re- 
ceived the  Grand  Lodge  Degree,  may  be  present  at  the  ses- 
sion, but  none  except  officers  of.  Past  Grand  Masters  of,  and 
Representatives  to  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  have  the  right  to 
serve  on  committees  or  to  vote,  or,  without  permission,  to 
speak  on  any  subject  at  the  session. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  II,  Sec.  2. 

736.  Work  of  a  committee  part  of  the  business.     The 

Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge  prescribes  that  the  busi- 
ness of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  transacted  by  the  elective 
officers  and  the  Representatives ;  and  the  work  of  a  regular 
committee  is  part  of  the  business  thereof.  A  Past  Grand 
not  a  Representative  cannot  be  appointed  or  act  on  a  regular 
committee. — 1869  Journal,  114,  117. 

737.  Invitations  interfering  with  business.  The  annual 
sessions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  are  for  the  transaction  of  the 
business  of  the  Order,  and  no  invitations  will  be  accepted 
by  the  Grand  Lodge  to  engage  in  social  festivities  during 
its  sessions,  to  occur  during  the  day  time. — 1864  Journal, 
541. 


Business  of  Subokdinate  Lodge.  239 

738.  Certain  business  to  be  kept  secret.  Grand  Lodge  mem- 
bers are  required  to  keep  secret  from  the  Subordinate  Lodges 
all  business  of  the  Grand  Lodge  which  is  entered  on  the 
Secret  Journal,  unless  otherwise  ordered  by  the  Grand 
Lodge.— 1857  Journal,  278. 

739.  Grand  Secretary  shall  present  unfinished  business. 

The  Grand  Secretary  is  instructed  to  present,  as  a  part  of 
his  report,  at  each  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  all  unfinished 
business  lying  over  from  the  preceding  session. — 1871  Jour- 
nal 429,  440. 

740.  Grand  Secretary's  rooms  for  business  only.  The 
rooms  of  the  Grand  Secretary  are  to  be  used  only  for  the 
legitimate  business  of  the  Order. — 1873  Journal,  838,  861. 

741.  Transacted  in  Grand  Lodge  Degree.  State  Grand 
Lodges  transact  their  business  in  the  Grand  Lodge  Degree. 
—1847  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1090,  1091. 

742.  Installation.  A  Grand  Lodge  may  open  in  the 
Scarlet  Degree  at  installation. — 1852-1872  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
1888,  1952,  5501,  5545. 

743.  Exemplification  of  Degrees.  Grand  Lodges  may 
provide  for  the  exemplification  of  the  degrees  of  the  Order 
while  open  in  the  Scarlet  Degree. — 1886  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
10520,  10659. 

(See  Grand  Lodge.) 

BUSINESS  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE. 

744.  Quorum  for  business.  A  Lodge  cannot,  in  its  By- 
Laws,  require  that  more  than  five  members  shall  be  neces- 
sary to  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 
Such  a  By-Law  would  violate  Article  I,  Section  1,  Consti- 
tution of  Subordinates. — 1856  Journal,  204. 

(See  Sections  2794,  2598.) 

745.  The  same.  A  quorum  is  all  that  is  necessary  for  a 
Lodge's  action. — Davis  vs.  Lafayette  Lodge,  1885  Journal, 
377,  412,  413. 


240  By-Laws  of  Grand  Lodge. 

746.  Business  transacted  in  Third  Degree,  except.  All  the 
business  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge  shall  be  transacted  in  the 
Third  Degree  or  the  Degree  of  Truth,  except  conferring  the 
Initiatory  and  First  and  Second  Degrees.  Every  Subordi- 
nate Lodge  when  open  is  a  Third  Degree  Lodge,  and  none 
other  is  recognized  by  our  laws.  When  reduced  to  the  In- 
itiatory, the  First  or  Second  Degrees,  it  is  the  same  Lodge, 
but  open  for  specific  purposes  only,  in  a  lower  degree. — 1881, 
1882,  1884  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8690,  8764,  8838,  9025,  9101, 
9734,  9801. 

747.  Noble  Grand  may  open  under  other  business,  when. 
The  Noble  Grand  of  a  Lodge  may  open  under  another  order 
of  business  when  a  committee  is  out  examining  candidates 
for  initiation  or  admission,  if  the  By-Laws  do  not  prohibit 
such  action. — 1864  Journal,  525,  545. 

748.  Private  business  must  not  be  divulged — Attachment. 
The  private  business  of  a  Lodge  must  not  be  divulged  to  any 
but  an  Odd  Fellow.  It  is  in  violation  of  his  obligation  for  a 
brother,  designing  to  attach  the  money  of  a  sick  brother  to 
inform  an  officer  of  the  law  that  the  amount  of  money  grant- 
ed a  sick  brother,  as  sick  benefits,  is  in  the  hands  of  the  Sec- 
retary of  the  Lodge.— 1887  Journal,  771,  875,  888. 

749.  Transactions  in  absence  of  Noble  and  Vice- Grand. 
A  Lodge  can  legally  transact  business,  the  Noble  Grand  and 
Vice-Grand  being  absent,  and  a  Past  Grand  present  who 
takes  the  Noble  Grand's  chair.— 1882  Journal,  741,  844,  879. 

(See  Section  2794  when  N.  G.  and  V.-G.  absent  and  no 
Past  Grand  present.) 

(See  Ballot  and  Voting.) 

BY-LAWS  OF  GRAND  LODGE. 

750.  May  enact  and  amend.  The  Grand  Lodge  may  en- 
act, alter  or  amend  such  By-Laws  as  may  be  necessary  to 
carry  into  effect  the  provisions  of  this  Constitution,  and  of 
regulating  the  proceedings  of  its  officers  and  of  committees, 
and  of  providing  for  the  safety  and  security  of  the  funds 


By-Laws  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  241 

and  property;  provided^  at  least  one  day's  notice  in  writing 
be  given  at  the  annual  session,  of  such  By-Law  or  amend- 
ment, and  that  the  same  do  not  in  anywise  contravene  this 
Constitution. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  XIII,  Sec.  1. 

751.  Need  not  the  approval  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  It 
is  not  necessary  to  submit  the  By-Laws  of  the  State  Grand 
Bodies,  or  amendments  thereto,  to  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  for  approval.— 1852  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1899,  1953. 

752.  How  may  be  repealed.  A  By-Law  of  a  State  Grand 
Lodge  cannot  be  repealed  by  a  mere  resolution  when  a  dif- 
ferent mode  of  amendment  is  prescribed. — 1875  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  6566,  6629. 

BY-LAWS  OF  SOVEREIGN  GRAND  LODGE. 

(See  page  17.) 

BY-LAWS  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE. 

753.  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates.  It  is  a  regular 
committee,  consisting  of  five  members,  and  shall  be  ap- 
pointed at  each  annual  session  from  among  the  members 
present. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  2. 

754.  Duties  of  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates.  The 
Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates  shall  consist  of  five 
members,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  examine  and  report  on 
the  By-Laws  of  Subordinate  Lodges  referred  to  them,  and 
also  to  examine  and  approve  of  the  By-Laws  of  Subordinates 
that  may  be  submitted  to  them  previous  to  being  printed,  and 
to  make  such  alteration  in  the  By-Laws  as  will  make  them 
conform  to  the  laws  and  regulations  of  the  Order,  subject 
to  the  approval  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  7. 

755.  The  same.  The  propriety  of  a  majority  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  Laws  of  Subordinates  being  residents  of  the  same 
place  as  the  Grand  Secretary,  suggested  in  a  report,  and 
the  report  adopted. — 1858  Journal,  385. 

16 


242  Bv-Laws  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

756.  Lodge  may  make,  alter  or  rescind.  This  Lodge  may 
make,  alter  or  rescind  such  By-Laws,  rules  and  resolutions, 
from  time  to  time,  as  may  be  deemed  expedient,  provided 
that  they  do  not  in  any  wise  contravene  this  Constitution, 
or  the  Constitution,  By-Laws  or  Regulations  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  State  of  California,  or  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  XIV, 
Sec.  1. 

757.  When  By-Laws  are  in  force.  The  By-Laws  of  this 
Lodge  shall  be  in  force  from  the  time  the  Lodge  shall  have 
received  notice  of  their  approval  by  the  Committee  on  Laws 
of  Subordinates;  or,  where  such  By-Laws  themselves  fix  a 
date  subsequent  to  the  time  of  the  receipt  of  such  notice 
for  their  going  into  effect,  then  from  such  subsequent  date, 
subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  XIV,  Sec.  2. 

Note.— Such  By-Laws,  to  have  (1875-1877-1880  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
force  and  effect,  must  be  approved,  6618,  6691,  7173,  7380,  7474,  8330, 
as     provided     in     said     section —      8439). 

758.  Right  of  Subordinate  Lodges  to  make.  Subordinate 
Lodges  have  a  right  to  make  By-Laws  for  their  internal 
government.  A  Grand  Lodge  cannot  make  By-Laws  for  its 
Subordinates,  but  has  the  right  of  supervision,  and  may  ap- 
prove or  disapprove.  It  may  frame  a  model  code  of  By- 
Laws  and  recommend  the  same  to  its  Subordinates,  but  can- 
not compel  its  adoption.  It  can,  however,  enact  a  uniform 
Constitution,  and  the  By-Laws  of  Subordinates  must  con- 
form thereto.— 1893  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13258,  13548,  13671. 

759.  General  laws.  State  Grand  Bodies  have  power  to 
make  general  laws  for  the  government  of  Subordinates. — 
1851  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1724,  1797,  1784,  1786,  1807. 

760.  Power  and  duty  of  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordi- 
Qates.  Where  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates 
struck  out  certain  words  of  a  By-Law,  and  then  approved  it, 
with  those  words  stricken  out,  the  Grand  Lodge  resolved 
that  the  action  of  the  committee  in  striking  out  the  words 
was  not  authorized  by  law.     The  committee  should  have 


I 


By-Laws  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  243 

simply  directed  the  Lodge  to  what  change  would  be  neces- 
sary in  order  to  make  the  By-Laws  conform  to  the  laws  and 
regulations  of  the  Order  and  meet  their  approval. — 1878 
Journal,  951,  952,  896,  944. 

761.  Powers  and  duties  of  Committee  on  Laws  of  Sub- 
Drdinates.  The  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates  has 
power  to  alter  any  By-Law  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  to  make 
the  same  conform  to  the  laws  and  regulations  of  the  Order. 
(See  Section  7,  Article  VI,  of  Constitution  of  Grand  Lodge.) 
The  power  of  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates  is  not 
limited  to  the  mere  "approval"  or  "rejection"  of  proposed 
amendments  to  By-Laws.  That  committee  in  passing  on  the 
By-Laws  of  Subordinate  Lodges  may  examine  and  approve 
of  the  same,  and  "make  such  alterations  in  them  as  will 
make  them  conform  to  the  lazvs  and  regulations  of  the 
Order/'  This  is  the  limit  of  the  power  of  that  committee  to 
"alter"  or  "change"  the  By-Laws  of  a  Subordinate.  Sub- 
ordinates have  the  power  to  make  By-Laws  for  their  own 
government  (subject,  of  course,  to  the  power  of  approval  or 
alteration  above  referred  to).  If  that  committee  finds  that 
it  cannot  "alter"  a  By-Law  without  "changing  the  intent," 
it  is  its  duty  to  withhold  its  approval.  Whenever  the  Com- 
mittee on  Laws  of  Subordinates  shall  change  in  any  way  a 
By-Law  submitted  to  it  by  a  Lodge,  it  should  return  the 
^ame  as  so  changed  to  such  Lodge  for  its  further  action 
thereon,  and  if  such  Lodge  shall  then  adopt  the  same,  as  so 
changed,  by  the  necessary  vote,  it  thereupon  becomes  a  By- 
Law  of  the  Lodge  upon  being  approved  by  the  Committee 
on  Laws  of  Subordinates.— 1891  Journal,  717,  727. 

762.  The  same.  The  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates 
will  confine  their  action  strictly  to  the  approval  or  disap- 
proval of  By-Laws  submitted  to  them,  as  it  is  evident  the 
Grand  Lodge  so  desires.— 1893  Journal,  411,  412,  42d'. 

763.  When  an  amendment  is  not  approved.  An  amend- 
ment to  a  By-Law  of  a  Lodge  that  was  never  submitted  to 
the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates  for  its  approval  is 
not  a  law.— 1884  Journal,  13,  116,  153. 


244  By-Laws  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

Note. — A  Grand  Body    refused  Treasurer.     The  refusal  was  held 

its   approval   to   the    By-Laws   of  to  be  an  exercise  of  discretion  in 

one  of  its  Subordinates  in   refer-  a  matter  in  which  the  Grand  Lodge 

ence  to  excusing  a  Visiting  Com-  had    fftll    and    complete    jurisdic- 

mittee,  and  the  vote  necessary  to  tion — (1879  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8075, 

order   a   draft   for   money   on   the  8173). 

764.  Changing  the  amount  of  dues.  It  is  necessary  to 
have  the  approval  of  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates 
to  an  amendment  to  the  By-Laws  changing  the  amount  of 
dues.— 1885  Journal,  287,  403,  432. 

765.  When  copy  of  By-Laws  must  be  sent  to  Grand  Sec- 
retary. The  manuscript  copy  of  such  By-Laws  shall,  im- 
mediately after  their  adoption  by  the  Lodge,  and  before 
being  printed,  be  transmitted  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  to  be 
submitted  to  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates  for 
their  approval;  and,  where  a  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
shall  have  intervened  since  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  were 
approved  by  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates,  such 
By-Laws  shall  not  be  printed  or  re-printed  until  they  shall 
have  been  again  submitted  to  and  approved  by  that  Com- 
mittee.— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  XIV,  Sec.  2. 

766.  Proposed  amendments  shall  be  sent  in  duplicate. 

All  amendments  to  the  By-Laws  of  Subordinates,  submitted 
to  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates  for  their  action, 
shall  be  sent  in  duplicate,  one  copy  to  be  retained  by  the 
Committee,  the  'other  to  be  returned  to  the  Lodge  sending 
the  same.— 1870  Journal,  312 ;  1881  Journal,  569,  584. 

767.  The  same.  The  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates 
is  instructed  by  the  Grand  Lodge  not  to  approve  any  By-Law 
or  amendment  not  presented  in  accordance  with  the  require- 
ments of  the  preceding  section  numbered  766. — 1881  Jour- 
nal, 569,  584. 

768.  Proposed  amendments  shall  be  written  out  in  full. 
Proposed  amendments  to  By-Laws  shall  be  written  out  in 
full  in  the  precise  words  in  which  it  is  intended  they  shall 
read  if  adopted.— 1877  Journal,  661,  669 ;  1881  Journal,  569, 
584. 


I 


By-Laws  of  Subordix\ate  Lodge.  245 

769.  Proposed  amendments  and  copy  of  By-Laws  must 
be  sent.  All  amendments  submitted  to  the  committee  for 
their  approval  shall  be  accompanied  with  a  copy  of  the 
By-Law^s  then  in  force.— 1877  Journal,  661,  669 ;  1881  Jour- 
nal, 569,  584. 

770.  New  By-Laws  and  amendments.  New  By-Laws  or 
any  alteration  or  amendment  to  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge 
should,  immediately  after  their  reception,  be  referred  to  the 
Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates. — 1859  Journal,  514. 

771.  The  same — Cannot  be  put  into  effect  before  ap- 
proval. An  amendment  to  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge,  lower- 
ing the  dues,  legally  adopted,  cannot  be  put  into  effect  before 
being  approved  by  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates. 
All  amendments  to  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  must  be  sent  to 
the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates  immediately  after 
adoption.— 1892  Journal,  14,  15,  97,  103. 

772.  Cemetery  which    is    governed    by  By-Laws.     If  a 

Lodge  own  a  cemetery  which  is  governed  by  By-Laws  which 
the  Lodge  passes,  before  they  become  operative,  they  should 
be  submitted  to  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates  for 
their  approval,  as  all  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  should  be  sub- 
mitted to  said  committee  before  they  are  put  into  operation, 
whether  such  By-Laws  relate  to  benefits,  dues,  funds  or 
property  of  the  Lodge.— 1896  Journal,  409,  588,  629. 

773.  Effect  of  adoption  and  approval  of  new  By-Laws. 
The  adoption  and  approval  of  a  new  code  of  By-Laws  does 
not  annul  former  resolutions  and  motions,  unless  upon  the 
same  subject,  or  a  motion  is  carried  to  that  effect. — 1857 
Journal,  270,  274. 

774.  Must  be  printed  of  uniform  size  and  copy  furnished 
to  Grand  Secretary.  All  Subordinate  Lodges  shall  furnish 
the  Grand  Secretary  with  a  copy  of  their  By-Laws  as  last 
amended,  to  be  kept  in  his  office  for  the  use  of  the  Committee 
on  By-Laws,  for  reference  and  benefit  of  the  Order  generally. 
And  the  Grand  Secretary  shall  have  all  By-Laws  of  the 
Subordinates  properly  arranged  for  the  purpose.    By-Laws 


246  By-Laws  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

shall  be  printed  of  uniform  size,  say  four  by  six  inches. — 
1877  Journal,  661,  669. 

775.  Notice  to  members  of  proposed  amendment.  It  is 
legal  to  vote  on  an  amendment  to  the  By-Laws  without  first 
having  notified  all  the  members  of  the  Lodge,  unless  the  By- 
Laws  provide  that  all  members  must  first  be  notified. — 1896 
Journal,  438,  607,  636. 

776.  Proposition  to  amend  when  to  be  acted  upon.  A 
By-Law  which  reads,  *'No  part  of  these  By-Laws  shall  be 
amended  unless  a  proposition  to  that  effect  be  presented  in 
writing  to  the  Lodge  and  read  at  least  two  regular  meetings 
previous  to  the  discussion  thereof,  etc.,"  a  proposition  to 
amend  them  read  on  the  night  of  its  presentation  and  read 
again  at  the  succeeding  regular  meeting  is  not  open  to  dis- 
cussion and  action.  It  must  lay  over  at  least  two  weeks. — 
1882  Journal,  740,  845,  879. 

777.  The  same.  A  resolution  to  amend  a  By-Law  can- 
not be  acted  upon  at  the  same  meeting  at  which  it  is  intro- 
duced, where  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  declare  that  it  must 
be  laid  over  one  week  before  action. — 1886  Journal,  535, 
620,  646. 

778.  Renewal  of  amendment  postponed  indefinitely. 
Where  an  amendment,  offered  to  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge, 
has  been  postponed  indefinitely,  the  same  amendment  may 
be  offered  again  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Lodge. — 1873 
Journal,  782,  900. 

779.  Motion  to  indefinitely  postpone.  Where  the  By- 
Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  that  no  part  thereof  ''shall  be 
repealed,  altered,  amended  or  annulled,  unless  a  proposition 
in  writing  be  made  at  least  two  regular  meetings  previous 
to  the  time  of  its  being  acted  upon,"  a  motion  to  indefinitely 
postpone  an  amendment  is  not  in  order  at  any  time  before 
the  expiration  of  the  two  weeks'  time  required  by  law. — 
1865  Journal,  59,  76. 

780.  Amendments,  how  made.  If,  after  the  By-Laws  of 
a  Lodge  are  in  full  force  and   effect,   an  amendment  is 


By-Laws  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  247 

desirable,  it  can  only  be  made  as  provided  in  the  new 
By-Laws. — ^Harris  vs.  Alisal  Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1005,  1165, 
1180. 

781.  Proper  form  of  amendment.  A  proposed  amend- 
ment to  a  section  of  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  that  all 
members  absent  at  roll-call  at  funerals  shall  be  fined  one 
dollar,  proposed  in  the  very  words  of  the  section,  except 
that  the  proposed  amendment  reads  five  dollars,  is  in  proper 
form  and  order.— 1870  Journal,  188,  255. 

782.  Vote  required  in  adoption  of  By-Laws.  Where 
a  two-thirds  vote  is  required  to  amend,  repeal  or  revise  By- 
Laws,  and  By-Laws  are  considered  and  adopted,  section  by 
section,  and  afterwards  adopted  as  a  whole,  it  is  not  re- 
quired that  they  shall  twice  receive  the  vote  of  two-thirds. 
Their  final  adoption  as  a  whole  by  a  two-thirds  vote  is  suffi- 
cient.— Osgood  vs.  Sierra  Lodge,  1884  Journal,  23,  128,  154. 

783.  A  Lodge  cannot  suspend  a  By-Law.  A  Lodge  can- 
not suspend  a  By-Law.  It  can  ''amend,  alter  or  rescind," 
and  enact  such  other  By-Law  as  may  be  deemed  expedient. 
—1880  Journal,  333,  373. 

784.  Cannot  be  suspended  on  motion.  A  By-Law  cannot 
be  suspended  on  motion  or  suspended  under  any  circum- 
stances; it  can  only  be  amended  or  repealed  in  the  way 
designated  by  the  code  of  By-Laws  itself. — 1872  Journal, 
689 ;  1891  Journal,  585,  690,  716. 

785.  Binding  on  all  parties.  The  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge 
are  binding  on  all  parties — (1869  Journal,  121 ;  1870  Journal, 
302) ;  but  one  contrary  to  the  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitu- 
tion is  null  and  void. — 1864  Journal,  573. 

786.  The  word  "reasonable."  The  word  "reasonable" 
must  be  stricken  out  of  all  Bj'-Laws  where  it  qualifies  the 
decision  of  the  presiding  officer. — 1860  Journal,  38,  39. 

787.  A  By-Law  concerning  benefits  disapproved.  A 
section  of  a  By-Law  that  provided  that  when  a  brother  shall 
have  received  benefits  for  a  period  of  one  year,  the  Lodge 


248  By-Laws  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

may,  at  any  regular  meeting  thereafter,  by  a  vote  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  members  present,  reduce  his  benefits  to  the 
minimum  prescribed  in  the  section,  -a  motion  to  that  effect 
having  been  made  one  week  prior  thereto,  disapproved  by 
the  Grand  Lodge  because  it  would  not  in  itself  apply  to 
all  members  equally,  and  would  leave  each  particular  case 
to  be  decided  by  the  Lodge,  making  it  possible  for  the  Lodge 
to  show  a  preference  for  some  members  in  the  matter  of 
benefits.— 1879  Journal,  85,  100. 

788.  A  By-Law  concerning  doctor's  certificates  disap- 
proved. A  provision  in  a  By-Law  of  a  Lodge,  which,  in 
effect,  makes  a  brother  forfeit  his  benefits  unless  he  fur- 
nishes his  Lodge  each  and  ez'cry  week  during  his  sickness 
a  doctor's  certificate,  is  disapproved  by  the  Grand  Lodge. — 
1901  Journal,  501,  539. 

789.  A  By-Law  concerning  reporting  sickness  disap- 
proved. The  Grand  Lodge  disapproved  the  following  By- 
Law:  '*And  provided  such  sick  brother  {to  entitle  him  to 
sick  benefits)  shall  report  to  a  Lodge  within  one  day  after 
being  taken  with  such  sickness  or  accident." — 1903  Journal, 
116,  155. 

790.  A  By-Law  concerning  forfeiting  benefits  disap- 
proved. The  Grand  Lodge  disapproved  the  following  By- 
Law:  "And  any  member  while  drawing  sick  benefits  shall 
forfeit  them  by  frequenting  any  saloon  or  patronizing  any 
drinking  bar."— 1903  Journal,  117,  155. 

791.  A  By-Law  concerning  funeral  expenses  and  benefits 
disapproved.  The  Grand  Lodge  disapproved  the  following 
By-Law:  ''Provided  further,  that  on  the  death  of  a  brother 
entitled  to  sick  benefits,  but  who  dies  unmarried,  or  who 
leaves  no  beneficiaries  legally  entitled  to  receive  the  $70.00 
funeral  benefit  heretofore  provided  in  this  section,  the  Lodge 
may,  at  a  regular  meeting,  by  a  vote,  decide  to  appropriate 
$70.00  as  an  additional  funeral  expense  in  lieu  of  a  funeral 
benefit."— 1903  Journal,  117,  155. 


Cards  and  Certificates.  249 

CARDS  AND   CERTIFICATES. 

792.  Form  and  requisites  of  Withdrawal  and  Visiting 
Cards.  The  Soverei^m  Grand  Lodge  has  prescribed  the  form 
of  Withdrawal  Cards  to  be  exclusively  used  throughout  its 
jurisdiction.  All  cards  must  be  in  the  prescribed  form 
and  bear  the  counter  signature  of  the  Grand  Secretary  of 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  or  a  fac-simile  thereof.  They 
must  be  signed  by  the  Noble  Grand  and  attested  by  the 
Secretary  of  the  Lodge  issuing  the  same,  and  be  under  seal. 
All  Withdrawal  Cards  and  Visiting  Cards  must  be  signed 
by  the  holder  thereof  on  the  margin  in  his  own  handwriting, 
in  the  presence  of  the  officer  by  whom  the  Annual  Traveling 
Password  or  Annual  Password  is  communicated  to  such 
holder.— (1830  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  108;  1840  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
342 ;  1844  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  649 ;  1845  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  677 ; 
1846  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  911 ;  1856  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2665,  2673, 
1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15535,  15614).  A  card  is  complete 
without  the  counter  signature  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  State  in  which  the  card  is  issued. — (1845 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  777,  804).  All  cards  in  the  Grand  Secretary's 
office  and  in  the  possession  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  which 
have  in  the  margin  the  fac-simile  of  the  signature  of  Brother 
Theo.  A.  Ross,  Grand  Secretary,  but  who  is  now  dead,  are 
declared  legal  cards.— 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15509,  15580. 

793.  Withdrawal  Cards,  how  granted  —  Resignation. 
Withdrawal  Cards  may  be  granted  to  members  who  are 
clear  of  the  books,  according  to  law,  by  a  majority  vote,  by 
ballot,  of  the  members  present  when  the  application  is  made. 
Should  the  Lodge  refuse  to  grant  the  card,  the  applicant, 
on  tendering  a  written  resignation  of  membership,  and 
paying  all  dues,  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  from  the  Secre- 
tary a  certificate,  under  seal  of  the  Lodge,  to  that  effect; 
and  such  certificate  shall  be  sufficient  evidence  of  good 
standing  at  the  time  of  such  resignation. — Constitution  Sub- 
ordinates, Art.  XII,  Sec.  1. 

(See  Sections  1856,  1859,  1860,  in  cases  of  transfer  of  mem- 
bership by  card.) 


250  Cards  and  Certificates. 

794.  Visiting  Cards,  how  granted.  Visiting  Cards  may 
be  granted  upon  application  in  open  Lodge,  or  they  may 
be  issued  by  the  Noble  Grand  and  Recording  Secretary  to 
members  in  good  standing,  upon  application  in  writing,  but 
in  either  case  the  dues  of  the  applicant  must  be  paid  up  to 
the  end  of  the  time  for  which  the  card  is  granted,  which 
time  shall  not  exceed  one  year  from  the  date  of  the  card, — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  XII,  Sec.  2. 

795.  Non-contributing  members.  A  special  form  of 
Visiting  Card,  which  shall  entitle  the  holder  to  the  Annual 
Traveling  Password  upon  proving  identity  in  the  manner 
prescribed  by  the  laws  of  the  Order,  is  now  furnished  by 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  and  sold  as  supplies  for  the  use 
of  such  non-beneficial  members;  that  is,  for  those  brothers 
over  sixty  years  of  age  who  have  been  contributing  mem- 
bers for  twenty-five  years  consecutively  and  have  been 
dropped  for  non-payment  of  dues  to  the  grade  of  non- 
beneficial  members.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  209,  279,  292. 

796.  Must  be  issued  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.     All 

cards  not  issued  by  the  authority  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  are  of  no  force  or  effect,  and  the  same  are  null  and 
void,  although  they  may  have  been  signed  by  an  officer  of 
a  Grand  or  Subordinate  Body. — 1860  Journal,  9,  27. 

797.  Rank  of  holder  shall  be  expressed  on  face  of  card. 
The  rank  or  degree  of  all  members  to  whom  Withdrawal 
or  Visiting  Cards  may  be  granted,  shall  be  expressed  on  the 
face  of  the  card,  or  if  the  form  of  the  card  do  not  permit  it, 
shall  be  endorsed  on  the  card,  certified  under  the  seal  of  the 
respective  Lodge  or  Encampment  by  the  officers  issuing  the 
same.  All  new  engravings  of  cards  shall  be  in  such  form  as 
to  permit  of  a  full  expression  of  the  rank  or  degree  of  a 
visiting  brother  upon  the  face  of  the  card. — 1860  Journal, 
9,  28;  1859  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3111,  3124;  1866  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 4015. 

Note. — In  granting  a  Visiting  tained  in  the  branch  of  the  Order 
or  Withdrawal  Card,  the  highest  from  which  the  card  is  taken 
title    which   the    brother   has   at-      should  be  stated  therein,  except  if 


I 


Cards  and  Certificates.  251 

the    brother   be    a   Grand   Repre-  from      either      the      Subordinate 

sentative  or  a  Past  Grand  Repre-  Lodge  or  Encampment — (1878   S. 

sentative,  said  rank  should  be  ex-  G.   L.   Journal,   7735,   7831;    1899 

pressed  on  the  card,  when  taken  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  23,  27,  365,  394). 

798.  Cards  must  be  signed  by  holders  thereof.  All  Vis- 
iting and  Withdrawal  Cards  should  be  signed  by  the  holders 
thereof  on  the  margin  in  their  own  handwriting,  in  the 
presence  of  the  officer  by  whom  the  Annual  Traveling  Pass- 
word or  the  Annual  Password  is  communicated  to  such 
holders.— 1857  Journal,  250;  1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15535, 
15614. 

Note.  —  When     a     Withdrawal  he  is  the  proper  person  to  sign  the 

Card  is  granted  to  a  brother  while  card  as  Secretary — (1876  S.  G.  L. 

that  brother  is  acting  as  Secretary  Journal,  6986,  7055). 
pro  tern,  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge, 

799.  Cards  shall  be  withheld  until  so  endorsed.     The 

Secretaries  of  Lodges  are  required  to  withhold  Visiting  and 
Withdrawal  Cards  granted  to  applicants  until  such  appli- 
cants shall  have  endorsed  the  same  in  their  own  proper 
handwriting,  excepting  only  cases  where  cards  are  granted 
to  absentees. — 1860  Journal,  81. 

800.  Order  for  password  not  endorsed  on  card.  Cards 
should  not  have  endorsed  on  them  an  order  for  the  Annual 
Traveling  Password.— 1855  Journal,  103,  119,  136. 

801.  Must  be  authenticated  by  Lodge  seal.  All  cards, 
whether  Visiting  or  Withdrawal,  must  be  authenticated  by 
the  Lodge  seal. — 1862  Journal,  291. 

802.  Withdrawal  Cards  to  members  of  extinct  Lodges. 
A  member  of  an  extinct  Lodge  may  obtain  a  Withdrawal 
Card  from  the  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Secretary  upon 
payment  of  such  dues  as  may  appear  against  him,  provided 
that  the  officers  to  whom  the  application  is  made  shall  re- 
quire satisfactory  evidence  that  the  applicant  is  at  the  time 
worthy  of  recommendation  to  the  * 'friendship  and  protec- 
tion** of  the  brotherhood;  and  provided  further  that  the 
charter,  books,  etc.,  of  said  defunct  Lodge  shall  have  been 
surrendered  to  the  proper  officer.— 1860  Journal,  27. 


252  Cards  and  Certificates. 

Note. — A  Grand  Lodge    cannot  for   two   terms,   if   the  charter  of 

grant   a  card   to   a   member   of   a  such  Lodge  has  not  been  reclaimed 

Subordinate  to  enable  him  to  join  or  declared  forfeited — (1879  S.  G. 

another  Lodge,  although  the  Sub-  L.  Joufnal,  8112,  8179). 
ordinate   had  not  held  a   meeting 

803.  Certificates  to  members  of  suspended,  expelled  or 
extinct  Lodges.  Members  of  a  suspended  or  expelled  Lodge, 
or  of  a  Lodge  whose  charter  has  been  surrendered  or  for- 
feited, who  were  in  good  standing  at  the  time  of  such  sus- 
pension or  dissolution,  or  who  may  have  paid  all  arrearages 
then  due  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  shall,  upon  the  recommen- 
dation of  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  of  the  district 
in  which  such  suspended  or  extinct  Lodge  is  located,  receive 
from  the  Grand  Secretary  a  certificate,  under  the  seal  of 
the  Grand  Lodge,  to  enable  them  to  make  application  for 
admission  to  membership  in  any  other  Lodge ;  provided,  such 
members  are  not  excluded  by  Sections  3  and  4  of  this 
Article. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  XI,  Sec.  5;  1884 
Journal,  21,  116,  153. 

804.  Cards  to  members   of  extinct   Lodges   and  dues. 

Withdrawal  cards  cannot  be  granted  to  members  of  extinct 
Lodges  until  all  dues  standing  against  them  at  the  time  the 
Lodge  became  extinct  are  paid. — 1861  Journal,  132,  192,  193. 

Note, — Members  of  a  defunct  Lodge  or  its  executive,  and  if  no 
Subordinate  will  be  chargeable  action  is  taken  by  the  Subordinate 
with  dues  up  to  the  date  when  or  its  officers,  then  to  the  date 
such  Subordinate  shall  legally  vote  when,  by  local  or  general  author- 
to  surrender  its  charter;  or,  in  ity,  the  charter  is  forfeited;  pro- 
the  event  of  no  such  action  by  the  vided,  that  in  no  case  shall  the 
Subordinate,  then  to  the  date  amount  charged  exceed  one  year's 
when  the  charter  shall  be  sent  by  dues — (1885  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
its     last     officers    to    the    Grand  10151,  10189). 

805.  Inquiry  as  to  right  of  member  to  card.  There  is  no 
law  which  requires  any  Grand  Officer  or  Grand  Lodge  to 
grant  a  card  to  any  member  of  any  defunct  Subordinate 
without  inquiry  as  to  the  right  of  such  member  to  the  card, 
and  as  to  the  propriety  of  granting  the  same. — 1889  Journal, 
70. 


Cards  AND  Certificates.  253 

806.  Grand  Lodge  Withdrawal  Cards  to  members  of 
defunct  Lodges.  Grand  Lodges,  through  their  proper 
officers,  shall  be  permitted  to  issue  to  members  of  defunct 
Lodges  Withdrawal  Cards,  according  to  the  standing  of  the 
brother  when  the  Lodge  surrendered  its  charter,  and  mem- 
bers holding  such  cards  shall  have  the  same  privilege  and 
are  to  be  recognized  by  every  Lodge  to  which  they  may 
be  presented,  whether  in  or  out  of  the  jurisdiction  issuing 
them,  as  having  the  same  force  and  effect  as  a  Withdrawal 
Caid  that  has  been  issued  by  an  existing  Lodge  in  good 
standing,  and  will  enable  the  holder  to  join  another  Lodge, 
and  all  laws  in  conflict  herewith  are  repealed. — 1899  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  251,  319,  320,  353. 

807.  Withdrawal  Card  to  member  of  defunct  Subordi- 
nate. A  Grand  Lodge  can  issue  a  Withdrawal  Card  to  a 
brother  in  good  standing  who  applies  therefor  within  one 
year  of  the  date  of  the  suspension  of  his  Lodge,  sucl\  card 
covering  the  right  of  visitation  for  one  year  from  the  date 
of  such  suspension.— 1900  Journal,  513,  827,  873. 

808.  Life  of  Withdrawal  Card  to  member  of  defunct 
Lodge.  The  life  of  a  Withdrawal  Card,  issued  by  a  Grand 
Lodge  under  the  provisions  of  the  legislation  of  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  of  1899  (see  Section  806  of  this  Digest  for 
such  legislation)  and  carrying  as  it  does  the  right  of  visita- 
tion, can  only  be  for  a  period  not  exceeding  one  year  from 
the  time  the  dues  are  paid,  that  is,  one  year  from  the  time  of 
the  surrender  of  the  charter. — 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  513, 
827.  828.  873. 

809.  A  defunct  certificate  may  be  issued  after  one  year. 
A  defunct  certificate  may  be  issued  to  a  brother  who  was 
in  good  standing  at  the  time  of  the  suspension  of  his  Lodge, 
but  who  applies  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  a  card  after  one 
year  from  the  date  of  such  suspension,  or,  in  other  words, 
after  the  time  when  he  would  be  entitled  to  receive  a  With- 
drawal Card.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  514,  827,  828,  873. 

810.  Withdrawal  Card  granted  according  to  member's 
standing— Defunct  Lodge.    A  Grand  Lodge  can  issue  a  With- 


254  Cards  and  Ceutificates. 

drawal  Card  to  a  member  of  a  defunct  Subordinate,  accord- 
ing to  the  member's  standing  when  the  charter  was  surren 
dered;  that  is,  if  the  member  was  entitled  to  receive  a 
Withdrawal  Card  from  the  Lodge  at  the  time  of  the  sur- 
render of  its  charter,  he  is  entitled  to  receive  a  Withdrawal 
Card  from  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  514, 
827,  873. 

811.  Duplicate  card — How  issued.  A  second  card, 
issued  in  place  of  one  not  received  by  a  brother,  should  be 
a  duplicate,  and  should  be  issued  as  of  the  day  of  the 
original.— 1878  Journal,  819,  928,  965. 

812.  The  same.  When  a  Lodge  issues  a  duplicate  With- 
drawal Card,  it  must  be  signed  by  the  officers  serving  at 
the  time  of  such  issue,  and  have  endorsed  on  its  face  that  it 
is  a  duplicate.— 1879  Journal,  24,  101,  110. 

Note.— A  brother  who  has  lost  Journal,  1841, 1898, 1952).     Where 

his  Withdrawal  Card  or  been  dis-  a    card    of    withdrawal    has    been 

possessed   of   the    same    from    no  lost  or  destroyed,  the  Lodge  which 

cause    which    should    impeach    his  issued  the  same  may  grant  a  cer- 

own   conduct,   may   obtain   a   new  tificate   under   seal,    setting   forth 

card,  bearing  the  same  date,  from  the   facts   of   such   original   issue, 

the  Lodge  which  granted  the  orig-  and  the  certificate  so  granted  may 

inal  one.     The  said  Lodge  is  the  be  used  in  lieu  of  a  card,  as  evi- 

judge  as  to  the  propriety  of  grant-  dence  of  previous  good  standing — 

ing  the  new  issue.     If  granted  it  (1852    S.    G.    L.    Journal,     1921, 

should  express  on  its  face  that  it  1956). 
is    a    duplicate— (1852    S.   G.   L. 

813.  Withdrawal  Card  cannot  be  renewed.  A  With- 
drawal Card  cannot  be  renewed,  and  a  brother  holding  such 
card,  and  who  desires  to  obtain  another,  must,  within  one 
year  from  the  date  thereof,  deposit  same  in  some  other 
Lodge,  or  in  the  Lodge  issuing  the  same,  and  thereafter  take 
out  another  card,  as  in  the  first  instance. — 1902  Journal, 
900,  917. 

814.  Withdrawal  Card  —  Annual  Traveling  Password. 
A  brother  receiving  a  Withdrawal  Card  is  entitled  to,  and 
should  receive  the  Annual  Traveling  Password  in  use  at  the 
time  of  the  granting  of  the  card. — 1857  Journal,  273;  1861 
Journal,  127,  177. 


Cards  and  Certificates.  255 

815.  No  Withdrawal  Card  to  brother  under  charges.    A 

Lodge  cannot  grant  a  Withdrawal  Card  to  a  member  who 
stands  charged  before  the  Lodge  with  an  offense,  if  the 
charges  have  been  regularly  preferred. — 1863  Journal,  422.. 

816.  Withdrawal  Card — Saloon  keeper.  Where  a  brother 
entered  into  the  saloon  business  after  the  prohibitory  legis- 
lation on  that  subject  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  the 
Lodge  can  grant  to  him  a  Withdrawal  Card  while  he  is 
working  under  a  prohibitory  occupation  as  stated.  The 
question  of  the  granting  of  the  Withdrawal  Card  is  in  the 
discretion  of  the  Lodge.  LTnder  the  circumstances  it  could 
refuse  it.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  30,  219,  243. 

817.  Withdrawal  Card — Saloon  keeper — Bartender.  A 
Lodge  should  not  grant  a  Withdrawal  Card  to  a  member 
when  it  has  knowledge  that  he  has  violated  the  law  by  en- 
gaging in  the  business  of  a  saloon  keeper  or  bartender,  but 
should  prefer  charges.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  20,  284,  314. 

818.  Card  granted — No  charges  preferred.  When  a  card 
is  granted  and  no  charges  are  preferred,  it  is  the  duty  of 
the  officers  of  the  Lodge  to  sign  and  deliver  the  same  at 
once,  and  the  Noble  Grand  has  no  right  to  refuse  to  deliver 
such  card,  unless  charges  are  preferred  against  the  brother. 
—1901  Journal,  410,  544,  562;  1898  Journal,  222,  256. 

819.  Withdrawal  Card  should  state  what.  A  charter 
member  of  a  Lodge  withdraws  and  after  some  time  joins 
the  same  Lodge  by  deposit  of  card.  Withdrawing  a  second 
time,  his  card  should  state  that  he  joined  the  Lodge  by 
deposit  of  card,  and  not  as  a  charter  member. — 1866  Journal, 
198,  214. 

820.  Certificate  of  the  granting  of  a  Withdrawal  Card. 
A  Lodge  has  the  right  to  grant  a  certificate  of  the  granting 
of  a  Withdrawal  Card  to  a  person  formerly  a  member  of 
the  Lodge,  upon  the  verbal  application  of  a  brother  of  the 
Lodge.— 1867  Journal,  339,  349. 

821.  Lodge  not  obliged  to  grant  Withdrawal  Card. 
A  Lodge  is  not  obliged  to  grant  a  brother  a  Withdrawal 


256  Cahds  and  Certificates. 

Card  even  if  he  be  in  good  standing  and  has  no  charges 
pending  against  him.  Should  the  Lodge  deny  the  card  the 
brother  may  resign. — 1867  Journal,  340,  350. 

Note. — See  Sections  1856,  1859,  1860,  for  cases  of  transfer  of  member- 
ship  in   which   Withdrawal   Cards  should  be  granted. 

822.  The  same.  A  Lodge  has  a  right  to  refuse  to  grant  a 
Withdrawal  Card  to  a  member,  he  being  clear  of  all  charges 
on  the  books  of  the  Lodge  and  the  fee  for  the  card  paid. — 
1889  Journal,  31,  122,  163. 

Note. — See  Sections  1856,  1859,  18G0,  for  cases  of  transfer  of  member- 
ship  in  which   Withdrawal   Cards  should  be  granted. 

823.  When  Withdrawal  Card  should  be  granted.  A 
Withdrawal  Card  should  be  granted  a  brother  when  a 
majority  of  the  members  present  vote  in  favor  of  granting 
it.— 1888  Journal,  1021,  1111,  1130. 

824.  When  member  can  apply  for.  As  soon  as  a  person 
becomes  a  member  of  a  Lodge,  he  can  apply  for  a  With- 
drawal Card.— 1888  Journal,  1024,  1111,  1130. 

825.  Annual  Traveling  Password  or  order  for  it.  A 
holder  of  a  Withdrawal  Card  is  entitled  to  the  Annual  Tra- 
veling Password,  or  an  order  for  it  should  be  given  with  a 
Withdrawal  Card.— 1888  Journal,  1025,  1111,  1130. 

826.  Brother  not  entitled  to  when  annulled.  A  brother 
is  not  entitled  to  a  Withdrawal  Card  when  the  grant  of  the 
same  has  been  annulled  before  delivery. — 1861  Journal,  195. 

827.  Acquittal  of  charges  does  not  renew  card.  Where* 
a  brother  holds  a  Withdrawal  Card  which  is  annulled  for 
good  cause,  and  charges  are  preferred  against  him  in  the 
Lodge,  upon  which  charges  he  is  acquitted,  his  acquittal 
does  not  renew  the  card,  and  his  position  in  the  Lodge  is  the 
same  as  if  no  card  had  ever  been  granted. — 1884  Journal, 
17,  116,  153. 

828.  EflFect  of  Withdrawal  Card.  The  withdrawal  from 
one  Lodge  and  joining  another  are  two  separate  and  inde- 
pendent acts.     When  a  Lodge  grants  a  member  a  With- 


Cards  and  Certificates.  267 

drawal  Card  it  loses  all  jurisdiction  over  the  member,  except 
to  annul  the  card  in  certain  cases.  The  brother  may  apply 
for  membership  by  deposit  of  card  in  a  Lodge  more  distant 
from  his  place  of  residence  than  his  former  Lodge  is,  but 
the  application  must  take  the  course  pointed  out  in  Sec- 
tion 5,  Article  II,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates. — 
1884  Journal,  17,  116,  153. 

829.  Withdrawal  Cards  on  transfer  of  membership.    As 

to  the  granting  of  Withdrawal  Cards  where  an  applicant 
has  been  elected  to  become  a  member  of  a  Lodge  by  transfer 
of  membership,  see  Sections  1856,  1859,  1860,  1861,  1862, 
1863  of  this  Digest. 

830.  Vote  upon  annulling  card.  A  Withdrawal  Card 
may  be  annulled  in  the  same  manner  and  by  the  same  vote 
that  granted  it.— 1863  Journal,  433. 

831.  Where  charges  have  been  preferred,  no  vote  on 
Withdrawal  Card.  Where  charges  against  a  brother  have 
been  received  by  a  Lodge  and  referred  to  a  committee,  no 
ballot  should  be  taken  on  the  brother's  application  for  a 
Withdrawal  Card  until  the  charges  against  him  have  been 
withdrawn  or  a  trial  had  thereon. — Newfield  vs.  Garcia 
Lodge,  1881  Journal,  503,  602,  627. 

832.  Charges  preferred  when  brother  applies  for  card. 
Charges  may  be  preferred  against  a  brother  who  applies 
for  a  Withdrawal  Card,  and  in  such  cases  a  vote  on  granting 
the  card  should  not  be  taken  until  the  charges  have  been 
disposed  of.— 1853  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1992,  2115,  2170. 

833.  Viva  voce  vote — Application  withdrawn.  A  With- 
drawal Card  is  granted  according  to  the  provisions  of  Sec- 
tion 1,  Article  XII,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  and  where 
a  Lodge  attempts  to  grant  a  card  by  rira  voce  vote  and  the 
brother  refuses  to  accept  the  same  and  withdraws  his  appli- 
cation for  a  card,  he  has  not  severed  his  membership  with 
the  Lodge,  and  upon  tendering  the  amount  due  the  Lodge 
for  his  dues,  the  Secretary  ninst  accept  the  same  and  the 

17 


258  Cards  and  Certificates. 

Noble  Grand  must  communicate  to  him  the  term  password. 
— J898  Journal,  13,  14,  231,  277. 

834.  May  withdraw  application'for  card.  A  brother  has 
a  right  to  withdraw  his  application  for  a  final  card  at  any 
time  previous  to  its  being  voted  to  him  without  consent  of 
the  Lodge,  although  his  application  has  been  referred  to  a 
committee  by  reason  of  objections  being  raised. — 1849 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1401,  1472;  1850  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1634, 
1655. 

835.  Mistake  in  granting  Withdrawal  Card.  Where  a 
brother  applies  for  a  Withdraw^al  Card  from  his  Lodge, 
receives  the  same,  leaves  the  place  where  he  resided,  but 
remains  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge,  and  after- 
wards within  one  year,  returns  his  Withdrawal  Card  and 
asks  for  a  Visiting  Card,  stating  that  his  intention  was  to 
ask  in  the  first  place  for  a  Visiting  instead  of  a  Withdrawal 
Card,  the  Lodge  can  annul  the  Withdrawal  Card  and  grant 
a  Visiting  Card  if  the  granting  of  the  Withdrawal  Card 
were  the  result  of  an  innocent  mistake. — 1869  Journal,  113, 
117. 

836.  Withdrawal  Card  granted  without  application 
therefor.  A  brother  to  whom  a  With'drawal  Card  is  granted, 
returns  the  same  with  a  request  that  it  be  annulled,  as  he 
had  not  applied  for  the  same  and  did  not  wish  to  sever  his 
connection  with  the  Lodge;  the  Lodge  has  the  right  to 
rectify  the  mistake  by  annulling  the  card  and  it  is  not 
necessary  for  the  Lodge  to  notify  the  Grand  Secretary  of 
its  action  in  the  matter. — Boyd  vs.  Granite  Lodge,  1869 
Journal,  79. 

837.  Unauthorized  application  for  Withdrawal  Card  for 
another.  When  a  brother  applies  for  a  Withdrawal  Card 
for  another  without  authority,  or  under  mistake  of  instruc- 
tions given  to  him  by  the  brother,  the  Lodge  has  the  right 
to  rescind  the  vote  granting  a  Withdrawal  Card,  and  con- 
tinue the  membership  of  the  brother,  because  no  brother's 
connection  with  the  Order  can  be  sundered  by  the  unauthor- 


Cards  and  Certificates.  259 

ized  act  of  another. — Grimes  vs.  Cherokee  Lodge,  1864 
Journal,  557. 

838.  When  retaining  card  ratifies  its  issuance.     Where 

a  Withdrawal  Card  has  been  issued  to  a  brother  by  mistake 
Cthe  card  having  been  applied  for  with  other  applications 
for  cards,  by  a  friend  of  the  brother  without  the  brother's 
knowledge),  and  the  card  is  received  by  the  brother,  who 
retains  it  over  a  year  without  effort  on  his  part  to  rectify 
the  mistake,  his  non-action  amounts  to  a  ratification  of  the 
issuance  of  the  card,  and  his  membership  in  his  Lodge  or 
any  Lodge  can  only  be  restored  by  application  as  an  Ancient 
Odd  Fellow,  accompanied  by  his  card. — 1878  Journal,  821, 
928,  965. 

839.  Withdrawal  Card  granted  instead  of  a  Visiting 
Card.  When  a  newly  initiated  member  of  the  Order  asks 
for  a  card  to  travel  on,  and  inadvertently  calls  it  a  With- 
drawal Card,  which  is  issued  to  him  by  his  Lodge,  and 
thereafter  the  brother  discovers  that  the  card  received  by 
him  had  cut  off  his  membership  from  his  Lodge,  which  he 
did  not  wish,  and  forthwith  asks  the  Lodge  to  issue  to  him 
a  Visiting  Card,  the  Lodge  should,  on  due  investigation  of 
the  matter,  and  being  convinced  that  the  brother  had  made 
a  mistake  and  asked  for  a  wrong  card,  cancel  the  With- 
drawal Card,  restore  him  to  membership,  and  issue  to  him 
a  Visiting  Card.— 1896  Journal,  415,  581,  628. 

840.  Power  of  Lodge  to  annul  card.  A  brother  holding 
a  Withdrawal  Card  is  not  subject  to  discipline  or  liable  to 
penalty  by  the  Lodge  granting  the  same,  for  on  taking  his 
card  his  membership  in  the  Lodge  ceases ;  but  for  good  cause 
the  Lodge  may  within  a  year  from  the  grant  of  the  card 
annul  the  same,  thereby  bringing  the  brother  back  again 
into  the  Lodge  and  subject  to  its  laws. — 1860  Journal,  9,  10, 
86 ;  1862  Journal,  239,  320. 

841. — Misconduct  prior  or  after  granting  card.  The 
Lodge  may,  within  a  year  from  the  granting  of  a  With- 
drawal Card,  annul  the  card  for  unbecoming  conduct  com- 


260  Cards  and  Certificates. 

mitted  prior  or  subsequent  to  the  granting  of  the  same. — 
1858  Journal,  332,  398;  1860  Journal,  9,  10,  86;  1862  Journal, 
259,  320;  see  also,  1848  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1246;  and  1851 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1722,  1797. 

842.  May  annul  within  one  year.  A  Lodge  may  for  good 
cause  at  any  time  within  one  year  from  the  granting  of  a 
AVithdrawal  Card  annul  the  same.  The  life  of  the  card  ex- 
pires in  one  year,  and  cannot  be  cancelled  or  annulled  after 
the  lapse  of  that  period. — Salanave  vs.  Franco-American 
Lodge,  1902  Journal,  880,  891;  1858  Journal,  332,  398;  1860 
Journal,  9,  86;  1862  Journal,  259,  320. 

843.  Offenses  after  Withdrawal  Card  expired.  After  the 
expiration  of  one  year  from  the  date  of  a  Withdrawal  Card, 
the  Lodge  has  no  power  to  annul  .the  card  so  as  to  bring  the 
brother  back  into  the  Lodge  and  try  him  on  charges  for 
offenses  committed  after  the  card  is  out  of  date. — 1870 
Journal,  187,  255. 

844.  Lodge  may  annul,  but  cannot  reconsider  or  rescind 
the  vote  granting  a  Withdrawal  Card.  The  vote  by  which 
a  Withdrawal  Card  is  granted  cannot  be  reconsidered  or 
rescinded.  If  charges  be  preferred  against  a  brother,  it  is 
entirely  competent  for  the  Lodge  to  annul  a  card  granted, 
or,  if  not  delivered,  to  annul  the  grant  of  the  same,  for  the 
purpose  of  having  the  charges  tried.  If  no  charges  be  pre- 
ferred, no  reconsideration  or  rescinding  of  the  vote  granting 
the  card  can  delay  the  card,  but  the  same  should  be  delivered 
at  once.  If  charges  be  preferred,  the  card  should  be  an- 
nulled and  the  brother  tried.— 1878  Journal,  819,  928,  965. 

845.  Annulling  card  that  charges  may  be  preferred.  It 
is  not  necessary  that  charges  should  be  preferred  before  the 
Withdrawal  Card  is  annulled.  The  Lodge  has  the  right  to 
annul  the  card  at  any  time  within  a  year  from  its  grant  in 
order  that  charges  may  be  preferred.  The  annulment,  or 
revocation,  which  is  substantially  the  same  thing,  of  the 
card  restores  the  brother  to  membership  in  the  Lodge,  and 
he  thereby  becomes  subject  to  charges  like  other  members 
of  the  Lodge. — Landsborough  vs.  Florin  Lodge,  169,  203. 


Cards  and  Certificates.  261 

846.  When  holder  becomes  member  of  another  Lodge. 
Wlieii  a  holder  of  a  Withdrawal  Card  has,  within  a  few 
months  after  its  issue,  deposited  the  same  in  and  thereby 
becomes  a  member  of  another  Lodge,  the  Lodge  issuing  said 
t^ard  has  no  power  to  ainiul  it. — 1860  Journal,  21. 

847.  Eiiect  of  Withdrawal  Card.  A  Withdrawal  Card 
less  than  one  yeat-  old  only  severs  the  connection  of  the 
holder  with  the  Lodge,  not  the  Order. — 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
15002,  15070. 

848.  Effect  of  expired  Withdrawal  Card.  When  a 
Withdrawal  Card  expires  by  the  lapse  of  twelve  months,  it 
becomes  utterly  null,  and  the  holder  is  beyond  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  the  Lodge  or  the  Order.— 1849-1851  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
1401,  1476,  1511,  1722,  1797. 

849.  Must  be  returned  to  rejected  applicant.  If  an  ap- 
plicant for  membership  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge  by  deposit 
of  card  be  rejected,  the  card  must  be  returned  to  him.  It  is 
his  rightful  property.  It  should  not  be  mutilated  or  en- 
ilorsed  rejected.— 1849-1852  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1399,  1449, 
1479,  1963. 

850.  Blank  cards  not  obtained  without  written  order. 

Blank  Visiting  or  Withdrawal  Cards  cannot  be  obtained 
from  the  Grand  Secretary  without  a  written  order  from  the 
Lodge,  signed  by  the  Secretary  and  authenticated  by  the 
Lodge  Seal.— 1863  Journal,  388. 

Note. — Supplies,  however,  may  ance  at  the  annual  session  of 
be  delivered  to  duly  accredited  Grand  Bodies — (1871  S.  G.  L. 
ReprpHentatives    while    in    attend-      Journal,  .5197) . 

851.  If  applicant  be  absent,  letter  for  Annual  Traveling 
Password  may  be  sent.  If  a  brother  applying  for  a  With- 
drawal Card  be  ab.sent  from  the  location  of  his  Lodge  so 
that  he  cannot  obtain  the  Annual  Traveling  Password  with 
his  card  in  person,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  proper  officers, 
upon  the  granting  of  such  card,  to  transmit  the  same  to  the 
brother,  and  also  send  therewith  a  letter  for  such  password, 


262  Oards  and  Certificates. 

in  the  form  prescribed  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 
1863  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3560. 

852.  Reinstatement  within  five 'years  and  card.     As  to 

reinstating  a  brother  within  five  years  after  his  suspension 
for  non-payment  of  dues  and  granting  Withdrawal  Card,  see 
Section  1936. 

853.  Visiting  Cards  granted — When.  Visiting  Cards 
should  not  be  granted  to  brothers  unless  they  intend  to 
leave  this  jurisdiction. — 1857  Journal,  271,  274. 

Note. — Brothers  of  a  lower  De-  the  holders  thereof  are  beneficial 

gree  than  the  Third   are  entitled  or     non-beneficial,      and     if     the 

to  Visiting  Cards  and  to  visit  on  former,  what  benefits  are  allowed 

the  same,  as  in  their  own  Lodges;  — (1884   S.   G.   L.   Journal,   9503, 

and  such  Cards  shall  show  whether  9505,  9734,  9801). 

854.  Effect  of  undecided  charges.  The  effect  of  unde- 
cided charges  is  to  deprive  a  member  of  the  right  to  take  a 
Traveling  or  Visiting  Card.— 1858  Journal,  395,  371;  1859 
Journal,  473;  1854  Journal,  71;  1898  Journal,  12,  256,  270. 

855.  Endorsing  Visiting  Cards.  The  Financial  Secretary 
of  a  Lodge  should  endorse  cards  of  visiting  brothers. — 
Constitution  of  Subordinates,  Article  VII,  Section  4.  This 
is  not  the  duty  of  the  Recording  Secretary. — 1896  Journal, 
410,  588,  629. 

856.  Holders  of  Visiting  Cards  not  deprived  of  any 
rights.  The  granting  of  a  Visiting  Card  by  a  Lodge  is  a 
matter  of  course  to  a  brother  in  good  standing  and  does 
not  involve  the  question  of  leave  of  absence.  A  brother  in 
possession  of  a  Traveling  or  Visiting  Card  is  not  deprived 
thereby  of  holding  office  or  of  his  rights  as  a  member  of  his 
Lodge.— 1894  Journal,  721,  739;  1868  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4240, 
4374,  4404,  4438. 

857.  The  same.  A  brother  taking  a  Visiting  Card  does 
not,  by  that  act,  vacate  any  office  which  he  may  hold  in  the 
Lodge.— 1897  Journal,  841,  994,  1034. 

858.  Life  of  Visiting  Card  one  year.  A  Visiting  Card 
should  not  be  granted  for  a  longer  period  than  one  year. 
—1857  Journal,  262. 


Cards  and  Certificates.  263 

XOTE. — It  is  illegal  for  any  thereof,  but  in  all  cases  of  re- 
Lodge  to  extend  the  time  for  newal  or  extension,  a  new  Card 
which  a  Visiting  Card  was  grant-  must  be  issued — (1877  S.  G.  L. 
ed,   by   indorsement  on   the    back  Journal,  7470). 

859.  Amount   of   benefits    endorsed   on   Visiting   Card. 

Vpon  the  issuing  of  a  Visiting  Card  by  a  Lodge,  the  Secre- 
tary thereof  shall  endorse  upon  it  the  amount  of  weekly 
and  funeral  benefits  allowed  by  the  Constitution  and  By- 
Laws  of  said  Lodge,  and  it  shall  be  bound  for  any  relief 
extended  to  a  brother  holding*  such  card,  to  the  extent  of 
the  benefits  so  rendered.— 1853  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2151,  2180 ; 
1854  Journal,  55. 

(See  Relief  and  Relief  Committees.) 

860.  Visiting  Cards  to  be  returned.  It  is  not  lawful  for 
any  Subordinate  Lodge  to  grant  to  any  member  a  Visiting 
or  Traveling  Card,  who  has  heretofore  applied  for  and  ob- 
tained a  Visiting  or  Traveling  Card,  until  such  card  shall 
have  been  returned  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Lodge,  or  until 
such  brother  shall  produce  satisfactory  proof  of  the  loss  or 
destruction  of  the  same.— 1882  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  9089,  9106. 

861.  Only  certain  cards  and  certificates  to  be  used.  All 
State  Grand  Officers  and  officers  of  Subordinate  Lodges  are 
prohibited  from  signing  any  card  or  certificate  not  issued 
by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  to  brothers  of  the  Order  and 
properly  authenticated  by  the  name  of  its  Grand  Secretary 
written  or  engraved  thereon,  but  this  shall  not  apply  to  cer- 
tificates signed  by  Grand  Officers  of  State  Jurisdictions  to 
members  of  defunct  Subordinates. — 1860  Journal,  8,  27 ; 
1861  Journal,  150;  1859-1860-1861  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3135, 
3247,  3267. 

862.  Wives  and  widows.  Each  Subordinate  Lodge  may, 
by  a  vote  of  two  thirds  of  its  members  voting,  grant  a  card  to 
the  wife  of  any  member  who  may  apply  for  it,  signed  by  the 
officers  of  the  Lodge,  and  countersigned  by  the  recipient 
on  the  margin,  and  to  remain  in  force  not  more  than  a  year. 
And  similar  cards  may  be  granted  to  widows  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows, to  remain  in  force  as  long  as  they  shall  remain  such. 


264  Celebration— Cemetery. 

No  general  law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  exists  requir- 
ing Lodges  to  grant  cards  to  widows  of  deceased  Odd 
Fellows,  but  such  action  may  be  had^by  Subordinate  Lodges 
at  their  option.— 1845  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  814;  1852  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  1942,  1955,  1965 ;  1870  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4855,  4894. 

(See  Official  Certificates,  Dismissal  Certificates,  Pass- 
words.) 

CELEBRATION. 

863.  Permission  of  Gran4  Master  required.  A  Subor- 
dinate Lodge  shall  not  have  any  public  celebration  of  any 
kind  without  permission  of  the  Grand  Master. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  X,  Sec.  2. 

(See  Anniversarj^  Liquors,  Ball,  Funds,  Dispensations.) 

CEMETERY. 

864.  To  hold  and  sell  lots  therein.  There  is  no  law  which 
requires  a  Subordinate  Lodge  to  incorporate  a  "Cemetery 
Association,"  in  order  that  it  may  hold  and  sell  lots  and 
blocks  in  burial  grounds.— 1896  Journal,  408,  588,  629. 

865.  Monuments,  head  stones,  etc.  Our  Lodges  are  not 
liniited  in  their  duty  to  their  dead  to  attendance  at  the 
funeral  or  to  the  funeral  ceremonies  and  burial  service  or 
to  the  placing  of  the  corpse  beneath  the  ground.  They  may 
erect  monuments  and  head  stones.  They  may  show  respect 
to  their  dead  and  maintain  their  burial  places  in  appro- 
priate conditions. — Newman  vs.  North  Star  Lodge,  No.  61, 
1892  Journal,  82,  91. 

866.  Road  to  burial  ground  and  fence.  Appropriations 
may  be  made  by  a  Lodge  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  the 
construction  of  a  road  to  the  burial  ground  of  the  Order,  or 
of  a  fence  around  the  same. — Hatch  et  al  vs.  Tuolumne 
Lodge,  1856  Journal,  201. 

867.  Loan  of  Cemetery  Fund.  Where  the  Trustees  of 
a  Lodge  hold  and  have  in  trust  an  amount  of  money 
called  a  Cemetery  Fund,  which  belongs  to  the  Masons  and 
Odd  Fellows,  it  is  perfectly  in  accordance  with  the  laws  of 


Censure — Chairs — Character.  265 

the  Order  to  loan  the  funds  to  any  one  who  will  secure  the 
Board  against  the  possibility  of  loss,  be  he  a  member  of  the 
Order  or  not,  unless  there  be  some  provision  in  the  rules 
^overningr  the  joint  Board  of  Trustees  to  the  contrary.  It 
is  the  security  they  should  look  to  and  not  the  fact  of  mem- 
bership in  the  Order.— 1888  Journal,  1023,  1111,  1130. 

868.  Indebtedness  of  Cemetery  Association.  A  Lodge,  as 
the  legal  or  equitable  owner  or  part  owner  of  an  Odd  Fel- 
lows' Cemetery  Association,  has  the  right  to  appropriate  its 
moneys  to  pay  its  share  of  the  necessary  indebtedness  of  the 
Association. — Prairo  vs.  Los  Angeles  Lodge,  1894  Journal, 
682.  717. 

(See  Funds.) 

CENSURE. 

869.  Of  Officers  clothed  with  discretionary  powers.  All 
expressions  of  censure  upon  any  officer  clothed  with  dis- 
cretionary powers,  officially  communicated  to  such  officer, 
are  disrespectful  and  insubordinate.  Relief  from  the  in- 
iiirious  or  oppressive  exercise  of  such  powers  must  be  sought 
in  the  legal  course  of  charges  and  trial  before  the  proper 
tribunal.— 1858  Journal,  387. 

CERTIFICATES. 

(See  Cards,  Official  Certificates,  Dismissal  Certificates, 
Credentials,  Forms,  etc.) 

CHAIRS. 

870.  Decoration  of  chairs.  All  Lodges  in  this  jurisdic- 
tion shall  decorate  the  principal  chairs  in  the  appropriate 
colors  as  designated  by  usage,  viz. :  The  chair  of  the  Noble 
Grand  with  scarlet,  and  the  chair  of  the  Vice-Grand  with 
blue.— 1858  Journal,  365. 

CHARACTER. 

871.  Duty  to  defend  brother's  character.  Our  laws 
inculcate  the  defense  of  a  brother's  character,  not  assaults 
upon  it.    It  is  the  duty  of  every  Odd  Fellow  to  defend  the 


266  Charges — Charges  and  Lectures. 

character,  to  protect  and  sustain  the  reputation  of  his  fellow 
members,  and  if  outside  attacks  be  made  upon  him,  to 
impartially  investie:ate  the  matters,  alleged ;  and  if  they 
appear  to  be  founded  on  facts,  and  the  matters  are  in  con- 
travention of  our  laws,  to  make  those  facts  the  basis  of 
charges  against  him  in  the  Lodge;  but  not  to  take  for 
granted  the  truth  of  aspersions  and  calumnies  promulgated 
and  circulated  by  a  brother's  enemies,  who  may  be  at  the 
same  time  enemies  of  our  Order. — Red  Bluff  Lodge  vs.  Por- 
ter, 1860  Journal,  33,  35;  Mariposa  Lodge  vs.  Washburn, 
1860  Journal,  33,  36. 

(See  Offenses.) 

CHARGES. 

872.  Charges  pending — Right  to  visit — Password — Busi- 
ness. A  brother  under  charges  is  entitled  to  visit  his  own 
Lodge,  participate  in  the  business  and  receive  the  semi- 
annual password,  if  otherwise  in  good  standing. — 1898  Jour- 
nal, 12,  256,  278. 

(See  Trials.) 

CHARGES  AND  LECTURES. 

873.  When    Grand    Lodge    Constitution   conflicts   with. 

The  charges  and  lectures  are  higher  law  than  the  Constitu- 
tion of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  case  of  conflict. — 1858  Journal, 
331,  398. 

874.  Charges  at  initiation  to  be  committed  to  memory. 

The  charges  at  initiation  are  required  to  be  delivered  by  the 
officers  of  Subordinate  Lodges  without  the  aid  of  the  charge 
books,  and  the  Grand  Master  shall  require  the  officers  to 
commit  the  charges  appertaining  to  their  respective  offices 
in  this  degree.— 1885  Journal,  154;  1856  Journal,  206,  219, 
222;  1859  Journal,  466. 

875.  Must  be  committed  to  memory  before  installation. 
The  Noble  and  Vice-Grands  must  fully  commit  to  memory 
the  charges  and  secret  work  before  installation. — 1888  Jour- 
nal, 1126;  1856  Journal,  219,  222. 


Charity— Charter  of  Grand  Lodge.  267 

876.  Must  not  be  written.  The  Noble  Grand  has  no 
right  to  write  the  charges  of  Subordinate  Lodges  from  the 
book  for  the  purpose  of  allowing  the  officers  to  take  them 
from  the  Lodge  room  to  learn  their  several  parts. — 1873 
Journal,  782,  900,  901. 

877.  Junior  Past  Grand  to  commit  charge  to  memory. 

The  Junior  Past  Grand  in  all  Subordinates  is  required  to 
commit  to  memory  his  charge  and  deliver  it  without  reading 
it  from  the  book. — 1868  Journal,  481. 

(See  Installation,  Offenses,  Work  of  the  Order,  Rebekah 
Branch.) 

(See  Rituals.) 


CHARGE  BOOKS. 


CHARITY. 

878.  Lodge  funds  may  be  used  for.  The  funds  of  a  Lodge 
may  be  used  for  objects  of  charity. — 1854  Journal,  73 ;  1860 
Journal,  28 ;  1861  Journal,  174 ;  1864  Journal,  523,  544. 

(See  Funds.) 

CHARTER  OF  GRAND  LODGE. 

879.  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  cannot  alter.  The  Sover- 
eign Grand  Lodge  has  no  power  to  alter  the  charter  of  a 
State  Grand  Lodge  without  first  obtaining  the  consent  of 
such  State  Grand  Lodge.— 1847  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1063,  1090. 

880.  Charter  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

FRIENDSHIP,  LOVE  AND  TRUTH. 

We,  the  Most  Worthy  Grand  Sire,  Right  Worthy  Deputy 
Grand  Sire,  officers  and  members  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  of  the  United  States  of 
America  and  jurisdiction  thereunto  belonging: 
To  all  to  whom  it  may  concern,  these  come  greeting : — 

The  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States  of  America,  tljje 
source  of  all  true  and  legitimate  authority  in  Odd  Fellow- 
ship in  the  U^nited  States  of  America,  on  the  petition  of 
California  Lodge,  No.  1;  Sacramento  Lodge,  No.   2;  San 


268  Charter  of  Grand  Lodge. 

Francisco  Lodge,  No.  3;  Eureka  Lodge,  No.  4,  and  Charity 
Lodge,  No.  6,  of  the  State  of  California,  they  having  seven 
Past  Grands  of  the  Independent  Orj^er  of  Odd  Fellows  in 
good  standing,  hereby  grant  this  dispensation  to  said  Lodges 
to  form  a  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows  in  the  State  of  California ;  and  the  said  Grand 
Lodge  being  duly  formed,  is  hereby  authorized  and  empow- 
ered to  grant  warrants  and  dispensations  to  true  and  faith- 
ful brothers  to  open  Lodges  in  the  said  State,  according  to 
the  laws  and  usages  of  Odd  Fellowship,  and  to  administer 
to  all  Past  Grands  the  privileges  and  benefits  appertaining 
to  a  Grand  Lodge,  and  to  enact  By-Laws  for  the  same;  pro- 
vided akvays,  that  the  said  Grand  Lodge  be  held  in  the  State 
aforesaid,  and  that  they  pay  due  respect  and  obedience  to 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States,  by  acting  in  con- 
junction therewith  and  in  every  manner  supporting  its  Con- 
stitution and  By-Laws. 

In  default  thereof  this  dispensation  may  be  suspended  or 
taken  away  at  the  decision  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
United  States;  and  further,  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United 
States,  in  consideration  of  the  due  performance  of  the  above, 
do  bind  themselves  to  repair  all  damages  or  destruction  of 
the  dispensation,  whether  by  fire  or  other  accident ;  provided 
sufficient  proof  be  given  that  there  is  no  illegal  concealment 
or  willful  destruction  of  the  same.  This  dispensation  to  be 
approved  at  the  next  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
United  States,  otherwise  to  be  of  no  force  or  effect. 

In  Witness  Whereof,  we  have  displayed  the  colors  of  our 
Order,  and  subscribed  our  names,  and  affixed  the  seal  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States,  this  8th  day  of  March, 
A^  D.  1853,  and  in  the  thirty-fourth  year  of  our  Order  in 
the  United  States. 

WM.  M.  MOORE,  Grand  Sire. 

[Seal]     JAS.  L.  RIDGELY,  G.  C.  and  R.  S. 

(Confirmed  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  then  desig- 
nated Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States,  1853,  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  2109.) 


Chart KR  and  Charter  Members.  269 

881.  The  same.  The  warrant  issued  by  the  Grand  Sire 
during  the  recess  is  the  only  charter  provided  for  a  Grand 
Lodge.  All  such  warrants  so  granted  by  the  Grand  Sire  are 
of  force  until  recalled  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  The 
warrant  issued  by  the  Grand  Sire  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  I.  O. 
O.  F.,  of  California,  at  its  institution,  was  confirmed  and  is 
its  charter. — 1895  Journal,  77. 

CHARTER  AND  CHARTER  MEMBERS. 

882.  Fees  for  charters.  The  fee  for  a  charter  for  a  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  shall  be  thirty  dollars,  to  accompany  the 
application  for  a  charter.  Fifteen  dollars  for  a  Degree 
Lodge  charter,  and  ten  dollars  for  a  Rebekah  Lodge  charter. 
— Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  2. 

883.  Charter — How  applied  for  and  granted.     On  the 

written  application  of  five  or  more  brothers  of  the  Order 
who  have  attained  the  Third  Degree,  or  on  the  application 
of  twenty  or  more  persons  eligible  for  membership  in  the 
Order,  praying  for  a  charter  to  open  a  Lodge  where  there 
is  no  Lodge  established,  or  on  the  application  of  seven  or 
more  brothers  who  shall  have  attained  the  Third  Degree,  or 
on  the  application  of  twenty  or  more  persons  eligible  for 
membership  in  the  Order,  for  a  charter  to  open  a  Lodge 
where  there  is  one  already  established,  the  Grand  Lodge 
may  grant  the  same,  and  such  Lodge  shall  receive  its  charter 
and  the  necessary  charges  and  instructions  from  the  Grand 
Master,  or  the  Deputy  Grand  Master  of  the  district,  or  by 
a  Past  Grand  specially  deputed;  all  necessary  expenses,  if 
any,  of  the  installing  officers  to  be  borne  by  the  Lodge  so 
opened ;  provided  ahcays,  that  the  cards  of  the  petitioners, 
or  a  certificate  of  the  deposit  thereof  with  the  District  Dep- 
uty Grand  Master  of  the  district  shall  accompany  the  appli- 
cation: provided  further,  that  the  instituting  officer  shall 
have  full  power,  upon  any  good  reason  being  shown  on 
account  of  the  unfitness  of  any  of  the  petitioners  for  the 
rharter,  to  erase  the  name  of  such  person  or  persons  from 
the  list  of  petitioners,  and  if  the  required  number  of  peti- 
tioners remain  on  the  list,  he  shall  institute  the  Lodge  with 


270  Charter  and  Charter  Members. 

the  remaining  number  of  charter  members. — Grand  Lodge 
Constitution,  Art.  IX,  Sec.  1. 

884.  Application,  to  whom  presented.  An  application  as 
provided  in  the  first  section  hereof  shall  be  presented  to  the 
Grand  Lodge,  if  in  session;  if  not,  to  the  Grand  Master, 
through  the  Grand  Secretary,  who  shall,  on  receipt  thereof, 
if  advisable,  have  pov^rer  to  issue  a  dispensation  to  open 
such  Lodge,  subject  to  confirmation  at  the  next  session  of 
the  Grand  Lodge,  in  which  case,  if  confirmed,  a  regular 
charter  shall  be  issued. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IX, 
Sec.  2,  and  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

Note.— A  State  Grand  Body  has      —(1841    S.   G.   L.   Journal,    1743, 
an   undoubted   right   to   refuse   to      1798). 
grant  a  charter  upon  application 

885.  Must  be  recommended  by  three-fourths  of  the 
Lodges  in  the  County  or  District.  Whereas,  it  is  important 
that  the  Order  may  guard  itself  more  securely  against  the 
intrusion  of  persons  who  cannot  gain  membership  or  ad- 
mission into  Lodges  already  recognized  and  instituted,  be  it 
resolved,  that  prior  to  the  formation  or  institution  of  a  new 
Lodge,  the  petition  for  the  same  must  be  accompanied  by 
resolutions  of  recommendation  of  three-fourths  of  all  the 
Lodges  in  the  district;  or  where  there  are  several  districts 
in  a  county,  the  recommendation  of  three-fourths  of  all  the 
Lodges  in  the  county  must  be  obtained. — 1874  Journal,  92, 
93,  95,  114. 

886.  Certificate  as  to  suitable  hall  necessary.  A  certi- 
ficate signed  by  three  Past  Grands  in  good  standing,  must 
accompany  petitions  for  charters  for  new  Lodges,  certifying 
that  a  suitable  building  or  hall  has  been  secured  in  which 
to  hold  Lodge  meetings. — 1859  Journal,  516. 

887.  Withdrawal  Card  must  be  properly  authenticated. 

A  Withdrawal  Card  accompanying  a  petition  for  a  charter 
shall  not  be  received  unless  it  bear  the  signature  of  the 
brother  to  whom  such  card  was  issued,  and  is  properly 
authenticated  according  to  the  regulations  of  the  Order. — 
1862  Journal,  303,  304;  1863  Journal,  406,  419. 


Charter  and  Charter  Members.  271 

888.  Who  may  become  charter  members.  A  brother  hold- 
ing an  expired  Withdrawal  Card  may  become  a  charter 
member  of  a  new  Lodge. — 1871  Journal,  366,  445,  471.  Hold- 
ers of  dismissal  certificates  may  be  applicants  for  charters. 
— 1872  Journal,  617.  No  members  of  the  Order  but  Third 
Degree  members  can  become  charter  members. — 1889  Jour- 
nal, 33,  122,  163.  Twenty  or  more  persons  eligible  to  be- 
come members  of  the  Order  may  apply  for  charter  and  thus 
become  charter  members. — Grand  Lodge  Constitution,  Art. 
IX,  Sec.  1. 

Note. — In  applications  for  char-  applying  for  a  charter  for  a  new 

ters,  ''brothers  of  the  Order"  must  Lodge  of  Odd  Fellows,  but  the  ap- 

be    construed    to    mean    brothers  plication    must   be    signed   by    tlie 

holding      unexpired      Withdrawal  required  number  of  applicants  who 

Cards.     A  brother  holding  a  With-  possess  the  required  qualifications 

drawal  Card  out  of  date,  or  a  Dis-  — (1887   S.  G.  L.  Journal,   10715, 

missal    Certificate,   may    join     in  10951,  11005). 

889.  Charter  members  must  be  present  at  institution. 
Charter  members  must  be  present  at  the  institution  of  a 
Lodge  and  answer  to  their  names.  Those  not  present  can- 
not become  charter  members. — 1886  Journal,  537,  620,  646. 

890.  The  same.  A  brother  who  signed  the  petition  for  a 
charter  for  the  Lodge,  but  fails  to  appear  when  the  Lodge  is 
instituted,  cannot  be  considered  as  one  of  the  charter  mem- 
bers. If  he  wish  to  join  that  or  any  other  Lodge,  his  petition 
must  be  presented  regularly,  and  he  must  be  balloted  for 
according  to  law. — 1879  Journal,  123,  141.  • 

Note. — When  a  new  Lodge  is  by  withdrawing  their  cards  from 
instituted,  its  membership  is  com-  the  hands  of  the  Grand  Officers 
posed  of  those  only  who  present  and  applying  in  the  usual  mode 
themselves  and  assume  before  the  for  admission  to  membership  by 
instituting  officer  the  obligations  card — (1854-1871  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
required  by  our  laws.  The  ab-  nal,  2250,  22G5,  2.327,  4992,  5194, 
sentees  can  only  regain  admittance  5245). 

891.  One  who  lives  nearer  another  Lodge  already  organ- 
ized. A  brother  living  twenty  miles  from  a  Lodge  about  to 
be  instituted  may  become  a  charter  member  of  said  Lodge, 
if  he  live  nearer  another  Lodge  already  organized,  without 
asking  the  consent  of  the  organized  Lodge,  provided  a  dis- 


272  Chaktrr  and  Charter  Members. 

pensation  authorizing  the  same  be  obtained  from  the  Grand 
Master,  otherwise  not.— 1885  Journal,  289,  404,  433. 

892.  Fee  of  charter  member.  M  every  institution  of  a 
Lodge,  every  charter  member  should  be  charged  at  least  the 
minimum  fee  that  he  would  be  required  to  pay  under  the 
laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  if  admitted  by  deposit  of  card,  or  as 
an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow,  or  by  initiation. — King  vs.  Ukiah 
Lodge,  1874  Journal,  81,  84 ;  1895  Journal,  20,  195,  196,  236, 
180,  250 ;  Grand  Lodge  Constitution,  Art.  IX,  Sec.  1. 

(See  Sections  1340,  1352.) 

893.  Remission  of  dues  illegal,  when.  Where  a  Lodge  at 
its  last  meeting,  held  to  vote  the  surrender  of  the  charter, 
passed  a  resolution  remitting  the  dues  of  each  and  every 
member,  the  Grand  Lodge  declared  the  remission  of  dues 
illegal,  and  directed  the  Grand  Secretary  to  require  from 
the  late  members  of  the  Lodge,  upon  application  for  With- 
drawal Cards,  the  respective  amounts  charged  to  their  ac- 
counts, up  to  the  surrender  of  the  charter. — 1861  Journal, 
131,  132,  192. 

894.  Rights  of  members  about  to  withdraw.  The  mem- 
bers of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  have  a  right  to  ascertain  by  a 
vote  of  the  Lodge,  prior  to  their  withdrawal,  whether  the 
Lodge  will  sanction  their  withdrawal  for  the  purpose  of 
applying  for  a  charter  for  a  new  Lodge. — 1856  Journal,  215. 

895.  Charter  must  be  kept  in  the  Lodge  room.  A  Lodge 
must  keep  its  charter  in  the  Lodge  room,  where  it  can  be 
seen;  but  is  not  obliged  to  show  it  on  demand  to  a  visiting 
brother.— 1860  Journal,  50. 

896.  The  same.  A  Lodge  is  required  to  keep  its  charter 
in  the  Lodge  room  where  it  may  be  seen.  The  Ritual,  how- 
ever, provides  that  the  ante-room  is  such  a  part  of  the  Lodge 
room  that  the  charter  may  be  hung  there. — 1896  Journal, 
408,  588,  629. 

897.  Old  charters  should  be   preserved   and   cherished. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Grand  Lodge  that  all 


Charter  and  Charter  Members.  273 

Lodges  in  this  jurisdiction  should  carefully  preserve  and 
cherish  their  old  charter,  so  long  as  it  shows  for  what  pur- 
pose it  was  granted,  and  that  this  Grand  Lodge  will  not 
grant  duplicate  charters,  except  where  original  charters 
ha\e  been  destroyed,  or  have  been  so  mutilated  as  to  become 
unintelligible  as  to  their  character  and  purpose. — 1895  Jour- 
nal, 234. 

898.  Loss  or  destruction  of  charter.  In  case  of  the  loss 
or  destruction  of  a  charter  belonging  to  a  Lodge,  the  Grand 
Master  and  Grand  Secretary  shall,  on  proper  notification, 
issue  at  once  another  charter  to  said  Lodge. — Grand  Lodge 
Constitution,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

899.  Duplicate  charter.  A  Subordinate  Body  may  be 
furnished  with  a  duplicate  charter  only  in  cases  where  the 
original  one  has  become  mutilated  or  destroyed,  and  the 
granting  power  cannot  change  or  vary  the  phraseology  of 
the  original  charter.  The  duplicate  should  be  signed  by  the 
officers  of  the  Body  granting  it,  with  an  endorsement  stating 
that  the  charter  was  issued  in  place  of  one  granted  at  such 
time,  and  which  had  been  mutilated  or  destroyed. — 1857 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2699,  2764,  2810. 

900.  Cannot  open  charter.  No  Lodge  has  a  right  to  open 
a  charter.  Such  a  proceeding  is  not  known  to  our  laws. — 
1895  Journal,  20,  195,  196,  236,  180,  250. 

901.  When  Lodge  may  surrender  charter.  It  cannot 
voluntarily  surrender  its  charter  so  long  as  five  Third  Degree 
members  in  good  standing  object  thereto. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  I,  Sec.  1. 

902.  Surrender  of  charter — Notice.  The  charter  of  a 
Lodge  cannot  be  surrendered  so  long  as  five  brothers  desire 
to  retain  it.  But  before  any  action  is  taken  to  surrender  the 
charter,  notice  thereof  should  be  sent  to  all  members. 
It  is  not  necessary,  however,  to  wait  to  hear  from  absent 
members,  residing  at  great  distances  from  the  Lodge,  as  in 
Alaska  or  the  Philippine  Islands.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  23, 
284,  314. 

J8 


274  Charter  and  Charter  Members. 

903.  Duty  of  Lodge  about  to  surrender  charter.  When  a 
Lodge  is  about  to  surrender  its  charter,  owing  to  its  inability 
to  maintain  itself,  it  should  deliver  the  books,  papers  and 
other  property  of  the  Lodge  to  its  District  Deputy  Grand 
Master.— 1887  Journal,  770,  875,  888. 

904.  The  same.  A  Lodge  in  surrendering  its  charter  and 
effects  should  also  relinquish  into  the  control  and  custody 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  its  available  and  unavailable  funds. — 
1859  Journal,  473. 

905.  Surrender.  At  the  meeting  at  which  a  Lodge  sur- 
rendered its  charter,  a  member  arose  and  stated  that  there 
were  five  Third  Degree  members  who  wished  to  retain  the 
charter,  but  that  they  were  not  present.  They  had  been  duly 
notified  of  the  meeting  and  the  purpose  thereof.  If  they 
desired  to  retain  the  charter  they  should  have  appeared  at 
the  meeting  and  stated  their  case. — 1897  Journal,  844,  994, 
1034. 

906.  Degree  Lodges.  Under  the  written  petition  of  five 
or  more  Past  Grands,  and  five  or  more  Third  Degree  mem- 
bers of  the  Order,  praying  for  a  warrant  to  open  a  Degree 
Lodge,  the  Grand  Lodge  may  grant  the  same;  and  such 
Degree  Lodge  shall  receive  its  charter  and  the  necessary 
lectures  and  instructions  in  the  same  manner  as  is  provided 
for  Subordinate  Lodges. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art. 
X,  Sec.  1. 

907.  Restoration  of  charter.  Upon  the  application  of  any 
five  or  more  members  of  an  extinct  Lodge,  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  for  the  restoration  of  such  Lodge  to  fellowship, 
accompanied  with  satisfactory  evidence  that  a  fair  oppor- 
tunity has  been  given  to  all  who  were  members  in  good 
standing  at  the  time  the  same  became  extinct,  to  unite  in 
such  application  (except  as  provided  by  Section  4  of  this 
Article),  such  applicants,  or  such  portion  thereof  as  the 
Grand  Lodge  may  approve  of,  may  be  restored  to  fellowship 
in  said  Lodge,  together  with  the  charter  and  effects  belong- 
ing to  such  Lodge  at  the  time  of  its  extinction,  imless  such 
effects  shall  have  been  placed  in  the  general  fund  of  the 


Charter  and  Charter  Members.  275 

Grand  Lodge,  as  provided  by  Section  3  of  this  Article. — 
Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  XI,  Sec.  6 ;  1884  Journal,  21, 
116,  153. 

908.  Charter  arrested — Suspension  sustained — Charter 
restored.  When  the  charter  of  a  Lodge  is  arrested  or  the 
Lodge  suspended  by  the  Grand  Master  during  the  interval 
between  the  annual  sessions  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  such  arrest 
of  the  charter  or  suspension  of  the  Lodge  is  subject  to  the 
approval  and  action  of  the  Grand  Lodge  at  its  next  session. 
If  the  Grand  Lodge  approves  and  sustains  the  suspension 
and  yet  restores  the  charter  to  the  Lodge,  it  may  prescribe 
the  terms  and  conditions  thereof. — 1899  Journal,  657,  658, 
679. 

909.  Revival  of  Lodge  restores  officers.  When  a  Lodge  is 
suspended  or  expelled,  its  functions  cease,  not  merely  as  to 
certain  purposes,  but  all  purposes.  When  the  disability  is 
removed,  then  the  Lodge  starts  again  in  the  exercise  of  its 
various  functions  and  the  rights  of  the  several  members  to 
the  offices  they  held  when  the  disability  was  imposed,  revive 
with  its  removal,  and  they  should  proceed  at  once  with  their 
respective  duties  as  though  there  had  been  no  interruption. 
—1849-1857  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1391,  1494,  1513-2701,  2764, 
2810. 

910.  Status  of  members  on  restoration  of  a  Lodge.  When 
the  disabilities  are  removed  for  which  a  Subordinate  Lodge 
is  suspended,  and  said  Lodge  resumes  the  exercise  of  its 
various  functions,  the  officers  and  members  occupy  the  same 
status  they  did  before  suspension.  But  when  a  defunct 
Lodge  has  been  resuscitated  on  the  application  of  only  a 
part  of  its  members,  such  resuscitation  does  not  restore  to 
membership  all  its  former  members  who  were  in  good  stand- 
ing at  the  time  of  its  dissolution. — 1849-1872  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
1477,  1512-5282,  5481,  5540. 

911.  Charter  fee  on  restoration.  When  a  Subordinate 
Lodge  surrenders  its  charter,  and  afterwards  applies  for  its 
return,  the  charter  fee  shall  be  required,  as  in  case  of  issuing 
a  new  charter.— 1886  S.  G.  L.  Journa!,  10252,  10487,  10511. 


276  Charter  and  Charter  Members. 

912.  Failure  to  make  annual  or  semi-annual  returns  for- 
feits charter.  Should  this  Lodg^e  fail  to  make  any  of  its 
returns  (the  annual  or  semi-annual  yeturns),  as  required  by 
the  two  preceding  sections  (that  is,  Sections  2  and  3  of 
Article  XI,  Constitution  of  Subordinates),  for  one  year,  it 
shall  thereby  forfeit  its  charter  and  become  extinct ;  and  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Master  or  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  to  withhold  the  Annual  Traveling  Password 
and  Semi-annual  Password  until  such  returns  are  made  and 
the  amount  due  the  Grand  Lodge  paid.  And  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  the  last  installed  officers  to  transmit  or  surrender  to 
the  Grand  Master  or  his  Deputy,  the  charter,  books,  papers, 
furniture  and  funds  of  the  Lodge. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  XI,  Sec.  4. 

913.  Failure  to  hold  meetings  for  six  months.  Any  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  failing  to  hold  its  meetings  for  six  months, 
or  to  make  its  returns  as  required  by  Article  IX,  Section  3, 
of  this  Constitution,  for  one  year,  shall  be  deemed  an  extinct 
Lodge,  and  its  charter  shall  be  forfeited. — Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  XI,  Sec.  4. 

914.  Surrender  or  forfeiture  of  charter — Duty  of  officers. 

Upon  the  suspension  or  expulsion  of  a  Lodge,  or  surrender 
or  forfeiture  of  its  charter,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  its  last- 
installed  officers  and  members,  having  the  custody  of  the 
charter,  books,  papers,  property  and  funds  of  the  Lodge,  to 
assign,  transfer  and  deliver  the  same,  on  demand,  to  the 
Grand  Master,  or  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master,  or  to 
such  Past  Grand  as  may  be  specially  deputed  by  the  Grand 
Master  or  Grand  Lodge  to  receive  the  same;  and  the  same 
shall  be  held  subject  to  the  order  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — 
Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  XI,  Sec.  2. 

915.  Effects  and  funds  in  case  charter  forfeited  or  sur- 
rendered. All  the  effects  or  funds  received  by  the  Grand 
Lodge  from  any  Subordinate  or  Degree  Lodge,  under  the 
last  section,  shall  be  kept  separate  and  apart  from  the  prop- 
erty or  funds  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  such  funds  shall  not 
be  estimated  as  a  part  of  the  funds  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  but 


Civil  Officer — Committees.  277 

shall  be  held  in  trust  to  be  restored,  should  such  Lodge  be 
reinstated,  or  upon  the  expiration  of  the  period  of  suspen- 
sion ;  provided,  however,  that  in  the  event  said  Lodge  should 
not  be  restored  to  fellowship  within  one  year,  the  funds  of 
said  Lodge  shall  revert  to  and  become  the  property  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  and  shall  be  placed  in  the  general  fund  thereof. 
— Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  XI,  See.  3. 

916.  The  same.  In  case  of  a  surrender  or  forfeiture  of 
the  Lodge  charter,  all  the  funds  and  property  of  the  Lodge 
of  whatsoever  kind  shall  be  immediately  surrendered  and 
delivered  up  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  this  jurisdiction,  or  to 
its  officers  or  agents  properly  authorized  to  receive  them. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IX,  Sec.  1. 

(See  Name  of  Lodge;  Number  of  Lodge;  Subordinate 
Lodge;  Rebekah  Branch;  Terms.) 

CIPHER  KEY. 
(See  Work  of  the  Order;  Supplies.) 

CIVIL  OFFICER. 

917.  In  the  opinion  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  no  civil  officer 
should  be  compelled  to  neglect  his  duties  to  attend  Lodge 
duties.— 1863  Journal,  432. 

(See  Fines,  Funerals.) 

COMMITTEES. 

918.  In  Grand  Lodge  must  be  appointed  from  members 
present.  The  regular  committees  of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall 
be  appointed  from  among  the  members  present. — Constitu- 
tion Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  2.  None  except  officers  of, 
Past  Grand  Masters  of,  and  Representatives  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  shall  have  the  right  to  serve  on  committees. — Consti- 
tution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  II,  Sec.  2. 

919.  Regular  conunittees.  At  each  annual  session  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  the  foUowing  regular  committees  shall  be 
appointed :  Committee  on  Credentials,  Committee  on  Finance, 
Committee  on  Correspondence,  Committee  on  Appeals,  Com- 


278  Committees. 

tnittee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates,  Committee  on  Petitions, 
Committee  on  State  of  the  Order,  Committee  on  Legislation, 
Committee  on  ]\Iileage,  Committee  -on  Printing,  Committee 
on  Rebekah  Lodges. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI, 
Sec.  2. 

920.  Grand  Master  appoints.  The  Grand  Master  may 
appoint  all  committees  not  otherwise  provided  for  in  this 
Constitution  or  ordered  by  the  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  See.  1. 

921.  Regular  committees  and  elective  officers.    It  is  the 

sense  of  this  Grand  Lodge  that  no  elective  officer  should  be 
placed  on  any  of  the  regular  committees  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  except  wherein  provided  by  the  Constitution. — 1900 
Journal,  164,  214. 

922.  When  members  of  committee  cannot  act.  Members 
of  a  committee  in  the  Grand  Lodge,  appointed  at  one  session, 
cannot  serve  at  the  next  subsequent  session,  unless  they  are 
Representatives.— 1860  Journal,  33 ;  1869  Journal,  113,  117. 

923.  When  Past  Grand  cannot  be  appointed  or  act.  A 
Past  Grand  not  a  Representative  cannot  be  appointed  or  act 
on  a  regular  committee  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1869  Journal, 
113,  114,  117. 

924.  Effect  of  reference  to  a  committee.  The  reception 
and  reference  of  a  petition  to  a  committee  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  does  not  set  aside  the  formal  action  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  had  upon  the  subject  matter  of  said  petition. — 1872 
Journal,  577,  666,  684. 

925.  Propositions  in  duplicate — Paper  uniform  size.    All 

propositions  offered  for  reference  to  Standing  or  Select  Com- 
mittees at  the  present  and  all  future  sessions  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  shall  be  submitted  in  duplicate  and  on  paper  equal  in 
size  to  at  least  half  a  page  of  foolscap. — 1861  Journal,  157, 
158. 

926.  Grand  Lodge  cannot  appoint  a  committee  to  try  a 
member  of  a  Subordinate.    A  Grand  Lodge  of  a  State  has  no 


'\ '' 


Committee  of  the  Whole.  279 

power  to  appoint  a  committee  of  the  Grand  Lodge  to  try  a 
brother  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge.  It  may,  however,  order  a 
Subordinate  Lodge  to  try  a  member,  and  to  the  Order  the 
Subordinate  Lodge  must  yield  obedience. — 1871  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  4993,  5194,  5245. 

Note. — As  to  committee  to  in-  brother's  conduct,  etc.,  see  Sec- 
vestigate      rumors      regarding      a      tion  3262. 

927.  Duty  of  Noble  Grand.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Noble 
Grand  to  see  that  committees  of  the  Lodge  perform  their 
respective  duties,  as  enjoined  by  the  several  charges  and 
laws. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  1. 

928.  When  Noble  Grand  to  appoint.  It  is  the  duty  of  the 
Noble  Grand  to  appoint  all  committees  not  otherwise  pro- 
vided for. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  1. 

929.  Must  be  of  the  Third  Degree.  Under  the  law  requir- 
ing the  business  of  a  Lodge  to  be  transacted  in  the  Third 
Degree,  no  brother  should  be  appointed  on  any  committee 
required  to  be  appointed  or  elected  by  law  who  is  not  a 
member  of  the  Third  Degree.— 1883  Journal,  1001,  1150, 
1175. 

930.  Building  Committee — Members  of  the  Order.  A 
Noble  Grand  has  no  right  to  appoint  a  person  not  a  member 
of  the  Order  on  a  Building  Committee  of  a  Subordinate 
Lodge.— 1901  Journal,  408,  551,  562. 

931.  Reports  of  committees.  The  reports  of  all  com- 
mittees, or  the  substance  thereof,  as  the  Lodge  may  order, 
should  be  noted  or  entered  in  the  minutes  of  a  Subordinate 
Lodge.— 1859  Journal,  508,  509. 

(See  Business  of  Grand  Lodge,  Credentials,  Finance,  Cor- 
respondence, Appeals,  Laws  of  Subordinates,  Petitions,  State 
of  the  Order,  Legislation,  Mileage,  Printing,  Rebekah  Branch, 
Standing  Committee,  Trials,  Membership,  Benefits.) 

COMMITTEE  OF  THE  WHOLE. 

932.  Procedure  in  such  cases.  When  a  Lodge  resolves 
itself  into  a  Committee  of  the  Whole,  it  is  proper  to  call 


280  Communications  to  Lodges. 

some  member  to  the  chair,  who  presides  over  the  committee 
during  its  session,  and,  when  the  committtee  rises,  reports 
the  action  of  the  committee  to  the  Nyble  Grand,  after  which 
the  subject  matter  is  subject  to  the  action  of  the  Lodge.  The 
person  acting  as  chairman  of  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  is 
not  entitled  to  occupy  the  seat  of  the  Noble  Grand,  but  should 
occupy  an  elevated  seat  near  the  Right  Supporter  of  the 
Noble  Grand.  During  the  time  the  committee  is  in  session  the 
Noble  Grand  must  retain  his  seat,  nor  can  any  brother  enter 
or  retire  during  such  time,  except  in  the  manner  prescribed 
by  the  rules  and  usages  of  the  Order.  It  is  usual  in  legisla- 
tive bodies  for  the  house  to  consider  itself  as  in  Committee 
of  the  Whole  for  the  purpose  of  considering  the  special 
matter  incorporated  in  the  motion  or  resolution.  In  all 
such  cases  the  presiding  officer  retains  his  seat  and  presides 
over  the  committee,  and  reports  back  to  the  house  after  the 
committee  rises — and  there  is  no  objection  to  such  action  by 
a  Lodge — in  which  event  the  Noble  Grand  would  retain  his 
seat.— 1860  Journal,  48. 

COMMUNICATIONS  TO  LODGES. 

933.  Instructions  to  Representatives.  A  Lodge  has  not 
the  right  to  send  to  another  Lodge  copies  of  its  resolutions 
of  instructions  to  its  Representatives  to  the  Grand  Lodge. — 
1887  Journal,  771,  875,  888. 

934.  Certain  communications  prohibited — Consent  of 
Grand  Master.  This  Grand  Lodge  has  already  held  it  to  be 
law,  that  Lodges  should  nat  pass  resolutions  for  circulation 
among  the  other  Lodges  in  the  jurisdiction  without  the  con- 
sent of  the  Grand  Master.  Every  Lodge  has  the  right  to 
respectfully  express  its  views  upon  any  subject  of  Grand 
Lodge  legislation,  but  it  has  no  right  to  send  these  views  to 
other  Subordinates,  and  thus  seek  to  secure  a  concert  of 
action  elsewhere  than  on  the  floor  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — 
1871  Journal,  441,  471;  1879  Journal.  136,  ir3l. 

935.  The  same— Action  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  Sub- 
ordinate Lodges  shall  not  pass  resolutions  or  take  oljher 
action  deprecating  or  condemning  the  action  of  the  Sov- 


Concert.  281 

ereign  Grand  Lodge  and  circulate  them  among  their  sister 
Lodges.  Such  communications  savor  too  strongly  of  insub- 
ordination and  cannot  be  permitted. — 1871  Journal,  368,  432. 

936.  The  same — Combinations  to  control  legislation — 
Votes.  A  Lodge  has  no  right  to  send  a  circular  letter  to 
other  Lodges  requesting  the  Lodges  to  instruct  their  dele- 
gates to  the  Grand  Lodge  to  vote  for  certain  legislation,  or 
for  the  purpose  of  forming  combinations  to  control  the 
legislation  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  to  endeavor  thereby  to 
secure  a  concert  of  action  elsewhere  than  on  the  floor  of  the 
Grand  Lodge.— 1899  Journal,  443,  471,  631,  675,  650,  677. 

937.  Secretary's  duty  to  read.  It  is  the  duty  of  the 
Recording  Secretary  of  a  Lodge  to  read  all  communications 
addressed  to  the  Lodge,  and  it  is  for  the  Lodge  to  decide 
what  action  shall  be  taken  thereon ;  the  Secretary  has  no 
option  in  the  matter.— 1889  Journal,  33,  122,  163. 

938.  How  received.  It  does  not  necessarily  require  a 
vote  to  receive  a  communication,  but  the  Noble  Grand  may 
announce  that  it  will  be  received  and  placed  on  file  (or  other- 
wise) if  there  be  no  objections. — 1862  Journal,  305. 

939.  Conununications  from  Grand  Master  and  Grand 
Secretary.  An  abstract  of  all  communications  from  the 
Grand  Master  and  Grand  Secretary  shall  be  entered  on  the 
minutes,  and  the  originals  numbered  and  such  number 
entered  on  the  minutes,  and  the  papers  kept  on  file  in  the 
order  of  their  numbers;  provided,  that  the  notices  of  sus- 
pension, expulsion  and  rejections  shall  be  written  upon  the 
black  book  and  the  fact  of  their  reception  entered  on  the 
minutes. — 1868  Journal,  495,  511. 

940.  Communication  from  Grand  Master.  A  communi- 
cation from  the  Grand  Master  over  his  signature  is  official, 
and  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Lodge  to  receive  it  as  such. — 1878 
Journal,  819,  928,  965. 

CONCERT. 

941.  Sacred  one  on  Sunday.  It  is  a  violation  of  the  laws 
of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  for  a  Lodge  to  give  a  sacred 


282  Consolidation  of  Lodges. 

concert  on  Sunday  in  a  theatre  or  public  hall,  using  the 
name  of  the  Order,  charging  an  admission  fee,  and  using  the 
proceeds  for  its  benefit.— 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  543,  752,  820. 

CONSOLIDATION  OF  LODGES. 
942.  Procedure  to  consolidate — Prohibited  except  under 
special  circumstances.  Whenever  two  Lodges  desire  to  con- 
solidate and  form  one  Lodge,  each  for  itself  shall  address  a 
petition  to  that  effect  to  this  Grand  Lodge  or  to  the  Grand 
Master,  in  case,  at  the  time  of  presenting  the  same,  it  is  more 
than  three  months  before  the  annual  session  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  showing  that  the  question  of  such  consolidation  was 
submitted  to  each  of  the  petitioning  Lodges,  and  carried  by 
an  affirmative  vote  of  three-fourths  of  all  members  present 
in  each  Lodge  at  the  time  of  the  voting,  and  provided  there 
are  not  five  Third  Degree  members,  in  good  standing  of  one 
of  the  Lodges,  who  object  or  protest  against  the  same.  Pro- 
vided a  final  vote  on  the  question  of  such  consolidation  shall 
not  be  had  in  any  Lodge  until  after  the  resolution  for  such 
consolidation  has  been  offered  in  writing  and  read  at  each 
successive  meeting  of  the  Lodge  for  one  month  prior  to  such 
vote;  and  provided,  further,  that  the  time  for  final  action 
thereon  shall  be  fixed  at  the  time  such  resolution  is  offered. 
The  petition  shall  show  that  the  foregoing  requirements  have 
been  complied  with,  and  shall  also  state  which  Lodge  the 
petitioning  Lodges  shall  be  consolidated  into,  and  the 
date  at  which  the  consolidation  shall  take  effect.  Upon 
receipt  of  such  petitions,  the  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Master 
may  grant  or  refuse  the  consolidation  prayed ;  but  if  granted 
by  the  Grand  Master  it  shall  be  upon  the  express  condition 
that  he  grants  the  same  conditionally  and  subject  to  the 
approval  or  disapproval  of  the  Grand  Lodge ;  and  if  granted, 
a  warrant  to  that  effect  shall  issue,  signed  by  the  Grand 
Master,  and  attested  by  the  Grand  Secretary,  under  the  seal 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  consolidation  shall  take  effect 
at  the  date  fixed  in  the  petition,  unless  otherwise  fixed  by 
the  Grand  Master  or  Grand  Lodge.  In  cases  of  consolida- 
tion, all  of  the  property  of  the  Lodge  which  consolidates  into 
another  Lodge  shall  vest  in  the  Lodge  receiving  the  other 


Consolidation  of  Lodges.  28.3 

Lodge,  and  shall  attach  and  incorporate  into  it  the  entire 
membership  of  such  Lodge  as  if  it  had  gained  the  same  by 
initiation.  Provided,  that  three  or  more  Lodges  shall  not 
consolidate,  and  that  a  Lodge  shall  not  consolidate  into  or 
with  another  Lodge  except  where,  from  lack  of  members 
and  want  of  funds  or  means  to  maintain  a  Lodge,  there  is  no 
reasonable  hope  of  preserving  its  existence,  and  the  sur- 
render of  its  charter  or  its  extinction  is  inevitable,  and 
consolidation  shall  only  be  permitted  under  extraordinary 
circumstances  and  in  extreme  cases.— Grand  Lodge  Consti- 
tution, Art.  IX,  Sec.  6. 

943.  Policy  of  Grand  Lodge.  Resolved,  That  it  shall  be 
the  policy  of  this  Grand  Lodge  to  prevent  the  destruction 
of  Lodges,  whether  by  consolidation  or  otherwise,  and  that 
the  consolidation  of  two  Lodges  into  one  shall  only  be  per- 
mitted under  extraordinary  circumstances  and  in  extreme 
eases.  (See  Preamble  to  this  resolution.) — 1903  Journal,  167, 
185. 

944.  Six  votes  in  the  negative.  Six  brothers  voting  in 
the  negative  defeat  a  resolution  to  consolidate  with  another 
Lodge.— 1905  Journal,  743,  932,  948. 

Note.  —  Consolidation     of     two      against  the  same. — 1904  S.  G.  L. 
Lodges     is     defeated     wlien     five      .lournal,  545,  752,  820. 
members     of     either     Lodge     vote 

945.  Members  standing.  When  two  or  more  Lodges  are 
consolidated,  the  members  of  all  the  Lodges  stand  in  the 
same  position  to  the  Lodge  into  which  they  have  been  con- 
solidated, 80  far  as  membership  is  concerned,  as  they  did  in 
their  own  former  Lodge.— 1896  Journal,  412,  581,  628. 

946.  Expelled  brother — Lodge  consolidation  and  rein- 
statement. After  a  brother  has  been  expelled  and  the  Lodge 
consolidated  into  another  Lodge,  the  expelled  brother  must 
apply  for  reinstatement  to  the  latter  Lodge,  and  that  Lodge 
must  ask  for  and  obtain  from  the  Grand  Master  a  dispensa- 
tion to  refer  the  proposition  to  a  committee  of  investigation, 
etc.,  the  same  as  in  case  of  a  newly  proposed  member.    The 


284  CONSOLlDATfON   OF   LODGES. 

dispensation  cannot  be  granted  to  an  individual,  but  must 
be  issued  to  a  Lodge. — 1895  Journal,  56,  195,  196. 

947.  Dismissal  certificate — Reinstatement — Card.  When 
the  Lodge  of  a  brother  who  has  been  suspended  for  non- 
payment of  dues  thereafter  consolidates  into  and  is  made 
a  part  of  another  Lodge,  the  brother  can  apply  to  the  Ijodge 
into  which  his  Lodge  is  consolidated  for  a  Dismissal  Certifi- 
cate or  for  reinstatement  and  then  for  a  card. — 1904  Jour- 
nal, 397,  541,  553. 

948.  Form  of  warrant.  The  Grand  Lodge  has  approved 
a  form  of  warrant  for  consolidating  Lodges.  (See  Form 
Xo.  4  of  the  Forms  affixed  to  this  Digest.) — 1896  Journal,  393, 
593,  635. 

949.  Effect  of  consolidation — Property — Suspended  mem- 
bers. By  the  act  of  merging,  the  rights,  properties  and  fran- 
chises of  each  are  united  together,  forming  in  fact  a  new 
body,  possessing  the  rights,  powers  and  franchises  of  both. 
Suspended  members  sustain  the  same  relation  to  the  consol- 
idated body  that  they  did  to  their  own  before  consolidation. 
The  new  Lodge  can  reinstate  or  grant  Dismissal  Certificates 
to  the  suspended  members  of  either. — 1888  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
11101,  11368,  11396. 

950.  Rituals  returned  to  Grand  Secretary.  Where  two 
Lodges  consolidate,  all  Rituals  coming  into  possession  of  the 
Lodge  formed  from  such  consolidation  other  than  the  four 
Rituals  to  which  every  Lodge  is  entitled,  should  be  returned 
to  the  Grand  Secretary  as  the  property  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
and  a  Lodge  is  not  entitled  to  compensation  for  such  return. 
—1898  Journal,  13,  221,  240. 

951.  Noble  Grands — Honors  of  the  office.  When  two 
Lodges  consolidate  before  the  end  of  a  term  the  Noble 
Grand  of  the  Lodge  surrendering  its  charter  does  not  become 
a  Past  Grand,  unless  he  has  served  a  majority  of  nights  of 
his  term.  The  officers  of  the  Lodge  which  is  consolidated 
into  another  Lodge  who  have  served  a  majority  of  the  nights 
of  the  term  are  entitled  to  the  honors  of  the  office. — 1898 
Journal,  220,  240;  1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11723,  11770. 


Constitution  and  Laws  of  S.  G.  L.  285 

CONSTITUTION  AND  LAWS  OF  SOVEREIGN  GRAND 

LODGE. 

952.  Paramount  to  all  laws.  The  Constitution  and  Laws 
of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  are  paramount  to  all  State 
laws  of  our  Order,  and  the  latter  and  other  laws,  so  far  as 
they  contiict  with  the  former,  must  yield  or  give  way  to 
them.— 1859  Journal,  473;  1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15176, 
15534,  15584. 

NoTE.^Its  Constitution  and  are  the  supreme  law  of  the  Order — 
Laws   made   in   pursuance   thereof       ( S.  G.  L.  Constitution,  Art.  XX ) . 

953.  Duty  to  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  It  is  the  first  duty 
personally,  as  well  as  in  organized  bodies  of  our  Order,  to 
recognize  the  authority  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  Any 
brother  refusing  such  recognition  or  obedience  is  unfaithful 
to  the  duties  and  obligations  assumed  when  becoming  a 
member  of  the  Order. — 1864  Journal,  520. 

954.  When  its  general  laws  take  effect.  All  general  laws 
passed  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  not  otherwise 
specially  provided  for  shall  go  into  effect  on  the  first  day  of 
January  after  their  passage. — 1879  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8090, 
8176. 

955.  When  amendment  to  its  Constitution  takes  effect. 
An  amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  goes  into  immediate  effect  on  its  adoption. — 1840- 
1878  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  341,  7890. 

956.  Duty  of  Grand  Master  to  enforce.  The  Grand  Mas- 
ter shall  preside  at  all  sessions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  this 
State,  etc.,  and  enforce  a  due  observance  of  the  Constitution 
and  By-Laws  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

957.  Subordinate  Lodge  must  obey.  A  Subordinate 
Lodge  is  bound  to  obey  the  laws  enacted  by  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  before  the  same  are  reported  by  the  Grand 
Representatives  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  a  State. — 1866  Jour- 
nal, 198,  214. 


286 


Constitution  of  Grand  Lodge. 


958.  Are  laws  of  each  Lodge.  The  Constitution,  laws  and 
decisions  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  are  laws  of  each 
Lodge,  and  all  persons  by  becoming  and  continuing  members 
of  a  Lodge  consent  to  and  agree  to  abide  by  the  same. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  7. 

959.  The  Constitution  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.    It 

is  prefixed  to  this  Digest,  page  3.  (For  an  Index  thereto, 
see  the  Index  to  this  Digest,  under  the  head,  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge.) 


CONSTITUTION  OF  GRAND  LODGE. 

960.  How  amended.  Section  1.  Any  amendment  or 
alteration  may  be  made  to  this  Constitution  at  any  regular 
Annual  Communication  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  by  a  vote  of 
two-thirds  of  the  Kepresentatives  present ;  provided,  all  such 
alterations  shall  be  proposed  one  day  before  action  thereon. 
— Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  XV,  Sec.  1. 


Note.  —  The  Constitution  of 
Grand  Bodies  and  all  amendments 
thereto,  whether  of  a  purely  local 
character — (1858  S.  G.L.  Journal, 
2889,  2923,  2963),  or  in  reference 
to  the  sessions  of  the  Grand  Body 
—  (1866  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3876, 
3953,  3987 ) ,  or  for  the  creation  of 
a  Legislative  Committee — (1867 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4146,  4170),  must 
be  approved  by  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  before  they  can  be- 
come operative  or  of  any  binding 
force.  After  such  approval  they 
become  the  organic  law  and  do  not 
depend  upon  any  future  action  for 
validity— (1847  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
1058;  1872  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  5517, 
5547;  1873  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  5824, 
5861).  If  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
is  not  in  session,  the  Grand  Sire 
may  approve  or  reject  an  amend- 
ment subject  to  the  subsequent 
final  approval  of  the  Sovereign 
Cirand    Lodge— (1894    S.    G.    L. 


Journal,  14091,  14146).  An 
amendment  to  the  Constitution  of 
a  State  Grand  Body  must  be 
adopted  by  the  State  Grand  Body 
before  it  will  be  approved  by  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge — (1870  S. 
G.  L.  Journal,  4840,  4809 ;  see  also, 
1880  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8211,  8337, 
4840).  The  provisions  of  the  Con- 
stitution should  be  as  simple,  di- 
rect and  comprehensive  as  pos- 
sible, without  unnecessary  prolix- 
ity; and  free  from  clauses,  sen- 
tences or  paragraphs  imperfect  or 
incomplete  in  tliemselves — (1860 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3268,  3270). 
The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  has 
abimdant  power  to  direct  a  Grand 
Lodge  to  remove  any  clause  or 
article  from  its  Constitution  or 
By-Laws  which  may  conflict  with 
the  fundamental  laws  of  the  Or- 
der, even  though  said  Constitution 
and  By-Laws  have  been  approved 
by   the   Sovereign   Grand   Lodge — 


Constitution  of  Grand  Lodge. 


287 


(1847  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1063, 
1090).  The  Constitution  of  a 
State  Grand  Body  can  only  be 
amended  in  the  manner  prescribed 
by  the  Constitution  itself — (1873 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  5804,  5945,  5953) , 
although  it  be  merely  to  amend  a 
provision  so  as  to  make  it  conform 
to  the  law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  with  which  it  conflicts — 
(1874  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6250, 
6323).  A  revised  is  an  amended 
Constitution  and  must  be  passed 
as  an  amendment.  Where  amend- 
ments are  required  to  be  adopted 
by  a  two-thirds  vote,  the  revised 
instrument  comes  under  the  same 
requirements— (1853  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  2116,  2173).  A  resolu- 
tion construing  a  Constitutional 
provision  must  be  passed  by  the 
same  vote  and  with  all  the  for- 
malities required  to  amend  the 
article  it  proposes  to  construe — 
(1853  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2118,  2170, 
2172).  A  resolution  passed  with 
all  the  formalities  to  amend  the 
Constitution  of  a  Grand  Body 
does  legally  amend  the  Constitu- 
tion in  the  particulars  specified 
therein,  although  it  does  not  re- 
fer to  the  section  which  it  amends 
—  (1878   S.   G.   L.    Journal,    7760, 


7832).  When  the  Constitution  of 
a  Grand  Lodge  requires  a  vote  of 
two-thirds  on  the  adoption  of  an 
amendment,  but  does  not  ex- 
pressly declare  it  shall  be  a  vote 
of  two-thirds  of  the  Lodges 
of  the  entire  jurisdiction,  two- 
thirds  of  the  votes  of  the 
Lodges  present,  as  a  quorum,  is 
sufficient  to  adopt  a  proposed 
amendment — (1859  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 3092,  3115).  Grand  Lodges 
in  submitting  their  Constitutions 
or  amendments  thereof  to  the  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge  for  approval, 
are  required  first  to  furnish  the 
Grand  Secretary  of  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  a  complete  copy  of 
their  Constitution,  with  all  amend- 
ments thereto,  accompanied  with 
a  certificate  from  the  Grand  Lodge, 
attested  by  its  Grand  Secretary 
and  the  seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
attached — (1870  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
4929).  All  laws  sent  to  the  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge  for  approval 
shall  bear  the  seal  of  the  Lodge 
adopting  them,  and  all  documents 
without  seal  (where  the  Body  has 
one)  shall  be  returned  without 
consideration — (1872  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  5518,  5547). 


961.  Duty  of  Grand  Master.  Grand  Master  shall  preside 
at  all  sessions  of  the  Grand  Lod^e,  etc.,  and  enjorce  a  due 
observance  of  the  Constitution  and  Laws  of  this  Grand 
Lodpe. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

962.  Construction  of  Grand  Lodge  Constitution  by  Grand 
Master.  The  interpretation  of  the  Constitution  of  a  Grand 
liody  during:  its  recess  is  vested  in  its  principal  officer,  sub- 
ject to  a  review  by  such  Grand  Body  at  its  session  following, 
and  it  is  the  duty  of  such  officer  to  administer  the  local  law 
according  to  his  conscientious  interpretation  thereof.  The 
responsibility  of  interpreting  and  executing  the  local  law 


288  Constitution  of  Grand  Lodge. 

rests  on  the  Grand  Master.— 1893  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13258, 
13548,  13671 ;  1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  51,  52,  282,  314. 

963.  An  act  of  a  Grand  Lodge-^Power  of  the  Grand 
Master.  A  Grand  Master  has  not  the  power  to  interpret  the 
Constitution  of  his  Grand  Lodge  as  it  applies  to  an  act 
already  committed  by  his  Grand  Lodge.  The  Grand  Lodge 
must  be  held  to  have  interpreted  its  Constitution  in  the 
passage  of  the  act  in  question,  and  its  Grand  Master  has  no 
power  to  set  it  aside.— 1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  544,  994,  1006. 

964.  Constitutional    provision    when    clearly    void.      A 

Grand  Master  may  disregard  a  Constitutional  provision  of 
his  Grand  Lodge  if  it  is  clearly  in  conflict  with  the  law  of 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14682, 
14948,  15019. 

965.  Construction  of  Grand  Lodge  Constitution — Grand 
Sire.  That  part  of  Section  1,  Article  IV  (Duties  of  Grand 
Sire),  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  which  reads:  **He  may 
hear  and  decide  such  questions,  other  than  questions  arising 
out  of  the  Constitutions  of  the  several  State,  District  or  Terri- 
torial Grand  Lodges  or  Grand  Encampments,  as  may  be 
submitted  to  him  by  the  several  State  Grand  Lodges  and 
Grand  Encampments,  or  by  the  Grand  Masters  or  Grand 
Patriarchs  thereof,  or  by  the  Grand  Representatives,  or  bj^ 
the  Subordinate  Lodges  or  Encampments  under  the  imme- 
diate jurisdiction  of  this  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,"  was 
amended  in  1905  by  striking  out  the  words,  **  other  than 
questions  arising  out  of  the  Constitutions  of  the  several 
State,  District  or  Territorial  Grand  Lodges  or  Grand 
Encampments."— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  333. 

966.  Law  of  each  Lodge.  The  Constitution,  laws  and 
decisions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  are  laws  of  each  Lodge,  and 
members  consent  to  and  agree  to  abide  by  the  same. — Con- 
stitution Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  7. 

967.  The  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  It  is  prefixed 
to  this  Digest,  page  32,  and  is  also  disposed  under  appro- 
priate heads  therein. 


Constitution  of  Subordinates.  289 

CONSTITUTION  OF  SUBORDINATES. 

968.  Framing  such  Constitution  —  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge.  The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  has  no  power  to  direct 
Grand  Bodies  how  to  frame  the  Constitution  of  their  Sub- 
ordinate Lodges,  except  that  such  Constitutions  shall  not  be 
in  conflict  with  the  general  law  as  established  by  the  Sover- 
eign Grand  Lodge.— 1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14430,  14461. 

969.  How  amended.  The  Constitution  of  Subordinate 
Lodges  may  be  amended  by  submitting  at  a  regular  session 
of  this  Grand  Lodge  a  proposition  in  writing,  containing  a 
copy  of  each  section  as  proposed  to  be  amended,  which  prop- 
osition shall  be  laid  over  until  the  next  regular  session  of 
the  Grand  Lodge,  when  further  amendment  or  alteration  of 
such  section  may  be  proposed  and  acted  upon,  and  if  such 
section  as  finally  amended  receive  the  affirmative  vote  of 
two-thirds  of  the  Representatives  present,  it  shall  be 
adopted;  provided,  however,  if  a  case  of  urgency  is  pre- 
sented, the  Grand  Lodge  may,  by  affirmative  vote  of  three- 
fourths  of  the  Representatives  present,  adopt  an  amendment 
at  the  same  session  at  which  it  was  offered.  The  Grand 
Secretary  shall,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  March  of  each 
year,  mail  a  printed  copy  of  all  proposed  amendments  to 
each  Subordinate  Lodge. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art. 
IX,  Sec.  5. 

970.  The  same.  These  Articles,  or  any  part  thereof,  shall 
not  be  altered,  amended  or  annulled,  except  as  provided  in 
Section  5  of  Article  IX,  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  XIII,  Sec.  2. 

971.  Doubt  as  to  meaning.  When  any  doubt  arises  as  to 
the  true  meaning  of  any  part  of  these  Articles,  it  shall  be 
determined  by  the  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  XIII,  Sec.  1. 

972.  Illegal  amendment.  An  amendment  to  the  Consti- 
tution of  Subordinates  by  a  Grand  Body,  in  conflict  with  its 
own  organic  law,  is  illegal. — 1884  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  9503, 
9734,  9801. 

19 


290  Contempt.  ♦ 

973.  By-Laws.  Any  By-Law  of  a  Lodge  contrary  to  the 
Constitution  of  Subordinates  is  null  and  void. — 1864  Jour- 
nal, 573. 

974.  Uniform  Constitutions.  State  Grand  Bodies  being 
expressly  declared  the  legislative  heads  of  the  Order,  in  their 
several  jurisdictions,  have  unquestionably  the  power  to  adopt 
a  uniform  system  of  Constitution  for  their  Subordinates,  and 
the  Subordinates  are  bound  to  conform  thereto. — 1842-1848 
S.  G.  L.  Journal  496,  1235,  1286,  1317.  Grand  Lodges  have 
the  power  to  adopt  Constitutions  for  the  government  of 
their  Subordinates  and  to  alter  or  amend  them. — 1905 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  41,  219,  243. 

975.  Grand  Master  cannot  suspend  or  annul.  The  Grand 
Master  cannot  suspend  or  annul  any  part  of  the  Constitu- 
tion of  Subordinates. — Los  Angeles  Lodge,  1876  Journal, 
505,  509. 

976.  Signing  the  Constitution.  Resolved,  That  all 
Lodges  of  this  jurisdiction  are  required  to  have  the  Consti- 
tution of  Subordinates  existing  at  the  time  of  the  admission 
of  new  members,  for  them  to  append  their  signature  thereto, 
as  required  by  our  laws. — 1890  Journal,  449. 

977.  The  Constitution  of  Subordinates.  (It  is  affixed 
to  this  Digest  and  is  also  disposed  under  appropriate  heads 
therein.) 

CONSTITUTION  OF  REBEKAH  ASSEMBLY. 

It  is  affixed  to  this  Digest.  For  index  thereto,  see  index  to 
this  Digest  under  the  head  "Rebekah  Branch." 

CONSTITUTION  OF  REBEKAH  LODGES. 

It  is  affixed  to  this  Digest.  For  index  thereto,  see  index  to 
this  Digest  under  the  head  "Rebekah  Branch." 

CONTEMPT. 

978.  Resolutions  bringing  Grand  Lodge  into  contempt. 
It  is  incompatible  with  all  usages  and  laws  of  our  Order  for 
any  Subordinate  Lodge  to  pass  preamble    and    resolutions 


Contempt.  291 

bringing  the  Grand  Lodge  into  contempt,  or  calling  in  ques- 
tion any  of  its  actions,  or  any  retaliatory  resolution  thereto. 
—1865  Journal,  8,  39,  41. 

979.  Refusing  or  neglecting  to  stand  trial.  If  the 
accused  refuse  or  neglect  to  stand  trial  when  duly  sum- 
moned, the  committee  shall  report  him  guilty  of  contempt  of 
the  Lodge,  and,  if  the  Lodge  sustain  the  report,  and  find  the 
accused  guilty  of  contempt,  the  punishment  shall  be  expul- 
sion, and  the  Noble  Grand  shall  enforce  it  and  declare  the 
accused  expelled.  Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII, 
Sec.  5. 

980.  The  Lodge  must  adjudge  the  accused  guilty.  Where 
a  Trial  Committee  reported  the  accused  guilty  of  contempt, 
and  the  Lodge  adopted  a  motion  that  the  report  *'be 
accepted,"  and  the  Noble  Grand  thereupon  declared  the 
accused  expelled,  the  action  of  the  Noble  Grand  was  illegal, 
as  the  Lodge  had  taken  no  action  on  the  report.  A  motion 
to  accept  a  report  in  parliamentary  proceedings  means  to 
receive  for  further  action,  and  to  receive  a  report  is  not 
equivalent  to  adopt.  In  matters  of  expulsion  for  contempt, 
the  Lodge's  action  should  show  clearly  that  the  Lodge  has 
adopted  the  report  of  the  committee  in  such  cases,  or  has 
declared  the  brother  guilty  of  contempt. — McLain  vs.  Moke- 
lumne  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  544,  612. 

981.  Cause  or  excuse  for  neglect  to  stand  trial.  A  brother 
duly  summoned  to  stand  trial  before  a  Trial  Committee  must 
appear  in  person  or  by  attorney  or  some  brother,  or  send  a 
communication  or  word  to  the  committee.  He  must  recog- 
nize and  respect  the  authority  of  the  committee  in  some  way. 
If  he  do  not,  and  he  be  declared  guilty  of  contempt  of  the 
Lodge  by  the  committee,  and  desires  to  be  relieved  there- 
from, he  must  present  proof  or  evidence  to  show  that  he  had 
a  reasonable  cause  or  excuse  for  such  neglect  to  stand  trial. 
—Clark  vs.  America  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  548,  549,  612. 

982.  Refusing  to  perform  official  duties.  A  Trustee  or 
other  officer  can  be  legally  charged  with  contempt  who  posi- 


202  Contempt. 

tively  refuses  to  perform  official  duties  assigned  him  by  his 
Lodge.— 1875  Journal,  300,  301. 

983.  Contempt  deianed.  The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  ha^ 
defined  a  contempt  to  be,  "the  refusal  or  willful  neglect  of 
a  member  to  appear  and  answer  to  charges  preferred  against 
him,"  or  ** willfully  absenting  himself  to  avoid  the  service 
of  notice." — Unity  Lodge  vs.  Bernard,  1872  Journal,  561, 
653.     (See  also,  1849  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1502,  1513.) 

Note. — A  brother  who  appears  the  Lodge,  and  he  cannot  be  pun- 
before  the  Trial  Committee  by  ished  in  such  case  for  not  appear- 
counsel,  ready  to  proceed  with  the  ing  in  person — (1874  S.  G.  L. 
case,  is  not  guilty  of  contempt  of  Journal,  6283,  6322). 

984.  The  same.  In  order  to  constitute  contempt,  there 
must  be  an  intentional  refusal  and  willful  neglect  to  respond 
to  the  summons  after  its  service,  or  it  must  be  shown  that 
the  accused  willfully  absented  himself  to  avoid  the  service 
of  notice. — Donati  vs.  Cayucos  Lodge,  1895  Journal,  135,  178. 

985.  Law  concerning  must  be  strictly  complied  with^ 
Proof  required.  To  deprive  a  brother  of  the  rights  of  an 
Odd  Fallow,  without  trial,  the  law  concerning  expulsion  for 
contempt  by  refusing  to  stand  trial  must  be  strictly  complied 
with,  and  proof  in  the  form  of  certificate  of  service  of  sum- 
mons and  copy  of  charges  as  prescribed  by  the  Grand  Lodge, 
or  in  the  form  of  affidavit  under  oath,  or  upon  the  honor  of 
an  Odd  Fellow,  or  testimony  of  a  witness  under  oath,  or 
upon  the  honor  of  an  Odd  Fellow,  must  establish  the  facts 
and  that  proof  must  appear  in  the  record. — Race  vs.  Fortuna 
Lodge,  1892  Journal,  99,  119. 

986.  Contempt  and  expulsion  rests  upon  the  committee's 
report.  A  judgment  of  expulsion  for  contempt  in  refusing 
to  stand  trial  does  not  rest  upon  the  original  charges — upon 
their  sufficiency  or  insufficiency,  but  upon  the  report  of  the 
Trial  Committee  finding  the  accused  guilty  of  contempt  in 
refusing  to  appear  before  it. — Swain  vs.  Merced  Lodge,  1895 
Journal,  130,  177. 

987.  Presumption  as  to  report  for  contempt.  The  report 
finding  the  appellant  guilty  of  contempt  carries  with  it  the 


Contempt.  29^^ 

presumption  that  the  committee  did  not  act  hastily  or  ille- 
gally in  the  matter,  and  when  there  is  nothing  to  rebut  such 
presumption,  the  finding  of  the  committee  is  conclusive  on 
appeal. — Swain  vs.  Merced  Lodge,  1895  Journal,  131,  177. 

988.  Action  upon  report  of  Trial  Committee.  A  Lodge 
may  act  upon  the  report  of  a  Trial  Committee  reporting  an 
accused  brother  guilty  of  contempt  of  the  Lodge  in  refusing 
or  neglecting  to  stand  trial,  under  Section  5,  Article  VIII, 
Constitution  of  Subordinates,  at  the  same  meeting  at  which 
it  is  presented,  or  forthwith  on  its  presentation. — Roe  vs. 
Eel  River  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  666,  674 ;  1864  Journal,  565 

989.  Pleads  not  guilty,  gives  names  of  witnesses  and  then 
absent.  To  constitute  a  violation  of  Article  VIII,  Section  5, 
of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  the  accused  must  refuse 
or  neglect  to  stand  trial  when  duly  summoned.  Where  the 
accused  obeys  the  summons  (respectfully  in  person  or  by 
counsel),  appears  before  the  committee,  pleads  not  guilty, 
gives  the  names  of  his  witnesses,  and  is  desirous  of  trial,  the 
mere  fact  that  he  fails  to  appear  at  an  adjourned  meeting 
of  the  committee  is  not  the  refusal  or  neglect  to  stand  trial 
within  the  meaning  of  the  Constitution. — Meyer  vs.  Hermann 
Lodge,  1876  Journal,  452,  467 ;  1872  Journal,  561,  653 ;  Treas- 
ure vs.  Evergreen  Rebekah  Lodge,  1895  Journal,  144,  179. 

*990.  Where  accused  desires  to  stand  trial.  Where  the 
accused  desires  to  stand  trial,  recognizes  the  authority  of 
the  committee,  answers  the  summons,  gives  the  names  of  his 
witnesses,  etc.,  he  is  not  guilty  of  contempt. — Jensen  vs.  Ana- 
heim Lodge,  1878  Journal,  889,  934. 

991.  Accused  demurs  and  answers  and  then  absent. 
Where  the  accused  appears  before  the  committee  and  demurs 
and  answers  the  charges,  the  mere  fact  that  he  fails  to  appear 
at  the  subsequent  meeting  of  the  committee  is  not  the  refusal 
or  neglect  to  stand  trial  within  the  meaning  of  the  Consti- 
tution of  Subordinates. — Galvin  vs.  Stella  Lodge,  1887  Jour- 
nal, 652,  666. 

992.  Accused  appears  a  number  of  times  and  then  absent. 
Where  the  accused  respected  and  recognized  the  authority 


294  CoNTEMFr. 

of  the  committee,  obeyed  the  summons,  appeared  before  the 
committee,  objected  to  a  member  of  the  committee,  demurred 
to  the  charges,  and  appeared  a  nunij)er  of  times  before  the 
committee,  the  mere  fact  that  he  failed  to  appear  at  the 
adjourned  meeting  of  the  committee  is  not  the  refusal  or 
neglect  to  stand  trial  within  the  meaning  of  the-  Constitu- 
tional provision. — Porter  vs.  Anaheim  Lodge,  1896  Journal, 
527,  558. 

993.  Accused  answers  the  summons  and  by  letter  asks  a 
continuance.  An  accused  who  answers  the  summons,  and 
sends  a  letter  to  the  committee  at  its  first  meeting  stating 
that  he  is  not  prepared  to  proceed  and  asking  for  a  contin- 
uance, respects  and  recognizes  the  authority  of  the  com- 
mittee, and  is  not  guilty  of  contempt.  The  Trial  Com- 
mittee should  be  liberal  in  granting  one  continuance,  but 
where  the  continuance  is  justly  refused,  the  committee  may 
proceed  with  the  trial  and  the  accused  is  presumed  to  waive 
his  right  to  be  present. — Treasure  vs.  Evergreen  Rebekah 
Lodge,  1895  Journal,  136,  178. 

994.  Right  to  appear  by  counsel.  By  direct  adjudication, 
as  well  as  by  constant  practice,  the  right  of  the  accused 
brother  to  appear  at  a  trial  by  counsel,  absenting  himself 
therefrom,  has  been  constantly  recognized  and  enforced. — 
Petit  vs.  Eureka  Lodge,  1865  Journal,  44,  61.  * 

995.  Answering  the  summons  by  written  communication. 

When  the  accused  did  not  appear  before  the  Trial  Committee, 
but  answered  the  summons  by  writing  and  signing  thereon 
the  following  communication,  which  was  presented  to  the 
committee : 

Dear  Sirs  and  Brothers — In  answer  to  the  within  specifi- 
cations of  charges,  will  state  my  health  is  not  in  a  condition 
to  watch  at  the  sick  bed ;  on  the  other  hand,  I  don't  consider 
you  have  at  any  time  notified  me  to  watch  over  sick  mem- 
bers. .  As  no  legal  notice  has  been  served,  and  as  I  am  unwill- 
ing to  be  a  target  and  example,  I  shall  decline  to  meet  in  my 
defense — 


Contempt.  296 

he  is  not  guilty  of  contempt,  under  Section  5,  Article  VIII, 
Constitution  of  Subordinates.  The  Trial  Committee,  on 
receipt  of  that  communication,  should  have  proceeded  with 
the  trial  of  the  charges  on  the  merits. — Campbell  vs.  Monte- 
zuma Lodge,  1904  Journal,  519,  527. 

996.  Refusing  to  obey  suspended  officer.  No  brother  can 
commit  contempt  in  refusing  to  obey  a  suspended  officer. 
Nor  is  any  member  bound  to  obey  usurpation,  or  respect  the 
commands  of  a  Noble  Grand  who  has  no  legitimate  authority 
to  act  and  no  right  to  preside. — Brown  vs.  Coloma  Lodge, 
1858  Journal,  371,  372. 

997.  Failing  to  appear  to  receive  reprimand.  A  Lodge 
cannot,  on  the  ground  of  contempt  or  otherwise,  expel  a 
brother  for  failing  to  appear  in  obedience  to  a  summons 
from  his  Lodge  to  receive  a  reprimand  previously  fixed  as 
part  of  a  punishment  adjudged  on  account  of  a  verdict  upon 
charges  theretofore  tried  and  determined  against  him  in  the 
Lodge.  He  should  be  suspended,  "until  he  so  attend  and 
be  reprimanded." — Marlette  vs.  Brooklyn  Lodge,  1863  Jour- 
nal, 427;  1864  Journal,  544,  564. 

998.  Certain  act  of  Trustee  not  contempt.  The  act  of  a 
Trustee  in  refusing  to  draw  from  the  bank  a  large  sum  of 
money  and  to  make  payment  of  the  same  upon  a  lot  pur- 
chased by  the  Lodge,  cannot  be  said  to  be  in  contempt  of 
the  Lodge,  unless  such  refusal  occurs  after  the  instruction 
to  said  Trustee  has  been  given  him  properly  signed  by  the 
officers  of  the  Lodge  and  under  the  Lodge  seal.  This  is  a 
protection  to  the  Trustee,  and  the  thing  he  is  entitled  to 
demand,  and  without  which  his  refusal  can  in  no  sense  be 
said  to  be  in  contempt  of  the  Lodge. — Smith  vs.  St.  Helena 
Lodge,  1880  Journal,  322,  351. 

999.  In  case  of  suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues.  The 
penalty  in  case  of  a  brother  who  has  been  adjudged  guilty 
of  contempt  for  refusing  to  stand  trial,  who  had,  two  weeks 
previous  to  the  time  judgment  was  pronounced,  ceased  mem- 
bership for  non-payment  of  dues,  should  be  expulsion. — 1867 
Journal,  346,  359. 


296  Contempt. 

1000.  Absent  through  misunderstanding  or  sickness. 
Where  an  accused  brother  and  his  counsel  are  both  absent 
from  the  meeting  of  the  committee  through  sickness  or  mis- 
understanding, it  is  not  contempt. — Fowles  vs.  Mound 
Lodge,  1886  Journal,  658,  662. 

Note. — A   member    violates    no  is  no  cause  for  a  charge  of  con- 
law  or  obligation  in  neglecting  to  tempt — (1882_S.    G.    L.    Journal, 
answer  letters  written  to  him  by  8988,  9085;  1884  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
his  Lodge  in  reference  to  his  claim  9684,  9791). 
for  his  benefits,  and  such  neglect 

1001.  Accused  answers  the  sununons  and  asks  a  con- 
tinuance. An  accused  who  answers  the  summons  and  sends 
a  letter  to  the  committee  at  its  first  meeting,  stating  that  he 
is  not  prepared  to  proceed,  and  asking  for  a  continuance, 
respects  and  recognizes  the  authority  of  the  committee  and 
should  not  be  adjudged  guilty  of  contempt.  The  Trial  Com- 
mittee should  be  liberal  in  granting  one  continuance;  but 
where  the  continuance  is  justly  refused,  the  committee  may 
proceed  with  the  trial  and  the  accused  is  presumed  to  waive 
his  right  to  be  present. — Farmer  vs.  Granite  Lodge,  1878 
Journal,  886,  913 ;  Cameron  vs.  Konokti  Lodge,  1878  Jour- 
nal, 931,  970;  Jensen  vs.  Anaheim  Lodge,  1878  Journal,  889, 
934. 

1002.  Accused  absent,  but  answers  the  summons.  The 
right  to  be  present  at  the  trial  is  personal  to  the  accused, 
which  he  may  exercise  or  waive.  If  his  waiver  be  courte- 
ously expressed,  in  other  words,  if  he  answer  the  summons 
by  written  communication  respectfully  in  person,  or  by 
counsel,  he  is  not  guilty  of  contempt  by  not  appearing 
before  the  committee. — Petit  vs.  Eureka  Lodge,  1865  Jour- 
nal, 44,  61;  Farmer  vs.  Granite  Lodge,  1878  Journal,  883, 
913 ;  Campbell  vs.  Montezuma  Lodge,  1904  Journal,  527. 

1003.  Duty  of  Noble  Grand.  When  the  Constitutional 
provisions  have  been  complied  with  in  the  case  of  a  brother 
who  has  been  reported  to  his  Lodge  by  the  Trial  Committee 
as  guilty  of  contempt  in  refusing  to  stand  trial  on  charges, 
and  the  report  has  been  adopted  by  the  Lodge,  the  Noble 


Contracts — Correspondence.  297 

Grand  should  enforce  the  penalty  of  expulsion  forthwith. — 
1864  Journal,  565;  Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII, 
See.  5. 

1004.  Defective  record  on  appeal.  Where  the  record  on 
appeal  does  not  show  that  the  appellant  was  summoned  to 
answer  to  the  charges,  or  that  the  charges  were  ever  served 
upon  him,  or  any  material  fact  except  that  charges  were 
preferred  against  the  brother,  and  the  committee  reported 
him  guilty  of  contempt  and  the  Lodge  expelled  him,  the 
judgment  of  the  Lodge  will  be  reversed. — Vaughn  vs.  Fresno 
Lodge,  1881  Journal,  571,  580. 

1005.  Before  expelled  for  contempt  must  be  reported 
guilty  thereof.  Where  the  Trial  Committee  meets  at  a  cer- 
tain time  and  place,  after  duly  summoning  the  accused  to 
be  present,  and  after  waiting  an  hour,  the  accused  does  not 
appear,  the  committee  should  report  the  accused  ''guilty  of 
contempt**  in  not  appearing,  before  the  accused  can  be 
expelled  for  contempt  under  the  law. — McAllister  vs.  Colusa 
Lodge,  1885  Journal,  401,  431.  . 

CONTRACTS. 

1006.  Lodges  not  to  enforce  private  contracts.  To  make 
the  Lodge  the  tribunal  to  enforce  private  contracts  made 
between  brothers  of  the  Order,  when  no  actual  fraud  appears, 
would  be  highly  improper.  Such  a  mode  of  procedure  would 
tend  rather  to  increase  than  diminish  disputes  among  the 
brotherhood.— 1871  Journal,  403,  404,  429. 

(See  Agreement;  Offenses.) 

CORRESPONDENCE. 

1007.  Committee  on  Correspondence.  The  Committee  on 
Correspondence  shall  consist  of  three  members,  whose  duty 
it  shall  be  to  examine,  conduct  and  report  on  all  correspond- 
ence of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  to  suggest  any  measure  in  the 
nature  of  the  business  of  their  appointment. — Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  5. 


298  Counsel. 

1008.  The  same — A  regular  committee.  It  is  a  regular 
committee  appoiuted  each  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  from 
among  the  members  present. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge, 
Art.  VI,  Sec.  2. 

COUNSEL. 

1009.  Must  be  an  Odd  Fellow  in  good  standing.     It  is 

the  settled  law  that  an  accused  brother  has  the  right  to  coun- 
sel, but  that  the  counsel  must  be  an  Odd  Fellow  in  good 
standing.  If  counsel  not  in  good  standing,  he  cannot  speak 
or  take  part  in  the  proceedings. — Paul  vs.  Laurel  Lodge,  1885 
Journal,  355,  367 ;  1863  Journal,  432 ;  1885  Journal,  286,  403, 
432;  Christensen  vs.  San  Leandro  Lodge,  1903  Journal,  125, 
127,  154. 

1010.  In  benefit  investigations.  A  brother  who  has  de- 
manded an  Investigating  Committee  to  hear  evidence  as  to 
whether  he  is  entitled  to  benefits,  is  entitled  to  counsel. — 
Robinson  Appeal,  1887  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11018,  11035. 

(See  Section  3208,  as  to  speaking  on  penalty  on  charges.) 

1011.  Lodge  may  have  counsel.  A  Lodge  has  a  right  to 
employ  or  accept  the  service  of  a  brother  to  prosecute 
charges. — Billings  vs.  Eureka  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  695,  697, 
723. 

1012.  The  same.  A  Lodge  has  the-  right  to  employ  a 
brother  to  represent  it  in  the  prosecution  of  a  cause  before 
it. — Hankerson  vs.  Santa  Lucia  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  664, 
674. 

1013.  The  same — Benefit  investigation.  A  Lodge  has  a 
right  to  authorize  an  Investigating  Committee,  as  to  a  claim 
for  benefits,  to  employ  counsel  for  the  Lodge. — Alexander 
vs.  Eureka  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  689,  716. 

(See  Section  3256  as  to  offensive  or  disorderly  conduct.) 

1014.  Duty  of  counsel — Right  to  refuse  such  employment. 

A  brother  is  not  bound  to  accept  employment  as  counsel  for 
a  member  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  who  has  charges  pre- 
ferred against  him,  but  if  he  does  accept,  he  is  bound  to  use 


Credentials.  2d9 

all  honorable  means  in  his  defense. — 1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
552,  988,  1004. 

1015.  Duty  of  counsel  to  the  Order  and  its  membership. 
A  counsel  for  a  brother  on  trial  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge  or 
on  an  appeal  is  not  relieved  from  a  worthy  member's  fealty 
to  the  Order  and  its  membership.  A  member's  fealty  to  the 
Order  is  greater  than  to  any  individual  member  thereof. — 
1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  552,  988,  1004. 

CREDENTIALS. 

1016.  Committee  on  Credentials.  The  Committee  on  Cre- 
dentials shall  consist  of  five  members,  who  shall  be  appointed 
by  the  Grand  Master  who  is  holding  over,  or  the  incumbent 
of  the  chair  at  the  time  of  opening  the  session,  and  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  examine  and  report  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
on  the  credentials  and  certificates  of  members. — Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  3. 

1017.  The  same.  It  is  a  regular  committee  appointed  at 
each  annual  session  from  among  the  members  present. — Con- 
stitution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  2. 

1018.  List  of  Representatives  and  Past  Grands  to  be  sent 
to  Grand  Secretary.  The  Recording  Secretaries  of  all  Lodges 
shall  forward  to  the  Grand  Secretary  a  certificate  under 
seal,  containing  the  list  of  Representatives  elect,  and  of  Past 
Grands  in  good  standing,  at  least  ten  days  prior  to  the  ses- 
sion of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  each  year.  The  Grand  Secretary 
shall  provide  the  necessary  blanks. — 1859  Journal,  529. 

Note. — The    certificate    that    a  and  the  common  law  of  all  legis- 

person  has  served  a  term  as  Noble  lative    bodies,    no    newly    elected 

Grand  is  merely  prima  facie  evi-  member   has   any    rights    as   snch 

dence   of   qualification   for   admis-  until    his    credentials    have   been 

sion  to  a  Grand  Lodge ;  and  if  that  properly  passed  upon  by  the  Body 

Body  ascertain,  even  after  admis-  to  which  he  has  been  elected.     It 

sion  to  a  seat,  that  the  facts  as-  follows  that  until  he  is  so    admitted 

serted    in    the   certificate   are    in-  to  membership  in  the  Body,  he  has 

correctly     stated,     the     certificate  no  right  in  any  manner  or  for  any 

may   be   set   aside,   and   the   seat  purpose  to  claim  the  title  or  exer- 

founded  thereon  may  be  vacated —  cise    any   of   the    functions   of   a 

(18.55    S.    G.    L.    Journal,    2460,  member  of  the  Body— ( 1876  S.  G. 

2482,  2504).     By  universal  usage  L.  Journal.  6984,  7054). 


300  Crime — Dancing. 

1019.  Each  Representative  entitled  to  certificate.  It  is 
not  necessary  that  each  Representative  should  have  a  separ- 
ate certificate  from  his  Lodge,  but  Ue  is  entitled  to  it  if  he 
desire  it.— 1860  Journal,  64,  74. 

1020.  Proper  credentials  of  a  Representative.  The  proper 
evidence  of  the  election  of  a  Past  Grand  as  Representative 
to  the  Grand  Lodge  is  a  certificate  under  seal  from  his 
Lodge.— 1859  Journal,  491. 

1021.  Representatives  without  proper  credentials  ad- 
mitted. Past  Grands  without  proper  certificates  admitted 
by  the  Grand  Lodge  as  Representatives  upon  producing  sat- 
isfactory evidence  of  their  election,  but  this  action  not  to 
serve  as  a  precedent. — 1859  Journal,  491,  492 ;  1862  Journal, 
254;  1868  Journal,  475;  1870  Journal,  180,  288;  1873  Jour- 
nal, 860. 

1022.  Past  Grands  without  proper  credentials  admitted. 
Past  Grands  admitted  to  the  Grand  Lodge  without  proper 
credentials  on  presentation  of  satisfactory  evidence  of  the 
right  of  the  brothers  to  seats. — 1857  Journal,  230, 

CRIME. 

1023.  An  offense  in  Odd  Fellowship.  To  commit  a  crime 
is  an  offense  in  Odd  Fellowship. — 1871  Journal,  458,  470. 

(See  Oft'enses;  Installation.) 

DANCING. 

1024.  Use  of  Lodge  room.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  has  the 
right  to  use  its  Lodge  room  for  the  purpose  of  dancing.  It  is 
a  matter  entirely  within  the  discretion  of  the  Lodge. — 1874 
Journal,  111,  117. 

1025.  Permission  to  use  Lodge  room  necessary.  Indi- 
vidual members  of  the  Lodge  have  no  right  to  use  the  Lodge 
room  for  dancing  without  first  obtaining  permission  from 
the  Lodge  or  the  Trustees  thereof. — 1874  Journal,  111,  117. 

(See  Ball,  Liquors,  Funds.) 


Debate— Debts — Decisions.  301 

DEBATE. 

1026.  Right  to  speak  in  Grand  Lodge.  None  except  offi- 
cers of.  Past  Grand  Masters  of,  and  Representatives  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  shall  have  the  right,  without  permission,  to 
speak  on  any  subject  at  the  session. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  II,  Sec.  2. 

1027.  Granting  privilege  of  debate  in  Subordinate  Lodge. 

It  would  be  very  inexpedient,  if  not  improper,  to  confer,  by 
a  standing  regulation,  upon  a  brother  of  a  Lodge  under  a 
foreign  jurisdiction,  the  freedom  of  debate  upon  all  ques- 
tions that  may  come  before  the  Lodge. — 1868  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 4382,  4405. 

1028.  Right  to  speak  in  Subordinate  Lodge.  A  Lodge 
has  no  right  to  deprive  a  brother  of  the  right  to  speak,  so 
long  as  he  is  a  member  of  the  Lodge.  A  By-Law  to  that 
effect  is  illegal.— 1888  Journal,  1026,  1111,  1130. 

(See  Order,  Rules  and  Questions  of;  Good  of  the  Order; 
Aged  Odd  Fellows.) 

DEBTS. 

1029.  Collection  thereof.  Our  laws  are  not  intended  to 
be  invoked  for  the  collection  of  debts  or  for  the  punishment 
of  offenses  not  of  themselves  clearly  unbecoming  an  Odd 
Fellow. — Levy  vs.  Magnolia  Lodge,  1871  Journal,  403,  404, 
426. 

Note. — A  Subordinate  Lodge  collection  of  debts — (1893  S.  G.  L. 
has  no  jurisdiction  to  enforce  the      Journal,  13431,  15563). 

(See  Offenses.) 

DECISIONS. 

1030.  Decisions  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  The  Deci- 
sions and  laws  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  are  the  highest 
authority  in  the  Order,  and  any  law  of  a  State  Grand  Lodge 
conflicting  therewith  must  yield  to  them. — 1859  Journal,  473. 

Note. — The     question     whether  or  is  not  found  in  White's  Digest, 

any    deeision    of    the     Sovereign  that  being  a  mere  compilation — 

Grand  Lodge  is  law  or  not,  does  not  (1873     S.    G.    L.    Journal,    5931, 

depend  on  the  fact  whether  it  is  5952).     A  decision  of  the  Grand 


302  Decisions. 

Sire  made  during  recess,  and  ap-  session    of    the    Sovereign   Grand 

proved    by    the    Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  before  the  said  decision  was 

Lodge  at  the  next  session,  is  super-  approved — (1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

seded   by   a    law   adopted   at   said  14239,'l4o25,  14570). 

1031.  Duty  of  Grand  Representatives.  The  Grand 
Representatives  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  shall,  upon 
their  return,  communicate  to  the  Grand  Master  all  decisions 
of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 1858  Journal,  383. 

1032.  Decisions  of  Grand  Lodge  binding  on  Subordinates. 

All  decisions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  are  binding  on  all 
Subordinate  Lodges,  and  neither  they  nor  the  Grand  Master 
have  a  right  to  disregard  them,  but  are  bound  to  carry  all 
such  decisions  into  effect. — 1863  Journal,  441. 

1033.  Grand  Lodge  decision  affects  all  cases  under  the 
law.  A  decision  of  the  Grand  Lodge  upon  a  matter  of  law, 
dates  back  to  the  time  of  the  first  existence  of  the  law,  and 
affects  all  cases  to  which  said  law  can  apply. — 1858  Journal, 
388,  389. 

1034.  Rulings  and  instructions  of  Grand  Master.     It  is 

the  duty  of  a  Lodge  and  its  officers  to  obey  all  official  com- 
munications and  instructions  of  the  Grand  Master  in  vaca- 
tion. His  ruling  and  instructions  are  law,  until  reversed  by 
the  Grand  Lodge,  and  a  Noble  Grand  has  no  right  to  dis- 
obey them.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  has  no  right  to  call  in 
question  the  acts  of  the  Grand  Master. — Felch  vs.  Eureka 
Lodge,  1865  Journal,  56,  69. 

Note. — Where  a  Grand  Master  Lodges  results  in  a  tie,  this  can- 
decides  a  question  in  reference  to  not  be  regarded  as  a  reversal  of 
a  Subordinate,  which  decision  is  the  action  of  the  Grand  Master, 
brought  before  the  Grand  Lodge,  but  simply  equivalent  to  no  ex- 
and  a  resolution  is  offered  that  the  pression  at  all — (1868  S.  G.  L. 
Grand  Master's  action  in  the  case  Journal,  4363,  4402). 
be  sustained,  which  on  a  vote  by 

1035.  Decision  of  District  Deputy.  It  is  not  necessary 
that  a  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  should  retire  and 
announce  himself  officially  upon  entering,  in  order  that  his 
decision  should  be  valid. — 1869  Journal,  11,  124,  125. 


Dedication — Defense.  303 

1036.  Decisions  should  correctly  interpret  the  law. 
Decisions  should  be  correct  interpretations  of  the  law,  rather 
than  charitable  efforts  by  overriding  law  to  meet  the 
necessities  of  a  particular  case. — Levy  vs.  Four  Creeks 
Lodge,  1875  Journal,  274,  286. 

1037.  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  and  Grand  Lodge.     The 

decisions  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  and  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  are  laws  of" this  Lodge,  and  members  consent  to  and 
agree  to  abide  by  the  same.— Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  IV,  Sec.  7. 

(See  Grand  Master,  under  the  head  of  Officers.) 

DEDICATION. 

1038.  The  form  to  be  used.  The  form  adopted  by  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  for  the  public  dedication  of  halls 
and  laying  of  corner  stones  must  be  used,  if  any. — 1861 
Journal,  151. 

(See  Odd  Fellows'  Hall.) 

DEFENSE. 

1039.  Right  of — Right  to  notice  and  to  be  heard.  It  is 
a  principle  of  general  jurisprudence  and  natural  justice 
recognized  in  the  practice  of  all  judicial  tribunals  and  legis- 
lative assemblies  that  no  man  should  be  deprived  of  his 
rights  without  an  opportunity  to  explain,  assert  or  defend 
them.  To  condemn  a  brother,  to  sacrifice  his  reputation,  or 
his  honors,  rights  or  privileges,  that  he  possesses  or  acquires 
in  our  Order  by  service  in  office,  without  his  knowledge,  by 
notice  or  otherwise,  is  to  deprive  a  brother  of  such  an  oppor- 
tunity to  be  heard,  and  should  not  be  permitted.  Applied  to 
the  removal  of  a  Noble  Grand  from  office  without  knowledge 
by  notice  or  otherwise. — 1870  Journal,  269,  294. 

1040.  A  Lodge's  right.  It  would  be  unjust  to  a  Lodge 
for  this  Grand  Lodge  to  undertake  to  adjudicate  upon  their 
liability  for  a  large  amount  of  benefits,  without  the  Lodge 
having  first  an  opportunity  to  be  heard. — 1870  Journal,  273, 
295. 


304  Degree  Books — Degree  Lodge. 

DEGREE  BOOKS. 

1041.  Not  now  printed  as  a  separate  book.  Formerly 
there  were  printed  two  books,  one  called  the  Charge  Book 
and  the  other  the  Degree  Book.  These  two  books  are  now 
united  and  printed  as  one,  which  is  called  the  Ritual  or 
Charge  Book.— 1881  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8533,  8701,  8767. 

(See  Ritual;  District  Deputy  Grand  Master,  under  the 
head  of  Officers.) 

DEGREE  LODGE. 

1042.  Warrant  for  Degree  Lodge.  The  manner  of  ap- 
plying for  and  granting  is  regulated  by  the  Grand  Lodge 
Constitution. 

(See  Charter.) 

1043.  Qualifications  of  members.  No  Degree  Lodge 
shall  admit  or  retain  in  membership  any  person  who  is  not 
at  the  time  a  regular  contributing  member  of  a  Subordinate 
Lodge  under  this  jurisdiction,  unless  his  card  be  in  the  pos- 
session of  the  Grand  Lodge  or  its  officers,  as  an  applicant  for 
a  charter. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  X,  Sec.  2. 

Note. — Membership     in   a    Sub-       (1885     S.   G.   L.   Journal,     10141, 
ordinate    Lodge    is    requisite    for       10185). 
membership  in  a  Degree  Lodge — 

1044.  General    provisions    regulating    Degree    Lodges. 

Degree  Lodges  within  this  jurisdiction  may  be  formed  sub- 
ject to  the  following  provisions: 

First — The  members  of  such  Degree  Lodge  shall  consist 
of  brethren  in  good  standing  who  have  attained  the  Scarlet 
Degree;  provided,  that  a  brother  in  good  standing,  not  a 
member,  may  sit  in  such  Degree  Lodge  while  conferring  a 
degree  he  has  taken,  and  the  Degree  Master  and  Deputy 
Degree  Master  of  such  Degree  Lodge  shall  be  either  a  Sitting 
Noble  Grand  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  or  a  Past  Grand. 

Second — Such  Degree  Lodge  may  be  established  in  any 
district,  city  or  town  wherein  are  two  or  more  Subordinate 
Lodges. 


Degree  Lodge.  305 

Third — The  terms  of  such  Lodge  shall  correspond  with  the 
terms  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  The  titles  of  officers  shall  be 
Degree  Master,  Deputy  Degree  Master,  First,  Second,  Third 
and  Fourth  Assistant  Degree  Masters,  Past  Grand,  Warden, 
Conductor,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  Outside  Guardian  and 
Inside  Guardian,  and  such  other  officers  as  the  degrees  n^ay 
require. 

Fourth — The  Degree  Master  may  assign  any  brothers 
present  to  fill  such  other  positions  in  the  Lodge  as  may  be 
necessary. 

Fifth — Degrees  shall  be  conferred  in  such  Lodges  only  on 
brothers  who  hold  certificates  of  an  election  in  their  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  to  receive  such  degrees. 

Sixth — Such  Degree  Lodge  shall  be  entitled  to  a  seal,  and 
on  conferring  a  degree  a  report  thereof  shall  be  made  under 
such  seal  to  the  proper  Subordinate  Lodge,  and  giving  the 
date. 

Seventh — The  Secretary,  under  the  seal  of  such  Degree 
Lodge,  shall  report  to  this  Grand  Lodge,  at  each  annual  com- 
munication, the  names  of  its  officers,  the  times  of  its  meet- 
ings, and  such  other  information  as  will  enable  it  to  under- 
stand the  condition  of  such  Degree  Lodge. — 1868  Journal, 
487,  488,  500;  1871  Journal,  429,  440,  442,  471. 

(See  Ritual.) 

Note.— When  the  degrees  are  Journal,  3180,  3233,  3266).  A 
conferred  by  a  regular  Degree  Degree  Master  cannot  refuse  to 
Lodge,  separate  from  the  Subordi-  confer  a  degree  simply  because  the 
nates,  the  application  of  the  candidate  cannot  prove  himself  in 
brother  desiring  the  degree  must  the  degrees  he  claims  he  has  re- 
be  acted  upon  in  his  Subordinate  ceived — (1872  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
Lodge.  If  the  application  be  5552,  5578).  Degree  Master  has 
granted,  a  certificate  of  the  fact  no  right  to  receive  the  Annual 
is  given  to  the  applicant,  which  Traveling  Password — (1874  Jour- 
certificate  being  presented  to  the  nal,  21,  104,  117;  1880  Journal, 
Degree  Lodge  authorizes  it  to  con-  258,  359,  375). 
fer    the     degree— (1860    S.    G.    L. 

1045.     Recommendation.     Existing  Degree  Lodges  not  to 
be  disturbed,  but  recommended  that  no  more  charters  be 
issued  therefor.— 1859  Journal,  462,  493,  530. 
20 


306  Degkek  Lodge. 

1046.  Qualifications  of  Degree  Master.  A  Scarlet  Degree 
member  is  not  eligible  to  fill  the  office  of  Degree  Master  of 
a  Degree  Lodge.  The  same  qualifipations  are  necessary  as 
for  the  Noble  Grand  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge. — 1869  Journal, 
83,  84,  107. 

Note. — It   is   not    expedient   to      ters — ( 1849  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1402, 
confer  any  title  or  honorary  dis-.     1476,  1511). 
tinction    upon   Past   Degree   Mas-      , 

1047.  Degree  Master.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  cannot  elect 
a  Degree  Master,  neither  can  a  Grand  Master  appoint  a 
brother  to  that  office.— 1882  Journal,  734,  844,  879. 

1048.  Degree  Lodges  the  same  as  formerly.  Degree 
Lodges  continue  the  same  as  before  the  legislation  requiring 
work  to  be  done  in  the  Third  Degree.  The  Subordinate  Lodge 
may,  if  it  choose,  confer  the  degrees. — 1882  Journal,  872, 
885. 

1049.  More  than  two  degrees  same  evening — Dispensa- 
tion. It  is  necessary  that  the  Degree  Lodge  should  be  in 
possession  of  the  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master  to 
entitle  it  to  confer  more  than  two  degrees  on  a  brother  the 
same  evening.  Where  the  dispensation  has  not  been  re- 
ceived by  the  Degree  Lodge,  its  warrant  of  authority  is  the 
certificate  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge  setting  forth  the  fact 
that  such  a  dispensation  has  been  granted,  together  with 
its  terms. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  V,  Sec.  2;  1888 
Journal,  1111,  1130 ;  1884  Journal,  15,  116,  153. 

(See  Dispensations.) 

1050.  Certificate  and  communications  under  seal.  De- 
grees cannot  be  conferred  except  upon  written  consent,  or 
request,  under  seal  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  and  all  commu- 
nications from  Subordinate  Lodges  must  be  under  seal. — 
1854  Journal,  69,  88 ;  1855  Journal,  155 ;  1862  Journal,  291 ; 
1882  Journal,  69,  88. 

1051.  Duty  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters.  The  Dis- 
trict Deputy  Grand  Masters  in  districts  where  a  Degree 
Lodge  exists,  shall  urge  upon  all  the  elected  officers  and 


Degrees. 


307 


members  of  the  Subordinate  Lodges  the  necessity  of  their 
attendance  when  the  degrees  are  being  conferred  on  their 
members. — 1859  Journal,  530. 

1052.  Duty  of  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand  of  Subordi- 
nate Lodge.  In  all  cases  when  a  member  shall  receive  a 
degree  in  a  Degree  Lodge,  it  is  and  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand  of  the  Lodge  of  which  such 
brother  is  a  member,  to  be  present  at  the  conferring  of  such 
degree.— 1866  Journal,  202,  216. 

1053.  Offenses  of  Degree  Lodge.  Whenever  any  Degree 
Lodge  shall  violate  the  Constitution,  By-Laws,  Rules  or  Reg- 
ulations of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  or  of  this  Grand 
Lodge,  it  shall  be  liable  to  a  trial  and  punishment. — Consti- 
tution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  XI,  Sec.  1. 

DEGREES. 

1.  Grand  Lodge  Degree,  page  307. 

2.  Past  Grand  Degree,  page  308. 

3.  Subordinate  Lodge,  page  317. 


1.  GRAND  LODGE  DEGREE. 
1054.  A  reward  for  faithful  official  service  only.  The 
Grand  Lodge  Degree  is,  by  the  laws  of  the  Order,  a  reward 
for  faithful  official  service,  and  not  to  be  conferred  for  any 
other  consideration  than  the  regular  performance  of  the 
duties  of  the  Noble  Grand's  chair.— 1862  Journal,  270. 


XoTE. — District  Deputies  have 
no  power  to  confer  Grand  Lodge 
d^^rees.  They  must  be  conferred 
by  Grand  Lodges  and  can  regu- 
larly be  given  only  during  the  ses- 
sion in  the  room  where  the  Grand 
Lodge  is  meeting,  but  by  special 
permission  they  may  be  conferred 
in  an  adjacent  room — (1847  S.  G. 
L.  .Journal,  1000,  1091  ;  1870  S.  G. 
L.  Journal,  48.38,  4869).     Special 


sessions  may  be  held  by  Grand 
Lodges  for  the  purpose  of  instruct- 
ing in  the  unwritten  work  of  the 
Order,  and  to  confer  the  Grand 
Lodge  and  Past  Official  Degrees — 
(1879  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8079, 
8174).  The  Grand  Lodge  Degree 
should  be  given  only  when  a  Past 
Grand  becomes  a  member  of  the 
Grand  Lodge— (18.53  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  21.34,  2176). 


1055.     Special  sessions  to  confer  degree.    Special  sessions 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  may  be  called  at  option  of  the  Grand 


308  Degrees. 

Master  to  confer  the  Grand  Lodge  Degree.  (See  Section 
2767  of  this  Digest.) 

1056.    Upon  Past   Grand   of   another  jurisdiction.    The 

Grand  Lodge  has  no  right  to  confer  the  Grand  Lodge  Degree 
upon  a  Past  Grand  of  another  jurisdiction,  who  holds  a  card 
certifying  that  he  is  a  Past  Grand  in  good  standing,  without 
a  certificate  from  his  Grand  Lodge,  and  a  request  to  confer 
said  degree.— 1866  Journal,  194;  1878  Journal,  925. 

Note.— A    State    Grand    Lodge  4402).     The  Grand  Lodge  Degree 

may  confer  the  Grand  Lodge  and  may  be    conferred    upon    a   Past 

Past  Official  Degrees  upon  a  Past  Grand  belonging  to  a  Subordinate 

Grand   of   another   State  jurisdic-  under   the   immediate   jurisdiction 

tion,   upon   the   presentation   of  a  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  by 

Visiting  Card  from  his  own  Lodge,  a  State  Grand  Lodge,  on  the  pre- 

and  also  a  certificate  executed  by  sentation   of   a   proper  certificate, 

the  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Sec-  signed  by  the  Grand  Sire  and  the 

retary,  under  the  seal  of  the  Grand  Grand  Secretary,  and  attested  by 

Lodge  to  whose  jurisdiction  such  the   seal   of   the   Sovereign   Grand 

Past    Grand   belongs,    that   he     is  Lodge — (1875     S.    G.   L.   Journal, 

eligible  and  entitled  to  the  same —  661.5,  6691). 
(1868     S.    G.    L.     Journal,     4367, 


2.     PAST  GRAND'S  DEGREE. 

1057.  Certificates  furnished  without  vote.  A  certificate, 
to  receive  the  Past  Grand's  Degree,  must  be  furnished  with- 
out a  vote  thereon  to  all  Past  Officers  entitled  thereto. — 1862 
Journal,  270;  1852-1861  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1902,  1953-3359, 
3379. 

1058.  Withdrawal  Card  and  Certificate.  A  Past  Grand 
who  applies  for  and  receives  a  Withdrawal  Card,  but 
through  inadvertence,  or  negligence  of  the  Secretary,  is  not 
presented  with  a  certificate  for  the  Past  Grand  or  Grand 
Lodge  Degree,  is  entitled  to  receive  the  certificate  after  the 
expiration  of  twelve  months,  as  before. — 1875  Journal,  281, 
295. 

1059.  Certificate  of  Lodge  taken  as  true.  It  is  not  incum- 
bent on  the  District  Deputy  to  go  behind  the  seal  of  a  Lodge 
to  ascertain  whether    brothers    claiming    the  Past  Official 


Degrees.  809 

Desrrees  are  legally  entitled  to  receive  them,  but  he  may  take 
the  certificate  of  a  Lodge  as  true. — 1863  Journal,  421. 

1060.  What  evidence  is  necessary  to  entitle  to.  The 
amount  and  character  of  evidence  requisite  to  entitle 
brothers  to  receive  the  Past  Official  Degrees  shall  be  a  cer- 
tificate duly  authenticated,  under  seal  of  his  Lodge,  where 
the  service  in  office  was  rendered,  setting  forth  that  the 
brother  served  the  legal  number  of  nights  till  the  close  of 
the  term  in  the  office  for  which  the  honors  are  claimed,  and 
that  the  brother  applying  for  said  degree  is  a  contributing 
member  in  good  standing  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  in  this 
State.— 1860  Journal,  10,  86. 

Note— The  established  law  of  the  Journal,  1845,  1886,  1949,  1898, 
Order  is  that  service  for  the  ma-  1952),  although  the  officer,  during 
jority  of  the  nights  of  a  term,  and  his  absence,  holds  a  regular  Visit- 
to  the  end,  is  requisite  to  entitle  ing  Card  from  his  Lodge — (1857 
one  to  the  Past  Official  Degrees—  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2758,  2782). 
(1850  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1613,  Service  for  a  majority  of  nights  of 
1638;  1852  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1845,  a  term  in  the  office  of  Noble 
1886,  1949;  1852  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  Grand  entitles  the  brother  to  the 
1898,  1952).  A  resignation  of  the  honors  of  Past  Noble  Grand,  al- 
incumbent  at  any  time  previous  to  though  leave  of  absence  be  granted 
the  expiration  of  the  term  works  for  the  remainder  of  the  term — 
a  forfeiture  of  those  degrees—  (1882  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8838, 
(1848  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1198,  9025,  9101).  Unless  an  officer  is 
1245;  1850  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1613,  present  in  the  Lodge-room  the  ma- 
1638).  Leave  of  absence  for  a  jority  of  the  meeting  nights  of  his 
majority  of  the  nights  of  his  term  term  (unless  excused  by  reason  of 
works  a  forfeiture  of  the  honors  sickness),  he  is  not  entitled  to  the 
of  the  terra  to  the  officer  to  whom  honor  of  his  office — (1883  S.  G.  L. 
leave   is  granted— ( 1852   S.   G.   L.  Journal,  9371,  9456). 

1061.  Suspended  Noble  Grand — On  appeal  suspension 
reversed.  If  a  Noble  Grand  should  be  suspended  before  hav- 
ing served  the  regular  term  to  entitle  him  to  the  Past  Noble 
Grand's  Degree,  and  that  act,  on  appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge, 
should  be  reversed,  he  would  be  entitled  to  the  honors  of  the 
office.— 1861  Journal,  188. 

1062.  Past  Grand  cannot  confer  without  authority.  A 
Past  Grand  has  no  right  to  confer  Past  Official  Degrees 
without  special  authority  from  the  Grand  Master. — 1867 
Journal,  357. 


310  Degrees. 

1063.  Authority  to  confer  Past  Grand's  Degree.  A  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  cannot  confer  the  Past  Grand's  Degree  at 
any  time.  This  degree  can  be  conferred  only  by  the  Grand 
Lodge,  the  Grand  Master,  or  his  Deputy. — 1898  Journal, 
220,  240. 

1064.  Vice>Grand  elected  Noble  Grand  to  fill  remainder 
of  term.  The  Noble  Grand  of  a  Lodge,  having  been  absent 
for  three  months,  his  seat  was  then  declared  vacant.  The 
Vice-Grand  had  filled  his  own  chair  for  a  majority  of  the 
nights  of  the  term.  The  Vice-Grand  can  be  elected  Noble 
Grand  and  will  be  entitled  to  the  Past  Official  Degree  only 
by  resigning  his  office  as  Vice-Grand,  and  being  elected  as  a 
Scarlet  Degree  member  by  a  dispensation. — 1872  Journal, 
577,  666,  684.  See,  also,  1849  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1443,  1475, 
1511. 

1065.  Grand  Master  or  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 
may  confer.  The  Grand  Master  in  person  may  confer  the 
Past  Official  Degrees,  and  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 
may  confer  Official  Degrees  on  Past  Grands. — Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sees.  1  and  7. 

Note. — State  Grand  Lodges  may  duly  qualified,  or  may  direct  said 

authorize   District   Deputy   Grand  degree  to  be  conferred  in  any  other 

Masters  to  confer  the  Past  Grand  manner — (1847   S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

Degree  at  any  time  upon   persons  1091). 

1066.  Honors  of  Past  Grand  cannot  be  conferred  on 
Treasurer.  A  Lodge,  as  a  testimony  of  appreciation  of  the 
services  of  its  Treasurer  for  five  years,  cannot  vote  to  confer 
upon  him  the  honors  of  Past  Grand.  A  brother  is  entitled 
to  the  honors  only  after  he  has  served  as  Noble  Grand  the 
required  time.— 1896  Journal,  436,  607,  636. 

1067.  Only  obtainable  by  service.  The  honors  of  Past 
Grand  can  be  obtained  only  by  service  as  Noble  Grand. — 
1902  Journal,  750,  900,  915. 

1068.  Retiring  Noble  Grand  not  present  at  Installation- 
The  retiring  Noble  Grand  of  a  Lodge,  although  not  present 
at  the  installation  of  his  successor,  having  served  a  majority 


Degrees.  311 

of  the  meetings  and  to  the  end  of  the  term,  is  entitled  to  the 
rank  of  Past  Grand  and  to  the  Chair  of  Acting  Past  Grand. 
— 1S91  Journal,  585,  686,  715. 

1069.  A  Noble  Grand  suspended  for  cause,  A  Noble 
Grand  who  serves  the  majority  of  the  nights  of  the  term,  and 
then,  before  the  expiration  of  the  term,  is  suspended  for 
cause,  is  not  entitled  to  the  honors  of  the  office  of  Noble 
Grand.  Any  brother  to  be  entitled  to  the  honors  of  an  office, 
must  serve  the  majority  of  the  meeting  nights  of  a  regular 
term,  and  continue  in  office  until  the  end  thereof.  The  sus- 
pension of  an  officer  for  cause  vacates  his  office.  It  is  not 
necessary  for  a  Lodge  to  immediately  elect  a  successor  to  a 
suspended  Noble  Grand. — 1895  Journal,  18,  185,  235. 

1070.  Sickness  of  officer — Honors  of  office.  The  sickness 
by  reason  of  which  an  officer  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  can  be 
excused  from  Lodge  attendance  without  forfeiting  the 
honors  of  his  office  must  be  his  personal  illness  and  not  that 
of  some  member  of  his  family. — 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  504, 
827,  873 ;  1905  Journal,  748,  926,  944. 

1071.  Sickness  of  officer  is  service.  Unavoidable  absence 
of  an  officer  arising  from  personal  sickness  is  considered 
service.— 1856  Journal,  216 ;  1861  Journal,  202 ;  1863  Journal, 
425,  426;  1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  504,  827,  873. 

1072.  Service  a  majority  of  nights  and  sickness.  To  be 
entitled  to  the  honors  of  Past  Grand,  a  member  must  serve  a 
majority  of  the  nights  of  a  term,  except  when  elected  to  fill  a 
vacancy  as  Noble  Grand,  and  to  the  end  of  such  term  (unless 
excused  for  personal  sickness).  Where  an  officer  is  excused 
for  personal  sickness,  it  is  to  be  considered  that  such  officer 
has  served  the  nights  for  which  he  or  she  has  been  excused 
on  account  of  such  sickness. — 1895  Journal,  21,  195,  196,  236 ; 
1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  504,  827,  873. 

1073.  Service  till  end  of  term  required.  The  Past  Official 
Degrees  cannot  be  conferred  except  for  actual  service  in  office 
(after  due  election  and  installation)  for  a  majority  of  nights 
in  the  term  (except  when  elected  to  fill  a  vacancy),  and  to 


312  Degrees. 

the  end  of  the  term  for  which  the  honors  are  claimed. — 1863 
Journal,  424. 

1074.  First  Noble  Grand,  and  eleven  nights*  service.  The 
first  Noble  Grand  of  a  Lodge  who  was  elected  seventeen 
nights  before  the  close  of  the  term,  and  who  served  eleven 
nights  of  the  seventeen,  but  w^as  absent  the  other  nights,  but 
whose  office  was  not  declared  vacant,  thereby  becomes  a  Past 
Grand  and  entitled  to  the  Official  Degrees. — 1859  Journal, 
511. 

1075.  Served  thirteen  nights  and  present  one  night,  no 
meeting.  A  Noble  Grand  who  has  served  thirteen  nights, 
and  was  present  one  night,  the  Lodge  holding  no  meeting 
that  night,  is  entitled  to  rank  as  Past  Grand  and  receive  the 
honors  of  Past  Official  Degrees.— 1882  Journal,  741,  844,  879. 

1076.  Officer  attends  when  no  quorum — Honors  of  office. 

If  a  Noble  Grand  is  in  actual  attendance  at  his  Lodge  on  a 
regular  meeting  night,  and  ready  to  perform  the  duties  of 
his  office,  but  is  obliged  to  adjourn  the  Lodge  for  want  of  a 
quorum,  he  has  served  for  that  meeting  night  and  is  entitled 
to  credit  for  the  same,  in  determining  the  number  of  meeting 
nights  he  has  served  during  the  term,  and  whether  or  not  he 
is  entitled  to  the  honors  of  the  office. — 1901  Journal,  410, 
557,  562. 

1077.  Served  fourteen  nights  and  then  absent.  A  Noble 
Grand  who  serves  fourteen  nights  of  his  term,  but  who  is 
absent  the  balance  of  his  term,  is  entitled  to  the  honors  of 
the  office.— 1887  Journal,  770,  875,  888. 

1078.  Not  present  last  meeting  of  term.  A  Noble  Grand 
who  has  served  the  majority  of  the  meeting  nights  of  the 
term,  and  to  the  end  of  the  term  (viz.,  June  30th  or  Decem- 
ber 31st)  is  entitled  to  the  honors  of  the  office,  whether  he 
or  she  was  present  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  term  or  not. — 
1900  Journal,  25,  216,  233. 

1079.  Vice-Grand  acts  as  Noble  Grand.  When  the  Noble 
Grand  is  absent  from  the  Lodge  a  majority  of  the  nights  of 


Dkgrees.  313 

his  term,  and  the  Vice-Grand  occupies  the  chair  of  the  Noble 
Grand  during  such  absence,  by  so  doing  the  Vice-Grand  is 
not  disqualified  from  receiving  the  honors  of  Vice-Grand 
although  he  did  not  act  as  Vice-Grand  a  majority  of  the 
nights  of  his  term.— 1882  Journal,  739,  844,  879. 

1080.  The  same.  A  Vice-Grand  who  may  have  served  a 
majority  of  nights  of  a  term  as  Noble  Grand,  or  who  tempo- 
rarily fills  the  Noble  Grand's  chair  for  the  remnant  of  a 
term,  without  having  been  elected  to  that  chair,  would  only 
be  entitled  to  the  honors  of  Past  Vice-Grand  for  the  term. 
He  is  not  entitled  to  the  honors  of  the  superior  office. — 1862 
Journal,  305,  310,  319. 

1081.  Vice-Grand  elected  Noble  Grand  to  fill  vacancy. 
Where  the  Noble  Grand  resigns  his  office,  and  the  Vice-Grand 
is  duly  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy,  he  is  thereafter  entitled  to 
all  the  honors  as  Noble  Grand.— 1886  Journal,  538,  620,  646. 

1082.  When  honors  of  Vice-Grand  forfeited.  A  Vice- 
Grand  elected  and  installed  as  Noble  Grand  to  fill  the 
vacancy  caused  by  the  resignation  of  the  Noble  Grand,  for- 
feits the  honors  of  the  Vice-Grand,  and  they  pass  to  his  suc- 
cessor.— Solomon  vs.  Placer  Lodge,  1869  Journal,  65,  76,  78. 

1083.  A  Scarlet  Degree  member  elected  Noble  Grand.    A 

Scarlet  Degree  member  elected  and  installed,  under  dispen- 
sation properly  issued,  to  the  office  of  Noble  Grand,  to  fill  a 
vacancy,  and  serving  the  last  part  of  the  term,  is  entitled  to 
the  Past  Grand's  degree.— 1868  Journal,  413,  526,  527. 

1084.  Third  Degree  member  and  chair  of  Junior  Past 
Grand.  A  Third  Degree  member  appointed  or  elected  to 
take  the  chair  of  Junior  Past  Grand  at  the  institution  of  a 
Lodge  is  not  entitled  to  the  honors  of  Past  Grand. — 1902 
Journal,  749,  900,  917. 

1085.  Service  from  July  1st  to  November  1st  and  then 
absent.  A  Noble  Grand  who  served  from  July  1st  to  Novem- 
ber 1st,  and  then  applies  for,  and  is  granted  a  leave  of  ab- 
sence for  the  balance  of  his  term,  is  entitled  to  the  Past 


314  Degrees. 

Grand's  Degree  at  the  end  of  the  term. — 1882  Journal,  740, 
844,  879. 

1086.  Must  serve  a  majority  of  iiights.  A  brother  who 
has  been  elected  to  the  ofl&ce  of  Noble  Grand  must  serve  a 
majority  of  the  regular  meetings  of  the  term  for  which  he 
was  elected,  unless  elected  to  fill  a  vacancy  or  prevented  by 
personal  sickness.— 1887  Journal,  768,  875,  888;  1905  Jour- 
nal, 748,  926,  944;  1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  504,  827,  873. 

1087.  Present  ten  nights  of  a  term.  A  Noble  Grand  who 
has  only  been  present  ten  nights  of  a  term  but  who  was 
granted  leave  of  absence,  cannot  have  the  honors  of  the 
office.— 1894  Journal,  604,  731,  737. 

1088.  Noble  Grand  takes  Withdrawal  Card.  Noble 
Grand  who  takes  a  Withdrawal  Card,  and  resigns  his  office 
before  the  end  of  the  term,  is  not  entitled  to  the  honors  of 
Past  Grand;  any  officer  to  be  entitled  to  the  honors  of  the 
office,  must  serve  to  the  end  of  the  term;  if  he  resigns  or 
withdraws  before  the  expiration  of  that  time,  irrespective 
of  the  number  of  meetings  he  has  served  during  the  time,  he 
is  not  entitled  to  the  honors  thereof. — 1898  Journal,  52,  220, 
240. 

1089.  Withdrawal  Card  on  last  night  of  term.  Where  a 
brother  is  elected  Noble  Grand,  and  serves  thirteen  or  four- 
teen nights  of  the  term,  and  applies  for  a  Withdrawal  Card 
from  his  Lodge,  to  aid  in  organizing  a  new  Lodge,  and  his 
Withdrawal  Card  was  granted  on  the  last  night  of  the  term 
(he  becoming  a  charter  member  of  the  new  Lodge),  he  is 
not  entitled  to  the  honors  and  degree  of  a  Past  Grand,  not 
having  served  as  Noble  Grand  to  the  end  of  the  term  for 
which  he  was  elected. — 1864  Journal,  564,  566. 

1090.  Served  less  than  a  majority  of  nights  and  leave  of 
absence.  A  brother  was  elected  Noble  Grand;  he  served 
less  than  a  majority  of  nights  of  the  term,  and  was  then 
granted  a  leave  of  absence  by  the  Lodge  and  served  no  more. 
No  vacancy  was  declared,  and  the  Vice-Grand  acted  during 
the  balance  of  the  term  in  his  place.  In  this  case  the  Noble 
Grand  is  not  entitled  to  the  honors. — 1867  Journal,  346,  359. 


Degrees.  315 

1091.  Actual  service  in  office  required.  A  Lodge  has  a 
right  to  grant  leave  of  absence,  but  actual  service  in  office, 
at  least  a  majority  of  the  nights  of  the  term,  whether  the 
officer  is  absent  with  or  without  leave  of  the  Lodge,  except 
in  case  of  personal  sickness,  is  required  to  entitle  an  officer 
to  the  honors  of  the  office.— 1869  Journal,  125,  126;  1905 
Journal,  748,  926,  944;  1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  504,  827,  873. 

1092.  Election  of  Scarlet  Degree  member  without  dispen- 
sation. Where  a  vacancy  occurs  in  the  office  of  Noble 
Grand  by  resignation,  and  all  qualified  brothers  refuse  to 
serve  and  the  Vice-Grand,  who  is  a  Scarlet  Degree  member 
that  has  not  served  a  term  as  Vice-Grand,  or  the  balance  of 
the  term  to  fill  a  vacancy,  is  elected  and  installed  Noble 
Grand,  without  dispensation,  no  objection  being  raised,  and 
the  Lodge  acting  in  good  faith,  and  serves  as  Noble  Grand 
the  balance  of  the  term,  the  irregularity  (the  want  of  dis- 
pensation) is  cured,  and  the  brother  is  entitled  to  the  rank 
of  Past  Grand. — Solomon  vs.  Placer  Lodge,  1869  Journal, 
65,  76,  78. 

1093.  Elected    and    installed    last    night    of   term.      A 

brother  is  entitled  to  the  honors  of  an  office  if  he  be  elected 
thereto  to  fill  a  vacancy,  and  installed  on  the  last  night  of  a 
term ;  provided,  he  be  elected  in  accordance  with  the  Consti- 
tution of  Subordinates.  If  a  brother  should  be  so  elected 
and  installed  into  the  chair  of  the  Vice-Grand,  on  the  last 
night  of  a  term,  he  would  be  eligible  to  the  office  of  Noble 
Grand.— 1861  Journal,  202,  203. 

1094.  Re-election  as  Noble  Grand  of  a  brother  who  had 
resigned  the  office.  A  Noble  Grand  who  passes  the  chairs  in 
the  following  manner  is  not  entitled  to  the  honors,  viz. :  He 
is  elected  and  installed  at  the  commencement  of  the  term, 
leaves  the  State,  sends  back  his  resignation  after  having  been 
absent  long  enough,  so  that  the  Lodge  might,  had  they  been 
so  disposed,  declared  the  seat  vacant ;  a  Past  Grand  is  elected 
to  fill  the  vacancy ;  towards  the  end  of  the  term  the  former 
Noble  Grand  comes  back,  the  Past  Grand  resigns  and  the 
Noble  Grand  is  re-elected  and  serves  the  last  of  the  term, 


316  Degrees. 

but  fails  during  the  whole  term  to  serve  a  majority  of  the 
nights.— 1867  Journal,  338,  349,  350. 

1095.  Resignation  at  last  meeting  of  term,  but  opens 
Lodge  at  all  meetings.  A  qualified  member  is  elected  and 
installed  as  Noble  Grand  of  a  Lodge.  The  roll-call  shows 
that  he  opened  the  Lodge  at  every  meeting  of  the  term,  but 
the  minutes  show  that  he  resigned  the  office  at  the  last  meet- 
ing of  the  term.  He  is  entitled  to  a  certificate  for  the  Past 
Koble  Grand's  Degree.— 1872  Journal,  657,  658,  677. 

1096.  A  Noble  Grand  receives  the  honors  of  Past  Grand 
when  not  entitled  thereto.  Any  officer  of  a  Subordinate 
Lodge  who  shall  have  served  a  majority  of  the  meeting 
nights  of  a  regular  term,  and  shall  have  continued  in  office 
until  the  end  thereof,  shall  be  deemed  to  have  served  a  full 
term,  and  is  entitled  to  the  honors.  If  a  Noble  Grand, 
through  no  fault  of  his  own,  receive  the  honors  of  Past  Grand 
when  not  entitled  thereto,  as  he  had  not  served  for  the  period 
required,  he  thereby  becomes  a  Past  Grand  and  he  cannot  be 
deprived  of  the  honors  he  has  received. — 1891  Journal,  688, 
701,  702,  727. 

1097.  When  two  Lodges  consolidate.  As  to  the  honors  of 
the  office  in  such  cases,  see  Section  951  of  this  Digest. 

1098.  When  retiring  Noble  Grand  is  elected  to   office. 

When  the  retiring  Noble  Grand  is  elected  to  another  office  at 
the  end  of  the  term,  he  does  not  forfeit  the  honors  of  Past 
Grand.— 1889  Journal,  34,  122,  163. 

1099.  Re-election  of  the  Noble  Grand.  A  brother  is  enti- 
tled to  the  Past  Grand's  Degree  upon  the  expiration  of  his 
term  in  the  office  of  Noble  Grand,  although  he  may  have 
been  re-elected  Noble  Grand.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31,  284, 
314. 

1100.  Illegal  installation.  A  brother  installed  into  office 
by  one  who  is  not  qualified  or  authorized  to  install  is  not 
legally  installed  and  does  not  acquire  the  honors  of  the 
office.— 1898  Journal,  12,  221,  240. 

(See  Consolidation  of  Lodges,  Installation,  Special  Ses- 
sions.) 


Degrees.  317 

3.     SUBORDINATE  LODGE. 

1101.  Application  for  degrees — Ballot — Certificate.  Ap- 
plication for  election  to  either  of  the  three  subordinate 
degrees  shall  be  accompanied  with  the  amount  required 
therefor,  and  presented  to  the  Lodge,"  under  the  proper  head, 
when  the  Lodge  shall  ballot  upon  the  application,  and  if  not 
more  than  two  black  balls  or  cubes  are  cast,  he  shall  be 
declared  elected :  and  if  the  Lodge  do  not  confer  the  degrees 
upon  its  own  members,  a  certificate  shall  be  given  the  appli- 
cant, addressed  to  a  Degree  Lodge,  or  officer  authorized  to 
confer  degrees,  showing  that  he  is  a  member  of  this  Lodge, 
and  has  been  authorized  to  receive  them.— Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  V,  Sec.  1. 

1102.  Examination  in  open  Lodge  in  secret  work,  signs, 
etc.  Provided,  that  no  brother  shall  have  conferred  upon 
him  a  higher  degree  in  the  Order  until  he  has  been  found 
proficient  by  examination  in  open  Lodge  in  the  secret  work 
and  the  signs,  passwords  and  grips  of  the  highest  degree  he 
has  attained. — Constitution  of  Subordinates,  Art.  V,  Sec.  1. 

1103.  Duty  of  Noble  Grand.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Noble  Grand  to  see  that  brothers  are  instructed  to  enable 
them  to  meet  the  requirements  of  Article  V  of  this  Constitu- 
tion (the  requirements  as  to  proficiency  and  examination  in 
open  Lodge  in  secret  work,  signs,  etc.). — Constitution  Sub- 
ordinates, Art.  VII,  Sec.  1. 

1104.  Number  conferred  at  one  meeting — Dispensation — 
Renewal  of  application.  Not  more  than  two  degrees  shall 
be  conferred  upon  a  candidate  at  any  one  meeting,  except 
by  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master  only.  If  any  degree 
be  refused  a  brother,  no  application  shall  be  again  received 
from  him  within  three  months. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  V,  Sec.  2. 

1105.  A  separate  ballot  for  each  degree.  In  this  jurisdic- 
tion it  is  illegal  to  ballot  for  the  three  degrees  of  Odd  Fel- 


318  Degrees. 

lowship  at  one  and  the  same  ballot;  a  separate  ballot  must 
be  had  for  each  degree.— 1886  Journal,  536,  620,  646;  1887 
Journal,  771,  875,  888. 

*  Note. — In  the   absence  of  local  whether  the  ballot  shall  be  sepa- 

legislation    a    separate    ballot    for  rate    for    each    degree    or    for    all 

each  degree  must  be  had,  but  it  is  collectively — (1882  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 

a     subject     for     local     legislation  nal,  8839,  8840,  9025,  9101,  9087). 

1106.  Grand  Lodge's  power.  A  Grand  Lodge  may  pro- 
vide that  all  degrees  must  be  conferred  without  any  other 
ballot  therefor  than  the  original  balloting  for  initiatory. 
Such  a  provision  would  be  legal,  not  as  dispensing  with  bal- 
loting, but  as  balloting  for  the  degrees  and  the  initiatory 
together.— 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  531,  752,  820. 

1107.  Balloting  upon  two  or  more  applicants  for  same 
degree.  Two  or  more  applications  for  the  same  degree  may 
be  balloted  upon  at  the  sam«  time  and  if  not  more  than  two 
black  balls  or  cubes  be  cast,  all  shall  be  declared  elected  to 
the  degree  balloted  for ;  but  if  more  than  two  black  balls  or 
cubes  be  cast,  the  Lodge  shall  then  proceed  to  ballot  upon 
each  application  for  such  degree,  separately. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  V,  Sec.  3. 

1108.  May  apply  for  degrees  orally  or  in  writing.  The 
application  for  degrees  may  be  made  in  writing  or  verbally 
in  open  Lodge.  The  Secretary  of  the  Lodge,  after  receiving 
the  candidate's  fee  for  a  degree,  may  apply  for  the  degree 
for  him  in  open  Lodge.— 1866  Journal,  536,  620,  646 ;  1887 
Journal,  771,  875,  888. 

1109.  When  applicant  may  apply.  A  candidate  may 
apply  for  the  degrees  as  soon  as  he  has  been  initiated,  and  if 
elected  may  have  them  conferred.  The  application  for  the 
degrees  may  be  all  at  one  time,  but  not  more  than  two  de- 
grees can  be  conferred  on  the  same  evening  without  a  dis- 
pensation.—1884  Journal,  14,  116,  153 ;  1888  Journal,  1111, 
1130,  1106,  1019;  Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  V,  Sec.  2. 

Note. — There  is  no  law  com-  he  may  stand  on  the  books  of  the 
polling  a  Lodge  to  give  a  brother  Lodge.  He  must  be  balloted  for, 
his   degree,    no    matter   how   good      and  it  is  for  tlie  voters  to  decide 


Degrees.  319 

whether  he  shall  advance  or  not.      degree     on     any    brother — (1872 
No   one   can   question   their   right      1873  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  5279,  5919, 
to   reject  or  refuse  to  confer  the      5950). 

1110.  When  initiate  may  apply  for  and  receive  First 
Degree.  A  brother  can  apply  for  the  First  Degree  imme- 
diately after  his  initiation,  and  he  can  receive  a  degree  on  the 
night  of  his  application  therefor,  without  a  dispensation. — 
1882  Journal,  976 ;  1883  Journal,  1001,  1150,  1175. 

1111.  Open  in  Third  Degree  to  pass    upon  applicant *s 

proficiency.  When  a  brother  who  has  been  voted  the  Second 
Degree  has  been,  while  the  Lodge  is  open  in  the  First  Degree, 
examined  in  open  Lodge  as  to  his  proficiency  in  the  First 
Degree,  it  is  then  necessary  to  reopen  in  the  Third  Degree  to 
ask  members  whether  they  are  satisfied  with  th^  exam- 
ination.—1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  530,  752,  820. 

1112.  Certain  By-Law  void.  A  By-Law  which  provides 
that  when  an  applicant  for  the  degrees  is  rejected  he  cannot 
apply  again  for  the  space  of  six  months  is  in  conflict  with  the 
provisions  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates  and  therefore 
void.— 1889  Journal,  31,  144,  162. 

1113.  Right  of  Subordinate  Lodge  to  confer.  The  right 
to  confer  the  Subordinate  Degrees  upon  their  own  members 
is  guaranteed  to  Subordinate  Lodges  by  their  charters.  It 
is  an  inherent  right,  and  no  State  authority  in  our  Order  is 
competent  to  contravene  it. — 1872-1875-1876  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
5280,  5497,  5544-6574,  6641,  6978,  7051,  7041,  7082. 

1114.  Lodge's  privilege  to  investigate  applicant's  char- 
acter, health  and  condition.  It  is  the  privilege  of  a  Lodge  to 
investigate  the  condition,  character  and  health  of  a  brother 
when  he  applies  for  the  degrees. — Williams  vs.  Yerba  Buena 
Lodge,  1889  Journal,  136,  160. 

1115.  The  same.  There  is  no  provision  of  law  requiring 
a  statement  by  a  brother  as  to  his  physical  condition  when 
he  applies  for  degrees,  although  the  Lodge  has  the  power  to 
request  such  statement  of  him. — Williams  vs.  Yerba  Buena 
Lodge,  1889  Journal,  137,  160. 


320  Degrees. 

1116.  Saloon-keeper  initiated  by  mistake.  Whenever  it 
is  discovered  that  such  inhibited  individual  has  by  any 
means  been  initiated  in  the  Order,  iiis  further  prof^ress  in 
the  Order  should  be  arrested.  As  he  was  not  eligible  to 
membership,  he  is  not  qualified  to  receive  any  of  the  de- 
grees.—1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15169,  15605,  15633. 

1117.  Commencing  saloon  business  after  initiation. 
Should  a  person  receive  the  Initiatory  and  First  Degrees,  and 
thereafter,  and  before  receiving  the  Second  Degree,  go  into 
the  saloon  business,  he  is  not  only  disqualified  from  further 
advancement  in  the  Order,  but  charges  should  be  preferred 
against  him.— 1896  Journal,  413,  581,  628. 

1118.  Only  two  degrees  a  week  except  by  dispensation. 

The  evident  intent  of  Section  2,  Article  V,  Constitution  of 
Subordinates,  was  to  authorize  only  two  degrees  to  be  con- 
ferred on  a  candidate  on  one  day  or  one  evening.  Two 
degrees  on  a  candidate  in  one  week  is  all  that  is  authorized 
by  the  section  except  by  dispensation. — 1888  Journal,  1111, 
1130,  1106,  1019. 

1119.  Ballot  in  Third  Degree.  Ballot  for  degrees  must 
be  had  in  the  Third  Degree.— 1886  Journal,  536,  620,  646. 

Note. — Balloting  for  all  de-  desires  to  open  in  the  Second  De- 
grees must  take  place  in  the  gree,  the  Lodge  must  close  in  the 
Third  Degree — (1882  S.  G.  L.  First  Degree  before  opening  in  the 
Journal,  8839,  8840,  9025,  9101,  Second  Degree,  in  the  manner  and 
8992,  9087).  When  a  Lodge  is  form  prescribed  by  the  charge- 
open  in  the  First  Degree,  and  has  book,  and  the  same  rule  applies 
concluded  the  business  to  be  to  all  degrees — (1866  S.  G.  L. 
transacted     in     such     degree,    and  Journal,  .3876,  3953,  3987). 

1120.  Two  Lodges  cannot  confer  degrees  at  same  time 
and  place.  Only  one  Lodge  can  be  in  session  at  the  same 
time  and  place,  and  confer  the  degrees,  although  another 
Lodge  may  be  present  at  the  conferring  of  the  degrees. — 
1869  Journal,  12,  125,  126. 

.  1121.  Joint  meetings.  Lodges  cannot  hold  joint  meetings 
in  any  degree.— 1872  Journal,  666,  684. 


Degrees.  Mi 

1122.  Subordinate  Lodge  and  Degree  Lodge.  A  Subordi- 
nate Lodge  has  the  right  to  confer  the  degrees  upon  its  mem- 
bers, notwithstanding  the  existence  of  Degree  Lodges. — 1882 
Journal,  872,  885. 

Note. — The  organization  of  a  to  send  their  members  to  a  De- 
Degree  Lodge  in  the  city,  town  or  gree  Lodge  to  receive  the  degrees 
district,  does  not  interfere  with  — (1869  S.  G.  L,  Journal,  4652; 
the  right  of  Subordinate  Lodges  1875  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6350,  6619, 
to  confer  the  degrees  upon  their  6692). 
own    members,    nor    compel    them 

1123.  Regular  and  special  meetings.  A  Lodge  has  a 
right  to  confer  degrees  at  a  special  meeting  called  for  the 
purpose,  but  the  degrees  must  be  applied  for  at  a  regular 
meeting.— 1866  Journal,  199,  216. 

1124.  Cannot  ballot  at  special  meeting.  A  Lodge  has  no 
right  to  ballot  for  the  degrees  at  a  special  meeting  called  for 
the  purpose  of  conferring  the  degrees. — 1881  Journal,  500, 
601,  627. 

1125.  When  Noble  and  Vice-Grand  absent  and  Past 
Grand  present.  A  Past  Grand  has  not  the  right  to  open  the 
Lodge  in  the  absence  of  the  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand, 
and  to  confer  degrees,  there  being  only  five  members  present, 
including  one  visiting  brother, — 1861  Journal,  167,  168. 

1126.  The  proper  officers  to  confer.  The  Noble  Grand, 
and  in  his  absence  the  Vice-Grand,  is  the  proper  officer  to 
confer  the  degrees  in  the  Subordinate  Lodge. — 1857  Journal, 
271. 

1127.  Past  Grand  and  District  Deputy  Grand  Master. 
The  District  Deputy  Grand  Master,  or  an  experienced  Past 
Grand,  may  be  invited  to  confer  them. — 1857  Journal,  271 ; 
1858  Journal,  331,  393,  398 ;  1864  Journal,  515. 

1128.  Motion  to  reconsider.  Inasmuch  as  the  balloting 
for  degrees  is  the  same  as  on  a  proposition  for  membership, 
by  secret  ball  ballot,  arid  no  one  is  supposed  to  know  at  any 
time  how  another  votes,  the  parliamentary  rule  requiring  a 
motion  to  reconsider  to  come  from  a  brother  voting  with  the 

21 


322  Degrees. 

majority,  does  not  apply  to  a  ballot  for  degrees. — ^larx  vs. 
Aetna  Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1008,  1160,  1180. 

1129.  When  may  reconsider  a  favorable  ballot.  A  Lodge 
has  the  right  to  reconsider  a  favorable  ballot  for  degrees  at 
any  time  before  the  degrees  have  been  conferred. — 1873 
Journal,  870,  892;  Marx  vs.  Aetna  Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1008, 
1166,  1180. 

1130.  On  more  than  one  person  at  a  time.  It  is  ancient 
usage  to  confer  degrees  on  more  than  one  person  at  a  time. — 
1857  Journal,  272. 

1131.  Conferred  on  members  of  other  Lodges  upon  re- 
quest, under  seal.  The  degrees  cannot  be  conferred  by  a 
Lodge  upon  a  member  of  another  Lodge,  except  upon  its 
written  consent  or  request,  under  seal,  and  if  so  conferred, 
no  charge  should  be  made. — 1854  Journal,  69,  88 ;  1855  Jour- 
nal, 155 ;  1882  Journal,  844,  879. 

Note. — A  certificate  to  author-  duty  of  any  Lodge,  upon  the  pre- 
ize  a  brother  to  receive  his  de-  sentation  of  a  duly  authenticated 
grees  away  from  the  location  of  degree  certificate,  if  the  holder  be 
his  Lodge  can  only  be  granted  by  in  good  standing,  to  confer  the 
application  to  his  Lodge  at  a  degrees  upon  the  candidate  hold- 
regular  session — (1868  S.  G.  L.  ing  and  presenting  such  certifi- 
Journal,  4240,  4347,  4414,  4430).  caie— (1867  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
No  Lodge  has  the  right  to  give  a  4069,  4087,  4201;  1871  S.  G.  L. 
certificate  to  receive  the  degrees  Journal,  5552,  5578). 
until  the  fees  are  paid.     It  is  the 

1132.  Conferred  on  members  of  another  jurisdiction.    A 

Lodge  may  confer  the  degrees  on  a  member  of  a  Lodge  in 
another  jurisdiction  who  has  a  Traveling  Card  with  the 
Annual  Traveling  Password  and  a  certificate  of  his  Lodge 
that  the  degrees  have  been  voted  him  and  paid  for,  with  a 
request  that  they  be  conferred. — 1870  Journal,  188,  255,  282. 

1133.  The  same.  When  a  Lodge  requests  another  Lodge 
to  confer  the  degrees  upon  one  of  its  members,  and  the 
brother  on  whom  they  are  to  be  conferred  does  not  appear, 
and  moves  out  of  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge  requested, 
that  Lodge  has  no  more  to  do  in  the  matter.     The  brother 


Degrees.  323 

should  apply  to  his  Lodge  for  a  request  on  any  Lodge  where 
he  can  appear  and  receive  the  degrees. — 1879  Journal,  24, 
101,  110. 

1134.  Where  a  brother  takes  a  Withdrawal  Card  and 
removes.  Where  a  brother  joins  a  Lodge,  and  applies  for 
and  pays  for  the  three  degrees,  but  receives  the  first  only, 
and  then  removes  to  another  district,  applying  for  and  re- 
ceiving his  Withdrawal  Card  and  an  order  for  the  two 
degrees  for  which  he  has  paid,  and  then  joins  another  Lodge 
as  a  First  Degree  member,  requesting  the  Lodge  to  confer 
the  other  two  degrees  for  which  he  has  an  order,  the  Lodge 
is  in  duty  bound  to  confer  the  two  degrees  upon  the  brother, 
but  the  Lodge  receiving  the  money  for  the  two  degrees 
should  refund  the  fees  to  the  Lodge  conferring  the  degrees. 
After  receiving  his  Withdrawal  Card  from  his  Lodge,  the 
brother  could  not  receive  the  other  two  degrees  from  a 
Degree  Lodge  before  depositing  his  Withdrawal  Card  in 
another  Lodge. — 1875  Journal,  301. 

1135.  Degrees  under  the  old  work  and  the  new  work.    A 

visiting  brother  who  is  in  possession  of  the  degrees  under 
the  old  work  is  entitled  to  be  present  when  the  degrees  under 
the  new  work  are  being  conferred,  without  any  order  from 
his  Lodge.  Such  a  brother  ranks  as  a  member  of  the  Third 
Degree  of  the  new  work,  without  charge  and  without  the 
conferring  of  the  revised  degrees.^1882  Journal,  735,  737, 
844,  879. 

1136.  One  Lodge  authorizing  another  to  give  instructions. 
A  member  in  good  standing  of  a  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction, 
who  was  in  Massachusetts,  desired  to  visit  a  Lodge  there. 
He  had  never  visited  any  Lodge  since  the  work  was  changed 
from  five  to  three  degrees.  The  Massachusetts  Lodge  re- 
quested the  California  Lodge  to  authorize  them  to  instruct 
the  brother  in  the  work  of  the  three  degrees,  that  he  may 
visit  the  Lodge.  The  California  Lodge  has  power  to  author- 
ize that  Lodge  to  give  such  instruction. — 1899  Journal,  438, 
650,  677. 


324  Degrees. 

1137.  A  brother  who  has  not  the  right  to  visit.  Instruc- 
tions cannot  be  given  in  any  of  the  degrees  of  the  Order  to  a 
brother  who  has  not  the  right  to  vi^t  the  Lodge  in  which 
he  desires  instruction. — 1858  Journal,  390. 

1138.  The  meaning  of  certain  words.  The  words  in  a 
By-Law  that  '*no  degree  shall  be  conferred  on  a  brother  who 
is  in  arrears  for  dues,"  means  that  the  brother's  dues  must 
be  paid  up  to  the  time  of  receiving  the  degree. — 1885  Jour- 
nal, 287,  403,  432. 

1139.  Initiatory  Degree.  The  initiatory  is  a  degree  in 
Odd  Fellowship,  but  it  is  not  numbered  as  such. — 1888  S.  G. 
L.  Journal,  11104,  11368,  11396. 

1140.  The  four  degrees.  The  four  degrees  of  a  Subordi- 
nate Lodge  are  denominated  Initiatory,  First,  Second  and 
Third  Degrees.— 1888  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11104,  11368,  11396. 

1141.  The  Third  or  Scarlet  Degree.  The  proper  style  and 
name  of  the  highest  degree  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge  is 
Third  Degree,  or  the  Degree  of  Truth,  and  by  that  title  it 
should  be  designated  in  giving  instructions  or  when  used 
officially ;  but  inasmuch  as  it  is  incidentally  referred  to  in  the 
work  as  the  Scarlet  Degree,  there  is  no  impropriety  in  refer- 
ring to  it  in  that  manner. — 1883  Jonrnal,  9370,  9456. 

1142.  Royal  Blue  Member  and  Third  Degree.  A  brother 
who  was  a  Royal  Blue  member  and  who  was  suspended  some 
twenty  years  ago  was  reinstated,  and  to  make  him  a  Third 
Degree  member  he  must  take  the  Second  and  Third  Degrees. 
—1900  Journal,  28,  186,  320. 

1143.  Candidates  appear  without  regalia.  In  all  cases 
when  a  candidate  enters  the  hall  to  receive  the  degrees,  he 
should  appear  without  regalia. — 1860  Journal,  76;  1885 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10133,  10179. 

1144.  Right  of  leaving  the  Lodge-room.  A  member  may 
leave  the  Lodge-room  when  the  Lodge  is  closed  in  the  Initia- 
tory Degree  to  be  reopened  in  the  Second,  without  the  per- 
mission of  the  Noble  Grand.— 1886  Journal,  535,  620,  646. 


Degree  Staff.  325 

1145.  The  same.  The  Noble  Grand  cannot  require  a 
brother  to  retire  who  may  have  received  the  First  or  Second 
Degrees  before  the  Lodge  has  closed  in  the  degree  so  re- 
ceived.—1889  Journal,  34,  122,  163. 

(See  Fees;  Dispensations.) 

DEGREE  STAFF. 

1146.  Should  address  the  chairs.  A  Degree  Team  should 
address  the  chairs  on  retiring  and  re-entering  from  the  prep- 
aration room. — 1891  Journal,  586,  686,  715. 

1147.  The  same.  Initiation  and  conferring  degrees.  The 
Team,  retiring  to  prepare  for  initiation  or  for  conferring  of 
the  degrees  in  a  Subordinate  or  Degree  Lodge,  should  ad- 
dress the  Noble  Grand,  and  the  Noble  Grand  and  Vice- 
Grand,  on  re-entering,  when  the  Lodge  is  in  regular  session, 
the  same  as  at  any  other  time.  The  Ritual  provides  the  form 
for  retiring  and  entering  the  Lodge-room  and  should  be  fol- 
lowed explicitly.  The  exceptions  to  this  rule  are  also  laid 
down  in  the  Ritual— 1898  Journal,  11,  221,  240. 

1148.  When  not  to  address  the  chairs.  If  an  officer  or 
the  Degree  Staff  enter  from  or  retire  to  the  ante-room 
through  a  doorway  other  than  the  one  in  charge  of  Inside 
Guardian,  he  or  they  need  not  address  the  chair  as  directed 
on  page  33  of  the  Ritual.  The  Team  work  contemplates  the 
entrance  of  the  Team  at  certain  points  in  their  work, 
through  some  other  entrance  than  the  regular  entrance  to 
their  Lodge-room.— 1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15758,  16071, 
16116. 

1149.  Qualifications  of  members  of  Degree  Staff.  A 
member  cannot  occupy  any  position  or  deliver  any  charge 
or  conduct  any  work  in  a  Degree  Staff  that  he  is  not  qualified 
to  fill,  or  so  privileged  by  the  rank  he  has  attained  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Order.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14687,  14948,  15019. 

1160.  Who  may  occupy  Noble  Grand's  chair.  It  is  not 
proper  in  a  Degree  Staff  for  anyone  except  the  Noble  Grand 
or  a  Past  Grand  to  occupy  the  Noble  Grand's  chair,  except 


326  Demurrer— Depositions — Digest. 

that  in  the  absence  of  the  Noble  Grand  the  Vice-Grand  may 
occupy  the  chair  of  the  Noble  Grand. — 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
530,  572,  820. 

1151.  Who  may  occupy  the  Vice-Grand's  chair.  In  a 
Degree  Staff  only  the  Vice-Grand,  a  Past  Grand  or  a  Past 
Vice-Grand  may  occupy  the  chair  of  the  Vice-Grand. — 1904 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  530,  572,  820. 

1152.  Paraphernalia  or  robes  of  degree — Rebekah  Lodge. 
A  Degree  Team  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  has  no  right  to  ap- 
pear in  the  paraphernalia  or  robes  of  the  degree  at  a  Rebekah 
Lodge,  or  any  other  place  outside  of  a  Subordinate  or  Degree 
Lodge.— 1901  Journal,  409,  551,  562. 

DEMURRER. 

1153.  To  charges.  A  demurrer  may  be  interposed  on  the 
ground  of  the  insufficiency  of  the  charges. 

(See  Trials.) 

DEPOSITIONS. 

1154.  Manner  of  taking,  etc.  Our  laws  provide  for  and 
regulate  the  manner  of  taking  depositions. 

(See  Trials.) 

DIGEST. 

1155.  Must  have  them  in  Lodge-room  at  each  session. 

The  Noble  Grand  of  each  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  is 
required  to  have  present  in  the  Lodge-room  on  each  Lodge- 
night,  such  digests  of  the  laws  and  decisions  of  the  Order 
as  may  be  in  possession  of  the  Lodge,  for  the  convenience 
of  the  brothers,  in  case  they  are  required  for  reference. — 
1866  Journal,  179,  180. 

JsoTE. — White's    Digest    of     the  5952).      A    digest    simply    recites 

laws  and  decisions   of  the   Sover-  what  the  law  is.    The  actual  crea- 

eign  Grand  Lodge  is  a  mere  com-  tion  of  the  law  is  either  by  legis- 

pilation,    and    whether     any    de-  lative  enactment  in  some  form,  or 

cision     of    the     Sovereign     Grand  by  decision.       The  decision  or  the 

Lodge  is  law  or  not  does  not  de-  resolution   itself,  and  not  the   di- 

pend  on  the  fact  whether  it  is  or  gesting    of    it,    governs — (1905    S. 

is  not  found  in  White's  Digest—  G.  L.  Journal,  76,  276,  291). 
(1873     S.    G.    L.    Journal,     5931, 


Diplomas— Dismissal  Certificates.  327 

1156.  The  Lodge  and  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Mas- 
ter. A  digest  belongs  to  the  Lodge  that  buys  and  pays 
for  it.  A  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  is  also  supposed  to 
have  one,  but  that  does  not  belong  to  a  Lodge,  and  Section 
1155  of  this  Digest  does  not  apply  to  the  one  that  belongs 
to  the  office  of  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master. — 1897 
Journal,  807,  1030,  1050. 

(See  Grand  Secretary,  under  head  of  Officers;  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master,  under  head  of  Officers.) 

DIPLOMAS. 

1157.  Duties  of  Grand  and  Subordinate  Officers.  Offi- 
cers of  the  Grand  or  Subordinate  Lodges  are  prohibited 
from  signing  any  diploma  not  issued  by  authority  of  the 
Sbvereign  Grand  Lodge,  and  properly  authenticated  by  the 
Grand  Secretary  of  that  Body,  written  or  engraved  on  the 
margin  thereof;  and  all  diplomas  not  issued  by  the  Sover- 
eign Grand  Lodge,  which  have  been  signed  by  any  officer 
of  a  Grand  or  Subordinate  Body,  are  of  no  force  or  effect, 
and  the  same  are  null  and  void. — 1860  Journal,  8,  9,  27. 

1158.  Who  authorized  to  issue.  The  Grand  Master  and 
Grand  Secretary  are  authorized  to  issue  to  members  the  new 
diploma  (furnished  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge)  under 
seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1860  Journal,  81. 

Note. — Past    officers    cannot    be  rank    by    virtue    of    their    having 

deprived  of  their  rank  simply  be-  filled  said  offices,  and  evidence  of 

cause    they    are    not    members    of  said    rank    should    be     shown     in 

Grand  I^odges  or  Grand  Encamp-  their    diplomas — (1884    S.    G.    L. 

nients,   but   are   entitled    to   their  Journal,  9821). 

(See  Grand  Secretary,  under  head  of  Officers.) 

DISMISSAL    CERTIFICATES. 

1159.  After  five  years'  suspension.  A  member,  after 
being  suspended  in  this  jurisdiction  for  non-payment  of 
dues  for  the  space  of  five  years,  wishing  to  join  a  Lodge  in 
this  jurisdiction,  shall  be  entitled  to  receive,  and  the  Lodge 
shall  grant  him,  upon  proper  application,  a  Dismissal  Certifi- 


328  Dismissal  Certificates. 

cate,  upon  the  receipt  of  one  dollar. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  VIII,  See.  1,  Clause  4. 

1160.  To  regain  membership  in  another  jurisdiction.  A 
member  suspended  from  membership  in  this  jurisdiction 
for  non-payment  of  dues,  wishing  to  regain  membership  in 
another  jurisdiction,  shall,  upon  proper  application,  be  enti- 
tled to  receive  from  the  Lodge  from  which  he  was  so  sus- 
pended, a  Dismissal  Certificate,  upon  the  payment  to  said 
Lodge  of  one  dollar. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII, 
Sec.  1,  Clause  5. 

1161.  When  the  Lodge  has  refused  to  reinstate.    In  all 

cases,  when  a  member  has  been  suspended  for  non-payment 
of  dues,  and  his  Lodge  has  refused  to  reinstate  him,  he  shall, 
upon  proper  application,  be  entitled  to  receive,  and  the 
Lodge  shall  grant,  a  Dismissal  Certificate,  upon  the  receipt 
therefor  of  one  dollar. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art. 
VIII,  Sec.  1,  Clause  6. 

Note. — The   law   in   relation   to  dutj'     of     the    Noble    Grand     and 

dismissal      certificates      was      in-  Recording  Secretary  to  issue  such 

tended      to     cover     all     allowable  certificates    upon    proper    applica- 

cases,   and   there   is   no   authority  tion,    in     open    Lodge,    and     pay- 

for    a    Subordinate    to   grant    dis-  ment  of  the  fee,  without  a  vote  of 

missal  certificates,  except  as  pro-  the  Lodge — (1870   S.  G.  L.  Jour- 

vided    by     law— (1877     S.    G.    L.  nal,  4932).     One  dollar  is  the  fee 

Journal,    7375,    7473).      In    cases  or  cost  of  a  dismissal  certificate, 

where    the    law    makes    it    obliga-  and   no   Lodge     is     authorized   to 

tory    upon    Lodges    to    grant    dis-  charge    any   greater    amount     for 

missal     certificates     to     brothers  the  same — (1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

suspended    or    dropped     for     non-  11481,  11728,  11786). 
payment  of  dues,  it  shall  be    the 

1162.  When  granting  Dismissal  Certificate  is  discretion- 
ary. A  Lodge,  upon  proper  application  and  the  receipt  of 
one  dollar,  may,  at  the  discretion  of  the  Lodge,  by  a  major- 
ity vote  of  the  members  present,  grant  a  Dismissal  Certificate 
to  a  member  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues,  to  enable 
such  suspended  member  to  join  a  Lodge  in  the  same  jurisdic- 
tion before  five  years  have  expired. — 1880  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
8487. 


Dismissal  Certificates.  329 

1163.  The  same.  A  suspended  brother  cannot  compel 
his  Lodge  to  grant  him  a  Dismissal  Certificate  before  he  has 
been  suspended  five  years,  although  the  suspending  Lodge 
has  not  refused  to  reinstate  him,  and  there  are  no  charges 
preferred,  the  intention  being  to  deposit  the  Dismissal  Cer- 
tificate in  his  former  Lodge  or  another  Lodge  in  the  same 
city,  thereby  escaping  the  payment  of  the  usual  charges  for 
reinstatement.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  76,  276,  291. 

1164.  To  whom  issued.  Dismissal  Certificates  can  only 
be  issued  to  members  who  have  been  dropped  or  suspended 
for  non-payment  of  dues.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  513,  827, 
873. 

Note. — The  new  law  of  trans-  applicable  to  holders  of  dismissal 
fer  of  membership  by  card  is  not      certificates — See   Section    1865. 

1165.  Holders  thereof  may  be  readmitted  to  membership, 
but  no  right  to  visit.  Dismissal  Certificates  may  be  received 
from  the  holders  thereof,  on  application  for  membership  in 
Subordinate  Lodges,  in  the  same  manner  and  with  the  same 
effect  as  Withdrawal  Cards ;  and  applications  made  on  such 
certificates  shall  be  received  and  acted  upon  in  like  man- 
ner as  upon  Withdrawal  Cards.  But  the  holders  of  such 
certificates  shall  in  no  case  be  allowed  to  visit  thereon. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  1,  Clause  7. 

Note.— The  privilege  of  visit-  tificate— ( 1880  S,  G.  L.  Journal, 
ing  a  Ixxlge  shall  not  be  awarded  8487;  1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  30, 
to  the  holder  of  a   dismissal  cer-      40,  219,  243). 

1166.  Brother  under  charges  not  entitled  to.  While  a 
Lodge  is  preparing  to  bring  charges  against  a  member  for 
conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow,  the  member  is  not  enti- 
tled to  a  Dismissal  Certificate.— 1884  Journal,  13,  116,  153. 

Note. — A    Lotlge    has    no    right  and      Subordinate      Bodies      must 

to    refuse    a    dismissal    eertificate  conform  to  them — (1871   S.  G.  L. 

to  a   member  suspended   for   non-  Journal,   4993,   5194,   5245).     Un- 

payment  of  dues  and  who  makes  less  charges  are  preferred — (1885 

pro[)er   application    for   the   same.  S.    G.    L.     Journal,     9856,    10105, 

The  laws  of  the  Soverei^  Grand  10170). 
Lodge    insure    to    him    this    right 


330  Dismissal  Certificates. 

1167.  Guilty  of  improper  conduct  after  suspension  for 
non-payment  of  dues.  Where  a  brother  is  suspended  for 
non-payment  of  dues,  and  afterwards,  in  accordance  with 
law,  applies  to  the  Lodge  for  a  Dismissal  Certificate,  the 
Lodge  must  grant  the  same.  Should  the  brother  have  been 
guilty  after  his  suspension  of  conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd 
Fellow,  the  Lodge  must  still  grant  the  Dismissal  Certifi- 
cate or  prefer  charges  and  try  the  brother. — 1883  Journal, 
1001,  1150,  1175. 

1168.  Duplicate  Dismissal  Certificate.  A  brother  received 
from  his  Lodge  a  Dismissal  Certificate,  the  Lodge  became 
defunct  and  the  person  lost  or  mislaid  it.  The  Grand  Lodge 
may  grant  him  a  Duplicate  Dismissal  Certificate.  There  is 
no  other  source  for  him  to  receive  a  Dismissal  Certificate 
except  from  the  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Secretary  during 
the  interim,  or  from  the  Grand  Lodge  itself  at  its  session. — 
1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  48,  361,  371,  372. 

1169.  Dismissal  Certificates  to  members  of  defunct 
Lodges.  Grand  Lodges,  through  their  proper  officers,  shall 
be  permitted  to  issue  to  members  of  defunct  Lodges  With- 
drawal Cards  or  Dismissal  Certificates,  according  to  the 
standing  of  the  brother  when  the  Lodge  surrendered  its 
charter,  and  members  holding  such  cards  or  certificates 
shall  have  the  same  privilege  and  are  to  be  recognized  by 
every  Lodge  to  which  they  may  be  presented,  whether  in 
or  out  of  the  jurisdiction  issuing  them,  as  having  the  same 
force  and  effect  as  a  Withdrawal  Card  or  Dismissal  Certifi- 
cate that  has  been  issued  by  an  existing  Lodge  in  good 
standing,  and  will  enable  the  holder  to  join  another  Lodge 
and  all  laws  in  conflict  herewith  are  repealed. — 1899  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  251,  319,  320,  353. 

1170.  Charter  surrendered — Dismissal  Certificate.  A 
Grand  Lodge  can  issue  or  grant  a  Dismissal  Certificate  to  a 
brother  who  has  been  dropped  or  suspended  for  non-payment 
of  dues  before  the  Lodge  surrendered  its  charter. — 1900 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  513,  827,  873. 


Dispensations.  331 

1171.  Dismissal  Certificate  to  member  of  defunct  Lodge. 

A  Grand  Lodge  cau  issue  a  Dismissal  Certificate  to  a  member 
of  a  defunct  Lodge,  that  is,  if  the  membei  was  entitled  to 
receive  a  Dismissal  Certificate  from  the  Lodge  at  the  time 
of  the  surrender  of  its  charter,  he  is  entitled  to  receive  a 
Dismissal  Certificate  from  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1900  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  514,  827,  873. 

1172.  Where  a  person  was  initiated  without  right.  Where 
a  Lodge  initiates  a  person  without  the  knowledge  that  he 
had  formerly  been  a  member  of  the  Order  and  suspended 
for  non-payment  of  dues,  and  the  person  having  acted  inno- 
cently through  ignorance,  it  should  refund  his  initiatory  fee 
and  dismiss  him  without  card  or  certificate.  The  person  so 
dismissed  is  entitled  to  a  Dismissal  Certificate  from  the 
Lodge  which  suspended  him  for  non-payment  of  dues. — 1881 
Journal,  517,  595,  624. 

1173.  The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  supplies  them.  The 
certificates  named  in  this  section  (Dismissal  Certificates), 
shall  be  only  those  provided  by  the  Grand  Secretary  of  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art. 
VIII,  Sec.  1,  Clause  8. 

Note. — They  are  sold  a8  other  rate  as  cards — (1880  S.  G.  L. 
supplies  are  sold  and  at  the  same      Journal,  8487). 

1174.  Must  show  degree  and  rank  of  holder.  A  Dismis- 
sal Certificate,  when  issued,  shall  show  upon  its  face  the 
highest  degree  and  rank  obtained  by  the  brother  to  whom 
the  same  is  issued.— 1884  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  9722,  9798. 

(See  Charter  and  Charter  Members.) 

DISPENSATIONS. 

1175.  Grand  Master  may  grant  certain  dispensations. 
He  may  grant  dispensations — 

Ist.     To  confer  degrees  on  a  member  without  delay. 
2nd.    To  allow  members  of  the  Order  to  appear  in  public 
in  regalia. 

3rd.  To  allow  Lodges  to  apply  to  other  Lodges  for  assist- 
ance. 


332  Dispensations. 

4th.  To  allow  Lodges  to  admit  to  membership  persons 
who  reside  near  some  other  Lodge. 

5th.     To  authorize  the  installation  of  officers  in  public. 

6th.     To  give  entertainments  for  the  benefit  of  the  Order. 

7th.  To  authorize  the  balloting  for  and  initiation  of  a 
candidate  at  the  time  his  proposition  is  presented  to  the 
Lodge. 

8th.  To  allow  Subordinate  Lodges  to  change  their  place 
of  meeting. 

9th.     To  allow  a  brother  to  be  reinstated  after  expulsion. 

10th.  To  institute  Lodges  and  authorize  them  to  work  as 
such  until  the  next  session  of  this  Grand  Lodge. 

11th.  To  Relief  Committee  to  apply  to  Lodges  for  assist- 
ance, or  to  give  entertainments  in  the  name  of  the  Order, 
subject  to  the  rules  and  restrictions  governing  Subordinate 
Lodges. 

12th.  To  empower  Subordinate  Lodges  to  elect  Scarlet 
Degree  members  to  any  office  in  such  Lodge;  provided,  all 
qualified  brothers  refuse  to  serve. 

He  may,  in  person,  confer  the  Past  Official  Degrees;  and 
when  present  at  a  special  meeting  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge, 
he  may  exercise  the  powers  conferred  on  him  by  the  first 
and  seventh  subdivisions  of  this  section. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

Note. — Neither   a   Grand  Lodge  Neither  can  a  Grand  Lodge  nor  a 

nor  a  Grand  Master  can  dispense  Grand   Master   grant    a    dispensa- 

with    the    regular    meetings    of    a  tion    to   enable   a    Subordinate    to 

Lodge;     such     dispensations     are  suspend    the    payment    of    weekly 

illegal  and  improper— ( 1857  S.  G.  benefits — (1857   S.  G.  L.  Journal. 

L.     Journal,     2725,     2781,     2818).  2831). 

1176.  Dispensations  to  Rebekah  Lodges.  As  to  the  pow- 
ers of  the  Grand  Master  to  issue  dispensations  to  Rebekah 
Lodges,  see  Section  2175  of  this  Digest. 

1177.  Power  does  not  extend  beyond  his  term.  The 
Grand  Master  has  no  power  to  grant  a  dispensation  which 
will  not  take  effect  until  after  his  term  of  office  shall  have 
expired.— 1887  Journal,  771,  875,  888. 


Dispensations.  333 

1178.  Grand  Master's  permission  required  in  certain 
cases.  This  Lodge  shall  not  have  a  public  procession  unless 
to  attend  the  funeral  of  a  member,  nor  have  any  public 
celebration  of  anj^  kind,  nor  get  up  any  ball  or  public  enter- 
tainment, in  the  name  of  the  Order,  nor  reinstate  an  expelled 
member  of  this  Lodge,  or  one  suspended  upon  charges, 
without  permission  of  the  Grand  Master.  This  Lodge  may 
attend  a  funeral  in  full  regalia  without  asking  permission 
of  the  Grand  Master. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  X, 
Sec.  2. 

1179.  Power  of  Grand  Master.  The  Constitution  is 
explicit  in  defining  the  power  of  the  Grand  Master  as  to  the 
granting  of  dispensations,  and  no  departure  should  be  made 
from  the  strict  letter  of  the  law,  either  by  officers  or  Lodges. 
—1876  Journal,  474,  508. 

1180.  May  be  withdrawn  by  Grand  Master.  The  Grand 
Master  has  a  right  to  withdraw  a  dispensation  when  granted. 
-—1870  Journal,  296. 

1181.  Applications,  how  made  by  Lodge.  Applications 
for  dispensations  can  be  preferred  to  the  granting  officer 
by  Subordinate  Lodges  only,  and  then  only  in  writing  under 
seal,  except  a  Relief  Committee  may  apply  under  the  11th 
subdivision  of  Section  1,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Grand 
Lodge. — 1858  Journal,  387;  Grand  Lodge  Constitution,  Art. 
IV,  Sec.  1. 

1182.  No  dispensation  to  Lodge  committee.  The  Grand 
Master  has  no  power  to  issue  a  dispensation  to  a  committee 
of  a  Lodge.— 1887  Journal,  769,  875,  888. 

1183.  Night  of  meeting  and  By-Laws.  The  Grand  Mas- 
ter cannot  grant  a  Subordinate  Lodge  a  dispensation  to  meet 
on  Thursdays  instead  of  Saturdays  for  two  months.  He 
cannot  grant  one  to  disregard  its  By-Laws. — 1894  Journal, 
605,  731,  771. 

1184.  Dispensation  to  change  time  of  meetings.       The 

Grand  Master  is  authorized  and  empowered  to  grant  per- 


334  Dispensations. 

mission  to  any  Subordinate  Lodge  to  change  its  meetings 
to  once  in  two  weeks,  when  he  deems  it  for  the  interest  of 
the  Lodge  so  to  do;  provided,  thcsame  only  be  done  upon 
a  petition  signed  by  at  least  two-thirds  of  the  members  of  the 
Lodge.— 1873  Journal,  891,  892. 

1185.  The  same.  Before  a  Subordinate  Lodge  can  pass 
an  amendment  to  its  By-Laws,  providing  for  semi-monthly 
instead  of  weekly  meetings,  said  Lodge  must  obtain  permis- 
sion to  hold  its  meetings  every  two  weeks  from  this  Grand 
Lodge  or  the  Grand  Master.— 1879  Journal,  126,  142. 

1186.  Where  all  qualified  brothers,  except  Vice-Grand, 
decline  nomination  for  Noble  Grand.  Where  all  the  quali- 
fied brothers  in  a  Lodge,  except  the  Vice-Grand,  refuse  to 
accept  the  nomination  for  Noble  Grand,  and  the  Vice-Grand 
is  willing  to  accept  the  nomination  and  serve  as  Noble  Grand, 
under  such  circumstances  he  is  the  only  qualified  brother  in 
the  Lodge  and  the  Grand  Master,  upon  the  refusal  of  the 
Lodge  to  elect  the  Vice-Grand,  has  no  right  to  grant  a  dis- 
pensation to  nominate  and  elect  a  brother  from  the  floor. — 
1902  Journal,  750,  903,  939. 

1187.  To  appear  in  public  in  regalia.  No  Lodge  has  a 
right  to  appear  in  public  in  regalia  without  a  dispensation 
except  at  the  funeral  of  a  member,  and  the  only  officer  who 
is  authorized  to  grant  such  a  dispensation  is  the  Grand 
Master. — 1895  Journal,  19,  185,  235;  Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  X,  Sec.  2. 

1188.  To  ballot  for,  elect  and  initiate.  The  Grand  Mas- 
ter is  the  only  officer  who  has  the  power  to  grant  a  dispen- 
sation to  receive  the  application  of,  ballot  for,  and,  if  elected, 
initiate  a  candidate  the  same  evening. — 1895  Journal,  20, 
195,  196,  236. 

1189.  To  receive  petition,  elect  and  initiate  at  special 
meeting*.  A  dispensation  cannot  be  issued  by  the  Grand 
Master  to  receive  the  petition  of  a  candidate,  ballot  thereon, 
and,  if  elected,  to  initiate  him  at  a  special  meeting.  The 
Constitution  requires  that  the  petition,  when  presented  at  a 


Dispensations.  335 

regular  meeting,  shall  lie  over  until  the  following  meeting ; 
the  Grand  Master,  however,  being  present  at  a  special  meet- 
ing, can  issue  such  dispensation. — 1896  Journal,  411,  588, 
629 :  1902  Journal,  749,  901,  917. 

1190.  When  may  receive  petition  and  elect  at  special 
meeting  by  dispensation.  A  Lodge  cannot  receive  a  petition 
for  membership,  or  act  on  the  report  of  a  committee  on  a 
petition,  and  ballot  for  membership  at  a  special  meeting, 
unless  the  Grand  Master  be  present  at  the  special  meeting 
and  grant  a  dispensation  therefor.  After  a  candidate  has 
been  elected  at  a  regular  meeting,  a  special  meeting  may 
be  called  to  initiate  such  a  candidate. — 1897  Journal,  808, 
1030,  1054 ;  1902  Journal,  749,  901,  917 ;  Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

1191.  Grand  Master  and  fees  for  degrees.  The  Grand 
Master  cannot  issue  a  dispensation  to  Lodges,  authorizing 
them  to  initiate  persons  and  confer  on  them  the  three 
degrees  for  a  less  sum  than  specified  in  the  Constitution. — 
1896  Journal,  407,  588,  629. 

1192.  Grand  Master  and  Admission  Fee.  The  Grand 
Master  has  no  power  to  grant  a  dispensation  allowing  a 
Lodge  to  reduce  the  admission  fee  below  the  minimum. — 
1898  Journal,  10,  23. 

1193.  Initiation  fee  and  By-Laws  of  Lodge.  The  Grand 
Master  cannot  grant  a  dispensation  to  set  aside  the  By-Laws 
of  a  Lodge  or  to  reduce  the  initiation  fee  as  fixed  therein. — 
1895  Journal,  22,  195,  196,  236. 

1194.  Less  fees  than  fixed  by  the  Grand  Lodge.    No  one 

has  authority  to  grant  a  dispensation  to  a  Lodge  to  admit 
members  for  less  than  the  minimum  fees  fixed  by  the  Grand 
Lodge.— 1895  Journal,  20,  195,  196,  236,  180,  250. 

1195.  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters  may  grant  certain 
dispensations.  The  District  Deputy  shall  have  power  to 
grant  dispensations  to  Lodges  in  his  district  for  the  election 
of  any  Third  Degree  member  of  the  Lodge  to  any  office 


336  Dispensations. 

in  such  Lodge  in  case  all  qualified  members  refuse  to  serve ; 
for  holdinof  public  installations  of  officers  and  for  the  giving 
of  social  parties  in  the  name  of  the  Order. — Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  7. 

1196.  To  elect  Third  Degree  member  to  office  of  Noble 
Grand.  A  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  has  no  authority 
to  grant  a  dispensation  to  elect  a  Third  Degree  member  to 
the  office  of  Noble  Grand,  unless  all  brothers  qualified  by 
service  decline  and  the  fact  that  all  qualified  brothers  decline 
should  be  stated  in  the  dispensation. — 1903  Jourifal,  159, 
184;  1904  Journal,  541,  553. 

1197.  Examination  in  unwritten  work.  A  District  Dep- 
uty Grand  Master  has  no  power  to  grant  a  dispensation  to 
a  Lodge  to  examine  a  member  of  another  Lodge  in  the 
unwritten  work  of  the  Second  Degree,  to  enable  the  brother 
to  receive  the  Third  Degree  in  the  Degree  Lodge.  A  dis- 
pensation is  not  necessary  to  enable  a  Lodge  about  to  confer 
a  degree  to  examine  a  brother  in  the  unwritten  work  of  the 
preceding  degree. — 1903  Journal,  159,  184. 

1198.  To  hold  a  "public  meeting."  A  dispensation  by 
a  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  to  hold  a  "public  meeting" 
was  disapproved  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  as  it  did  not  appear 
what  the  nature  of  the  meeting  so  authorized  was.  It  is 
not  every  kind  of  public  meeting  that  may  be  authorized 
by  dispensation. — 1903  Journal,  159,  184. 

1199.  Cannot  suspend  Constitution.  A  dispensation  can- 
not be  granted  by  a  Grand  Master  or  his  Deputy  to  annul 
or  suspend  any  part  of  the  Constitution  of  a  Subordinate 
Lodge.  A  dispensation  is  a  permission,  not  a  command. — 
1857  Journal,  270. 

1200.  Cannot  admit  Ancient  Odd  Fellow  or  a  brother  as 
visitor  by  dispensation.  The  Grand  Master,  or  other  elective 
Grand  Officer,  and  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  have 
no  power  to  grant  a  dispensation  to  admit  an  Ancient  Odd 
Fellow  or  any  other  brother  to  a  Lodge  as  a  visitor. — 1857 
Journal,  286. 


Dispensations.  337 

1201.  Special  meeting  and  District  Deputy  Grand  Master. 
A  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  has  no  power  to  grant  a  dis- 
pensation to  hold  a  special  meeting.  Such  dispensation  is 
unnecessary.— 1898  Journal,  220,  240. 

1202.  To  receive  petition,  elect  and  initiate  on  same  even- 
ing, and  District  Deputy  Grand  Master.  A  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  has  no  authority  to  issue  a  dispensation  to 
receive  the  petition  of,  ballot  thereon,  and,  if  elected,  to 
initiate  a  person  on  the  same  evening. — 1896  Journal,  587, 
628,  608,  636 ;  1900  Journal,  28,  186,  230 ;  1901  Journal,  421, 
540,  563 ;  1904  Journal,  541,  553. 

1203.  Initiation  and  District  Deputy  Grand  Master.  A 
District  Deputy  Grand  Master  has  no  power  to  grant  a  dis- 
pensation to  initiate  a  candidate  at  any  time.  When  a  can- 
didate is  elected,  the  time  of  his  initiation  is  entirely  within 
the  control  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge. — 1898  Journal,  220, 
240. 

1204.  Initiatory  Degree.  A  District  Deputy  Grand  Mas- 
ter has  no  authority  to  grant  a  dispensation  to  confer  the 
Initiatory  Degree.— 1899  Journal,  448,  650,  677. 

1205.  To  receive  petition  and  ballot  on  same  evening.  A 
District  Deputy  Grand  Master  has  no  authority  to  grant 
dispensations  to  receive  petition  of  a  candidate  and  ballot 
thereon  on  the  same  evening. — 1899 .Journal,  439,  650,  677. 

1206.  To  receive  application,  ballot,  initiate  and  confer 
degrees  on  same  evening.  A  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 
has  no  autliority  to  grant  dispensation  to  receive  applica- 
tion, ballot  for,  initiate  and  confer  the  degrees  on  the  same 
evening.— 1899  Journal,  443,  650,  677. 

1207.  Regalia  and  dedication  of  I.  0.  O.  F.  hall.  A  Dis- 
trict Deputy  (irand  Master  has  not  authority  to  grant  a  dis- 
pensation to  appear  in  public  in  regalia  at  the  dedication 
of  an  I.  O.  0.  F.  hall.  The  Grand  Master  only  has  such 
authority.— 1895  Journal,  40,  42,  185,  235. 

2*2 


338  Dispensations. 

1208.  To  nominate,  elect  and  install  officers.  A  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master  has  not  authority  to  grant  a  dispen- 
sation to  nominate,  elect  and  install  officers  on  same  even- 
ing.—1895  Journal,  41,  185,  235 ;  1896  Journal,  608,  636. 

1209.  To  appear  in  public  in  regalia  and  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master.  A  District  Deputy  Grand  ]Master  cannot 
issue  a  dispensation  authorizing  a  Lodge  or  members  to 
appear  in  public  in  regalia.  The  Grand  Master  alone  is 
authorized  to  issue  such  dispensations. — 1896  Journal,  409, 
588,  629 ;  1905  Journal,  923,  944. 

1210.  Funeral  and  regalia  and  District  Deputy  Grand 
Master.  A  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  has  not  authority 
to  grant  a  dispensation  to  appear  in  public  in  regalia  at 
the  funeral  of  a  brother  buried  under  the  auspices  of  the 
Lodge.— 1895  Journal,  42,  185,  235 ;  1896  Journal,  608,  636 ; 
1900  Journal,  28,  180,  230'. 

(See  Sections  1178  and  1187.) 

1211.  To  attend  church  in  regalia.  A  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  has  no  authority  to  grant  a  dispensation  for 
a  Lodge  to  appear  in  regalia  to  attend  church. — 1901  Jour- 
nal, 421,  540,  562. 

1212.  Regalia — Church  dedication.  A  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  has  no  authority  to  grant  a  dispensation  to  a 
Lodge  to  wear  regalia  at  the  dedication  of  a  church. — 1905 
Journal,  923,  944. 

1213.  When  a  body  of  Odd  Fellows  may  notify  another 
body  of  Odd  Fellows  to  appear  in  regalia.  A  Lodge  of  Odd 
Fellows  should  not  appear  in  public  in  regalia  without  a 
dispensation,  and  the  dispensation  should  be  read  in  open 
Lodge.  Any  body  of  Odd  Fellows  under  such  a  dispensa- 
tion may  notify  another  body  of  Odd  Fellows  to  appear 
in  regalia.— 1887  Journal,  769,  875,  888. 

(See  Sections  1178  and  1187  as  to  a  funeral.) 

1214.  Lodge  and  Encampment  regalia  in  public.  A  dis- 
pensation  granted   to   a   Subordinate   Lodge   to   appear  in 


I 


Dispensations.  380 

public  in  regalia,  will  permit  Encampment  members  to 
appear  in  regalia  with  said  Lodge. — 1898  Journal,  11,  221, 
240. 

1215.  When  a  Lodge  may  notify  a  Rebekah  Lodge  to 
appear  in  regalia.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  under  dispensa- 
tion to  appear  in  public  in  regalia  may  notify  a  Rebekah 
Lodge  to  also  appear  in  public  with  regalia. — 1895  Journal, 
18,  185,  235. 

1216.  To  Rebekah  Lodge  to  appear  in  regalia.  A  dispen- 
sation to  a  Rebekah  Lodge  to  wear  regalia  in  public  includes 
brothers  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  to  appear  with  the  Rebekah 
Lodge  in  regalia.  A  dispensation  is  merely  a  permission, 
hence  the  wearing  of  the  regalia  in  public  under  a  dispen- 
sation is  optional.— 1887  Journal,  769,  875,  888. 

1217.  In  public  in  regalia — Object  thereof.  Where  a 
dispensation  is  granted  a  Lodge  to  appear  in  public  in 
regalia,  the  dispensation  should  specify,  and  the  report  of 
the  Grand  Master  should  show,  the  object  of  the  appear- 
ance of  the  Lodge  in  public— 1898  Journal,  213,  239. 

1218.  Two  degrees  the  same  evening.  It  is  not  necessary 
that  a  Lodge  have  or  receive  a  dispensation  for  conferring 
two  degrees  upon  a  candidate  on  the  same  evening. — 1896 
Journal,  408,  588,  629 ;  1898  Journal,  220,  240. 

1219.  More  than  two  degrees  at  same  meeting.  District 
Deputy  Grand  Masters  have  no  power  to  grant  dispensa- 
tions to  confer  more  than  two  degrees  upon  a  candidate  at 
any  one  meeting.  The  right  to  grant  such  dispensations  is 
delegated  only  to  the  Grand  Master  by  the  provisions  of 
Article  V,  Section  2,  Constitution  of  Subordinates. — 1904 
Journal,  541,  542,  553 ;  1902  Journal,  903,  939. 

1220.  More  than  two  degrees — Degree  Lodge.  The  dis- 
pensation to  confer  more  than  two  degrees  upon  a  brother 
upon  the  same  evening  may  be  obtained  either  by  the  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  or  by  the  Degree  Lodge. — 1884  Journal,  15, 
116,  153;  1896  Journal,  408,  588,  629;  Constitution  Subor- 
dinates, Art.  V,  Sec.  2. 

(See  Degree  Lodge.) 


340  Dispensations. 

1221.  First  Degree  on  night  of  initiation.  A  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master  has  no  power  to  grant  a  dispensation 
to  confer  the  First  Degree  on  a  candidate  the  same  evening 
he  is  initiated ;  such  dispensation  is  unnecessary.  A  Subor- 
dinate Lodge  can  confer  two  degrees  on  the  same  evening 
without  dispensation. — 1898  Journal,  220,  240 ;  1882  Journal, 
976;  1883  Journal,  1001,  1150,  1175. 

1222.  From  one  hall  to  another.  A  Lodge  does  not  need 
a  dispensation  to  remove  from  one  hall  to  another  in  the 
same  town  or  city.  Such  permission  is  needed  only  when  it 
is  proposed  to  remove  to  another  town  or  city. — 1895  Jour- 
nal, 21,  195,  196 ;  1889  Journal,  32,  122,  163. 

1223.  To  give  a  ball.  A  dispensation  to  give  a  ball  in 
the  name  of  the  Order  is  necessary  whether  regalia  is  worn 
or  not.— 1878  Journal,  819,  928,  965. 

1224.  As  to  initiating  candidate  on  night  of  his  election. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  have  a  dispensation  to  initiate  a  can- 
didate on  the  same  night  the  ballot  is  taken  on  his  applica- 
tion where  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  do  not  require  it. — 1882 
Journal,  741,  844,  879. 

1225.  To  elect  a  Scarlet  Degree  member  Noble  Grand. 
A  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  has  the  authority  to  grant 
a  dispensation  to  elect  a  Scarlet  Degree  member  as  Noble 
Grand,  all  qualified  brothers  refusing  to  serve. — 1889  Jour- 
nal, 33,  122,  163. 

1226.  Public  installation  and  regalia.  A  dispensation  to 
hold  a  public  installation  gives  to  the  officers  installing  and 
to  be  installed,  a  right  to  wear  the  regalia  of  their  office  on 
that  occasion  without  a  further  dispensation.  The  incident 
follows  the  principal,  and  a  dispensation  to  publicly  install 
officers  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  includes  the  right  to  do 
whatever  is  necessary  to  a  proper  performance  of  that  cere- 
mony in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  ritual.  1901 
Journal,  409,  551,  562. 

1227.  To  hold  a  public  installation.  A  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  has  the  right  to  grant  a  dispensation  to  a 


Dispensations.  341 

Lodge  in  his  district  to  hold  a  public  installation  of  its 
officers.— 1888  Journal,  1025,  1111,  1130. 

1228.  No  dispensation  to  re-ballot  on  rejected  applicant. 

The  Grand  Master  has  no  authority  to  grant  a  dispensation 
to  allow  a  Lodge  to  re-ballot  on  a  candidate  who  has  been 
rejected.— 1889  Journal,  34,  122,  163. 

1229.  To  reinstate.  A  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  has 
no  authority  to  grant  a  dispensation  to  reinstate  the  same 
evening  the  application  is  made,  on  account  of  intended 
departure  from  the  city.— 1901  Journal,  421,  540,  562. 

1230.  Orphans'  Home.  A  Lodge  cannot  give  a  public 
entertainment  for  the  Orphans'  Home,  or  for  any  other  pur- 
pose, without  a  dispensation.— 1897  Journal,  804,  1030,  1054. 

1231.  Social  party  and  regalia.  Giving  a  social  party  in 
the  name  of  the  Order  does  not  carry  with  it  the  right  to  wear 
the  regalia.  The  regalia  of  the  Order  cannot  be  worn  on 
such  an  occasion  except  by  a  dispensation  granted  by  the 
Grand  Master.— 1897  Journal,  806,  994,  1034. 

1232.  Newly  instituted  Lodge— Election  of  officers— Dis- 
trict Deputy.  A  Lodge  not  having  been  instituted  more 
than  thirteen  weeks  prior  to  the  end  of  the  term,  the  officers 
hold  their  respective  offices  until  the  end  pf  the  succeeding 
term,  and  a  District  Deputy  cannot  grant  a  dispensation 
authorizing  said  Lodge  to  elect  new  officers  at  the  com- 
mencement of  said  succeeding  term. — 1889  Journal,  32,  122, 
163. 

(See  Terms.) 

1233.  To  give  parties  in  the  name  of  the  Order.  District 
Deputy  Grand  Masters  have  authority  to  grant  dispensations 
to  Lodges  in  their  districts  to  give  parties  in  the  name  of  the 
Order.— 1889  Journal,  35,  122,  163. 

1234.  A  Past  Grand  to  install  officers.  A  dispensation  is 
not  required  to  empower  a  Past  Grand  to  install  the  officers 
of  a  Lodge  in  the  absence  of  the  District  Deputy  Grand 
Master.— 1877  Journal,  581,  675,  697. 


342  Districts. 

1235.  Past  Grand's  Degree  and  District  Deputy  Grand 
Master.  The  act  of  a  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  in 
granting  a  dispensation  to  a  Subordinate  Lodge  to  confer 
such  degree  is  illegal  and  void,  and  such  a  gross  violation  of 
the  fundamental  law  of  the  Order  is  deserving  of  the  severest 
condemnation  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1898  Journal,  220,  240. 

DISTRICTS. 

1.  For  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters,  page  342. 

2.  For  Visitation  by  Grand  Master,  page  342. 

1.     FOR  DISTRICT  DEPUTY  GRAND  MASTERS. 

1236.  County.  Each  county  in  the  State  constitutes  a 
district. — 1853  Journal,  36. 

1237.  Grand  Master  may  divide  districts.  The  Grand 
Master,  whenever  the  interest  of  the  Order  may  require  it, 
may  divide  the  districts  and  make  such  additional  appoint- 
ments of  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters  as  he  may  deem 
expedient.  District  Deputy  should  be  appointed  when  first 
Lodge  instituted  in  a  district. — 1858  Journal,  85 ;  1853  Jour- 
nal, 36. 

1238.  To  transfer  a  Lodge  from  one  to  another  district. 

Subordinate  Lodges  wishing  to  withdraw  from  one  district 
and  be  placed  in  another  shall  first  have  the  consent  of  a 
majority  of  the  Lodge  in  the  district  froin  which  they  wish 
to  withdraw,  and  also  from  the  one  into  which  they  wish  to 
go.— 1892  Journal,  134,  137. 

1239.  German  Lodge  districts.  The  Grand  Master  may 
make  special  districts  of  German  Lodges  when  he  may  deem 
it  for  the  interests  of  the  Order. — 1859  Journal,  513. 

2.     FOR  VISITATION  BY  GRAND  MASTER. 

1240.  State  divided  into  four  districts.  The  jurisdiction 
of  California  is  divided  into  four  districts,  for  the  purpose 
of  official  visitation  and  instruction;  the  Grand  Masters  to 
alternate  in  their  visits  officially  in  the  respective  districts. 
The  districts  consist  of  the  following  counties  and  Lodges : 


Districts.  84S 

District  No.  1.  Counties  of  Del  Norte  (1),  Humboldt  (10), 
Mendocino  (7),  Colusa  (6),  Lake  (5),  Yolo  (7),  Solano  (9), 
Glenn  (3),  Placer  (11),  Lodges  Nos.  30,  161,  191  and  234,  of 
Sonoma  (4),  Lodges  Nos.  40,  93,  114,  129,  164,  189,  219,  231, 
255,  263,  270,  272,  382  and  384,  of  Alameda  (14),  Lodges  Nos. 
23,  34  and  357,  of  Santa  Clara  (3),  Lodges  Nos.  87  and  274,  of 
Sacramento  (2),  Lodges  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Master's 
Districts,  Nos.  66  and  103  (5).    Total,  87. 

District  No.  2.  Counties  of  Butte  (6),  Inyo  (2),  Modoc 
(4),  Mono  (2),  Nevada  (9),  Lassen  (3),  Plumas  (5),  Siski- 
you (5),  Shasta  (7),  Sutter  (4),  Sierra  (5),  Yuba  (6),  Te- 
hama (2),  Trinity  (2),  Napa  (3),  Marin  (2),  Lodges  Nos.  35, 
160  and  325,  of  Los  Angeles  (3),  Lodges  in  District  Deputy 
Grand  blaster's  Districts,  Nos.  1  and  67,  of  San  Francisco 
(11).    Total,  8L 

District  No.  3.  Counties  of  Amador  (6),  Calaveras  (8), 
Contra  Costa  (6),  Merced  (3),  El  Dorado  (6),  Mariposa  (4), 
San  Mateo  (4),  Santa  Cruz  (4),  Tuolumne  (3),  Stanislaus 
(5),  San  Joaquin  (11),  Lodges  Nos.  2,  4,  8,  62,  105,  157,  239 
and  364,  of  Sacramento  (8),  Lodges  Nos.  42,  52,  70,  142,  154, 
178,  192,  238,  242,  244  and  294,  of  Santa  Clara  (11),  Lodges 
in  District  Deputy  Grand  Master's  District,  No.  55,  of  San 
Francisco  (5).    Total,  84. 

District  No.  4.  Counties  of  San  Diego  (5),  Fresno  (7), 
Kern  (3),  Kings  (1),  Orange  (3),  Monterey  (5),  Mader^  (1), 
Riverside  (4),  San  Benito  (2),  San  Bernardino  (7),  Santa 
Barbara  (5),  San  Luis  Obispo  (6),  Ventura  (2),  Tulare  (9), 
Lodges  Nos.  60,  138,  197,  246,  247,  315,  323,  324,  330,  348, 
362,  365,  367,  369,  371,  376  and  385,  of  Los  Angeles  (17), 
Lodges  Nos.  69,  118,  144,  198,  253,  298  and  313,  of  Alameda 
(1),  Lodges  Nos.  28,  53,  64,  193,  215,  281  and  320,  of  Sonoma 
(7),  Lodges  in  District  Deputy  Grand  Master's  Districts, 
Nos.  2  and  68,  of  San  Francisco  (9).  Total,  100.  The  fore- 
going division  into  districts  was  enacted  in  1899  and  gives 
the  number  of  Lodges  in  the  different  districts  at  that  time. 

The  Grand  Lodge  recommends  that,  where  the  Grand 
Master  cannot  reach  all  parts  of  his  district,    he    appoint 


344  Donations. 

one  of  the  elective  Grand  Officers  to  perform  this  duty  in  his 
stead,  paying  the  expenses  of  such  appointee  out  of  the  sura 
set  apart  to  him  for  that  purpose. 

It  is  further  recommended  that  the  sum  of  $200.00  be  set 
apart  for  the  purpose  of  paying  the  expenses  of  the  Grand 
Officers,  when  making  official  visits,  under  the  direction  of 
the  Grand  Master,  for  the  purpose  of  instruction  of  Lodges. 
—1899  Journal,  641,  642,  676;  1883  Journal,  1173,  1172;  1895 
Journal,  242,  252 ;  1896  Journal,  553. 

(As  to  request  of  Grand  Lodge  relative  to  Grand  Master's 
visits,  see  Section  2198.) 

DONATIONS. 

1241.  Name  of  recipient  concealed — Right  to  know  name 
and  circumstances.  In  case  of  donation  or  relief  to  a  brother 
the  Lodge  and  every  member  of  the  Lodge  has  a  right  to 
know,  not  only  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  but  also  the 
name  of  the  brother  who  received,  or  is  to  receive,  the  dona- 
tion. The  name  should  be  reported  to  the  Lodge.  When 
the  name  is  not  reported  to  the  Lodge  the  members  have  no 
right  to  vote  away  the  moneys  of  the  Lodge  under  such 
circumstances  of  secrecy  or  concealment. — Elam  vs.  Bay 
City  Lodge,  1894  Journal,  684,  726. 

1242.  Reimbursement     of    an    unauthorized     donation. 

Where  Trustees  make,  as  Trustees,  a  donation  to  a  brother 
in  distress,  without  the  previous  authority  of  the  Lodge,  and 
the  same  is  not  authorized  by  the  By-Laws,  it  is  an  unauthor- 
ized and  illegal  act,  but  the  Lodge  may  reimburse  the 
Trustees  if,  under  the  circumstances,  they  deem  it  expedient 
and  just;  and  where  the  Lodge  has  a  By-Law  which  reads, 
*'No  donation  shall  be  made  unless  by  two-thirds  vote  of  all 
members  present  entitled  to  vote;  every  motion  to  donate 
any  sum  in  excess  of  $20.00  shall  lie  over  one  week" — such 
reimbursement  falls  under  the  provisions  of  such  By-Laws. 
—Elam  vs.  Bay  City  Lodge,  1894  Journal,  684,  726. 

(See  Funds.) 


Draft — Dues.  846 

DRAFT. 

1243.  Cancellation  of  draft.  A  Lodge's  draft  on  its  Treas- 
urer in  payment  of  a  bill,  returned  to  the  Lodge  by  the 
payee,  with  the  statement  that  the  payee  did  not  intend 
further  to  ask  payment  thereof,  but  left  the  whole  matter 
with  the  Lodge,  may  be  cancelled  by  the  Lodge. — Fetlow 
vs.  Anniversary  Lodge,  1869  Journal,  67,  68. 

1244.  A  donation  voted  and  then  the  draft  cancelled.    A 

Lodge  may  vote  a  donation,  and  after  the  draft  is  drawn, 
and  while  it  is  in  possession  of  the  Lodge,  the  members  may 
change  their  minds,  and  the  Lodge  may  cancel  the  draft. — 
1869  Journal,  67,  68. 

1245.  Fraud  and  mistake.  A  draft  may  be  cancelled  for 
fraud  and  mistake,  but  those  are  not  the  only  grounds  for 
cancellation. — 1869  Journal,  67,  68. 

1246.  Must  be  by  vote.  All  drafts  upon  the  treasury 
must  be  made  by  vote  of  the  Lodge. — 1896  Journal,  436,  607, 
636. 

(See  Section  2834.) 

DRUNKENNESS. 

(See  Offenses,  Fines,  Trials.) 


DUES. 

1.  Generally,  page  345. 

2.  Arrears,  page  353. 

3.  Suspension  for  non-payment,  page  355. 


1.     GENERALLY. 

1247.  Payable  weekly  in  advance — Minimum  dues.  The 
dues  of  this  Lodge  shall  not  be  less  than  twelve  and  one-half 
cents  per  week  for  beneficial  members,  and  five  cents 
per  week  for  non-beneficial  members,  both  payable 
weekly  in  advance ;  provided,  that  the  dues  of  non-beneficial 
members  shall  not  be  more  than  one-half  of  the  amount 
charged  to  beneficial  members. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 


346  Dues. 

Note. — A     Grand     Lodge      pos-  increase  its  dues  by  the  addition 

sesses  the  right  to  determine  and  of    any    specific    sum    above     said 

prescribe    the    minimum     amount  minimum  rate  fixed  by  the  Grand 

to  be  paid  to  its  Subordinates  for  Lodgfe — (1889    S.    G.    L.    Journal, 

dues,   leaving  it  for  the   Subordi-  11483,    11728,    11786).      The   dues 

nate   to   provide   by   law   for   any  to  a  Lodge  accrue  weekly — (1848- 

special   sum   above   that   rate.     A  1854-1875  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1290, 

Subordinate  Lodge   may   therefore  1318,  2312,  2346,  6620,  6692). 

1248.  Payments,  how  applied.  Provided,  that  all  pay- 
ments by  a  member  shall  be  on  his  general  account,  unless 
otherwise  directed  by  him,  and  shall  be  applied  to  the  pay- 
ment of  dues,  assessments  and  fines,  in  the  order  in  which 
they  become  due ;  but  this  proviso  shall  not  be  applicable  to 
fines  imposed  as  penalties  upon  conviction  upon  charges. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  2. 

1249.  A  fundamental  principle.  The  payment  of  dues  is 
a  fundamental  principle  of  the  Order,  which  no  Lodge,  Grand 
or  Subordinate,  can  dispense  with  or  evade. — 1895  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  14248,  14526,  14570;  1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14688, 
14948,  15019 ;  1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15559,  16116. 

1250.  Cannot  remit  dues.  The  general  law  does  not  per- 
mit a  Lodge  to  remit  dues.  Their  payment  is  a  condition 
precedent  to  good  standing  and  benefits. — 1895  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 14248,  14526,  14570. 

1251.  Pajnnent  of  dues  from  the  Special  or  Contingent 
Fund — General  Fund.  Under  our  laws  a  Lodge  cannot  remit 
dues,  nor  can  it  draw  money  from  its  treasury  to  pay  dues 
for  any  class  of  members,  no  matter  how  meritorious  such 
members  may  be.  It  was,  therefore,  illegal  for  the  Subordi- 
nate Lodge  to  pass  a  resolution  providing  that  if  any  of  its 
members  enlist  in  the  Spanish-American  war,  that  their  dues 
and  assessments  will  be  paid  by  the  Lodge  out  of  the 
treasury,  so  that  said  members  may  be  kept  in  good  standing 
until  their  return  home,  but  the  Lodge  may,  however,  out  of 
its  five  per  cent,  fund,  which  it  is  authorized  to  set  apart, 
pay  the  dues  of  any  class  of  members. — 1898  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 15749,  16071,  16116. 


■^i 


Dues.  847 

1252.  Donation  to  pay  dues.  A  donation  made  from  the 
Lodge  funds  to  be  placed  to  the  credit  of  a  member,  sufficient 
to  place  the  member  liable  to  suspension  in  good  standing, 
is  not  legal.  A  Lodge  has  no  right  to  remit  dues,  nor  can 
it  draw  money  from  its  treasury  to  pay  dues  for  any  class 
of  members.  The  use  of  Lodge  funds  in  such  a  manner, 
while  called  a  donation,  is  simply  the  transfer  of  funds  to 
the  brother's  credit  for  the  purpose  of  paying  his  dues  and 
is,  therefore,  an  illegal  use  of  Lodge  funds  under  the  general 
laws  of  the  Order.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  19,  20,  365,  394. 

1253.  Cannot  remit  dues — Donation.  A  Lodge  has  no 
right  to  remit  the  dues  of  any  member.  If  a  member  be  poor, 
and  unable  to  make  a  living  and  pay  dues,  the  Lodge  may 
make  such  member  a  donation,  and  then  that  member  can 
pay  his  or  her  dues,  or  do  anything  else  with  it,  as  he  or  she 
see  fit.— 1897  Journal,  809,  994,  1034;  1861  Journal,  131,  132, 
192. 

1254.  Credits  for  attending  Lodge.  A  By-Law  which 
provides  for  giving  the  members  of  the  Lodge  certain  credits 
of  money  on  account  of  their  dues  for  attending  Lodge  meet- 
ings, is  invalid.  Such  a  By-Law  involves  a  virtual  diversion 
of  the  funds  of  the  Order  from  the  charitable  purposes  for 
which  they  are  designed. — 1901  Journal,  501,  539. 

1255.  What  are  weekly  dues.  Weekly  dues  are  those 
imposed  by  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge. — 1891  Journal,  585, 
690,  716. 

1256.  When  payable.  The  provisions  of  Section  1,  Article 
rV,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  clearly  require  that 
the  dues  shall  be  payable^weekly  in  advance;  but  for  non- 
payment, the  By-Laws  can  attach  no  penalty,  until  the 
brother  is  at  least  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for 
dues,  etc.— 1893  Journal,  389,  427,  430;  1888  Journal,  28, 
122.  163. 

1257.  Signing  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates.  A 
candidate  does  not  become  a  member  of  a  Lodge  until  he 
signs  its  Constitution.    Dues  should  not  be  charged  against 


348 


Dues. 


him  until  he  signs  its  Constitution,  and  until  he  so  signs  he 
is  not  entitled  to  any  of  the  rights,  privileges  or  benefits  of 
the  Order.— 1901  Journal,  410,  557,  ^62. 

1258.  When  credit  is  to  be  made  for  payment.  And  he 
(Financial  Secretary)  shall  give  each  member  credit  for 
money  when  paid  to  him,  and  the  brother's  credit  and  stand- 
ing shall  date  from  such  payment. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  VII,  Sec.  4. 

1259.  When  indebtedness  is  satisfied.  A  payment  is  made 
and  the  indebtedness  of  a  brother  satisfied  at  the  time  he 
pays  the  amount  due  into  the  hands  of  an  officer  of  a  Lodge 
authorized  to  receive  it. — Reed  vs.  Morning  Star  Lodge, 
1883  Journal,  1007,  1165,  1180. 

1260.  When  payment  to  officer  is  payment  to  Lodge.    A 

payment  to  a  duly  authorized  officer  of  a  Lodge  is  a  pay- 
ment to  the  Lodge  and  takes  effect  at  the  time  it  is  placed 
in  the  hands  of  such  officer. — 1884  Journal,  15,  116,  153. 

1261.  May  be  paid  to  officer  between  meetings.  A  brother 
in  arrears  pays  the  Secretary  in  full  between  the  regular 
meetings  of  a  Lodge.  The  payment  takes  effect  at  the  date 
of  the  payment  to  the  officer,  and  not  at  the  next  meeting 
of  the  Lodge,  or  not  when  reported  to  the  Lodge. — 1884 
Journal,  15,  116,  153 ;  1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  72,  179,  193. 

1262.  When  payment  credited.  Brothers  should  have 
credit  for  the  payment  of  their  dues  the  moment  they  are 
received  by  the  Financial  Secretary.  (Constitution  of  Sub- 
ordinates, Article  VII,  Section  4.)  This  changed  the  law 
which  provided  that  a  brother  shduld  not  be  credited  for  his 
dues  until  the  next  regular  meeting  of  the  Lodge.  If  the 
brother,  who  receives  the  money  from  '*A,"  were  Acting 
Secretary  of  the  Lodge  at  the  time  the  payment  was  made, 
**A"  was  not  legally  suspended.  If,  however,  he  were  not 
the  Acting  Secretary  of  the  Lodge,  through  whose  neglect 
and  carelessness  "A"  has  been  suspended  for  non-payment 
of  dues,  in  a  legal  manner,  the  neglect  of  the  brother  in  not 


I 


Dues.  349 

paying  the  money  over  would  not  make  null  and  void  the 
action  of  the  Lodge.— 1896  Journal,  410,  588,  629. 

1263.  Dues  must  be  paid  to  proper  officer.  When  the 
laws  of  a  Lodge  require  the  payment  of  dues  to  be  made  to 
a  particular  officer,  it  is  optional  with  the  Lodge  to  deter- 
mine whether  they  will  accept  a  payment  previously  made 
through  any  other  than  their  official  agent. — 1860  Journal, 
22 ;  Christy  vs.  Granite  Lodge,  1875  Journal,  287,  295. 

Note.  —  A  payment  to  the  payment  J:o  the  Secretary — (1851) 
Treasurer  is  not  payment  to  tlie  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3031,  3084, 
Lodge,  when  the  By-Laws  require      3113). 

1264.  Payment,  when  complete.  There  is  no  valid  pay- 
ment of  dues  until  the  money  is  in  the  hands  of  the  proper 
officer.— Christy  vs.  Granite  Lodge,  1875  Journal,  287,  295 ; 
1861  Journal,  189 ;  Reed  vs.  Morning  Star  Lodge,  1883  Jour- 
nal, 1007,  1165,  1180. 

1265.  Dues  of  District  Deputy.  The  Grand  Lodge  refuses 
to  exempt  District  Deputies  from  the  payment  of  dues  to 
their  Lodges. — 1861  Journal,  167. 

1266.  Brother's  right  to  pay  at  any  time.  It  is  the  right 
of  a  brother  to  pay  his  dues  at  any  time,  and  it  is  the  duty 
of  a  Secretary  to  accept  such  payment  whenever  tendered 
and  receipt  for  the  same. — Gilroy  Lodge  vs.  Griffith,  1882 
Journal,  853,  875,  882. 

XoTE. — A    Lodge   cannot    refuse      pension — (1877   S.  G.  L.  Journals 
to  receive,  in  full  or  in  part,  the      7.505). 
dues   of   a   member   prior   to   sus- 

1267.  In  case  Lodge  indebted  to  a  brother  who  owes  dues. 
The  payment  of  dues  is  a  fundamental  principle  of  the 
Order  which  no  Lodge,  Grand  or  Subordinate,  can  dispense 
or  evade.  If  a  brother  perform  the  duties  of  a  salaried  officer 
of  his  Lodge,  or  perform  services  for  his  Lodge  for  which 
*he  may  be  legitimately  paid,  the  amount  must  be  paid  to  him 
and  an  order  drawn  in  his  favor  in  the  usual  manner.  When 
he  obtains  the  order  he  can  draw  the  money  out  of  the 
Lodge's  treasury,  and  he  has  the  right  to  use  it  in  paying 


350  Dues. 

his  dues,  or  he  has  the  right  to  use  it  for  his  own  purposes 
and  to  decline  to  appropriate  it  toward  the  payment  of  his 
dues.  But  there  is  an  instance  as  when  a  sick  brother  is 
entitled  to  sick  benefits,  the  Lodge  should  pay  his  dues  from 
the  benefits  due  him,  the  law  being  that  a  sick  brother 
entitled  to  sick  benefits  cannot  become  delinquent  while  sick. 
When  a  Lodge  is  indebted  to  a  brother  for  work  and  labor, 
it  cannot,  against  his  wishes  or  without  his  authority  or  con- 
sent, apply  any  part  of  the  indebtedness  toward  the  payment 
of  his  dues.— 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15559,  16116. 

1268.  Receipt  for  dues.  A  receipt  for  dues  is  nothing 
more  nor  less  than  prima  facie  evidence  of  money  paid  and 
received.  It  is  not  binding  on  a  Lodge  or  a  brother  if  a  mis- 
take has  been  made,  and  an  opportunity  should  be  given  the 
brother  or  sister  to  have  the  same  corrected. — 1896  Journal, 
411,  581,  628. 

1269.  How  a  brother's  standing  is  governed  by  receipts. 
Where  a  brother  pays  a  certain  amount  as  dues  and  the 
Financial  Secretary  gives  him  a  receipt  for  that  amount, 
stating  therein  that  it  pays  the  brother  up  to  a  certain  date, 
when  in  fact,  according  to  the  books,  it  did  not  pay  him  up 
to  that  date,  the  books  of  the  Lodge  must  govern  as  to  the 
amount  due  the  Lodge,  the  receipt  being  good  only  for  the 
amount  paid,  but  the  receipt  holds  good  as  to  the  standing 
of  the  brother  in  the  Lodge  until  the  brother  is  informed  of 
the  error  contained  therein  and  the  opportunity  is"  afforded 
to  have  the  same  corrected  without  affecting  his  standing. — 
1887  Journal,  858,  876,  889. 

1270.  Cannot  charge  dues  after  brother  suspended  for 
non-payment.  A  Lodge  has  no  right  to  continue  to  charge 
up  dues  to  a  brother  under  suspension  for  non-payment  of 
the  same.— 1886  Journal,  535,  620. 

1271.  The  same.  No  dues  can  be  charged  against  a' 
brother  from  the  time  he  is  suspended,  or  ceases  to  be  a 
member,  for  non-payment  of  dues,  until  the  day  he  is  rein- 
stated.—1861  Journal,  127,  176,  177.. 


Dues.  361 

1272.  Where  Secretary  fails  to  charge  dues.  If  a  Finan- 
cial Secretary  fail  to  charge  dues  to  a  brother,  and  at  the 
end  of  the  term  the  Finance  Committee  pronounce  the  books 
and  accounts  correct,  the  Lodge  may  afterwards  direct  the 
Financial  Secretary  to  charge  the  dues. — 1882  Journal,  741, 
845,  879. 

1273.  Lodge  must  accept,  pending  appeal.  A  Lodge  can- 
not refuse  to  accept  a  tender  of  dues  from  a  brother  who 
may  be  under  sentence  of  expulsion,  during  the  pending  of 
his  appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge. — Brown  vs.  Coloma  Lodge, 
1858  Journal,  372. 

1274.  Dues  do  not  accrue  during  expulsion.  When  a 
brother  has  been  illegally  expelled,  and  is  afterwards 
restored  by  action  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  he  is  not  liable  to 
pay  dues  or  other  charges  made  against  him  on  the  books  of 
his  Lodge  during  the  time  of  such  expulsion. — 1864  Journal, 
555,  556. 

1275.  Expulsion  and  reinstatement.  Dues  cease  upon 
expulsion  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge  and  commence  again  only 
upon  reinstatement. — 1895  Journal,  253. 

1276.  Appeal  to  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  Dues  against 
an  expelled  member  restored  to  membership  on  appeal  to 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  begin  to  accrue  from  the  time 
the  decision  is  officially  announced  to  the  Lodge. — 1896 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14686,  14948,  15019. 

1277.  Dues  accrue  during  suspension  for  cause.     If  a 

brother  be  suspended  for  six  months  or  for  any  other  period, 
for  cause,  he  must  pay  dues  during  such  suspension. — 1888 
Journal,  1022,  1111,  1130;  1857  Journal,  250;  1897  Journal, 
805,  1030,  1054. 

Note. — Every  Lodge  holds  its  iiig  the  time  of  punishment — 
memWrs  undergoing  punishment  ( 1849  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1505, 
renponnihle  for  dues  accruing  dur-       151.3). 

1278.  Dues  paid  in  advance  refunded — When.  Where  a 
brother  pays  dues  in  advance,  and  while  his  dues  are  so  paid 
in  advance  he  ceases,  from  any  cause,  to  he  a  member  of  the 


352  Dues. 

Lodge,  the  Lodge  should  refund  all  that  has  been  paid  in 
excess  of  the  brother's  indebtedness  to  the  Lodge  at  the 
time  he  ceased  to  be  a  member. — 1874  Journal,  102,  114. 

Note. — A     Lodge     is     in     duty  from  the  Lodge  by  card  or  other- 
bound    to    refund    the    dues    Over-  wise — (1890     S.    G.     L.    Journal, 
paid  by  a  brother  at  the  time  of  12176,  12273). 
his  death   or  when   he   withdraws 

1279. — The  same — Expulsion.  In  case  of  expulsion,  the 
Lodge  should  refund  all  that  has  been  paid  as  dues  in  excess 
of  the  brother's  indebtedness  to  the  Lodge  at  the  time  he 
ceases  to  be  a  member. — 1881  Journal,  500,  501,  601,  627. 

1280.  Dues  increased  by  amendment — Receipt  taken.    A 

member  who,  before  the  Lodge  by  amendment  of  its  By- 
Laws  had  increased  its  dues,  had  paid  his  dues  at  the  old 
rate  and  taken  a  receipt  specifying  the  time  to  which  they 
were  paid,  is  bound  to  pay  the  increased  rate.  The  accept- 
ance of  dues  and  giving  a  receipt  does  not  constitute  a  con- 
tract that  the  rate  for  such  member  shall  remain  unchanged 
for  the  time  for  which  he  paid  in  advance. — 1876  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  7020,  7077. 

1281.  Dues  in  case  of  cards.  In  case  of  a  brother  apply- 
ing for  a  Withdrawal  Card,  the  brother's  dues  are  charge- 
able against  him  up  to  the  time  when  his  application  for  the 
card  actually  appears  before  the  Lodge,  and  in  case  of  mem- 
bers of  extinct  Lodge,  all  dues  standing  against  the  brother 
at  the  time  the  Lodge  became  extinct  are  required  to  be  paid. 
—1861  Journal,  189,  187,  132,  192,  193. 

(See  note  to  Section  804.) 

1282.  Card  given  and  afterwards  dues  increased.  Paying 
dues  in  advance  and  taking  a  card  does  not  relieve  the 
holder  of  the  card  from  the  payment  of  the  increased  rate, 
if,  during  the  running  of  the  card,  the  By-Laws  be  amended 
increasing  the  amount  of  the  dues.  The  amendment  acts 
upon  all  members  alike,  and  all  must  pay  the  increased  rate 
from  the  time  the  amendment  takes  effect. — 1877  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  7373,  7472. 


Dues.  353 

1283.  Transfer  of  membership.  When  a  member  of  a 
Lodge  has  been  elected  to  membership  by  another  Lodge 
upon  application  to  become  a  member  by  card  by  transfer 
of  membership,  he  should  pay  his  dues  to  his  former  Lodge 
until  he  shall  have  procured  a  Withdrawal  Card  therefrom. 
—1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  527,  528,  979,  1002. 

1284.  Dues  sent  by  registered  letter.  The  mailing  of  such 
a  registered  letter  is  not  a  payment,  and  the  postmaster  is 
not  the  agent  of  the  Lodge,  but  only  of  the  brother.  It  is 
not  payment  till  the  dues  are  received  by  the  Secretary. — 
Rosenberger's  case,  1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11673,  11682. 

1285.  Non-contributing  members.  As  to  brothers  over 
sixty  years  of  age  who  become  non-contributing  members, 
see  Section  1951  of  this  Digest. 

1286.  Odd  Fellows'  Home.  No  brother  shall  be  required 
to  pay  Lodge  dues  while  an  inmate  of  the  Home  as  an  indi- 
gent.— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  4. 

Note. — No    weekly    dues    shall  particular,    without     payment     of 

accrue  against  any  such   member,  weekly  dues — (1892  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 

but     he     shall     remain     in     good  nal,   13046,   13117,  13161). 
standing,    in     every     respect     and 

(See  Odd  Fellows'  Home;  Aged  Odd  Fellows.) 
(See  Sections  2083  and  2084.) 

2.     ARREARS. 

1287.  Fines,  assessments  and  dues.  Fines  or  assessments 
cannot  be  added  to  dues.  Fines,  assessments  and  dues  are 
each  and  all  of  them  separately  considered,  and  cannot  in 
any  instance  be  combined. — 1896  Journal,  408,  607,  630. 

1288.  Delinquency  depends  on  length  of  time  and  not 
amount — One  week's  dues  or  a  fine  or  an  assessment.  Dues, 
fines  and  assessments  are  not  to  be  taken  collectively  in  mak- 
ing the  computation,  because  delinquency  depends  upon  the 
length  of  time  delinquent  and  not  the  amount  delinquent.  If 
a  brother  neglect  or  refuse  to  pay  one  week's  dues,  or  a  fine, 

23 


354  Dues. 

or  an  assessment  for  more  than  thirteen  weeks,  he  would  be 
thirteen  weeks  in  arrears. — 1895  Journal,  21,  195,  196,  236. 

1289.  When  delinquency  commences.  Dues  are  due  and 
payable  every  week.  If  a  member  do  not  pay  at  the  end  of 
a  week  he  is  delinquent  for  that  week,  and  so  on  until  thir- 
teen weeks  are  counted,  if  he  fail  to  pay. — 1888  Journal,  28, 
122,  163. 

1290.  When  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears.  A  brother's  quar- 
terly dues  remaining  unpaid  at  the  expiration  of  a  quarter 
he  would  be  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears. — 1860  Journal,  63,  72. 

1291.  The  same.  Where  the  By-Laws  provide  that  *'no 
member  who  is  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  shall  be 
entitled  to  receive  benefits,"  the  arrears  begin,  so  as  to  debar 
a  brother  from  benefits,  the  moment  the  brother  is  delin- 
quent for  thirteen  weeks  in  the  payment  of  his  dues. — 1887 
Journal,  767,  875,  888. 

1292.  Thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  dues — Last  day 
thereof.  Under  By-Laws  which  read :  "  A  member  more  than 
thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  either  assessments,  dues  or 
fines  shall  not  be  entitled  to  benefits,"  ''Every  member  shall 
pay  as  dues  nineteen  and  three-thirteenths  cents  per  week 
into  the  general  fund,"  a  brother  on  the  last  day  of  the 
thirteen  weeks  of  arrearage  for  dues  would  not  be  thirteen 
weeks  in  arrears  for  dues  on  that  last  day.  He  would  not  be 
thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  dues  until  the  expiration  of 
that  day.  In  other  words,  he  has  all  of  that  day  in  which 
to  make  his  payment. — Bigelow  vs.  Marion  Lodge,  1903  Joui'- 
nal,  140,  154. 

1293.  When  six  months  in  arrears.  Where  a  brother's 
dues  remain  unpaid  for  six  months,  at  the  expiration  of  six 
months  he  is  considered  in  arrears  over  six  months. — 1878 
Journal,  947,  974;  1882  Journal,  736,  844,  879. 

1294.  The  same.  Where  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide 
that  "no  member  shall  be  entitled  to  benefits  who  is  over 
twenty-six  weeks  in  arrears  for  dues,"  and  also  that  '*a 


Dues.  355 

member  shall  not  be  in  arrears  until  after  thirteen  weeks' 
non-payment  of  dues,"  it  does  not  follow  that  a  member  must 
have  failed  to  pay  his  dues  for  thirty-nine  weeks  to  be 
deprived  of  benefits ;  if  he  fail  to  pay  he  becomes  not  entitled 
to  benefits  at  the  end  of  twenty-six  weeks,  for  a  member  will 
be  in  arrears  for  dues  twenty-six  weeks  at  the  expiration  of 
twenty-six  weeks  from  the  time  when  his  account  for  dues 
exactly  balances.— 1884  Journal,  15,  116,  153. 

1295.  Twenty-four  months'  dues  in  arrears.  If  a  member 
owe  or  be  in  arrears  for  twenty-four  months'  dues,  the 
Lodge  can  lawfully  collect  the  amount  for  the  twenty-four 
months.— 1895  Journal,  40,  225,  249. 

3.     SUSPENSION  FOR  NON-PAYMENT   OF   DUES    OR 
DEMANDS. 

1296.  Time  and  manner  of  suspending  for  non-payment 
of  dues  or  demands.  Any  member  neglecting  or  refusing  to 
make  payment  of  his  dues,  or  demands  against  him,  to  the 
Lodge,  according  to  its  By-Laws,  for  the  space  of  twelve 
months,  the  fact  that  he  is  in  arrears  more  than  twelve 
months  shall  be  announced  by  the  Financial  Secretary,  or  if 
there  is  none,  by  the  Recording  Secretary,  in  open  Lodge,  at 
least  two  regular  meetings,  and  he  shall  be  suspended  from 
membership  and  shall  be  so  declared  by  the  Noble  Grand, 
unless  other\vise  determined  by  a  vote  of  the  Lodge.  When 
a  brother  is  eleven  months  in  arrears,  the  Financial  Secre- 
tary, or,  if  there  be  none,  the  Recording  Secretary,  shall 
give  him  personally,  or  shall  send  him  by  mail,  to  his  last 
given  address,  a  written  notice  of  the  state  of  his  account. 
The  failure  or  neglect  to  give  or  send  this  notice  shall  not 
delay  or  afl^ect  the  validity  of  the  suspension ;  and  provided^ 
that  no  person  shall  be  suspended  under  this  section  while 
charges  are  pending  against  him,  and  provided^  that  a  mem- 
ber may,  prior  to  suspension,  pay  a  sufficient  portion  of  the 
amount  due  to  avoid  suspension. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  VIII,  Sec.  1,  Clause  1. 

Note. — A   member   may  be   sus-  inp   in    arrears     for    dues — (1868- 

pended  or  dropped   from   member-  1870-1880  R.  G.  L.  .lournal,  4397, 

Rhip,    but    he    cannot    be    expelled  4418-4891,   4892-4887;    1000   S.   G. 

from  the  Order  on  account  of  be-  L.  Journal,  518,  827,  873). 


356  Dues. 

1297.  Over  sixty  years  of  age  and  a  contributing  member 
for  twenty-five  consecutive  years.  Provided,  that  no  mem- 
ber shall  be  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  who  is  over 
sixty  years  of  age,  and  who  has  been  a  contributing  member 
for  twenty-five  consecutive  years,  but  he  shall  be  retained 
as  a  non-beneficial  member,  and  as  such  shall  be  entitled  to 
the  password  and  all  the  privileges  of  active  members,  except 
benefits.  The  Lodge  shall  not  be  compelled  to  pay  per 
capita  tax  on  such  non-beneficial  members.  Such  non-benefi- 
cial members  may  be  reinstated  in  the  manner  as  provided 
for  the  reinstatement  of  suspended  members  for  non-pay- 
ment of  dues. — Constitution,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  1,  Clause  1. 

Note. — The    words     "contribut-  including  the   time    an   unexpired 

ing   member    for    twenty-five    eon-  Withdrawal   Card  may  have  been 

secutive    years"   mean   continuous  held — (1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  18, 

membership  for  twenty-five  years,  284,  314). 

1298.  When  brother  ceases  membership.  A  brother  does 
not  cease  membership  until  the  expiration  of  the  second 
meeting  at  which  his  name  is  announced,  and  should  the 
brother  present  the  amount  of  his  dues  previous  to  the 
expiration  of  that  time,  the  Lodge  should  accept  it  and  give 
him  credit  therefor. — Porter  vs.  Magnolia  Lodge,  1864  Jour- 
nal, 482,  521,  522. 

1299.  Suspension  for  fines.  A  brother  cannot  be  sus- 
pended from  membership  in  his  Lodge  for  non-payment  of 
a  fine  imposed  until  the  same  is  one  year  in  arrears.  Section 
6,  Article  VIII,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  applies  to  his 
suspension  from  rights  and  benefits,  and  not  from  member- 
ship.—1898  Journal,  13,  231,  277. 

1300.  Charges.  A  brother  cannot  be  suspended  for  non- 
payment of  dues  while  charges  are  pending  against  him.  Nor 
can  a  brother  be  expelled  for  non-payment  of  dues. — 1896 
Journal,  408,  588,  629. 

1301.  Time,  not  the  amount  of  arrears,  governs.  When  a 
brother  is  in  arrears  for  dues  for  six  or  seven  months,  and 
an  assessment  of  $5.00  is  levied,  or  fines  amounting  to  $7.00 
for  non-attendance   as   an   officer   are   imposed,   he   cannot 


Dues.  357 

legally  be  declared  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues, 
because  the  time  fixed  by  law  must  govern,  and  not  the 
amount  due.  A  brother  cannot  be  suspended  for  non-pay- 
ment of  dues  or  demands  until  he  is  twelve  months  in  arrears. 
—1883  Journal,  1001,  1150,  1175;  1885  Journal,  287,  403,  432; 
1887  Journal,  887,  890. 

Note. — To  suspend  or  drop  a  be  regarded  and  not  the  amount 
member  for  the  non-payment  of  due — (1882  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
dues,  the  time  fixed  by  law  must      8838,  9025,   9101). 

1302.  Cannot  refuse  to  receive  dues  in  full  or  in  part.  No 
Lodge  can  refuse  to  receive  in  full  or  in  part  the  dues  of  a 
member  prior  to  his  suspension,  and  no  brother  can  be  sus- 
pended or  dropped  from  membership  in  the  Order  for  non- 
payment of  dues,  unless  at  the  time  of  the  suspension  he 
shall  be  indebted  to  the  Lodge  for  one  year's  dues. — 1878 
Journal,  825,  928,  965. 

1303.  Failure  to  deduct  dues  from  benefits.  A  brother 
was  on  the  sick-list  of  his  Lodge,  and  received  benefits  from 
December  31st,  1897,  to  June  23d,  1898,  when  he  was  declared 
off  the  sick-list.  He  resided  in  a  county  other  than  the  one 
in  which  his  Lodge  was  located  and  was  under  the  charge 
of  a  Relief  Committee  where  he  resided.  He  did  not  appeal 
from  the  action  of  his  Lodge  declaring  him  not  entitled  to 
benefits.  In  January,  1898,  the  Lodge  changed,  with  other 
officers,  its  Secretary,  and  this  new  Secretary  failed  to  notify 
the  Relief  Committee  to  deduct  his  dues  from  the  payments 
of  sick  benefits  to  him.  Therefore,  in  June,  when  he  was 
declared  off  the  sick-list,  he  was  indebted  to  the  Lodge  for 
dues  for  the  five  months  preceding  said  month  of  June. 
When  he  was  eleven  months  in  arrears  for  dues  he  was 
notified  of  his  arrearages,  according  to  the  directions  of  the 
Constitution  of  Subordinates.  He  replied  that  he  had  no 
money  with  which  to  pay  the  same,  and  that  the  Lodge 
should  have  retained  the  amount  of  his  dues  from  the  pay- 
ments made  to  him  of  sick  benefits  prior  to  the  time  he  was 
declared  off  the  sick-list.  The  Lodge  did  not  owe  him  any 
benefits,  and  was  not  otherwise  indebted  to  him.  He,  being 
more  than  twelve  months  in  arrears  for  dues,  being  indebted 


358  Dues.  \ 

to  the  Lodge  for  dues  since  the  first  day  of  January,  1898, 
could  be  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues. — 1899  Journal, 
438,  657,  658,  679. 

1304.  Insane  brother  cannot  be  suspended.  A  brother 
cannot  cease  membership  for  non-payment  of  dues  while 
insane.— 1877  Journal,  682,  699 ;  1886  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10252, 
10487,  10511. 

1305.  Insane  and  not  entitled  to  benefits.  A  Lodge  cannot 
suspend  a  member  for  non-payment  of  dues  while  insane, 
even  if  he  were  not  entitled  to  benefits  when  taken  sick. — 
1889  Journal,  32,  122,  163. 

1306.  A  brother  suspended  for  cause  may  be  suspended 
for  non-payment  of  dues.  A  brother  suspended  for  two 
years,  or  for  any  other  length  of  time,  for  cause,  his  dues 
accrue  weekly  and  are  payable  during  his  suspension,  the 
same  as  if  he  were  not  suspended  for  cause,  and  he  is  subject 
to  the  same  penalty  for  non-payment  as  if  he  were  not  sus- 
pended for  cause,  and  may  be  suspended  for  non-payment  of 
dues.— 1895  Journal,  23,  195,  196,  236;  1890  Journal,  430, 
434,  569;  1897  Journal,  805,  1030,  1054. 

1307.  The  same.  When  a  brother  is  suspended  for  a 
stated  term  for  cause,  the  disability  expires  at  the  end  of 
the  term.  Dues  accrue  during  suspension  for  cause,  and 
if  a  brother  owe  $5.00  at  the  time  of  his  suspension,  he 
would,  two  years  thereafter,  owe  the  Lodge  that  amount, 
plus  two  years'  dues  and  the  assessments  that  may  be  levied 
in  the  meantime,  provided  he  pay  nothing  into  the  Lodge 
during  the  time  he  stands  suspended.  If  he  refuse  or  neglect 
to  pay,  the  Lodge  may,  if  it  see  fit,  suspend  him  for  non- 
payment of  dues,  by  complying  with  the  law  in  relation 
thereto.— 1895  Journal,  19,  195,  196,  236;  1860  Journal,  51. 

1308.  Expelled  and  an  appeal  sustained.  Lodges  have  no 
right  to  refuse  a  brother  admission  whose  appeal  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  on  a  sentence  of  expulsion  has  been  sustained ; 
nor,  in  such  case,  to  declare  him  ceased  membership  for  non- 
payment of  dues,  when  the  brother  is  willing  and  ready  to 
pay  the  same. — 1862  Journal,  321. 


Education — Emblems.  359 

1309.  Such  suspension  shall  not  be  published.  Sus- 
pensions for  non-payment  of  dues  shall  not  be  published  in 
the  Journal  of  Proceedings. — 1855  Journal,  156. 

1310.  First  announcement  of  arrears.  The  first  announce- 
ment of  a  brother's  arrearages  under  Article  VIII,  Section 
1,  Clause  1,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  should  not 
be  made  in  the  Lodge  until  after  the  brother  be  twelve 
months  in  arrears. — 1864  Journal,  482,  521. 

1311.  Vice-Grand  and  suspension  for  non-payment  of 
dues.  A  Vice-Grand  occupying  the  chair  of  the  Noble  Grand 
during  the  latter 's  absence  can  legally  declare  suspended  for 
non-payment  of  dues  a  member  whose  name  has  been  prop- 
erly read  in  the  Lodge  as  being  delinquent  on  two  meeting 
nights  previous  to  the  night  of  the  declaration  of  suspension. 
—1895  Journal,  19,  195,  196,  236. 

EDUCATION. 

1312.  Education  Fund.  The  Lodge  may  provide  by  its 
By-Laws  for  a  widows',  orphans'  and  educational  fund. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

1313.  When  Lodge  may  refuse  to  furnish  funds  for.    A 

Lodge  may  refuse  to  furnish  funds  for  the  education  of 
orphans  of  deceased  brothers  when  the  legal  guardian  of 
such  orphans  will  not  permit  the  Lodge  to  select  the  place 
of  education.— 1866  Journal,  219,  229. 

(See  Funds;  Membership;  Visiting  and  Visitors.) 

EMBLEMS. 

1314.  Grand  and  Subordinate  Lodges  not  responsible  for 
certain  corporations  and  associations.  Resolved,  That 
neither  this  Grand  Lodge  nor  any  Lodge  under  its  juris- 
diction is  or  will  be  responsible,  pecuniarily  or  otherwise, 
for  any  business  corporations  or  associations  that  use  the 
name  of  the  Order. 

Resolved,  That  the  Grand  Secretary  be  instructed  to  have 
the  above  resolution  published  on  behalf  of  this  Grand 
Lodge.— 1878  Journal,  983,  986. 


860  Emblems. 

1315.  Emblems  and  name  of  the  Order  cannot  be  used 
for  business  purposes,  etc.  No  member  of  this  Lodge  shall 
exhibit,  or  in  any  way  use  for  business  purposes,  or  upon 
his  business  card,  or  sign,  any  emblem  of  the  Order,  nor  any 
name  by  which  this  Order  or  any  of  its  branches  are  known ; 
and  no  member  of  this  Lodge  shall  become  or  continue  a 
member  or  officer  of  any  association  or  corporation  using 
such  emblem  or  name  for  business  purposes.  Any  member 
violating  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  section  shall,  upon 
conviction  thereof,  be  suspended  for  not  less  than  one  year, 
or  expelled,  as  the  Lodge  may  determine.  The  provisions  of 
this  section  shall  not  apply  to  any  Odd  Fellows'  Library, 
Hall  or  Cemetery  Association,  nor  to  corporations  or  asso- 
ciations now  existing  which  are  bona  fide  in  process  of  disso- 
lution, and  which  shall  in  good  faith  prosecute  such  dissolu- 
tion to  completion  within  a  reasonable  time. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  X,  Sec.  3. 

1316.  The  use  of  emblems  and  name  prohibited.  Whereas, 
The  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  was  instituted  for 
the  purpose  of  visiting  the  sick,  relieving  the  distressed, 
burying  the  dead,  and  educating  the  orphan ;  and. 

Whereas,  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  has  expressly  pro- 
hibited the  use  of  the  emblems  belonging  to  the  Order  in 
connection  with  any  advertisement ;  and, 

Whereas,  certain  incorporated  companies  and  private  indi- 
viduals have  assumed  the  name  and  emblems  of  Odd  Fellow- 
ship for  business  purposes;  and. 

Whereas,  such  assumption  of  the  name  or  emblems  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  might  induce  the  public 
to  believe  that  such  institutions  or  individuals  are  acting 
with  the  sanction  or  under  the  control  of  the  Order,  and 
that  the  Order  guarantees  their  credit,  and  is  responsible  for 
their  liabilities ;  and. 

Whereas,  any  such  institution  or  person  is  liable  in  the 
vicissitudes  of  trade  and  the  fluctuations  of  prices,  to  loss 
or  failure,  in  which  event  the  reputation  of  the  Order  would 
be  involved  in  such  disaster,  and  thus  become  the  object  of 
reproach;  therefore, 


I 


Emblems.  361 

Resolved,  That  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order 
of  Odd  Fellows  of  the  State  of  California  disapproves,  and 
to  the  extent  of  its  powers  hereby  forbids,  the  assumption 
or  use  of  the  name  or  emblems  of  the  Order  by  any  incor- 
porated company  or  private  individual  for  the  transaction 
of  any  business,  and  disclaims  all  responsibility  imputed  to 
it  by  the  use  of  any  such  name  or  emblems. — 1871  Journal, 
472. 

1317.  A  savings  bank  should  not  use  the  name  of  the 
Order.  A  savings  bank,  though  officered  and  managed  by 
members  of  the  Order,  and  established  and  operated  for  the 
sole  purpose  of  doing  business  with  Lodges  and  Odd  Fellows, 
should  not  use  the  name  of  the  Order,  and  a  State  Grand 
Lodge  has  no  authority  or  power  to  grant  it  permission  so 
to  do.— 1893  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13619,  13680 

1318.  Illegal  to  use  the  name  "Odd  Fellows'  Band."  It 
is  not  lawful  to  use  the  name  of  ''Odd  Fellows'  Band,"  it 
being  the  intention  of  the  band  to  compete  for  general  busi- 
ness with  other  bands  in  the  same  city.  The  use  of  such  a 
name  would  be  in  conflict  with  Section  3,  Article  X,  of  the 
Constitution  of  Subordinates.— 1888  Journal,  1022,  1111, 
1130. 

1319.  Building  and  loan  associations  not  to  use  the  em- 
blems, initials,  etc.  The  use  of  the  name,  symbols,  initials 
or  emblems  of  the  I.  O.  0.  F.  in  connection  with  any  enter- 
prise to  be  known  as  an  I.  O.  0.  F.  or  Odd  Fellows'  Hall  or 
Building  Association,  or  I.  0.  O.  F.  or  Odd  Fellows'  Build- 
ing and  Loan  Association,  or  to  any  such  association  limiting 
its  membership  to  members  of  our  Order,  or  any  association 
limiting  its  management  to  our  membership,  is  illegal.  No 
Grand  Lodge  shall  have  any  authority  to  give  its  sanction 
to  any  such  enterprise.  Any  Odd  Fellow  violating  the  pro- 
visions of  this  resolution  shall,  on  conviction,  be  expelled. 
Nothing  herein  shall  be  construed  against  or  inhibit  the 
building  and  support  of  any  Temples,  Widows'  and  Orphans* 
Homes,  Asylums,  Schools,  or  Halls,  which  are  used  or  to  bo 
erected  and  maintained  within  the  legitimate  purposes  of  the 
I.-  0.  O.  F.— 1891  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  12677,  12709. 


362  Encampment. 

1320.  Emblems,  name,  titles,  mottoes  and  initials.  No 
member  of  the  Order  shall  either  directly  or  indirectly  use 
or  sanction  the  use  of  any  of  the  emblems,  the  name,  or  any 
of  the  titles  or  mottoes  or  the  initials  of  the  Order  in  the 
prosecution  of  any  private  business  or  enterprise;  nor  use 
any  of  them  in  any  advertisement  or  public  display  not 
authorized  by  some  law  of  the  Order. — 1871  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
5143,  5183,  5199,  5247. 

1321.  Business  envelope.  The  use  of  the  all-seeing  eye 
and  the  three  links  on  a  business  envelope  is  a  violation  of 
our  law.— 1905  Journal,  743,  922,  936. 

1322.  Certain  emblems  and  badges.  The  "Three  Links," 
the  words  ''Friendship,  Love  and  Truth"  and  the  initials 
*'F.  L.  &  T."  are  adopted  emblems  and  badges  of  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  782, 
854,  875. 

1323.  "Odd  Fellows."  The  use  of  the  words  "Odd  Fel- 
lows" is  a  use  of  the  "Name"  of  the  Order  within  the  mean- 
ing of  all  laws  forbidding  the  use  of  such  name. — 1896 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15043,  15085;  1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  38, 
365,  394. 

1324.  Use  of  one's  name  as  member  or  officer  of  Lodge. 

No  member  or  officer  of  any  Lodge  of  this  Order  shall,  either 
directly  or  indirectly,  use  or  permit  the  use  of  his  name  as 
such  member  or  officer  in  any  private  business  or  enterprise. 
—Approved  1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  555,  987,  1004. 

ENCAMPMENT. 

1325.  Certain  resolutions  not  in  order.  A  resolution  that 
a  committee  of  three  members  of  this  body  who  have  attained 
the  Royal  Purple  Degree  be  appointed  to  examine  the  mem- 
bers of  this  Grand  Lodge,  and  report  the  names  of  all  Royal 
Purple  Degree  members  to  the  Grand  Master,  is  not  in  order 
in  the  Grand  Lodge.— 1856  Journal,  186,  187. 

1326.  Encampment  Degrees.  A  Grand  Lodge  cannot 
require  any  of  its  members  to  be  in  possession  of  Encamp- 


Encampment.  363 

ment  Degrees,  such  as  the  Royal  Purple.— 1852-1855-1877 
Journal,  1922,  1957,  2487,  2507,  2520,  2815,  2831. 

1327.  Certificate    of    standing    to    join    Encampment. 

Neither  the  Lodge  nor  the  Secretary  thereof  has  the  right  to 
refuse  to  a  brother  of  the  Third  Degree  in  good  standing  a 
certificate  of  his  standing  in  the  Lodge,  to  be  filed  with  an 
application  for  membership  in  an  Encampment. — 1900 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  518,  827,  873. 

1328.  The  same — No  vote  necessary  for  such  certificate. 
It  is  the  duty  of  the  Recording  Secretary  to  fill  out  and 
furnish  to  any  Scarlet  Degree  member  in  good  standing  such 
certificate  with  the  seal  of  the  Lodge  attached  upon  applica- 
tion therefor,  and  no  vote  of  the  Lodge  is  necessary  for 
such  certificate.— 1886  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10523,  10660;  1869 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4466,  4598,  4614 ;  Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  Vn,  Sec.  3. 

1329.  Grand  Representative.  A  Grand  Representative  to 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  must  have  attained  the  Royal 
Purple  Degree  in  a  Subordinate  Encampment. — 1889  Jour- 
nal, 34,  122,  163. 

Note. — He  must  be  a  member  ment  in  good  standing — S.  G.  L. 
in  good  standing  of   an   Encamp-      Constitution,  Art.   IX,  Sec.   3. 

1330.  Witness  before  Encampment  Trial  Committee.  On 
application  of  a  Trial  Committee  of  an  Encampment,  in  writ- 
ing, to  the  Noble  Grand  of  the  Lodge  of  which  the  party 
wanted  as  a  witness  is  a  member,  such  Noble  Grand  shall,  by 
written  order,  require  the  attendance  of  such  witness  before 
such  committee,  if  within  his  county,  or  before  a  referee,  to 
take  his  testimony.  If  such  witness  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to 
obey  such  order,  without  a  sufficient  excuse  (to  be  deter- 
mined by  his  Lodge),  he  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  contempt, 
and  may  be  fined,  reprimanded,  suspended  or  expelled,  as 
his  Lodge,  by  ballot,  may  determine. — 1867  Journal,  347, 
348,  359;  1883  Journal,  1159,  1176. 


364     Endowment — English  Language — Exceptions. 

1331.  Encampment  cannot  visit  Subordinate.  An  En- 
campment cannot  visit  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  as  a  body,  in 
regalia.— 1871  Journal,  366,  415,  471. 

(See  Regalia.) 

ENDOWMENT. 

1332.  Must  be  by  voluntary  contributions.  A  Grand 
Lodge  possesses  the  right  to  establish  widow  and  orphan's 
endowments  and  "funeral  benefit  associations,"  provided 
they  are  founded  upon  the  basis  of  voluntary  contributions 
by  those  members  of  the  Order  who  may  form  in  the  juris- 
diction an  auxiliary  association  for  such  purpose.  It  is 
against  the  organic  law  to  make  forced  assessments  for  any 
such  object.— 1877-1878  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7363,  7451,  7888. 

1333.  Such  scheme  cannot  be  made  compulsory.  A  Grand 
Lodge  cannot  enforce  upon  the  whole  or  any  portion  of  the 
Lodges  in  its  jurisdiction  an  Endowment  Scheme,  although 
a  majority  of  the  Lodges  in  its  jurisdiction  vote  therefor, 
nor  can  they  empow^er  any  member  of  said  Lodge  to  utilize 
said  Endowment  Scheme  for  their  individual  or  collective 
benefit.— 1881  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8534,  8701,  8767. 

ENGLISH  LANGUAGE. 

(See  Appeals;  District  Deputy  Grand  Master,  under  the 
head  of  Officers ;  Initiation ;  Installation ;  Membership ;  Pass- 
words; German  Lodges). 

EVIDENCE. 

(See  Trials;  Benefits;  Appeals.) 

EXCEPTIONS. 

1334.  Bill  of.  The  law  provides  that  a  bill  of  exceptions 
may  be  filed  to  the  report  of  a  Trial  Committee,  or  to  the 
report  of  a  Benefit  Investigating  Committee. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  4;  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5. 

(See  Trials;  Benefits;  Appeals.) 


Experts — Expulsion — Extinct  Lodge.  365 

EX-PARTE  STATEMENT. 

1335.  Grand  Lodge  will  not  consider.  The  actions  of 
Lodges  are  not  passed  upon  or  reviewed  by  the  Grand  Lodge 
upon  ex-parte  statements. 

(See  Appeals.) 

EXPERTS. 

1336.  Examination  of  books.  A  Lodge  has  a  right  to 
appoint  an  expert  to  examine  its  books  at  any  time  that  it 
deems  expedient. — Wright  vs.  Chorro  Lodge,  1905  Journal, 
931,  948. 

EXPULSION. 

1337.  Notice  of.  Notice  of  all  expulsions  shall  forthwith 
be  forwarded  to  every  Lodge  in  the  county,  to  the  Subordi- 
nate Encampment  and  Rebekah  Lodge  of  which  the  brother 
is  a  member,  and  to  the  Grand  Secretary. — Constitution  Sub- 
ordinates, Art.  VIII,  Sec.  8. 

1338.  Expelled  member  and  an  appeal.  A  brother  who 
has  been  expelled  cannot  enter  the  Lodge  room  during  ses- 
sion for  any  purpose  pending  an  appeal  from  him  on  expul- 
sion. Expulsion  from  a  Subordinate  Lodge  is  absolute,  and 
severs  membership  totally  from  the  Lodge,  Encampment  and 
Canton.  While  the  right  to  appeal  is  sacred  under  the  law, 
yet  a  member  expelled  from  a  Subordinate  Lodge  stands 
expelled  until  the  order  from  Grand  or  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  for  his  reinstatement  to  membership  reaches  the  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge.— 1898  Journal,  10,  221,  240;  1889  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  11482,  11728,  11786. 

(See  Trials;  Admission  to  one's  own  Lodge;  Grand  Lodge; 
Subordinate  Lodge;  Degree  Lodge;  Black  Book.) 

EXTINCT  LODGE. 

1339.  No  member  shall  organize.  No  member  of  this 
Lodge  shall  be  concerned  in  organizing  any  extinct  Lodge  of 
Odd  Fellows. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  X,  Sec.  1. 

(See  Charter;  Membership;  Cards;  Visiting  and  Visitors.) 


366  Fees. 

FEES. 
1340.  Initiation,  admission  and  degrees.  The  fees  of  the 
Lodge  shall  not  be  less  than  $10.0Q.  for  initiation;  $5.00  for 
admission  by  card;  $5.00  for  each  degree;  $8.00  for  an 
Ancient  Odd  Fellow,  and  $10.00  by  deposit  of  Dismissal  Cer- 
tificate. No  card  or  admission  fee  shall  be  required  in  case 
of  those  who  become  members  on  an  unexpired  Withdrawal 
Card  on  transfer  of  membership.  The  dues  of  this  Lodge 
shall  not  be  less  than  twelve  and  one-half  cents  per  week 
for  beneficial  members,  and  five  cents  per  week  for  non- 
beneficial  members,  both  payable  weekly  in  advance;  pro- 
vided, that  the  dues  of  non-beneficial  members  shall  not  be 
more  than  one-half  the  amount  charged  to  beneficial  mem- 
bers. In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  the  Lodge  may  provide 
by  its  By-Laws  for  a  widows ',  orphans '  and  educational  fund, 
and  funeral  tax,  and  for  extraordinary  assessments  for 
Lodge  purposes. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

1341.  Transfer  of  membership  by  card — No  fee.  When  a 
member  of  the  Order  applies  for  admission  to  membership  in 
another  Lodge  by  transfer  of  membership  by  card  under  the 
provisions  of  Section  2,  Article  III,  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nates, and  is  elected  and  thereafter  as  therein  provided, 
obtains  a  Withdrawal  Card  and  the  Lodge  in  which  he  is 
elected  to  membership  receives  his  Withdrawal  Card,  but 
before  it  has  expired,  and  he  signs  its  Constitution  and 
thereby  becomes  a  member  thereof,  he  is  not  required  to  pay 
any  card  or  admission  fee. — 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  757-761, 
845;  Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  2;  1905  Jour- 
nal, 750,  751. 

1342.  New  law  on  transfer  of  membership  by  card.    A 

brother  to  join  another  Lodge,  under  the  new  law  of  1904  of 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  on  transfer  of  membership  by 
card  (see  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  761,  and  Sectfon  1856  of  this 
Digest),  must  apply  only  in  the  manner  prescribed  in  said 
law  and  must  bring  himself  strictly  within  the  conditions 
prescribed  in  the  law  before  he  is  entitled  to  its  benefits, 
and  if  he  does  not,  then  he  must  pay  the  fee  prescribed  by  the 
local  law.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  28,  221,  244,  29. 


i^ 


Fees.  367 

1343.  Local  law  conflicting  with  the  new  law — Fees  and 
increased  fees  for  age.  Where  a  brother  transfers  his  mem- 
bership from  his  old  Lodge  to  another  Lodge  by  reason  of 
his  change  of  residence  under  the  provisions  of  the  new  law 
of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  1904  on  transfer  of  mem- 
bership by  card  and  in  compliance  with  the  conditions  it 
prescribes,  he  is  entitled  to  admission  to  his  new  Lodge 
without  the  payment  of  any  card  or  admission  fee.  This 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  law  overrides  any  local  law  or  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  Constitutional  provision  requiring  such  fees 
in  such  cases  or  requiring  such  fees  and  an  additional  or 
increased  fee  for  each  year  over  a  certain  age  in  such  cases. 
—1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  36,  219,  243. 

1344.  The  new  law — When  certain  fees  should  be 
returned.  Where  a  brother  who  came  within  the  provisions 
of  the  law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  1904  on  transfer 
of  membership  by  card  applied  after  the  law  went  into 
effect  for  transfer  by  card,  tendering  fees  as  called  for  by 
Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge,  and  was  elected 
and  accepted,  and  neither  the  Lodge  nor  the  brother  was 
aware  of  the  new  law,  yet  he  is  entitled  to  admission  to  his 
new  Lodge  without  payment  of  any  card  or  admission  fee, 
and  under  these  conditions  the  fees  paid  by  the  brother 
should  be  returned  to  him.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  36,  219, 
243. 

1345.  Admission  fee — Card — Certificate.  The  law  of  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  1904  on  transfer  of  membership 
by  card  does  not  prohibit  in  the  future  all  Lodges  from 
charging  an  admission  fee  to  members  seeking  admission  in 
their  Lodge  by  card  or  certificate.  The  said  law  only  applies 
to  brothers  who  come  within  its  descriptive  provisions,  and 
they  are  not  required  to  pay  an  admission  or  card  fee. — 1905 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  47,  219,  243. 

1346.  The  new  law — An  illegal  By-Law.  The  said  new 
law  of  1904  on  transfer  of  membership  by  card  does  not 
become  applicable  until  the  member  applies  for  admission 
to  the  Lodge  of  his  new  residence.    A  Lodge  has  no  right  to 


368  Fees. 

provide  by  By-Law  a  fee  to  be  charged  brothers  who  do  not 
signify  under  the  provisions  of  the  new  law  their  intention  of 
joining  another  Lodge.— 1905  S.  Q.  L.  Journal,  24,  219,  243. 

1347.  When  reinstated  after  expulsion.  A  member,  on 
being  reinstated  subsequent  to  expulsion,  must  pay  the  same 
fee,  on  re-entrance  to  a  Lodge,  as  an  initiate  of  the  same  age, 
or  such  lesser  fee  as  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  may  pre- 
scribe.—1895  Journal,  19,  195,  196,  236;  1878  Journal,  818, 
928,  967. 

1348.  Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  and  reinstated 
within  one  year  thereafter.  A  member  suspended  for  non- 
payment of  dues  who  applies  for  reinstatement  within  one 
year  thereafter  must  pay  the  amount  of  one  year's  dues. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  1,  Clause  2. 

1349.  Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  and  reinstated 
more  than  one  year  thereafter.  A  member  suspended  for 
non-payment  of  dues  who  applies  for  reinstatement  after  the 
lapse  of  more  than  one  year  from  the  date  of  such  suspen- 
sion, must  pay  the  amount  of  one  year's  dues,  or  such  greater 
sum  as  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  may  prescribe. — Constitu- 
tion Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  1,  Clause  2. 

Note. — By     the     legislation     of  for  non-payment  of   dues   is   rele- 

the     Sovereign     Grand    Lodge    of  gated    to    and    placed    under    the 

1902,    the    question   of    the     rein-  control     of     Grand     Lodges  —  See 

statement    of    members    suspended  Section  1914  of  this  Digest. 

1350.  To  reduce  or  increase  initiation  fee.  A  Lodge  may 
reduce  its  initiation  fee  as  low  as  $10.00,  but  it  must  be  done 
by  amending  its  By-Laws  in  the  regular  manner;  and  if  it 
wish,  after  a  certain  date,  to  restore  the  initiation  fee  to 
what  it  had  been,  it  must  again  amend  its  By-Laws.  The 
Grand  Master  cannot  grant  a  dispensation  to  reduce  such 
initiation  fees.— 1895  Journal,  22,  195,  196,  236 ;  1857  Jour- 
nal, 201,  274. 

1351.  To  change  the  amount  of  fees — Minimum  fees — 
Charter  members — Cannot  open  Charter.  Under  no  circum- 
stances can  a  Lodge  admit  members  for  less  than  the  min- 


Fees.  369 

imum  fees  fixed  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  viz :  $10.00  for  initia- 
tion, $5.00  for  each  of  the  three  degrees,  or  $5.00  when 
admitted  by  deposit  of  card.  No  one  has  authority  to  grant 
a  dispensation  to  a  Lodge  to  admit  members  for  less.  No 
Lodge  has  a  right  to  open  a  charter.  Such  a  proceeding  is 
not  known  to  our  laws.  An  established  Lodge  should  charge 
the  fees  provided  for  in  their  By-Laws.  The  only  proper 
way  to  change  the  amount  of  fees  is  to  pass  an  amendment 
to  the  By-Laws  in  the  regular  manner.  At  the  organization 
of  a  new  Lodge,  members  of  any  age  over  twenty-one  years 
may  be  admitted  at  the  minimum  fees  mentioned  above,  if 
agreeable  to  those  starting  the  new  Lodge.  Charter  mem- 
bers must  be  charged  at  least  the  minimum  fee.— 1895  Jour- 
nal, 20,  195,  196,  236,  180,  250 ;  1874  Journal,  81,  84. 

1352.  Charter    member— Holder    of    Withdrawal    Card. 

The  holder  of  a  Withdrawal  Card  in  date  petitioning  for  a 
charter  for  a  new  Lodge  should  pay  whatever  fee  the  local 
law  provides.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  24,  219,  243. 

1353.  Liability  of  Charter  members — By-Laws.  Members 
who  become  so  by  deposit  of  card  (as  petitioners  for  a 
charter)  at  the  time  when  the  Lodge  was  instituted,  are 
liable  only  to  pay  the  amount  which  admitted  them  when 
they  became  members.  If,  after  their  membership,  By-Laws 
be  adopted  requiring  one  dollar  for  every  year  over  forty 
years  of  age  of  applicants  for  membership,  this  By-Law  is 
not  applicable  to  charter  members  admitted  prior  to  the 
adoption  of  such  By-Law.— 1876  Journal,  391,  392,  474,  508. 

1354.  New  law  of  transfer  of  membership  by  card — 
Charter  members.  In  the  organization  of  new  Lodges  where 
the  charter  members  meet  and  organize  by  electing  a  Chair- 
man and  Secretary,  and  a  sufficient  number  of  members  in 
good  standing  in  their  Lodges  decide  to  procure  a  charter 
for  a  new  Lodge  and  authorize  the  Secretary  of  the  meeting, 
in  writing,  to  procure  for  them  Withdrawal  Cards  from  their 
Lodges  and  deposit  with  him  their  official  receipts,  showing 
dues  paid  up  beyond  the  date  of  presentation  of  their  re- 

24 


370  Fees. 

ceipts,  the  new  law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  1904  on 
transfer  of  membership  by  Withdrawal  Card  on  change  of 
residence  has  no  application  whatever  to  such  cases  as 
stated.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31,  219,  243. 

1355.  Increased  fees  for  age — Prohibitory  fees — Initia- 
tion fee  of  $500.00.  The  Grand  Lodge  disapproved  a  By- 
Law  of  a  Lodge  which  provided  that  persons  forty-seven 
years  of  age  and  over  admitted  to  membership  by  initiation 
shall  pay  an  admission  fee  of  $500.00.  It  appears  upon  the 
face  of  such  a  By-Law  that  it  was  intended  to  operate  as  a 
practical  exclusion  from  membership  of  persons  over  forty- 
seven  years  of  age,  solely  because  of  their  age;  in  other 
words,  to  be  prohibitory  as  to  such  persons.  Under  the  law 
of  our  Order  there  can  be  no  maximum  age  limit  established 
by  Subordinate  Lodges  for  eligibility  to  membership;  and, 
while  a  Lodge  has  a  right  to  fix  the  admission  fees  above 
the  minimum  rates  provided  for  in  the  Constitution,  it  must 
exercise  that  power  reasonably,  and  not  with  the  manifest 
purpose  of  preventing  aged  persons  making  application  to 
participate  with  us  in  the  benefits  and  charitable  and  benev- 
olent work  of  Odd  Fellowship.— 1904  Journal,  513,  515,  536, 
537 ;  1905  Journal,  906,  920. 

1356.  Discrimination  against  aged  applicants.  Under 
Section  1,  Article  IV,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates, 
each  Lodge  may  adopt  such  fees  for  admission  (not  less  than 
the  minimum  sums  therein  fixed)  as  it  may  see  fit.  Such 
fees,  however,  must  be  reasonable — calculated  to  regulate 
and  encourage,  and  not  to  discourage,  the  upbuilding  of  the 
Order ;  and  must  not  discriminate  against  aged  applicants  to 
such  an  extent  as  shall  amount  to  practical  prohibition. — 
1905  Journal,  906,  920. 

1357.  By-Laws  at  time  of  application  govern.  Where  the 
By-Laws  fix  the  fees  at  a  certain  amount  for  each  degree, 
and  an  applicant  for  membership  receives  one  degree,  and 
before  making  application  for  the  other  degrees,  the  By- 
Laws  are  altered  and  the  fees  reduced,  the  applicant  shall 
pay  for  each  additional  degree  the  price  fixed  by  the  By- 


Fees.  371 

Laws  at  the  time  of  his  application  for  such. — 1883  Journal, 
1001,  1150,  1175. 

1358.  Forfeiture  of  fees  disapproved,  and  By-Laws  an- 
nulled. By-Laws  that  declare  the  fee  of  an  applicant  for 
membership  forfeited  to  the  Lodge  when  the  applicant  does 
not  present  himself  for  initiation  or  admission  within  six 
weeks  after  having  received  notice  of  his  election,  are  dis- 
approved by  the  Grand  Lodge.  All  By-Laws  of  Subordinate 
Lodges  providing  for  the  forfeiture  of  the  initiation  and 
admission  fees  are  annulled. — 1867  Journal,  344,  358,  359. 

Note. — A  fee  paid  for  a  degree  be    not    made    before    the    brother 

cannot    be    appropriated    to    pay  is   suspended    for   non-payment   of 

the  dues  of  the  brother.     He  can-  dues,    the    fee    is    forfeited    unless 

not  demand  the  money  unless  the  the    brother    be    reinstated — (1887 

Lodge     refuse    to    confer    the     de-  S.    G.    L.    Journal,    10717,    10951, 

gree,  and  if  demand  of  the  money  11005). 

1359.  Fee  for  medical  examination  retained.  A  Lodge 
has  the  right  to  charge  a  fee  for  medical  examination  of 
applicants  for  membership,  and  to  claim  its  forfeiture  in  case 
of  rejection,  or  failure  to  be  initiated,  but  this  fee  should  not 
be  a  part  of  the  initiation  fee. — 1879  Journal,  85,  100. 

1360.  Minimum  fees.  It  is  unlawful  for  a  Lodge  to 
initiate  or  to  confer  the  degrees  for  less  fees  than  fixed  by 
the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge.— 1895  Journal,  57,  180,  250. 

1361.  Minimum  fees.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  cannot  confer 
the  Liitiatory  and  Three  Degrees  for  less  than  twenty-five 
dollars.  Such  sum  is  the  amount  of  the  minimum  fees  there- 
for prescribed  by  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates. — 1898 
Journal,  10,  231;  Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

1362.  When  fees  should  be  returned.  In  case  a  brother 
who  had  ceased  membership  for  non-payment  of  dues  apply 
for  reinstatement,  and  be  rejected,  the  Lodge  must  return 
the  money  or  fees  sent  with  the  application  to  the  brother. — 
1862  Journal,  304. 

1363.  Where  candidate  dies,  fee  returned.  If  a  person 
who  has  been  elected  to  become  a  member  of  a  Lodge  die 


372  Fees. 

before  he  is  initiated,  the  initiatory  fee  should  be  returned 
to  his  representatives. — 1867  Journal,  339,  350. 

1364.  No  part  of  minimum  fee  can  be  returned.    It  is  not 

lawful  for  the  Lodge  to  confer  the  entire  work  upon  an 
applicant  for  the  minimum  amount,  and  then  return  a  por- 
tion to  the  brother,  thereby  admitting  to  membership  and 
degrees  for  less  than  minimum  fees. — 1891  Journal,  586, 
686,  715 ;  1900  Journal,  45,  233,  240. 

1365.  When  Lodges  cannot  charge  fees  for  services.    A 

Subordinate  or  Degree  Lodge,  when  conferring  degrees  upon 
an  order  from  another  Lodge,  has  no  right  to  make  any 
charge  or  collect  any  fees  for  such  service  from  the  Lodge 
sending  the  order.— 1882  Journal,  864,  872,  885. 

1366.  Return  of  fees  if  initiate  reside  in  another  Lodge's 
jurisdiction.  A  Lodge  admitting  a  member  who  resides  in 
the  jurisdiction  of  another  Lodge  without  the  permission  of 
the  latter  Lodge,  must  return  the  fees  (initiation  and 
degrees)  to  the  Lodge  from  whose  jurisdiction  the  member 
was  taken.  This  law  applies  to  a  charter  member  as  well 
as  any  other  member.  The  fee  demanded  is  the  fee  of  the 
Lodge  near  the  residence  of  the  member. — 1897  Journal,  808, 
994,  1034;  1902  Journal,  927,  944;  1872  Journal,  575,  576, 
665,  684. 

1367.  Effect  of  failure  to  pay  initiation  fee.  A  brother 
regularly  admitted  to  a  Lodge  is  a  member  of  the  Lodge, 
notwithstanding  the  fact  that  through  the  neglect  of  the 
Secretary  he  has  not  paid  the  requisite  fee  for  admission. 
The  moment  he  is  initiated  he  is  an  Odd  Fellow. — 1856  Jour- 
nal, 207,  223 ;  Wormwood  vs.  Clear  Lake  Lodge,  1873  Jour- 
nal, 840,  841,  855. 

1368.  Admitted  for  less  than  is  due.  An  error  in  admit- 
ting a  brother,  by  payment  of  less  than  is  due,  does  not 
deprive  the  brother  of  membership.  The  balance  due  can  be 
charged  against  him  on  the  books. — 1869  Journal,  64,  76. 

1369.  Receipt  and  disposition  of  initiation  fee.  The 
initiation   fee   accompanying  the   petition   for   membership 


I 


r 


I 


Finances  and  Finance  Committees.  373 

should  be  paid  to  the  Recording  Secretary.  Should  the 
person  be  elected  to  membership,  the  money  is  then  paid  to 
the  Financial  Secretary;  if,  however,  the  candidate  be 
rejected,  the  Recording  Secretary  should  return  the  money 
to  the  petitioner.— 1896  Journal,  410,  588,  629. 

1370.  Initiatory  fees  prior  to  the  candidate's  election. 

The  fee  for  an  initiatory  member  should  not  be  paid  to  the 
Treasurer  or  reported  among  the  receipts  of  the  evening 
prior  to  the  election  of  the  candidate. — 1896  Journal,  437, 
607,  636;  1857  Journal,  271;  1880  Journal,  361,  376. 

1371.  Degree  fees  prior  to  applicant's  election.  Degree 
fees  should  not  be  entered  upon  the  record  or  reported  among 
the  receipts  of  the  evening  or  paid  over  to  the  Treasurer 
until  after  the  applicant's  election. — 1859  Journal,  447,  529; 
1868  Journal,  413,  527 ;  1896  Journal,  437,  607,  636. 

1372.  Fees  when  candidate  elected.  All  fees  must  be  paid 
to  the  Treasurer  and  reported  among  the  receipts  the  same 
evening  the  applicant  is  elected.  They  are  not  the  property 
of  the  Lodge  till  the  candidate  is  elected. — 1896  Journal, 
437,  607,  636 ;  1889  Journal,  32,  122,  163 ;  1857  Journal,  271. 

1373.  By-Laws  and  disposition  of  fees.  The  Recording 
Secretary  shall  not  pay  the  initiation  fee  to  the  Treasurer 
before  the  ballot  is  taken,  except  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge 
otherwise  provide. — 1870  Journal,  188,  255. 

1374.  Fees  for  degree.  They  are  subject  to  the  control 
and  regulation  of  a  Grand  Lodge. — 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
23,  284,  314. 

(See  Aged  Odd  Fellows.) 

FINANCES  AND  FINANCE  COMMITTEES. 

1375.  Committee  on  Finance  is  a  regular  committee.  It 
is  a  regular  committee  of  the  Grand  Lodge  required  to  be 
appointed  at  each  annual  session  from  among,  the  members 
present. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  2. 


374  Finances  and  Finance  Committees. 

1376.  Committee  on  Finance — Appointment  and  duties. 

The  Committee  on  Finance  shall  consist  of  five  members, 
who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Grand  Master,  by  and  with 
the  consent  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
examine  and  report  on  all  accounts  and  claims  against  the 
Grand  Lodge  previous  to  their  being  passed  for  payment  by 
the  Lodge;  but  claims  against  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  Fund 
shall  be  examined  and  audited  by  the  Trustees  of  the  Odd 
Fellows'  Home  before  payment,  instead  of  by  said  Finance 
Committee,  and  be  paid  by  warrants  drawn  upon  said  Home 
Fund  by  the  President  or  the  Board  of  Trustees,  counter- 
signed by  the  Grand  Secretary.  Said  Finance  Committee 
shall  examine  the  accounts  of  the  Grand  Secretary,  Grand 
Treasurer,  Trustees  and  Trustees  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home, 
annually;  ascertain  the  amount  of  funds  in  the  hands  of 
each,  and  report  the  result  of  their  examination,  and  the 
condition  of  the  finances,  and  of  each  of  the  funds  thereof 
immediately  thereafter  to  the  Grand  Lodge;  also,  ascertain 
and  report  at  the  commencement  of  each  annual  session  the 
amount  required  for  the  expenses  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and 
of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  suggest 
such  measures  of  finance  as  they  may  deem  expedient. — 
Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  4. 

1377.  Demands  against  Grand  Lodge.  When  any 
demand  shall  have  been  approved  by  a  majority  of  the 
Finance  Committee,  the  Grand  Master  shall  order  the  Grand 
Treasurer  to  pay  the  same. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art. 
IV,  Sec.  1. 

1378.  Bank  in  which  Grand  Treasurer  shall  deposit 
money.  The  Finance  Committee  designates  to  the  Grand 
Treasurer  in  writing,  the  bank  in  which  he  shall  deposit  all 
moneys  belonging  to  or  placed  in  his  charge  by  the  Grand 
Lodge.  It  has  the  power  to  change  the  bank  where  such 
money  shall  be  deposited,  and  in  case  of  a  change,  it  shall 
be  charged  with  the  duty  of  seeing  that  the  directions  as  to 
change  of  deposit  are  carried  out. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5. 


Finances  and  Finance  Committees.  376 

1379.  Inspection  and  examination  of  accounts,  books, 
funds,  etc.  The  Finance  Committee  are  to  inspect  and 
examine  the  accounts,  books,  bank  book,  reports  and  funds 
in  hands  of  Grand  Treasurer,  or  the  evidence  of  the  deposit 
thereof  in  bank,  and  report  result,  etc.,  of  their  examination. 
— Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5,  and  Art.  VI, 
Sec.  4. 

1380.  Duty  in  regard  to  Trustees.  The  statement  of  the 
funds  and  investments  belonging  to  the  Grand  Lodge  made 
by  the  Trustees,  the  Finance  Committee  shall  carefully  ex- 
amine in  the  same  manner  as  the  funds  and  accounts  of  the 
Grand  Treasurer  are  required  to  be  examined,  and  report 
the  result,  etc.,  of  their  examination. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  6,  and  Art.  VI,  Sec.  4. 

1381.  Grand  Lodge  Trustees  to  count  the  money,  examine 
books,  etc.  The  Trustees  shall  also,  at  least  twice  a  year, 
and  at  such  other  times  as  they  may  deem  necessary,  examine 
the  books,  accounts  and  vouchers  in  the  hands  of  the  Grand 
Secretary,  and  also  count  the  money  and  examine  the  books 
and  vouchers  in  the  hands  of  the  Grand  Treasurer — Consti- 
tution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV, 'Sec.  6. 

1382.  Finance  Committee  to  ascertain  deficiency — Grand 
Lodge — Odd  Fellows'  Home — Assessments.  At  the  regular 
annual  sessions  the  Finance  Committee  shall  ascertain  what 
will  be  the  deficiency  for  the  current  year  to  pay  the  esti- 
mated expenses  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  amount  of  such 
deficiency  shall  be  assessed  upon  each  Subordinate  Lodge, 
in  proportion  to  the  number  of  its  members  returned  at  the 
last  semi-annual  report  thereof,  ending  June  30th  of  each 
year,  said  amount  payable  in  July.  The  Finance  Committee 
shall  also  ascertain  the  deficiency  for  the  current  year  to 
pay  the  estimated  expenses  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  and 
the  amount  of  such  deficiency  shall  be  assessed  upon  each 
Subordinate  Lodge,  in  proportion  to  its  members,  as  shown 
by  the  semi-annual  reports  for  each  term,  payable  in  July 
and  January  of  each  year,  in  such  proportions  as  the  Grand 
Lodge  may  determine.     Said  assessments  shall  be  assessed 


376  Finances  and  Finance  Committees. 

upon  the  members  not  suspended  at  the  dates  above  men- 
tioned. Such  assessments  shall  be  paid  to  the  District 
Deputy  Grand  Masters  prior  to  the  installation  of  officers, 
who  shall  remit  the  same  to  the  Grand  Secretary  without 
delay. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  3. 

Note. — Lodges  shall  not  be  on  certain  members — See  Section 
compelled   to   pay  per   capita   tax       193  of  this  Digest. 

1383.  Residence  of  members  of  Finance  Committee.     A 

majority  of  the  Finance  Committee  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
must  be  residents  of  the  same  place  as  the  Grand  Secretary. 
—1860  Journal.  82. 

1384.  No  appropriation  after  report  of  Finance  Com- 
mittee adopted.  No  appropriation  of  any  money  shall  be 
made  by  this  Grand  Lodge  for  any  other  purpose  than  the 
just  and  legitimate  claims  against  this  Grand  Lodge  after 
the  report  of  the  Finance  Committee  shall  have  been  made 
and  adopted. — 1855  Journal,  152. 

1385.  Finance  Committee  of  Lodge.  The  Noble  Grand 
shall  also,  on  the  evening  of  installation,  appoint  a  Finance 
Committee  to  serve  for  the  terr^i,  consisting  of  three  members 
not  having  charge  of  the  Lodge  funds. — Constitution  Sub- 
ordinates, Art.  VII,  Sec.  1. 

(See  Section  3281.) 

1386.  Resignation  of  member   and   filling   vacancy.     It 

being  the  duty  of  the  Noble  Grand  on  the  evening  of  installa- 
tion to  appoint  a  Finance  Committee  to  serve  for  the  term, 
he  may  accept  the  resignation  of  any  member  thereof,  and  fill 
the  vacancy,  without  the  action  or  approval  of  the  Lodge. — 
1901  Journal,  411,  551,  562. 

1387.  Duties  and  powers  of  Lodge's  Finance  Committee. 

The  duties  of  the  Finance  Committee  appointed  by  the 
Noble  Grand  to  serve  for  the  term  under  Section  1,  Article 
VII,  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  is  not  defined,  nor 
is  its  powers  specified  in  the  Constitution.  Custom  has, 
however,  fixed  its  duty  as  that   (among  other  things)   of 


Finances  and  Finance  Commiitees.  377 

examining  the  books  of  the  Secretary,  Treasurer  and 
Trustees  of  its  Lodge,  and  it  can  do  so  whenever  it  may 
deem  it  necessary,  or  advisable,  or  when  directed  to  do  so 
by  the  Noble  Grand  or  the  Lodge. — 1898  Journal,  273,  281. 

1388.  Effect  of  appointing  a  new  Finance  Committee. 

The  mere  appointment  of  a  Finance  Committee  for  a  new 
term  does  not  excuse  the  members  of  the  former  Finance 
Committee  for  derelict  conduct  while  serving  as  members  of 
such  committee;  nor  does  the  appointment  of  a  committee 
for  the  new  term  discharge  the  preceding  one  from  the  duty 
of  making  a  report,  nor  from  any  other  duty  pertaining  to 
that  term.  The  Lodge  should,  however,  act  with  reasonable 
dispatch  in  the  matter. — 1884  Journal,  20,  116,  153. 

(See  Fines;  Minutes  and  Records.) 

1389.  Duty  to  examine  all  bills,  etc.  It  is  the  duty  of  the 
Finance  Committee  to  examine  all  bills  and  accounts  previous 
to  their  being  passed  upon  by  the  Lodge.  This  includes  the 
stipulated  payment  of  rent,  salaries,  etc. — 1896  Journal, 
409,  581,  628. 

1390.  Financial  affairs  of  Lodge.  It  has  been  the  well 
established  practice  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  to  recog- 
nize the  power  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  over  its  financial 
affairs  as  a  delicate,  sacred  and  highly  cherished  preroga- 
tive.—1855  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2496. 

1391.  Powers  of  Grand  Lodge.  Although  it  is  left  to  the 
Subordinates,  in  their  discretion,  to  appropriate  their  funds 
for  all  purposes  recognized  by  the  Order,  yet  that  discretion 
must  be  exercised  in  a  reasonable  manner,  and  Grand 
Lodges  may  enact  suitable  regulations  to  prevent  their  Sub- 
ordinates from  making  grossly  excessive  appropriations  for 
such  purposes,  to  the  injury  of  the  funds  that  should  pri- 
marily be  held  for  purposes  of  relief. — 1879  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
2772,  2812. 

1392.  Lodge  expenditures  and  power  of  Grand  Lodge. 
The  reversionary  interest  a  Grand  Lodge  holds  in  the  funds 


378  Fines. 

of  its  Subordinates  gives  it  an  undoubted  right  to  limit 
their  expenses  to  purposes  within  the  Order,  and  may  with 
propriety  inhibit  a  division  of  funds  or  other  property 
among  the  members  of  a  Lodge. — 1857  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
2772,  2812. 

(See  Funds.) 

FINES. 

1393.  Good  standing  and  when  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears. 
If  a  brother  neglect  or  refuse  to  pay  a  fine  for  more  than 
thirteen  weeks  he  would  be  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears.  Dues, 
fines  and  assessments  are  not  to  be  taken  collectively  in 
making  the  computation,  because  delinquency  depends  upon 
the  length  of  time  delinquent  and  not  the  amount. — 1895 
Journal,  21,  195,  196,  236 ;  1896  Journal,  607,  636,  408 ;  Wet- 
tenberg  vs.  Germania  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  576,  637,  638, 
639,  617,  618. 

1394.  Payments,  how  applied.  Provided,  that  all  pay- 
ments by  a  member  shall  be  on  his  general  account,  unless 
otherwise  directed  by  him,  and  shall  be  applied  to  the  pay- 
ment of  dues,  assessment  and  fines,  in  the  order  in  which 
they  become  due ;  but  this  proviso  shall  not  be  applicable  to 
fines  imposed  as  penalties  upon  conviction  upon  charges. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  2. 

1395.  By-Laws  and  Rules  of  Order.  Fines  and  penalties 
must  be  prescribed  by  the  By-Laws.  A  Rule  of  Order  pre- 
scribing a  fine  is  unconstitutional  and  void. — 1886  Journal, 
609,  607 ;  1904  Journal,  386,  541,  553. 

1396.  Investigating  Committee  and  no  By-Laws  prescrib- 
ing a  fine.  It  is  not  legal  for  a  Lodge  to  fine  the  members  of 
an  Investigating  Committee  for  failing  to  report  at  the  next 
Lodge  meeting,  there  being  no  By-Laws  prescribing  a  fine 
for  such  neglect.  Fines  are  a  method  of  punishment  for  acts 
or  omissions  which  are  by  positive  law  declared  to  be  unlaw- 
ful.—1876  Journal,  392,  474,  508. 


Mei; 


Fines.  379 

1397.  Committee  on  Condolence.  In  the  absence  of  a 
By-Law  requiring  a  committee  to  report  within  any  specified 
period,  the  members  of  the  committee  cannot  be  considered 
in  default  or  subject  to  penalty  until  they  have  been 
instructed  by  the  Lodge  to  report  and  failed  to  obey  such 
instructions.— 1892  Journal,  127,  138. 

1398.  Members  of  Visiting  Committee.  When  the  By- 
Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  that  each  member  of  the  Visiting 
Committee  shall  visit  sick  brothers  once  a  week,  and  provide 
a  fine  for  neglect  of  duty,  the  neglect  to  visit  each  sick 
brother  is  a  separate  offense,  and  subject  to  a  separate  fine. 
— Eidenmuller  vs.  Harmony  Lodge,  1861  Journal,  163,  187. 

1399.  Members  of  Finance  Committee.  The  members  of 
the  Finance  Committee  of  a  Lodge  are  liable  to  fine  for 
their  neglect  of  duty  as  members  of  such  committee,  the 
mere  fact  of  the  appointment  of  a  Finance  Committee  for 
the  next  term  does  not  excuse  them,  but  the  Lodge  should 
act  with  reasonable  dispatch. — 1884  Journal,  19,  116,  153. 

1400.  Absence  from  committee  meeting  on  Sunday.    A 

fine  cannot  be  inflicted  for  non-attendance  at  meetings  of 
Lodge  committees  held  on  Sunday,  or  for  non-attendance 
at  a  meeting  of  a  General  Relief  Committee  held  on  Sunday. 
—1874  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6329,  6330,  6234,  6314. 

1401.  Remission  of  certain  fines  in  discretion  of  Lodge. 
When  a  member  stands  fined  by  the  laws  of  the  Order,  for 
non-performance  of  duty  in  not  watching  with  the  sick  when 
duly  notified,  the  question  of  the  remission  of  such  fine 
without  excuse  is  entirely  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Subordinate  Lodge. — 1856  Journal,  214. 

1402.  Refusing  to  sit  up  with  a  sick  brother.  A  Lodge 
can  impose  a  fine  of  $2.00  on  a  brother  for  refusing  to  sit  up 
with  a  sick  brother,  when  the  By-Laws  so  state. — 1904  Jour- 
nal, 386,  541,  553. 

1403.  Absence  of  officers— Fine  may  be  remitted,  when. 
Where  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  that  "every  elected 


380  Fines. 

officer  who  is  absent  at  roll-call  shall  be  fined  one  dollar,  un- 
less he  is  sick,  waiting  on  the  sick,  being  in  Government 
employ,  or  absent  from  the  county ;  but  no  other  excuse  shall 
be  taken,"  the  Lodge  cannot  excuse  the  Noble  Grand  for 
absence  at  a  regular  meeting  night,  he  being  in  attendance 
at  a  meeting  of  another  organization.  But  the  Lodge  may 
remit  the  fine,  if  the  By-Laws  do  not  prohibit  such  action. — 
1885  Journal,  426,  435. 

1404.  Physician  who  is  an  officer  of  the  Lodge.  A  physi- 
cian, an  officer  of  a  Lodge,  is  subject  to  a  fine  for  absence, 
his  absence  being  caused  by  his  attendance  on  his  patients, 
if  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  so  direct  or  the  Lodge  so  deter- 
mine.— 1856  Journal,  202. 

1405.  Officer  who  has  resigned  cannot  be  fined.  A  Lodge 
has  no  right  to  fine  a  brother  for  non-attendance,  who  has 
tendered  his  resignation  as  an  officer  of  the  Lodge,  which 
resignation  the  Lodge  refused  to  accept. — 1867  Journal,  339, 
349. 

1406.  Appointed  officers  absent.    Where  the  By-Laws  of 

a  Lodge  provide  for  fining  its  officers  for  absence  at  roll- 
call,  at  a  regular  or  special  meeting,  but  contain  the  proviso 
that  if  the  appointed  officers  shall  be  in  the  Lodge  in  time 
to  perform  the  duties  assigned  them  they  shall  be  deemed 
present,  the  Noble  Grand  or  the  Lodge,  notwithstanding, 
has  the  right  and  authority  under  such  By-Laws  to  fine  the 
Conductor,  Right  or  Left  Scene  Supporter,  for  absence  on  a 
meeting  night  when  there  is  no  initiation,  and  the  records 
of  the  Lodge  show  such  to  be  the  case.  The  proviso  is  not 
sufficiently  broad  to  excuse  absence  from  an  entire  meeting. 
—1884  Journal,  16,  116,  153. 

1407.  Officers  absent,  and  no  quorum.  Under  a  By-Law 
which  provides  that  officers  absent  at  a  regular  meeting 
shall  be  fined,  an  officer  absent  on  the  night  of  a  regular 
meeting  of  a  Lodge  is  subject  to  a  fine,  notwithstanding  that 
there  may  be  no  meeting  for  lack  of  a  quorum. — ^Bradden 
vs.  Alturas  Lodge,  1873  Journal,  890,  891. 


Fines.  381 

1408.  Absence  at  roll-call — Ante-room.  Where  a  Lodge 
has  a  By-Law  declariDg  that  officers  shall  be  fined  for 
absence  at  roll-call,  it  is  not  legal  or  right  for  such  Lodge, 
after  it  is  declared  to  be  open,  to  refuse  to  permit  any  of  its 
officers  who  may  be  present  in  the  ante-room  to  work  their 
way  into  the  Lodge  until  after  the  roll  is  called,  and  then 
fine  them  for  absence.— 1873  Journal,  872,  892. 

1409.  Absent  at  roll-call,  but  in  Lodge  thereafter.    An 

officer  of  a  Lodge  absent  at  roll-call,  and  not  present  in  the 
ante-room,  but  who  enters  during  the  evening,  must,  not- 
withstanding, offer  an  excuse  for  his  absence  at  the  next 
regular  meeting.— 1887  Journal,  768,  875,  888. 

1410.  Roll-call.  An  officer  of  a  Lodge,  to  be  regarded  as 
present  at  roll-call,  must  be  in  a  position  to  answer  to  his 
name  when  the  roll  is  called.  Being  in  the  ante-room  after 
the  Lodge  is  opened  is  not  being  in  the  Lodge  room. — 1889 
Journal,  32,  122,  163. 

1411.  Absence  and  roll-call.  The  Secretary  should  not 
record  an  officer  as  present  who  enters  the  Lodge  room  after 
roll-call.— 1905  Journal,  743,  932,  948. 

1412.  Excuse  for  absence.  An  officer  who  has  been 
absent  from  the  county,  and  is  on  his  way  home,  may  give 
** absence  from  the  county"  as  his  excuse,  although  he  is 
in  the  county  at  the  time  of  calling  the  Lodge  to  order; 
provided^  he  exercised  due  diligence  to  reach  his  Lodge. — 
1870  Journal,  188,  255,  282. 

1413.  Fines  in  case  of  charges.  The  Constitution  of  Sub- 
ordinates provides  for  fine  as  one  of  the  penalties  upon  con- 
viction upon  charges. 

(See  Trials  for  such  fines.) 

1414.  Absence  of  members  from  Lodge  meetings.  There 
is  no  law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  which  forbids  the 
imposition  of  fines  for  non-attendance  of  members  in  Sub- 
ordinate Lodges;  but  the  spirit  of  the  Order  appears  to  be 
opposed  to.  the  policy  of  such  fines.     The  Sovereign  Grand 


382  Fines. 

Lodgre  refused  to  approve  a  By-Law  of  one  of  its  own  Sub- 
ordinate Lodg:es  which  provided  that  a  member  might  be 
fined  for  non-attendance  at  Lodge  meeting. — 1854-1875-1886 
S.-G.  L.  Journal,  2215,  2264,  2327,  6658,  6704,  10255,  10521, 
10659. 

1415.  Duties  of  Chaplain  by  Junior  Past  Grand  and  fines. 

A  Subordinate  has  not  the  right  to  enact  a  law  making  it 
obligatory  upon  the  Junior  Past  Grand  of  a  Lodge  to  per- 
form the  duty  of  Chaplain  of  said  Lodge,  nor  if  declining 
to  perform  said  duty,  is  it  competent  for  said  Lodge  to  fine 
him  for  non-performance  of  duty. — 1855  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
2461,  2491,  2508;  1855  Journal,  136,  140.  141,  149;  Collins 
vs.  Yerba  Buena  Lodge,  1856  Journal,  179,  205. 

Note. — This  is  a  decision  of  that  he  should  so  act  and  pre- 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  on  an  scribing  a  penalty,  viz:  a  fine  of 
appeal  from  this  Grand  Lodge,  in  one  dollar  for  a  neglect  of  such 
a  case  where  the  Sitting  Past  duty.  The  Sitting  Past  Grand 
Grand  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  refused  to  so  officiate,  giving  as 
refused  to  officiate  as  Chaplain  a  reason  that  he  could  not  con- 
in  the  absence  of  that  officer,  the  scientiously  do  so — (1855  S.  G.  L. 
By-Laws   of   the   Lodge   providing  Journal,  2461,  2491,  2508). 

1416.  Sitting  Past  Grand  cannot  be  fined.  Fines  cannot 
be  legally  inflicted  on  the  Sitting  Junior  Past  Grand  for 
absence  at  Lodge  meetings,  and  Lodges  cannot  enact  such 
fines  in  their  By-Laws,  as  he  is  not,  strictly  speaking,  an 
officer  of  his  Lodge.— 1864  Journal,  487,  564,  565 ;  1888  Jour- 
nal, 1023,  1111,  1130. 

1417.  Prayers.  It  is  highly  desirable  and  eminently 
proper  that  all  Lodges  should  open  and  close  with  prayer, 
but  it  is  not  competent  to  require  the  performance  of  this 
ceremony  under  the  sanction  of  penalties. — 1855  Journal, 
136,  140,  141,  149 ;  Collins  vs.  Yerba  Buena  Lodge,  1856  Jour- 
nal, 179,  205. 

1418.  Absence  from  the  city  as  an  excuse,  and  funeral. 
"Whether  a  Lodge  has  the  right  to  fine  its  members  for 
absence  at  a  funeral  Avhen  their  business  calls  them  from  the 
city  on  the  morning  of  that  day,  depends  on  its  By-Laws. — 
1873  Journal,  872,  892. 


Fines.  383 

1419.  Police  or  civil  officer  and  funeral.  The  right  of  a 
Subordinate  Lodge  to  fine  a  brother  who  is  a  member  of  the 
Police  Department,  while  on  duty,  when  notified  by  his 
Lodge  to  attend  the  funeral  of  a  deceased  brother,  is  a 
matter  entirely  under  the  control  of  the  Lodge.  But  no  civil 
officer  should  be  compelled  to  neglect  his  duties  to  attend 
Lodge  duties.— 1863  Journal,  432,  433. 

1420.  Funeral  of  a  brother  of  another  Lodge.  This  Lodge 
may,  if  it  so  provide  in  its  By-Laws,  impose  a  fine  on  its 
members  for  refusing  to  attend  the  funeral  of  a  brother 
belonging  to  another  Lodge ;  providing  the  deceased  brother, 
at  the  time  of  his  death,  was  under  the  care  of  this  Lodge. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  14. 

1421.  Where  Lodge  has  not  charge  of  funeral.  A  Lodge 
cannot,  unless  it  have  charge  of  the  body  of  a  deceased 
brother  and  unless  it  be  attending  the  funeral  in  the  regular 
form  prescribed  by  the  Order,  impose  a  fine  upon  its  mem- 
bers for  not  attending  said  funeral,  though  the  By-Laws 
may  provide  such  fine  in  ordinary  cases. — 1864  Journal,  528, 
554,  560. 

1422.  Intemperance  of  deceased  no  excuse  for  absence 
from  funeral.  A  member  fined  in  accordance  with  the  By- 
Laws  for  non-attendance  at  the  funeral  of  a  member  of  his 
Lodge,  who  died  in  good  standing  and  was  buried  by  the 
Lodge,  must  pay  the  fine,  notwithstanding  that  the  deceased 
died  of  intemperance.— 1870  Journal,  188,  252. 

1423.  A  brother  leaving  the  city  on  day  of  funeral.  When 
the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  a  penalty  of  a  fine  for  non- 
attendance  at  a  funeral  of  a  member,  and  that  absence  from 
the  city  is  a  valid  excuse  for  such  non-attendance,  and  a 
member  fails  to  attend  a  funeral,  admits  that  he  was  duly 
notified,  and  that  he  left  the  city  on  the  very  day  of  the 
funeral,  but  refu.ses  to  say  whether  he  left  on  business  or  not, 
the  Lodge  may  fine  the  brother  for  his  non-attendance  at  the 
funeral. — Harmony  Lodge  vs.  Pfeifi'er,  1868  Journal,  465, 
481. 


384  Fines. 

1424.  Absence  from  funeral  of  Grand  Juror.  The  By- 
Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  for  a  Funeral  Committee,  which 
shall  during  a  certain  period  of  time,  attend  in  person  or 
by  proxy,  all  funerals  which  take  place  under  the  direction 
of  the  General  Relief  Committee,  and  shall  so  attend  until 
their  successors  shall  be  appointed;  and  further  provide 
that  each  member  of  the  Funeral  Committee  who  absents 
himself  from  a  funeral  shall  be  fined  one  dollar,  unless  he 
present  one  of  the  following  excuses,  to-wit :  sickness,  or  at- 
tendance on  the  sick  or  dead,  burial  of  the  dead,  or  absence 
from  the  city.  The  Noble  Grand  failed  to  appoint  the  suc- 
cessors of  the  committee  at  the  time  required  by  the  By- 
Laws;  a  member  who  absents  himself  from  a  funeral  and 
does  not  provide  a  proxy,  presenting  the  excuse  that  he  was 
a  Grand  Juror,  and  was  necessarily  engaged  as  such  in  the 
performance  of  his  duty  in  the  Grand  Jury,  is  subject  to  a 
fine.— Meeker  vs.  Apollo  Lodge,  1873  Journal,  865,  866,  887. 

1425.  Fines  for  absence  at  funerals.  Resolved,  That  no 
Subordinate  Lodge  has  a  right  to  impose  a  fine  upon  its 
members  for  not  attending  the  funeral  of  a  deceased  brother 
who  is  not  interred  according  to  the  usual  form  and  cere- 
monies of  the  Order,  as  prescribed  by  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge.— 1864  Journal,  560. 

1426.  Fines  must  be  paid  although  funeral  irregular.    A 

failure  to  observe  some  parts  of  the  form  prescribed  for 
funeral  procession  or  funeral  ceremonies,  or  the  fact  that 
the  Lodge  did  not  occupy  the  position  or  place  designated 
in  the  form,  does  not  necessarily  render  the  funeral  illegal 
so  as  to  exempt  or  excuse  from  fine  those  who  violate  the 
By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  by  non-attendance  at  the  funeral  or 
failure  to  answer  at  roll-call  on  return  from  the  funeral. — 
Houseman  vs.  Golden  State  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  80,  91. 

1427.  Insufficient  notice  of  funeral.  A  hailing  salutation 
from  the  Noble  Grand  of  a  Lodge  to  a  brother  across  the 
street  that  ** there  will  be  a  meeting  to-night"  is  not  a  notice 
duly  given  to  such  brother  of  a  meeting  held  for  the  purpose 


I 


Fines.  385 

of  preparing  for  the  funeral  of  a  brother.  The  brother  so 
notified  cannot  be  fined  for  non-attendance  at  the  funeral,  if 
such  be  the  only  notice  he  received. — Petaluma  Lodge  vs. 
Ellsworth,  1875  Journal,  198,  275. 

1428.  When  funeral  begins  and  ends,  and  special  pre- 
liminary and  subsequent  meetings.  The  funeral  of  a  de- 
ceased member  commences  when  the  Lodge  takes  charge  of 
the  body,  and  ends  with  the  ceremony  and  work  of  inter- 
ment; or,  if  the  body  be  taken  in  charge  by  some  other 
Order,  when  the  Lodge  in  funeral  procession  arrives  at  the 
place  appointed  for  the  starting  of  the  funeral,  and  ends  as 
before  stated.  If  Lodges  desire  to  enforce  the  attendance 
of  their  members  at  the  special,  preliminary  and  subsequent 
meetings  had  in  connection  with  funerals,  they  must  frame 
their  laws  so  as  to  require  such  attendance  before  they  can 
impose  fines  for  non-attendance  at  such  meetings. — Taylor 
vs.  Eureka  Lodge,  1876  Journal,  401,  483,  503. 

1429.  Attendance  at  court — Absence  from  city.  Under 
By-Laws  which  make  absence  from  the  city  or  attendance  on 
court  a  valid  excuse  for  non-attendance  at  a  funeral,  a 
brother  who  lives  in  the  city  but  works  out  of  the  city,  and 
who  left  the  city  in  the  morning  of  the  day  of  the  funeral 
to  so  work,  and  was  at  the  time  of  the  funeral  so  working, 
has  a  valid  excuse.  So  an  attorney  who  is  absent  from  the 
city  in  attendance  at  court,  has  a  valid  excuse. — 1882  Jour- 
nal, 741,  844,  879 ;  Barnard  vs.  Kelly,  1882  Journal,  742,  837. 

1430.  Funeral  dues.  Funeral  dues  are  fines  or  assess- 
ments imposed  on  account  of  the  death  or  funeral  of  a  mem- 
ber.—1891  Journal,  585,  690,  716. 

1431.  Noble  Grand's  excuse.  The  Vice-Grand  cannot 
excuse  the  Noble  Grand  for  being  absent  when  the  Noble 
Grand  has  a  legal  excuse.  He  should  be  excused  by  a  vote  of 
the  Lodge.— 1897  Journal,  839,  994,  1036. 

(See  Trials.) 
25 


386  Fiscal  Year — Flag. 

FISCAL  YEAR. 

1432.  When  commences  and  ends.  The  fiscal  year  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  commences  April  1st,  and  closes  March 
31st,  of  each  year. — 1896  Journal,  559,  560. 

1433.  Grand  Treasurer.  He  shall  have  his  accounts  closed 
up  on  the  thirty-first  day  of  March,  annually  and  submit 
them  to  the  Finance  Committee. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge, 
Art.  IV,  Sec.  5. 

FLAG. 

1434.  Odd  Fellows*  Flag.  It  is  intended  for  Subordi- 
nates as  well  as  Grand  Lodges  and  is  to  be  manufactured  of 
white  material,  either  bunting,  satin  or  cotton  cloth.  The 
proportions  to  be  eleven-nineteenths  of  the  length  for  the 
width.  The  emblems  to  consist  of  three  links  to  be  placed 
in  the  center  of  the  flag  with  the  letters  I.  0.  0.  F.  and  the 
name  of  the  State,  District  or  Territory  using  it,  to  be 
painted  or  wrought  in  scarlet  color,  and  trimmed  with 
material  of  same  color. — 1868-1871  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4394, 
4418,  5168,  5217,  5205-5248. 

1435.  American  flag.  It  is  legal  for  a  Lodge  to  purchase 
an  American  flag.— 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15168,  15534, 
15584,  15613. 

1436.  Flags  on  Odd  Fellows'  graves  on  Memorial  Day. 

The  placing  of  some  symbol  or  flag  over  the  graves  of  Odd 
Fellows  when  decorating  such  graves  on  the  Memorial  Day 
set  apart  for  that  purpose,  is  recommended  by  t)ie  Sover- 
eign Grand  Lodge.— 1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  962,  997,  1007. 

FLOOR  WORK. 

(See  Work  of  the  Order.) 

FORMS. 

(See  the  Forms  affixed  to  this  Digest;  and  for  index 
thereto,  see  index  to  this  Digest ;  see  Grand  Secretary,  under 
Officers.) 

FRATERNAL  PRESS. 

(See  Newspapers.) 


Funds  and  Property.  387 

FUNDS  AND  PROPERTY. 

1437.  Trust  Fund  for  charitable  uses  of  the  I.  0.  0.  F. 

The  funds  and  property  of  this  Lodge  shall  be  held  ex- 
clusively as  a  trust  fund,  to  be  devoted  to  no  other  purpose 
than  the  charitable  uses  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  expenditures 
legitimately  made  for  Lodge  purposes,  and  the  advance- 
ment of  the  interest  of  the  Lodge  or  Order,  and  the  uses 
and  purposes  mentioned  in  Section  2  of  this  Article.  The 
funds  may  be  invested  from  time  to  time  as  the  Lodge  shall 
direct,  but  no  part  thereof,  or  of  the  Lodge  property,  or  of 
the  proceeds  of  any  sales  of  such  property,  shall  ever  be 
divided  among  the  members. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  IX,  Sec.  1. 

Note. — All    attempts    to    divert  fail    from   any  cause   to   continue 

the  funds  or  property  of  a  Lodge  as  a  working  body  the  money  and 

trom   the  objects  or  purposes  for  property     of     whatever     kind     of 

which   they  were  in  the  name  of  which    it   may   be    possessed     and 

the  Order  collected,  by  dividing  or  belonging    thereto,    must    be    sur- 

appropriating      them      to      some  rendered  up   to  and  paid  over  to 

other    object    or     purpose,    before  the     State     Grand     Lodge     from 

breaking   up   or   surrendering   the  which    it    derived     its    authority, 

charter,  are  wrong,  and  in  direct  and  no  diversion  of  the  funds  or 

violation  of  the  trust  which  they  property,   or   other   disposition   of 

have     voluntarily    assumed.      The  it,   except    for   the   legitimate   ob- 

funds     and     property     are     trust  jects  of  the  Order,  can  or  will  be 

funds,  and  can  be  applied  only  to  recognized     or     tolerated    by     the 

the   objects    for    which    they    were  Sovereign      Grand      Lodge — (1864 

collected;  and  when  a  Lodge  shall  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3664,  3697). 

1438.  The  Treasurer  or  Trustee  cannot  borrow  or  use. 

Xor  shall  a  Treasurer  or  Trustee  be  permitted  to  borrow  or 
use  any  funds  of  the  Lodge  or  become  surety  for  the  same. 
— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  14. 

1439.  Cannot  be  loaned  to  a  member.  The  funds  of  this 
Lodge  shall  not  be  loaned  to  a  member  of  this  Lodge. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IX,  Sec.  4. 

Note. — No    Lodge    shall    divert  security  being  given   and   a   reas- 

the  funds  from  the  uses  for  which  onable  interest  being  paid — (1887 

they   were  paid   in,   nor   loan   the  8.   G.   L.  Journal,    10009,    10028). 

^ame  at  any  time  without  ample  It  can   loan   its   funds   and   make 


388  Funds  and  Property. 

terms  of  investment  to  suit  itself,  investments — (1890-1895  S.  G.  L. 

subject  to  the   provisions  of  gen-  Journal,      11892,      12192,      12270, 

eral  or  local  laws  on  the  subject  14433,   14461 ) . 
restricting  the   character   of   such 

1440.  Secured  or  unsecured  loan.  No  loan,  be  it  a  secured 
or  an  unsecured  one,  can  be  made  by  the  Lodge  to  one  of 
its  members.— 1899  Journal,  465,  628,  675. 

1441.  When  can  loan  to  wife  of  a  member.  A  Subordi- 
nate Lodge  can  loan  its  funds  to  the  wife  of  one  of  its  mem- 
bers, provided  she  is  a  sole  trader,  and  is  authorized  by  law 
to  transact  business  in  her  own  name.  Should,  however,  a 
transaction  of  hers  be  not  legal  or  binding  without  the  con- 
sent and  signature  of  her  husband,  and  such  signature  is 
added  to  the  note  and  mortgage,  then  the  husband  and  mem- 
ber of  the  Lodge  becomes  a  party  to  the  loan  and  such  loan 
is  in  violation  of  our  Constitution,  which  forbids  the  Lodge 
to  loan  its  funds  to  its  members. — 1899  Journal,  465,  631, 
675. 

1442.  OflBcers  must  give  bonds.  Every  officer  having  care 
of  the  funds  of  the  Lodge  is  required  to  give  a  bond  with 
two  sureties,  but  a  Subordinate  Lodge  may  provide  in  its  By- 
Laws  for  the  acceptance  of  the  guarantee  of  an  incorporated 
security  company  in  lieu  thereof. — 1854  Journal,  77 ;  Consti- 
tution Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  12. 

(See  Bonds.) 

1443.  Surrender  or  forfeiture  of  charter.  In  case  of  the 
surrender  or  forfeiture  of  charter,  all  funds  and  property  of 
Lodge  to  be  surrendered  and  delivered  up  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  or  its  officers. 

(See  Charter.) 

1444.  How  funds  to  be  invested.  The  Trustees  shall  keep 
the  funds  invested  in  such  stocks,  bonds  or  other  securities 
as  shall  be  approved  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  members 
present  at  a  regular  meeting,  or  deposit  the  same  in  some 
savings  bank. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  6. 

(See  Trustees.) 


> 


Funds  and  Property.  389 

1445.  Other  securities  do  not  include  a  promissory  note. 

In  Section  6,  Article  VII,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  the 
words  ** other  securities"  in  the  phrase  "and  shall  also  keep 
the  funds  invested  for  the  best  interests  of  the  Lodge,  in  such 
stocks,  bonds  and  other  securities  as  shall  be  approved  by  a 
two-thirds  vote,"  etc.,  cannot  in  any  sense  be  construed  to 
mean  a  promissory  note,  which  in  effect  is  but  written  evi- 
dence of  a  verbal  promise  of  the  debtor,  and  is  in  no  sense  a 
security.— 1896  Journal,  580,  627. 

1446.  May  invest  surplus  in  stock.  A  Lodge  may  invest 
its  surplus  funds  in  the  stock  of  a  bank,  loan  and  trust  com- 
pany, or  other  moneyed  enterprise  which  it  may  deem  to  be 
a  good  paying  concern. — 1889  Journal,  72;  1888  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  11102,  11374,  11399. 

1447.  Stock  in  Odd  Fellows*  Hall  Association.    A  Lodge 

may  use  a  reasonable  portion  of  its  funds  to  purchase  stock 
in  an  Odd  Fellows'  Hall  Association,  although  such  hall  or 
building  when  erected  will  be  in  part  used  for  other  than 
Odd  Fellow  purposes.— 1887  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10713,  10951, 
11005. 

1448.  Real  estate,  building  of  halls,  etc.  A  Subordinate 
Lodge  has  a  right  to  spend  its  funds,  not  otherwise  inter- 
dicted, for  the  purchase  of  real  estate,  the  building  of  halls, 
the  purchase  of  large  and  costly  frames  for  charters  and  pic- 
tures, albums  for  the  same  purpose,  and  many  other  such 
articles.- 1879  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8166,  8182. 

1449.  Building  of  road  to  Lodge's  hall.  A  Lodge  owning 
a  hall  cannot  appropriate  money  from  its  funds  to  build  a 
road  from  the  town  in  which  its  hall  is  situated  to  a  railroad 
station,  as  the  object  for  which  the  appropriation  should  be 
made  cannot  be  regarded  as  one  of  the  legitimate  objects  of 
the  Order.  Nor  can  the  appropriation  be  supported  on  the 
ground  that  the  building  of  the  road  will  benefit  the  prop- 
erty. If  the  hall  were  controlled  by  an  association  in  which 
the  Lodge  was  a  mere  stockholder,  then  the  association 
would  have  the  right  to  make  such  an  appropriation,  for  in 
such  case  the  property  is  a  mere  investment  and  an  appro- 


390 


Funds  and  Property. 


priation  out  of  its  revenues  for  such  a  purpose  would  be 
legitimate  and  proper;  not  so,  however,  in  a  case  where  the 
revenues  derived  from  the  rent  of  the  hall  have  been  mixed 
with  those  derived  from  the  dues  of  members  so  as  to  form 
one  fund.— 1884  Journal,  14,  116,  153. 

1450.  Electric  railway.  It  is  illegal  for  a  Subordinate 
Lodge  to  donate  from  its  treasury  a  sum  of  money  to  help 
build  an  electric  railway,  even  where  the  Lodge  owns  its  own 
hall  and  property,  and  the  reason  given  for  the  donation  is 
that  the  opening  and  building  of  the  road  would  enhance 
the  value  of  the  Lodge  property. — 1892  Journal,  116,  131. 

1451.  Railroad.  A  Lodge  cannot  give  money  to  help 
raise  a  bonus  to  assist  in  building  a  railroad  from  the  town 
in  which  the  Lodge  is  situated  to  the  interior. — 1895  Jour- 
nal, 22,  195,  196,  236. 

1452.  Services  rendered    or   materials  furnished.     Any 

Lodge  has  a  right  to  appropriate  moneys  for  any  and  all 
expenses  in  the  legitimate  work  of  their  Lodge,  whether  for 
services  rendered  or  materials  furnished  by  persons  in  or  out 
of  the  Order. — Schell  vs.  Charity  Lodge,  1854  Journal,  73. 

1453.  Robes  and  costumes  of  officers.  The  funds  neces- 
sary for  the  purchase  of  officers'  robes  and  costumes  for  con- 
ferring the  degrees  of  Odd  Fellowship  are  held  to  be  current 
expenses,  and  it  does  not  require  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the 
members  present  to  appropriate  funds  for  such  purpose 
where  the  By-Laws  provide  that  a  majority  may  vote  the 
funds  required  for  all  current  expenses. — 1887  Journal,  767, 
875,  888. 

1454.  Brothers  in  ill  health.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  has 
a  right  to  donate  of  its  funds  to  a  brother  in  ill  health,  as  a 
charity,  though  not  entitled  thereto  by  the  By-Laws  as  a 
matter  of  right.— 1857  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2772,  2812. 

1455.  To  assist  new  Lodges.  Donations  made  to  assist 
petitioning  brothers  by  the  parent  or  other  Lodges  for  the 
purpose  of  instituting  new  Lodges,  is  allowable,  and  is  in  no 


468.     ^ 


I 


Funds  and  Property.  891 

sense  to  be  regarded  as  a  division  of  the  funds  of  the  Lodge. 
—1868-1878  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4423,  7804,  7842;  Hottell  vs. 
Napa  Lodge,  1903  Journal,  141,  155. 

1456.  To  member  in  arrears.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  can 
grant  to  a  member  thereof  who  is  in  arrears,  a  donation  from 
its  funds,  if  done  in  accordance  with  its  By-Laws. — 1854 
Journal,  69. 

1457.  Brother  in  distress.  A  Lodge  has  the  right  to  assist 
a  brother  in  distress,  and  may,  in  the  exercise  of  a  wise  dis- 
cretion and  in  furtherance  of  the  charitable  objects  of  the 
Order,  make  a  donation  from  its  funds  to  extricate  a  brother 
from  a  difficulty  brought  about  by  his  own  indiscretion. — 
1900  Journal,  ^16,  233. 

1458.  Widow  of  a  brother  not  in  good  standing.  A 
Lodge  may  donate  money  for  the  relief  of  the  widow  of  a 
deceased  Odd  Fellow,  who  was  not  in  good  standing  at  the 
time  of  his  death. — Wilkins  vs.  Charity  Lodge,  1861  Journal, 
173. 

Note. — A  Lodge  may  legally  resulting  from  non-payment  of 
grant  relief  to  the  widow  of  a  dues — 1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
member  who  died  in  bad  standing,       16071,   16116. 

1459.  Relief  to  memberg  not  in  good  standing.  Discrim- 
ination and  carefulness  should  be  used  in  drawing  upon  the 
funds  of  the  Lodge  for  the  relief  of  other  than  members  in 
good  standing;  but  the  right  exists  to  make  donations  for 
charitable  purposes  where  the  objects  of  charity  have  claims 
upon  our  consideration. — Wilkins  vs.  Charity  Lodge,  1861 
Journal,  173,  174. 

1460.  Children  of  deceased  brother  in  arrearg.  The  chil- 
dren of  a  deceased  brother,  who,  at  the  time  of  his  death, 
was  in  arrears  for  dues  more  than  twelve  months,  are  not 
entitled  to  any  consideration  as  a  right,  but  the  Lodge  may 
extend  its  aid,  by  donation  or  otherwise,  if  the  circumstances 
in  the  judgment  of  the  Lodge  justify  such  action. — 1872 
Journal,  657,  677. 

1461.  Orphang  of  Odd  Fellows  when  not  objectg  of 
charity.    A  Lodge  may  appropriate  funds  for  the  benefit  of 


392  Funds  and  Property. 

orphans  of  deceased  Odd  Fellows  when  not  objects  of 
charity,  and  the  money  may  be  paid  to  any  person  desig- 
nated by  the  Lodge,  for  their  use  and  benefit. — 1896  Jour- 
nal, 440,  607,  636. 

1462.  To  compromise  financial  question.  A  Lodge  can 
draw  upon  its  funds  for  the  compromise  and  settlement  of  a 
financial  question  about  which  men  may  honestly  differ, 
when  satisfied  that  the  good  of  the  Order  will  be  promoted 
thereby. — King  vs.  Ukiah  Lodge,  1874  Journal,  80,  84. 

(See  also  Sections  2795  and  2796  of  this  Digest.) 

1463.  Donation  to  settle  accounts.  A  Lodge,  when  a 
dispute  arises  between  it  and  a  member  as  to^the  state  of  his 
accounts,  has  a  right,  for  the  preservation  of  harmony,  and 
in  settlement  of  that  dispute,  to  donate  from  the  treasury  a 
sum  of  money  to  such  member,  and  direct  that  it  be  placed  to 
his  credit  on  account  of  dues. — King  vs.  Ukiah  Lodge,  1874 
Journal,  80,  84. 

(As  to  Donations  and  Dues,  see  Sections  1249  to  1253.) 

1464.  Canton.  A  Lodge  may  make  a  donation  to  a  Can- 
ton of  our  Order  on  the  night  of  its  institution  to  assist  in 
defraying  the  expenses  of  its  institution. — Hottell  vs.  Napa 
Lodge,  1903  Journal,  141,  155. 

1465.  To  assist  Rebekah  Lodges.  A  Subordinate  Lodge 
may  donate  money  to  assist  a  Rebekah  Lodge. — 1891  Jour- 
nal, 585,  690,  716;  Hottell  vs.  Napa  Lodge,  1903  Journal, 
146,  155. 

1466.  Rebekah  Lodge — Paraphernalia — Tickets  for  con- 
cert or  ball.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  may  make  a  donation  to 
a  Rebekah  Lodge  to  aid  them  in  purchasing  necessary  and 
appropriate  paraphernalia  for  the  work  of  the  Rebekah 
Lodge;  but  has  no  right  to  appropriate  its  funds  for  the 
purchase  of  tickets  for  concert  or  ball  given  for  the  purpose 
of  raising  funds  for  that  purpose. — Leggett  et  al.  vs.  Donner 
Lodge,  1890  Journal,  443,  448 ;  Hottell  vs.  Napa  Lodge,  1903 
Journal,  142,  155. 


FcNDS  AND  Property.  393 

1467.  To  assist  a  Rebekah.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  may 
donate  from  a  general  fund  to  a  Rebekah. — 1903  Journal, 
23,  155,  180. 

1468.  Relief  of  wife  of  a  member  of  another  Lodge.  The 
restrictions  contained  in  Section  1,  Article  IX,  Constitution 
of  Subordinates,  do  not  prohibit  a  Lodge  from  donating 
from  its  funds  to  relieve  the  wife  of  a  member  of  another 
Lodge  who  retains  his  standing,  though  he  has  ceased  to 
support  his  family  and  has  abandoned  it. — 1874  Journal, 
102,  114. 

1469.  Loss  of  funds  in  bank  and  Treasurer.  It  is  a  sub- 
ject within  the  control  of  a  Lodge  to  release  the  Treasurer 
from  any  loss  of  funds  of  the  Lodge  which  were  regularly 
deposited  in  a  banking  house,  and  the  deposit  made  separate 
from  his  private  funds  and  in  the  name  of  the  Treasurer  of 
the  Lodge,  such  banking  house  having  suspended  payment. 
The  exigency  should  be  provided  for  in  the  By-Laws,  the 
Lodge  being  fully  competent  to  act  in  the  premises. — 1857 
Journal,  281,  282. 

1470.  Veteran  and  Honorable  Veteran  jewels.  Subordi- 
nate Lodges  are  authorized  to  expend  money  from  their 
general  funds  in  the  purchase  of  Veteran  and  Honorable 
Veteran  jewels  for  presentation  to  such  of  their  members  as 
are  entitled  to  wear  the  same,  subject  to  the  provisions  of 
any  local  laws  governing  the  expenditure  of  Lodge  funds. — 
1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  786,  827,  872. 

1471.  Jewel  for  a  member.  A  Lodge  has  no  right,  ex- 
cept for  a  Veteran  or  Honorable  Veteran  jewel,  to  expend 
the  funds  of  the  Lodge  for  a  jewel  for  a  member. — 1897 
Journal,  807,  994,  1034. 

1472.  A  contingent  or  special  five  per  cent,  fund  it 
Lodges.  This  Lodge  may  provide  in  its  By-Laws  for  the 
setting  apart  of  a  sum  not  exceeding  five  per  cent,  of  its 
annual  receipts  for  dues  as  a  contingent  or  special  fund,  to 
be  expended,  in  its  discretion,  in  the  payment  of  necessary 
and  proper  obligations  incurred  by  the  Lodge,  not  included 


394 


Funds  and  Peoi^erty. 


in  or  provided  for  by  Section  1  of  this  Article.- 
Subordinates,  Art.  IX,  Sec.  2. 


-Constitution 


Note. — Grand  Lodges  are  in- 
vested with  the  power  to  permit 
Subordinate  Lodges  and  Rebekah 
Lodges  under  their  respective 
jurisdictions  to  set  aside  five  per 
cent,  of  their  receipts  for  dues  as 
a  contingent  fund,  to  be  expended 
in  the  payment  of  necessary   and 


proper  obligations  which  every 
Lodge  must  meet,  and  for  which 
purpose  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  un- 
der existing  laws,  cannot  expend 
its  funds— (1890-1891  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  12232,  12285  -  12610, 
12651). 


1473.  Money  from  general  fund  to  contingent  fund.    It 

is  not  legal  to  draw  before  the  end  of  the  term,  from  the 
general  fund,  any  part  of  the  five  per  cent,  of  the  annual 
receipts  for  dues  to  be  credited  to  the  social  fund. — 1901 
Journal,  410,  557,  562. 

1474.  Contingent  fund — General  fund — Transfer  of  funds 
— Loans.  A  Lodge  cannot  borrow  money  from  its  contin- 
gent fund  for  the  general  fund.  A  Lodge  cannot  loan  the 
moneys  of  the  special  or  contingent  fund.  The  contingent 
fund  is  provided  to  enable  a  Lodge  to  pay  certain  necessary 
and  proper  expenses  or  obligations  for  which,  under  exist- 
ing laws,  the  Lodge  cannot  expend  the  moneys  of  the  gen- 
eral fund.  Should  the  general  fund  become  depleted,  and 
the  contingent  fund  have  a  surplus,  the  Lodge  may,  upon  a 
regular  and  favorable  vote,  transfer  from  the  contingent 
fund  to  the  general  fund,  but  not  in  the  reverse,  except  as 
provided  by  law.— 1899  Journal,  465,  631,  675. 

1475.  The  contingent  or  special  five  per  cent,  fund  is  a 
separate  fund.  The  contingent  or  special  fund  provided  by 
By-Laws  of  Lodges,  under  Section  2,  Article  IX,  of  Consti- 
tution of  Subordinate  Lodges,  is  a  separate  fund,  and  the 
amounts  so  set  apart  are  set  apart  as  a  separate  fund. — 1896 
Journal,  442,  607,  636. 

1476.  Special  fund  for  parties,  etc. — Amendment.  A 
Subordinate  Lodge  has  the  right  to  amend  its  By-Laws  by 
which  five  per  cent,  of  the  annual  income  from  dues  may  be 
set  apart  and  become  a  ''special  fund"  to  be  used  for  par- 


Funds  and  Property.  395 

ties,  entertainments,  suppers,  etc.  It  is  contrary  to  the  law 
of  the  Order  to  use  money  from  the  * '  general  fund ' '  for  this 
purpose.— 1896  Journal,  409,  588,  629. 

1477.  Flowers  for  sick  or  deceased  members.  Subordi- 
nate and  Rebekah  Lodges  and  Encampments  may  expend 
moneys  from  their  general  fund  for  the  purchase  of  flowers 
for  their  sick  or  deceased  members. — 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
226,  297,  323. 

1478.  Pleasure  excursions  —  Funerals — Railroads — Car- 
riages— Flowers — Music.  The  contingent  fund  cannot  be 
used  for  pleasure  excursions  or  the  mere  gratification  of 
individual  members  of  the  Order,  but  may  be  appropriated 
for  the  purpose  of  procuring  flowers  or  music  at  the  funerals 
of  deceased  members,  the  payment  of  necessary  railway  or 
carriage  expenses  of  bearers  or  of  members  attending  such 
funerals,  and  for  such  purposes  as  tend  to  present  the  Order 
to  the  public  in  its  true  light,  such  as  the  procurement  of 
speakers  to  instruct  in  the  tenets  of  the  Order  and  in  such 
kindred  ways  as  will  awaken  interest  in  the  Order. — 1899 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  39,  365,  394. 

1479.  Suppers.  The  contingent  fund  may  be  used  to  pay 
for  suppers  where  none  but  members  are  present,  the  object 
being  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  Order. — 1902  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  550,  988,  1004.      • 

1480.  Anniversary  of  the  Order  and  banquet.  The  con- 
tingent fund  may  be  used  to  pay  for  a  public  celebration  of 
the  anniversary  of  the  Order,  with  entertainment  and  ban- 
quet following.— 1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  550,  988,  1004. 

1481.  Cigars.  A  Lodge  which  has  not  adopted  a  By-Law 
as  provided  by  Section  2,  Article  IX,  Constitution  of  Subor- 
dinate Lodges,  cannot  lawfully  appropriate  its  funds  in 
payment  of  a  bill  for  cigars. — Wilson  vs.  San  Francisco 
Lodge,  1896  Journal,  516,  557. 

1482.  Dishes.  A  Lodge  cannot  expend  money  for  dishes 
unless  the  By-Laws  provide  a  contingent  fund  therefor. — 
1896  Journal,  440,  607,  636. 


396  Funds  and  Property. 

1483.  Supper  or  banquet — Installation.  In  the  absence 
of  a  By-Law,  as  provided  by  Section  2,  Article  IX,  of  the 
Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  it  is  illegal  to  appro- 
priate the  funds  of  the  Lodge  for  the  purpose  of  paying  the 
expenses  of  a  supper  or  banquet  given  on  the  night  of  the 
installation  of  its  officers. — Fraser  vs.  Presidio  Lodge,  1895 
Journal,  139,  179 ;  Pool'  vs.  Alta  Lodge,  1894  Journal,  691, 
718. 

1484.  Socials,  reunions,  banquets  and  suppers.  A  Lodge 
cannot  appropriate  its  funds  for  socials,  reunions,  banquets, 
suppers  and  the  like  unless  the  By-Laws  provide  for  the 
setting  aside  a  certain  sum  in  a  special  fund,  as  provided  by 
Section  2,  Article  IX,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  from 
which  payments  may  be  made  for  the  above  purposes. — 
Farnell  vs.  Orangedale  Lodge,  1904  Journal,  521,  527. 

1485.  Supper  for  Grand  Master.  A  Lodge  which  has  not 
adopted  a  By-Law  as  provided  by  Section  2,  Article  IX,  Con- 
stitution of  Subordinates,  cannot  appropriate  its  funds  for  a 
supper  for  the  Grand  Master.  In  such  cases  the  adoption  of 
a  motion  that  '*a  warrant  be  drawn  on  the  special  fund  of 
the  Lodge,  in  favor  of  the  Trustees,  for  the  sum  of  five  dol- 
lars, to  pay  for  supper  for  the  Grand  Master,"  is  unlawful. 
Calling  the  fund  a  ''special  fund"  does  not  make  it  such. 
A  Lodge  cannot  evade  the  law  by  any  such  means. — ^Farnell 
vs.  Orangedale  Lodge,  1904  Journal,  521,  527. 

1486.  To  entertain  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment. 
A  Lodge  is  not  authorized  to  appropriate  from  its  general 
funds  any  moneys  for  the  entertainment  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
or  the  Grand  Encampment,  but  may  appropriate  for  such 
purposes  money  from  the  contingent  fund  authorized  by 
Section  2,  Article  IX,  Constitution  of  Subordinates. — Find- 
ley  vs.  Santa  Lucia  Lodge,  1905  Journal,  899,  900,  910. 

1487.  Refreshments,  transportation,  music,  balls  and 
other  amusements.  Lodges  may  not  from  Lodge  funds  pay 
the  expenses  of  refreshments  or  transportation  or  music  pro- 
vided for  a  pleasure  excursion  given  under  the  auspices  of 


Funds  and  Property.  397 

the  Lodge;  and  they  may  not  from  such  funds  pay  the  ex- 
pense of  balls  or  any  other  amusements. — 1865  Journal, 
62,  81. 

1488.  Dinners  and  refreshments.  A  Lodge  has  not  the 
right  to  appropriate  its  funds  for  dinners  and  refreshments 
of  different  kinds.— 1874  Journal,  21,  104,  107. 

1489.  Foot-races,  bicycle-races  and  candy.  A  Lodge  has 
no  right  to  appropriate  its  funds  for  running  foot-races  or 
bicycle-races,  or  candy,  in  celebrating  the  anniversary  of 
Odd  Fellowship.  (April  26th.) — Parkinson  vs.  San  Joaquin 
Lodge,  1893  Journal,  412,  428. 

1490.  Social  entertainment  and  banquet.  A  Lodge  has 
no  right  to  appropriate  its  funds  to  pay  the  expenses  of  a 
banquet  or  social  entertainment. — 1879  Journal,  26,  106,  128. 

1491.  Supper  or  banquet  at  installation  or  Lodge  anni- 
versary. It  is  not  legal  to  take  from  the  treasury  of  a  Sub- 
ordinate the  expenses  of  a  supper  or  banquet  given  on  the 
night  of  the  installation  of  its  officers  or  for  the  celebration 
of  Lodge  anniversaries.— 1882-1887  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8839, 
9025,  9101,  10908,  10976. 

1492.  Improper  resolution — Refreshments.  The  action  of 
a  Lodge  in  adopting  the  following  resolution  was  reversed : 
Resolved,  That  the  appropriating  money  from  our  Lodge 
funds  to  defray  the  expenses  of  refreshments  for  ourselves 
and  invited  guests  of  other  Lodges  at  reasonable  intervals, 
is  in  keeping  with  the  history  of  Odd  Fellowship,  and  no  vio- 
lation of  the  letter  or  spirit  of  our  laws. — 1864  Journal,  522, 
544. 

1493.  Socials,    reunions    and    Lodge    anniversaries.     A 

Lodge  has  no  right  when  they  are  the  owners  of  their  build- 
ing and  hall  to  appropriate  any  of  their  funds  derived  from 
the  rents  of  the  building  for  entertainments,  such  as  socials, 
reunions  or  anniversaries  of  their  own  Lodge. — 1882  Jour- 
nal, 813,  828,  866. 


398  Funds  and  Property. 

1494.  Banquet  at  visitation  of  Grand  Officer.  It  is  not 
lawful  for  a  Lodge  to  use  its  funds  to  defray  the  expenses 
of  a  banquet  at  the  visitation  of  a  Grand  Master  or  other 
Grand  Officer.— 1885  Journal,  288,  403,  432. 

1495.  Excursion-picnic.  Where  a  Lodge  held  an  excur- 
sion-picnic it  is  unlawful  for  the  Lodge  to  pay  the  fare  of  its 
members  in  good  standing. — 1897  Journal,  854,  1000,  1035. 

1496.  Prize  drills  by  Patriarchs  Militant.  A  Subordinate 
Lodge  has  not  the  right  to  appropriate  its  funds  to  be 
awarded  as  prizes  for  excellence  in  drills  by  Patriarchs  Mili- 
tant.—1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11799,  11816. 

1497.  Funds  for  celebrating  the  anniversary  of  Odd  Fel- 
lowship. Subordinate  Lodges  have  a  right  to  appropriate 
their  funds  to  pay  the  expenses  of  celebrating  with  appro- 
priate ceremonies  the  anniversary  of  the  introduction  of  our 
Order  into  America,  and  have  the  right  to  determine  the 
propriety  of  appropriating  their  funds  for  all  purposes  rec- 
ognized by  the  Order. — 1867  Journal,  361. 

Note. — They  may  expend  a  lustrate  its  principles,  or  to  ele- 
reasonable  amount  of  their  funds  vate  it  or  dignify  it  in  the  eyes 
to  defray  the  necessary  expenses  of  the  community,  such  as  hiring 
incident  to  the  celebration  of  the  halls,  paying  for  printing,  pro- 
introduction  of  Odd  Fellowship  curing  orators,  etc. —  (1886-1887 
in  America  in  such  manner  as  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10402,  10443- 
shall   tend  to   promulgate   and   il-  10714,  10951,  11005). 

1498.  Music  and  parade  at  anniversary.  The  expendi- 
ture of  Lodge  funds  for  music  to  accompany  a  parade  or  as 
an  attractive  feature  in  connection  with  and  as  a  part  of  the 
prescribed  ceremonies  is  authorized. — 1894  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
14050,  14073. 

1499.  Parties,  balls,  picnics,  banquets,  etc.,  at  anniver- 
sary. A  Lodge  may  not  expend  its  funds  for  the  celebration 
of  the  anniversary  of  the  Order  for  those  things  which  con- 
tribute merely  to  the  pleasure  or  gratification  of  the  indi- 
vidual members,  such  as  parties,  balls,  picnics,  excursions, 
banquets,  and  the  like,  or  a  literary  and  musical  entertain- 
ment, with  a  collation  and  dance,  or  music  in  connection 


Funds  and  Property. 

with  a  dance  or  other  entertainment,  not  constituting  a  part 
of  the  regular  anniversary  exercises. — 1886-1887-1894  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  10402,  10443,  10714,  10951,  11095,  10253,  10521, 
10659,  14050,  14073. 

1500.  Music  and  orchestra.  A  Lodge  cannot  appropriate 
its  funds  for  music  and  transportation  of  an  orchestra  on  an 
occasion  other  than  at  an  anniversary  of  the  Order. — 1895 
Journal,  41,  185,  235. 

1501.  Entertainment  of  Grand  Lodge  Officers  and  Rep- 
resentatives—  Lodge  anniversary.  Appropriation  of  the 
funds  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  for  the  purpose  of  entertain- 
ing the  officers  and  representatives  of  Grand  Bodies,  or  for 
the  purpose  of  celebrating  the  anniversaries  of  the  respective 
Lodges,  is  not  proper  or  legitimate. — 1884-1887  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal. 9738,  9804-10944,  10881,  11000. 

1502.  For  what  purposes  Lodges  may  appropriate.  Sub- 
ordinate Lodges  may,  from  funds  of  the  Lodge,  pay  the 
expenses  resulting  from  care  of  a  sick  brother,  burying  the 
dead  (including  payment  for  nurse),  educating  the  orphans 
of  a  deceased  brother,  or  pay  benefits  to  the  sick  or  widow 
of  a  deceased  brother.  They  may  provide  suitable  Lodge- 
rooms,  and  defray  from  funds  of  the  Lodge,  all  necessary 
expenses  incurred  in  transacting  their  business;  but  Subor- 
dinate Lodges  may  not  divert  the  funds  of  such  Lodges  to 
objects  foreign  to  the  general  purposes  of  the  Order. — 1865 
Journal,  62,  81. 

Note.  —  Subordinates       have  Order.     The  peculiar  office  of  the 

power    to     regulate     and     control  Subordinate    Lodge    is    to   provide 

their    own    financial     affairs     and  the  means  to  meet  the  claims  of 

have  the   right  to  determine    the  its   sick   and   distressed   memliers; 

propriety   of   appropriating    their  to  care  for  them  properly  during 

funds  for  all  purposes  recognized  their  illness,  to  bury  the  dead,  to 

by  the  Order,  yet  that  discretion  succor  the  widow  and  to  educate 

be  exercised  in  a  reasonable  the    orphan — (1806-1871-1879    8. 


■umner.      Its    funds    are   stamped      G.   L.   Journal,   3051),   4007,   8171, 
as  trust  funds  only  to  be  used  for      8185,  6197,  5246). 
the     legitimate     objects     of     the 

1503.    Necessary  expenses  and  beneficence  and  charity. 
The  funds  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  can  be  used  for  two  pur- 


400  Funds  and  Property. 

poses,  only,  viz. :  First,  to  defray  its  necessary  expenses ; 
and,  secondly,  for  objects  of  beneficence  and  charity. — 1854 
Journal,  73;  1860  Journal,  28;  1861  Journal,  174;  Alturas 
Lodge  vs.  Long,  1864  Journal,  523,  544. 

1504.  Charities  of  the  Order.  Lodge  funds  can  only  be 
used  for  charities  and  expenses  in  the  Order;  but  the  chari- 
ties of  the  Order,  outside  of  its  own  members,  are  to  be  sus- 
tained by  voluntary  contributions. — 1865  Journal,  59,  72. 

1505.  Charity  outside  of  the  Order.  The  funds  of  a  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  canot  be  used  for  charity 
outside  of  the  Order.— 1901  Journal,  409,  557,  562. 

1506.  Charitable  purposes  not  connected  with  the  I.  0. 
0.  F.  A  Lodge  has  not  the  right  to  appropriate  its  funds  for 
charitable  purposes  in  no  way  connected  with  the  I.  O.  O.  F. ; 
the  moneys  of  the  Order  should  be  husbanded  for  the  needs 
of  the  Order,  and  not  squandered  in  miscellaneous  charities. 
Cannot  donate  funds  to  an  association  known  as  "The 
King's  Daughters."— 1890-1891  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11892, 
12217,  12281,  12353,  12632,  12701. 

1507.  Donations,  private  business,  electioneering  ex- 
penses, farm  expenses.  While  donations  for  charitable  pur- 
poses of  the  Order  may  be  legal  in  case  of  actual  distress 
when  the  same  cannot  be  relieved  by  the  payment  of  sick 
benefits,  yet  it  is  a  right  that  should  be  exercised  very  care- 
fully, and  does  not  include  the  right  to  make  promiscuous 
donations  to  members  to  meet  the  demands  of  their  private 
business,  or  to  pay  electioneering  expenses,  or  the  expenses 
incident  to  conducting  their  farms. — 1901  Journal,  415,  589. 

1508.  To  pay  debts  of  deceased  brothers.  A  Lodge  can- 
not donate  from  its  funds  money  to  pay  any  claims  against 
the  estate  of  a  deceased  brother. — Katz  vs.  Sutter  Creek 
Lodge,  1891  Journal,  588,  686,  687,  715. 

1509.  To  assist  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow.  A  Lodge  has  a 
right  to  appropriate  its  funds  to  assist  an  Ancient  Odd  Fel- 
low, not  a  member  of  any  Lodge,  to  carry  on  a  business  to 


Funds  and  Property.  401 

earn  a  support,  he  being  unable  to  do  manual  labor. — 1866 
Journal,  134,  219,  230. 

1510.  Burial  of  suspended  member.  A  Lodge  may  ex- 
pend part  of  its  funds  for  the  burial  of  a  suspended  member 
of  the  Lodge.  -1895  Journal,  18,  185,  235. 

1511.  Funeral  of  person  not  an  Odd  Fellow.  A  Lodge 
donated  from  its  funds  the  sum  of  twenty  dollars  towards 
defraying  the  funeral  expenses  of  a  person  who  died  in 
poverty  and  who  had  been  an  active  and  efficient  member 
of  the  Lodge  for  many  years,  but  had  been  expelled  recently 
for  conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow.  Held,  that  this 
was  devoting  the  funds  to  the  charitable  uses  of  the  Order, 
and  was  a  legal  expenditure.  The  Lodge  acted  in  the  spirit 
of  forgiveness  appropriate  to  Odd  Fellowship,  remembering 
the  services  rendered  the  Order  by  the  deceased  in  former 
years. — Cain  vs.  Auburn  Lodge,  1880  Journal,  261,  352,  374. 

1512.  Music  at  funeral.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  cannot 
appropriate  money  from  its  regular  funds  for  music  at  the 
funeral  of  a  member. — 1880  Journal,  258,  359,  375;  see  also 
1879  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8053,  8098. 

(See  Section  679.) 

1513.  Railroad  fare  and  carriage  hire    at  funerals.     A 

Lodge  has  not  the  right  to  appropriate  its  funds  to  pay 
railroad  fare  or  carriage  hire  of  its  members  or  of  its  mem- 
bers and  officers  to  attend  the  funeral  or  burial  of  a  deceased 
member  of  the  Lodge  or  of  any  other  Lodge,  or  of  a  deceased 
member  who  was  buried  several  miles  from  the  Lodge-room, 
or  of  a  deceased  member  who  was  buried  in  a  cemetery  be- 
yond the  city  limits,  but  the  Lodge  may  make  the  appropria- 
tion from  the  special  or  contingent  five  per  cent,  fund  which 
a  Lodge  may  have.— 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15168,  15534, 
15584;  1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15758,  16071,  16116;  1898 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15801,  16071,  16116. 

(See  Section  679.) 
26 


402  Funds  and  Property. 

1514.  Railroad  fare  and  carriage  hire  at  funerals — Illegal 
By-Law.  A  By-Law  which  reads  "that  in  conducting  the 
funeral  of  a  brother  of  this  Lodge  in  good  standing  who  is 
to  be  buried  in  a  cemetery  beyond  the  city  limits  the  Noble 
Grand  is  hereby  authorized  to  procure  at  the  expense  of  the 
Lodge  a  sufficient  number  of  conveyances  of  which  he  shall 
be  the  sole  judge,  to  accommodate  such  brothers  as  he  may 
appoint  to  assist  him  and  to  proceed  to  such  cemetery  and 
perform  the  funeral  ceremony  of  the  Order,  provided  such 
expense  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  fifteen  dollars,"  is  not 
legal.  No  Lodge  has  a  right  to  pass  such  a  By-Law,  but  a 
Lodge  may  appropriate  money  from  the  special  or  contin- 
gent five  per  cent,  fund  for  the  purpose  of  hiring  convey- 
ances to  transport  brothers*  to  the  funeral  of  a  deceased 
member.— 1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15801,  15802,  16071,  16116. 

(See  Section  679.) 

1515.  Memorial  services.  A  Lodge  holding  memorial 
services  pursuant  to  the  proclamation  of  the  Grand  Sire,  may 
appropriate  a  reasonable  amount  of  its  funds  to  defray  the 
necessary  expenses  incident  thereto. — 1889  Journal,  72. 

1516.  National  Sanitary  Commission.  Lodges  have  the 
right  to  make  contributions  from  their  funds  to  a  National 
Sanitary  Commission,  but  it  is  better  for  brothers  to  con- 
tribute personally  in  the  name  of  the  Lodge,  if  so  desired. 
—1863  Journal,  366,  410,  421. 

1517.  Defraying  expenses  of  District  Deputies.  Lodges 
visited  by  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters  for  the  installation 
of  officers,  should  make  a  reasonable  appropriation  for  the 
purpose  of  defraying  the  necessary  expenses  of  such  depu- 
ties.—1858  Journal,  381. 

1518.  Defraying  expenses  of  Representatives.  Reason- 
able appropriations  may  be  made  by  Lodges  to  defray  the 
expenses  of  their  Representatives  to  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1855 
Journal,  132 ;  1886  Journal,  644,  662. 

1519.  Watchers.  A  Lodge  may  appropriate  its  funds  to 
hire  watchers  to  watch  with  its  own  or  transient  members. — 
1879  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8166,  8185. 


r 


Funds  and  Property.  403 

1520.  Brother  should  not  pay  himself  from  funds.    If  a 

Lodge  owe  a  brother  or  officer,  he  has  no  right  to  pay  him- 
self out  of  Lodge  funds  without  action  of  the  Lodge. — 1873 
Journal,  843,  855. 

1521.  Public  libraries  and  Odd  Fellows'  libraries.    It  is 

not  legitimate  for  a  Subordinate  Lodge  to  require  dues  from 
its  members  for  the  support  of  a  public  library,  but  this 
decision  shall  not  be  construed  to  apply  to  Odd  Fellows* 
library.— 1879  Journal,  24,  101,  110 ;  Taylor  vs.  Etna  Lodge, 
1905  Journal,  899,  910. 

1522.  Library.  It  is  not  lawful  for  a  Lodge  to  make  a 
monthly  donation  to  a  public  library  not  an  Odd  Fellows* 
library.  It  cannot  use  its  general  funds  for  the  support  of 
such  public  library. — Taylor  vs.  Etna  Lodge,  1905  Journal, 
899,  910. 

(See  Libraries.) 

1523.  Reward  for  arrest  of  a  robber.  The  funds  of  the 
Lodge  cannot  be  used  for  a  reward  for  the  apprehension  of 
one  who  robbed  a  brother. — 1904  Journal,  368,  547,  562. 

1524.  Reward  for  arrest  and  conviction  of  a  person.    A 

Lodge  cannot  lawfully  appropriate  from  its  funds  to  offer  a 
reward  for  the  apprehension  and  conviction  of  a  person  who 
terribly  beat  and  wounded  one  of  its  members. — 1884  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  9504,  9734,  9801. 

1525.  Organist.  It  is  proper  that  a  Lodge  should,  by 
resolution  or  By-Law,  agree  to  pay  an  organist  a  stipulated 
sum  for  his  services  during  the  term. — 1896  Journal,  409, 
581,  628. 

1526.  Pianist  of  Lodge.  A  Lodge  may  pay  the  pianist  of 
the  Lodge  for  his  services  without  any  provision  in  its  By- 
Laws  for  such  payment. — Carls  vs.  Los  Angeles  Lodge,  1901 
Journal,  507,  539. 

1527.  Redress  for  illegal  appropriation.  The  only  redress 
of  the  minority  of  a  Lodge  in  the  case  of  the  illegal  appro- 


404  Funeral. 

priation  of  the  funds  of  the  Lodge  by  the  majority,  is  the 
right  of  an  appeal.— 1887  Journal,  845,  865,  893,  903. 

1528.  Certain  moneys  not  transferable  from  one  fund  to 
another.  A  Lodge  having  a  balance  of  money,  exceeding 
expenditures  of  a  celebration,  by  vote  of  the  Lodge  places 
the  same  in  the  general  fund.  In  such  case  it  is  not  legal  to 
drazv  that  money  out  of  the  treasury  and  place  it  in  another 
fund.— 1890  Journal,  315,  407,  410,  436. 

1529.  Celebration  fund  created  by  donation.  Where, 
after  any  proper  celebration  relating  to  Odd  Fellowship, 
there  are  any  surplus  funds  still  on  hand,  they  may  be 
donated  to  the  Lodge,  to  be  held  by  such  Lodge  for  the 
especial  purpose  of  assisting  at  some  future  celebration,  and 
the  Lodge  has  the  right  to  accept  such  a  donation  for  such 
a  purpose.— 1883  Journal,  1135,  1138,  1174. 

1530.  Donations  to  Lodge  how  entered    in    the   books. 

Money  donated  to  a  Lodge  for  a  specific  purpose,  outside  of 
the  regular  Lodge  business,  such  as  providing  entertain- 
ments, suppers,  etc.,  should  not  be  passed  through  the  Lodge 
books  into  the  treasury,  as  it  could  not  then  be  used  for  the 
purpose  intended.  But  the  Treasurer  may  be  selected  as 
the  custodian  of  such  money,  in  trust  for  the  use  and  purpose 
designated  by  the  donor.— 1889  Journal,  33,  122,  163. 

(See  Cemetery;  Trustees;  Property  of  the  Lodge;  News- 
papers.) 

FUNERAL. 

1531.  Lodge  not  required  to  open  in  due  form  for  funeral. 
When  a  Lodge  is  convened  for  the  purpose  of  conducting 
the  funeral  ceremonies  of  a  deceased  brother,  it  is  not  neces- 
sary for  it  to  be  opened  in  due  form. — 1874  Journal,  111,  117. 

Note. — There  is  no  law  requir-  of  a  brother.     He  may  do  so  or 

ing  a   Noble   Grand   to   open   and  not — (1878  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7735, 

close   his   Lodge   in    regular   form  7831). 
when  called  to  attend  the  funeral 


Funeral.  405 

1532.  Suicide  and  honors  of  the  Order.  The  burial  of  a 
suicide  with  the  honors  of  the  Order  is  a  matter  optional 
with  the  Lodge.— 1869  Journal,  11,  124,  126. 

1533.  Brothers  in  arrears,  and  funeral  honors.  The  pro- 
priety of  extending  funeral  honors  to  brothers  in  arrears 
but  against  whom  no  charges  for  unworthy  conduct  are 
pending  at  the  time  of  their  death,  is  a  matter  for  regulation 
by  the  local  laws.— 1857  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2780,  2818. 

1534.  Brothers  not  in  good  standing.  It  is  optional  with 
Ijodges  whether  they  will  bury  brothers  with  the  rights  and 
usages  of  the  Order  who  were  not  in  good  standing  at  the 
time  of  decease.— 1857  Journal,  271,  272 ;  1862  Journal,  315. 

1535.  Former  member.  A  Lodge  has  no  right  to  bury  a 
/ormer  member,  who  ceased  membership,  with  the  funeral 
<;eremonies  of  our  Order. — 1866  Journal,  199,  216. 

1536.  Persons  not  members,  and  regalia.  Lodges  should 
not  attend  in  full  regalia  the  funeral  of  any  person  who  was 
not  a  member  of  a  Lodge  at  the  time  of  his  decease. — 1857 
Journal,  272. 

1537.  A  suspended  member.  A  Lodge  may  expend  part 
of  its  funds  for  the  burial  of  a  suspended  member  of  the 
Lodge,  but  cannot  bury  such  brother  with  the  funeral  cere- 
monies of  the  Order.— 1895  Journal,  18,  185,  235. 

1538.  The  same.  A  Lodge  is  not  obliged  to  attend  the 
funeral  of  a  deceased  suspended  member  of  the  Lodge. — 
1857  Journal,  271. 

1539.  Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues.  Funeral 
honors  cannot  be  extended  to  a  deceased  brother  who  has 
been  lawfully  suspended  from  membership  for  non-payment 
of  dues.— 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  26,  360,  371,  372. 

1540.  Persons  not  members  —  Manchester  Unity.  A 
Lodge  of  our  Order  cannot  perform  the  funeral  services  of 
our  Order  over  the  body  of  one  who  was  not  a  member  of  it, 
although  in  good  standing  of  the  Manchester  Unity  and  such 


406  Funeral. 

service  has  been  requested  by  a  Lodge  of  the  Manchester 
Unity.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  517,  827,  873. 

1541.  Where  deceased  has  Withdrawal  Card.  The  mem- 
bers can  attend  the  funeral  in  regalia  and  read  the  funeral 
service  over  a  citizen  who  is  not,  but  had  been,  a  member  of 
the  Order,  and  is  in  possession  of  a  Withdrawal  Card,  such 
being  the  request  of  the  dying  person. — 1873  Journal,  782, 
900,  901. 

1542.  Ancient  Odd  Fellow.  A  Lodge  cannot,  in  a  body, 
as  a  Lodge,  attend  the  funeral  of  deceased  ''Ancient  Odd 
Fellow,"  and  conduct  the  services  according  to  the  ritual  of 
the  Order.— 1876  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6752,  6977,  7051. 

1543.  Subordinate  Lodge — Funeral  services  for  brothers 
only.  The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  having  prescribed  a  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  ceremony  to  be  used  for  the  burial  of  de- 
ceased brothers  only,  it  would  be  improper  for  a  Lodge  to 
perform  said  ceremony  upon  any  occasion  not  authorized  by 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.— 1872  Journal,  657,  677. 

1544.  When  Lodges  may  attend  by  committee.  The  sev- 
eral jurisdictions  of  the  several  States  have  the  right  to 
determine  whether  the  dead  can  be  buried  by  a  committee 
of  the  Lodge  or  by  the  whole  Lodge. — 1876  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
6752,  6977,  7051. 

1545.  Funeral  service.  Forms  of  funeral  service  and 
procession  are  found  in  the  Book  of  Forms.  The  forms  of 
prayer  and  service  selected  must  be  strictly  adhered  to,  and 
no  other  form  of  prayer  can  be  used  than  those  so  laid  down, 
except  that  in  the  service  at  the  Lodge-room,  house  or 
church,  an  extemporaneous  prayer  may  be  had  instead  of 
those  in  the  Form  Book.  There  is  also  a  Rebekah  funeral 
service.— 1847-1848  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1115-1266,  1297;  1887 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10983,  11026-11031,  11037. 

1546.  Wearing  hats  at  burial.  Members  in  attendance 
at  the  burial  of  deceased  brothers  of  the  Order  may  wear 
their  hats  if  the  inclemency  of  the  weather  or  heat  be  such 
as  to  endanger  health.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14945,  15018. 


Funeral.  407 

1547.  Action  where  funeral  conducted  by  church.  Where 
the  body  of  a  deceased  brother  in  good  standing  has  been 
taken  charge  of  by  a  church,  and  where  that  church  will  not 
permit  the  Lodge  to  attend  the  funeral  in  the  usual  form  of 
our  Order,  the  Lodge  should  be  governed  by  the  wishes  of 
the  relatives  and  friends  of  the  deceased  brother  in  regard 
to  yielding  to  the  will  of  the  church,  or  dispensing  with  the 
usual  order  of  ceremonies  of  burial,  or  the  members  of  the 
Lodge  attending  the  funeral  only  as  friends  of  the  deceased. 
—1864  Journal,  528,  554. 

1548.  Subordinate  Lodge  and  Encampment.  In  all  cases, 
funeral  ceremonies  shall  be  conducted  by  the  Subordinate 
Lodge,  except  that  in  conducting  the  funeral  ceremony  of 
a  deceased  brother,  a  member  in  good  standing  of  both  a 
Subordinate  Lodge  and  Subordinate  Encampment,  the 
Lodge  shall  take  precedence  over  the  Encampment  (except 
when  the  deceased  is  a  Grand  Officer,  etc.),  unless  by  the 
previously  expressed  desire  of  the  deceased,  his  widow  or 
near  relative,  the  Encampment  should  be  designated  to  take 
charge  of  his  remains  for  burial,  and  then  the  Encampment 
shall  take  precedence.— 1890  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11896,  12217, 
1228L 

1549.  When  conducted  by  Grand  Body.  If  a  brother  was 
a  past  or  present  elective  officer  of  a  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand 
Encampment,  then  the  ceremonies  may  be  conducted  by  such 
Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment. — 1877  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
7381,  7388,  7475. 

1550.  Funeral  regalia.  The  regalia  to  be  worn  by  all 
brothers  of  the  Order,  when  attending  the  funeral  of  a 
deceased  brother,  shall  be  as  follows:  1st.  A  black  crape 
rosette,  having  a  center  of  the  color  of  the  highest  degree  to 
which  the  brother  may  have  attained,  to  be  worn. on  the  left 
breast;  above  it  a  sprig  of  evergreen,  and  below  it  (if  the 
wearer  be  an  elective  or  Past  Officer)  the  jewel  or  jewels 
which,  as  such,  he  may  be  entitled  to  wear.  2nd.  The  ordi- 
nary mourning  badge  to  be  worn  by  brothers  in  memory  of  a 
deceased  brother  shall  be  a  strip    of    black    crape    passed 


408  Funeral. 

through  one  buttonhole  only  of  the  left  lapel  of  the  coat, 
and  tied  with  a  narrow  ribbon  of  the  color  of  the  highest 
degree  to  which  the  wearer  may  have  attained.  On  such 
occasions  the  Marshal  shall  wear  a  black  scarf,  and  bear  a 
baton  bound  with  black  crape.  The  Outside  Guardian  shall 
bear  a  red  wand,  bound  with  black  crape.  The  Scene  Sup- 
porters shall  bear  white  wands,  bound  with  black  crape. 
The  Inside  Guardian  shall  bear  the  regalia  and  insignia, 
indicating  the  rank  in  the  Order  of  the  deceased  brother. 
The  Supporters  of  the  Vice-Grand  shall  bear  their  wands  of 
office  bound  with  black  crape.  The  Chaplain  shall  wear  a 
white  scarf.  The  Warden  shall  bear  the  axe  bound  with 
black  crape.  The  Conductor  shall  bear  his  wand  of  office 
bound  with  black  crape,  and  the  Supporters  of  the  Noble 
Grand  shall  each  bear  their  wands  of  office  bound  with  black 
crape.— 1877  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7387,  7475. 

1551.  Lodge  and  regalia.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  cannot 
adopt,  for  funeral  purposes,  any  other  regalia  than  that  pre- 
scribed or  permitted  by  the  laws  of  the  Order. — 1900  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  506,  827,  873. 

1552.  Grand  Lodges  and  regalia  at  funerals.  Grand 
Lodges  may,  at  their  discretion,  permit  the  usual  regalia 
of  the  Order  to  be  worn  at  funerals,  either  in  connection 
with  or  as  a  substitute  for  the  simple  regalia  described  in 
Section  1550  of  this  Digest.— 1877  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7387, 
7475. 

1553.  Full  regalia  at  funerals.  This  Lodge  may  attend 
a  funeral  in  full  regalia  without  asking  permission  of  the 
Grand  Master. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  X,  Sec.  2; 
1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  355,  361. 

(See  Funds.) 

FUNERAL  ASSESSMENT  OR  TAX. 

;  (See  Assessments.) 

FUNERAL  BENEFITS  AND  EXPENSES. 

(See  Benefits.) 


Funeral  Dl'es— Gambling— German  Lodges.      409 

FUNERAL  COMMITTEE. 

(See  Funeral.) 

FUNERAL  DUES. 

1554.  What  are.  Funeral  dues  are  fines  or  assessments 
imposed  on  account  of  the  death  or  funeral  of  a  member. — 
1891  Journal,  585,  690,  716. 

(See  Fines;  Assessments.) 

GAMBLING. 

1555.  Meaning   of   gambling   in   By-Laws.     A   By-Law 

which  reads  ''any  member  guilty  of  habitual  drunkenness, 
''gambling  or  heinous  offenses  against  the  laws  of  the  land, 
"shall  be  expelled,"  not  only  prohibits  professional  gamb- 
ling, but  all  gambling,  and  for  any  violation  of  its  provi- 
sions, the  penalty  must  be  expulsion.  It  is  the  punishment 
prescribed  by  the  By-Laws,  approved  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 
— Olive  Lodge  vs.  Anderson,  1877  Journal,  658,  666. 

(See  Offenses;  Membership.) 

GENERAL  RELIEF  COMMITTEE. 

(See  Relief  Committee). 

GERMAN  LODGES  AND  LANGUAGE. 

1556.  Minutes  in  German  of  certain  Lodges.  Certain 
German  Lodges  are  authorized  to  keep  their  minutes  in  the 
German  language  only.  Nos.  13,  74,  105,  116,  122.— 1858 
Journal,  397 ;  1863  Journal,  438 ;  1867  Journal,  335. 

1557.  Districts  and  District  Deputies.  German  Lodges 
may  be  constituted  special  districts  whenever  the  Grand 
Master  deems  it  for  the  interest  of  the  Order,  and  District 
Deputies  are  to  be  appointed  for  German  Lodges  who  under- 
stand both  the  German  and  English  languages,  who  shall 
have  all  the  powers  of  other  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters. 
—1858  Journal,  369 ;  1859  Journal,  513. 

1558.  May  work  in  English  language.  Any  Lodge  in 
tills  jurisdiction  working  in   the   German    language    may, 


410  Good  of  the  Order. 

whenever  it  deems  it  to  the  best  interest  of  the  Order,  work 
in  the  English  language. — 1883  Journal,  1167. 

1559.  Initiation  in  German  by  English-speaking  Lodge. 

Permission  should  not  be  granted  for  a  Lodge  working  in 
the  English  to  initiate  a  candidate  in  the  German  language. 
—1871  Journal,  376,  445,  471. 

1560.  Appeals.  All  appeals  must  be  made  out  in  the 
English  language,  even  though  the  Lodge  work  in  German. 
—1863  Journal,  433. 

GIFT    ENTERPRISE. 

(See  Lottery.) 

GOOD    OF    THE    ORDER. 

1561.  What  is  permissible  under  this  head.  Under  the 
head  of  ''Good  of  the  Order,"  a  Lodge,  in  effect,  resolves 
itself  into  a  committee  of  the  whole.  No  motion  is  then 
necessary  to  originate  debate;  no  limitation  is  enforced, 
except  that  it  shall  refer  to  the  good  of  the  Order,  and  the 
remarks  made  be  decorous.  By  a  common  law,  or  univer- 
sal custom  among  all  Lodges,  great  latitude  of  remark  is 
allowed.  Under  this  head  visiting  brothers  are  often  re- 
quested to  address  the  Lodges.  The  topics  of  discourse  are 
left  entirely  to  the  judgment  and  taste  of  the  speakers, 
within  the  limitations  stated. — Hathaway  vs.  Suisun  Lodge, 
1867  Journal,  325,  329. 

1562.  Right  of  brother  to  speak.  The  Noble  Grand  has 
no  right  to  refuse  a  member  in  good  standing  the  privilege 
of  speaking  under  the  head  of  good  and  welfare  of  the 
Order,  provided  the  brother  be  in  order,  according  to  the 
By-Laws  and  Rules  of  Order  of  the  Lodge,  the  same  having 
been  approved  by  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  this  Grand 
Lodge.— 1856  Journal,  196,  197. 

1563.  Motions  may  be  made  and  business.  All  business 
should  ordinarily  be  transacted  under  its  appropriate  head, 
but  it  is  allowable,  if  found  convenient  or  necessary,  to 


Good  Standing.  411 

entertain  motions  or  business  under  the  head  of  "Good  of 
the  Order."— 1875  Journal,  292,  295. 

1564.  Matter  that  has  been  referred  to  a  committee.  The 
fact  that  a  subject  is  referred  to  a  committee  does  not  pre- 
vent the  temperate  discussion  of  it  under  the  head  of  ' '  Good 
of  the  Order,"  unless,  as  in  cases  of  charges,  the  attempt 
be  made  to  state  evidence,  or  prejudice  the  Lodge. — 1867 
Journal,  325,  329. 

1565.  Matter  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table.  The  members 
of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  have  a  right,  when  the  Lodge  is 
open,  under  the  head  of  "Good  of  the  Order,"  to  discuss  a 
question  in  a  friendly  way,  which  has  been  up  when  open 
under  another  head  and  laid  on  the  table. — 1868  Journal, 
490,  503. 

1566.  Brother  may  speak  concerning  charges.  Under 
the  head  of  "Good  of  the  Order,"  a  brother  may  make 
motions  or  remarks  calculated  to  induce  the  Lodge  to  dis- 
miss or  reform  insufficient  charges,  or  otherwise  to  secure 
a  proper  hearing  before  an  impartial  committee. — 1867 
Journal,  326,  329. 

GOOD    STANDING. 

1567.  Definition.  Good  standing  is  defined  as  being  free 
from  all  charges  involving  moral  turpitude,  disability  and 
delinquency  in  the  payment  of  dues,  assessments  and  fines. 
—1860  Journal,  85;  1869  Journal,  121;  1870  Journal,  302. 

1568.  Term  "good  standing,"  how  interpreted.  The 
term  "good  standing"  as  regards  membership  can  only  be 
interpreted  to  mean  contributing  members  of  Lodges,  free 
from  disability  and  delinquency  in  the  payment  of  dues, 
assessments,  fines,  etc.,  who  are  under  no  charge  regularly 
preferred  against  them,  or  members  having  legal  cards 
authorized  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — Norcross  vs. 
Apollo  Lodge,  1874  Journal,  15,  115,  116. 

Note. — The  term  "good  stand-  who  are  under  no  charge  regu- 
ing"  signifies:  Ist,  contributing  larly  preferred  against  them,  ac- 
members    of    Subordinate   Lodges      cording    to     the     constitution     of 


412  Good  Standing. 

their      respective      Lodges — (1842  essary  that  the   member  shall   be 

S.   G.   L.   Journal,   497)  ;    and  2d.  a   contributing   meml)er;    in   other 

freedom    from    any    disability     by  words,  an  actwe  and  not  a  quasi 

reason  of  non-payment  of  dues  of  member — (1856  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

every  kind— (1848  S.  G.  L.  Jour-  2560,  2686,  2664).     If  in  arrears 

nal,    1291),    1340;    1851     S.    G.    L.  for  dues  and   liable  to  suspension 

Journal,    1775,    1806;    1856    S.    G.  therefor,  a  brother  is  not  in  good 

L.     Journal,     2560,     2686,     2664).  standing— ( 1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

To  he  in  good  standing  it  is  nee-  716,  988,   1004). 

1569.  Benefits,  voting  and  Semi-annual  Password.  * '  Good 
standing"  means  so  far  as  it  relates  to  the  payment  or  non- 
payment of  dues,  etc.,  not  being  so  much  in  arrears  as  to 
deprive  the  brother  of  any  of  the  rights  or  privileges  of 
the  Order,  as  the  right  to  benefits,  the  right  to  vote,  or  the 
right  to  have  the  Semi-annual  Password. — 1893  Journal,  413, 
429. 

1570.  Member's  standing  and  promissory  note  for  dues. 

No  member  is  in  good  standing  while  his  note  is  held  for 
dues.  The  indebtedness  by  note  is  a  new  form,  not  a  dis- 
charge, of  the  debt.— 1851  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1775,  1806. 

1571.  When  brothers  cannot  get  out  of  standing.  If  a 
Lodge  owe  a  brother  a  liquidated  or  ascertained  sum  on 
account  of  sick  benefits,  the  brother  cannot  get  out  of  stand- 
ing so  long  as  such  sum  is  due  to  him. — 1888  Journal,  1021, 
1111,  1130. 

1572.  Having  the  Semi-annual  Password.  A  member  is 
not  in  good  standing  merely  because  he  may  have  the  Semi- 
annual Password.— 1869  Journal,  121 ;  1870  Journal,  302. 

1573.  Lodge  cannot  recognize  brother,  when.  A  Lodge 
cannot  recognize  a  brother  who  cannot  legally  prove  him- 
self to  be  in  good  standing. — 1857  Journal,  271. 

1574.  Business  purposes  and  certificate  of  good  stand- 
ing. It  is  contrary  to  the  laws  and  spirit  of  Odd  Fellow- 
ship, for  the  officers  of  a  Lodge  to  issue  to  a  member,  a  cer- 
tificate of  good  standing  under  the  seal  of  the  Lodge,  for 
business  purposes. — 1892  Journal,  14,  112,  127. 

(See  Dues;  Benefits.) 


» 


Grand  Lodge.  413 

GOVERNMENT. 

(See   Secrets;   Fines.) 

GRAND  ENCAMPMENT. 

(See  Encampment.) 

GRAND   LODGE. 

1575.  Its  name — How  composed.  This  Grand  Lodge  shall 
be  known  by  the  name,  style  and  title  of  ''The  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  of  the  State  of 
California,"  and  shall  be  composed  of  all  Past  Grands,  who 
are  contributing  members  of  Lodges  subordinate  to  this 
Grand  Lodge,  and  in  good  standing,  and  who  have  been 
admitted  as  required  by  this  Constitution. ^Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  1,  Sec.  1. 

1576.  Its  jurisdiction — Supreme  tribunal  in  this  State. 
The  Grand  Lodge  has  jurisdiction  in  Odd  Fellowship  over 
the  territory  known  as  the  State  of  California,  and  over  all 
Subordinate  Lodges  situated  within  said  State,  or  working 
under  the  authority  of  the  same,  and  is  the  Supreme  Tri- 
bunal of  the  Order  in  this  jurisdiction. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  I,  Sec.  2. 

1577.  Grand  legislative  head  of  the  Order  in  this  State. 
It  is  the  grand  legislative  head  of  the  Order  in  the  State  of 
California  to  have  and  exercise  full  power  and  authority 
to  enforce  upon  its  Subordinates  a  strict  adherence  to  the 
laws  of  the  Order  and  to  make  and  establish  rules  for  their 
government. — Preamble  Grand  Lodge  Constitution. 

1578.  Admission  of  Past  Grands  as  members.  To  entitle 
a  Past  Grand  to  be  admitted  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  he  must 
produce  satisfactory  evidence  that  he  is  such  and  is  a  con- 
tributing member  in  good  standing  of  a  Lodge  subordinate 
to  this  Grand  Lodge  at  the  time  of  his  admission. — Consti- 
tution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  I,  Sec.  3. 

1579.  Past  Grands  admitted.  All  Past  Grands  in  good 
standing  who  have  received  the  Grand  Lodge  Degree  may 
be  present  at  the  session. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art. 
II,  Sec.  2. 


414  Grand  Lodge — Habits. 

1580.  The  same.  None  but  Past  Grands  in  good  stand- 
ing are  admitted  to  a  Grand  Lodge  session. — 1896  Journal, 
414,  578,  616. 

1581.  Membership.  To  be  a  member  of  a  Grand  Lodge  a 
Past  Grand  must  have  been  admitted  and  had  the  Grand 
Lodge  Degree  conferred  upon  him,  and  this  cannot  be  done 
except  by  the  Grand  Lodge  when  in  session. — 1903  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  41,  284,  314. 

1582.  Case  of  suspended  member.  The  Grand  Lodge 
ought  not  to  appropriate  money  from  its  funds  for  the 
relief  of  a  brother  who  stands  suspended  from  member- 
ship in  his  Lodge. — 1886  Journal,  650,  661. 

1583.  Expelled  Past  Grand.  An  expelled  Past  Grand 
cannot  be  admitted  to  the  Grand  Lodge  to  defend  his  case 
on  appeal. — 1857  Journal,  230. 

1584.  Exemplification  of  work.  No  moneys  shall  be 
appropriated  by  the  Grand  Lodge  from  its  funds  to  any 
Lodge,  team  or  individual,  for  the  exemplification  of  any 
of  its  degrees  or  work. — 1886  Journal,  663. 

Note. — Grand    Lodges    may    ex-  that  purpose  may  admit  them  to 

emplify   the   degrees   in   the   pres-  the    floor   of   the    Grand   Lodge — 

ence    of    all    duly    qualified    mem-  (1883     S.    G.    L.     Journal,     9323, 

oers    in    good     standing,    and     for  9441). 

1585.  Enrollment  of  members  at  sessions.  As  to  Past 
Grands  and  Representatives  enrolling  their  names,  see  Sec- 
tion 2639. 

(See  Business  of  Grand  Lodge;  Rebekah  Branch.) 

GRAND  LODGE  DEGREE. 

(See  Degrees.) 

GRAND  OFFICERS. 

(See  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.) 

HABITS. 

1586.  Applicants  for  membership.  All  applicants  for 
initiation  are  required  to  be  of  industrious  habits. 

(See  Membership.) 


) 


Drunkenness — Health— Honors  of  the  Order.  415 

HABITUAL  DRUNKENNESS. 

1587.  Defined.  Whenever  the  By-Laws  of  a  Subordinate 
Lodge  prescribe  penalties  or  forfeiture  for  ''habitual  drunk- 
enness," the  term  "habitual  drunkenness"  should  be  con- 
strued to  mean  such  drunkenness  of  the  accused  brother 
"as  disqualifies  him  a  great  portion  of  the  time  from  prop- 
erly attending  to  business,  and  so  continuing  for  the  period 
of  one  year." — 1888  Journal,  1159,  1168.  But  a  single  in- 
stance of  drunkenness  is  an  offense  in  Odd  Fellowship. 

(See  Offenses.) 

HEALTH. 

1588.  Applicants  for  membership.  All  applicants  for  ini- 
tiation are  required  to  be  of  sound  health. 

(See  Membership.) 

HOMES. 

(See  Odd  Fellows'  Home;  Orphans'  Home.) 

HONORS   OF   THE   ORDER. 

1589.  Grand  Master  entitled  to,  when.  A  Grand  Master 
when  visiting  a  Subordinate  in  his  official  capacity,  is  enti- 
tled to  the  Honors  of  the  Order.  When  he  visits,  in  his 
individual  capacity,  as  a  member  of  the  Order,  he  should 
not  expect  to  be  received  with  the  Honors.  It  is  only  when 
he  announces  himself  as  Grand  Master  that  the  visit  becomes 
official.— 1857  Journal,  250. 

1590.  The  same.  When  officially  visiting  Subordinate 
Lodges,  the  Grand  Master  shall  be  received  with  the  Honors 
of  the  Order. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

1591.  Past  Grand  Master.  A  Past  Grand  Master  has  a 
right  to  announce  his  title  as  such  at  the  inner  door  when 
visiting  a  Subordinate  Lodge  on  ordinary  occasions,  but 
he  is  not  entitled  to  the  Honors  of  the  Order  unless  he  visits 
on  official  business,  which  he  should  announce. — 1871  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  4993,  5185,  5222. 


416  Honors  of  the  Order. 

1592.  Grand  Representative.  A  Grand  Representative, 
who  is  an  elective  Grand  Officer  of  a  Grand  Lodge  or 
Encampment,  is  entitled  to  the  Honors  of  the  Order  when 
visiting  a  Subordinate  officially. — 1865  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3738, 
3821,  3842;  1890  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11896,  12217,  12281. 

1593.  Elective  and  Past  Grand  Officers.  Honors  of  the 
Order  are  given  to  elective  and  Past  Grand  Officers,  visiting 
outside  their  jurisdictions,  after  they  have  addressed  the 
Chairs,  and  have  been  introduced  to  the  Noble  Grand  by 
name  and  rank.— 1871  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4993,  5185,  5222. 

1594.  Grand  Master  introducing  a  visiting  brother.     A 

Grand  Master,  when  introducing  a  visiting  brother,  enters 
the  Lodge  in  his  official  capacity.  He  announces  himself 
as  Grand  Master,  with  a  visiting  brother,  and  is  entitled 
to  be  received  with  the  Honors  of  the  Order,  and  must 
be  so  received.  He  cannot  waive  the  right.  The  Honors 
are  not  to  be  given  to  the  visiting  brother  unless  he  is 
also  entitled  thereto.— 1887  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10716,  10952, 
11005. 

1595.  When  Grand  Officer  and  the  visiting  brother  are 
both  entitled  to  the  Honors  of  the  Order — When  given.    A 

Grand  Representative  or  other  elective  officer  of  a  Grand 
Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment,  acting  in  his  official  capac- 
ity, possesses  the  privilege  of  introducing  a  visiting  brother 
to  a  Subordinate  Lodge  or  Encampment  within  the  juris- 
diction to  which  he  belongs.  Therefore,  a  Grand  Represen- 
tative or  elective  Grand  Officer  in  introducing  a  visiting 
brother,  must  himself  of  necessity  make  an  official  visita- 
tion to  the  Body  visited  and  announce  his  rank  and  title  at 
the  inner  door  in  order  to  exercise  such  privilege  of  office 
held.  Consequently,  under  the  ritualistic  law  he  shall  be 
acknowledged  with  the  Honors  of  the  Order,  which  should 
be  given  after  addressing  the  Chairs  and  before  the  oral 
introduction  of  the  visiting  brother.  After  receiving  the 
Honors  of  the  Order  he  should  introduce  the  visiting  brother 
in  the  same  manner  prescribed  for  a  committee,  whereupon 
the  Body  for  the  first  time  learns  the  name  and  rank  of  the 


Illegal  Lodgk — Incorporation.  417 

visitor,  and  then,  if  the  visiting  brother  just  introduced 
is  entitled  to  receive  the  Honors  of  the  Order,  they  must 
be  given  to  him.— 1890  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11896,  12217,  12281. 

1596.  When  Honors  of  Order  given.  When  a  Grand 
Officer  is  visiting  officially  a  Subordinate  Lodge  he  should 
be  introduced  after  he  has  addressed  the  Chairs  and  should 
then  be  received  with  the  Honors  of  the  Order. — 1899  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  23,  365,  394 ;  1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  19,  219,  243. 

1597.  On  retiring.  Honors  to  Grand  Officers  are  given 
also  on  their  retiring  from  the  Lodge. — 1905  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 19,  806,  324. 

1598.  Honors  to  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters.  When 
District  Deputy  Grand  Masters  visit  a  Subordinate  Lodge 
for  the  purpose  of  installing  the  officers  elect,  or  upon  other 
official  duty,  they,  as  the  Representatives  of  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter, shall  be  accorded  the  same  Honors  that  are  given  to 
that  officer.— 1871  Journal,  397. 

Note. — A  Past  Grand  who  has  to  the  Honors  of  the  Order  when 

been  appointed  by  a  District  Dep-  he    appears    for    that    purpose — 

uty   Grand   Master  to   install   the  (1874     S.    G.    L.    Journal,     6229, 

officers  of  a  Lodge,  is  not  entitled  6278). 

1599.  Subordinate  Lodge,  visiting.  The  officers  and 
members  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  when  visiting  another 
Lodge  in  a  body,  and  introduced  by  their  own  officers,  are 
not  entitled  to  be  received  with  the  Honors  of  the  Order. — 
1865  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3805,  3853. 

ILLEGAL   LODGE. 

1600.  Shall  not  visit  or  organize.  No  member  of  this 
Lodge  shall  be  concerned  in  organizing  or  visiting  any 
illegal  Lodge  of  Odd  Fellows. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  X,  See.  1. 

INCORPORATION. 

1601.  Incorporation  of  Lodges  prohibited.  This  Lodge 
shall  not  incorporate.  (See  Constitution  Subordinates,  Art. 
IX,  Sec.  3.)    Lodges  exist  by  virtue  of  the  charters  granted 

27 


418  Incorporation. 

by  this  Grand  Lodge.  They  are  subject  to  its  supervision 
and  control  and  when  they  go  out  of  existence  the  property 
of  the  Lodges  belongs  to  this  Grand  Lodge.  Were  a  Lodge 
incorporated,  it  would  exist  by  virtue  of  the  certificate  of 
the  Secretary  of  State,  behind  which  would  be  the  articles 
of  incorporation  filed  in  the  County  Clerk's  office.  As  a 
corporation,  under  the  Code  of  this  State,  it  would  derive 
all  its  authority,  powers,  privileges  and  rights  solely  from 
the  Code.  Its  By-Laws  would  have  to  be  adopted  in  pur- 
suance of  the  provisions  of  the  Code,  and  its  business  regu- 
lated and  carried  on  in  harmony  therewith,  and  not  other- 
wise, and  it  could  only  be  deprived  of  its  charter  by  reason 
of  violating  some  of  the  provisions  of  the  Code.  In  case 
it  disincorporated,  the  mode  and  manner  of  accomplishing 
that  would  be  governed  by  the  Code  alone,  and  the  prop- 
erty of  the  Lodge  would  have  to  be  distributed  amongst  its 
members  pursuant  to  the  same  law.  If  a  Lodge  were  per- 
mitted to  incorporate  it  would  be  entirely  withdrawn  from, 
and  be  beyond  the  control  or  supervision  of  this  Grand 
Lodge.  According  to  the  theory  of  our  Order,  a  Lodge  can- 
not incorporate.— 1889  Journal,  20,   118,   163. 

1602.  Lodges  must  disincorporate.  Lodges  are  prohib- 
ited from  incorporating  and  those  which  have  incorporated 
are  required  to  disincorporate  before  the  next  session  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  if  possible.  See  also  the  Grand  Master's 
reporf  and  the  reports  of  the  committees  on  the  subject. — 
1895  Journal,  233,  234,  251,  207,  239  and  45  to  50. 

1603.  The  subject  of  the  incorporation  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  and  Subordinates. 

May  19th,  1853,  voted  that  this  Grand  Lodge  hereby 
adopt  the  enactment  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  entitled : 
"An  Act  concerning  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows," approved  May  4th,  1852,  of  which  the  following  is 
a  correct  copy: 


Incorporation.  419 

''AN  ACT  COXCERXIXG  THE  INDEPENDENT  ORDER 
OF  ODD  FELLOWS. 

The  People  of  the  State  of  California  represented  in  Senate  and 
Assembly  do  enact  as  follows : 

Section    1.     The  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order 
of  Odd  Fellows  of  the  State  of  California,  or  any  Subordi- 
nate Lodge  thereof,  may  acquire  and  hold  such  property, 
real  and  personal,  as  may  be  deemed  necessary  to  carry  out 
the  charitable  purposes  of  such  institution,  and  may  sue 
and  be  sued,  and  shall  have  such  other  general  powers  as 
are  granted  to  corporations  under  the  law  entitled  ''An  Act 
concerning  corporations,"  passed  April  twenty-second,  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty,  approved  May  4th,  1852. 
— 1853  Journal,  39.    Legality  of  the  law  called  in  question. 
— 1857  Journal,  237,  248.    A  committee  appointed  to  inves- 
tigate the  legality  of  the  Incorporation  Law  of  the  Grand 
Lodge. — 1857  Journal,  282.     The  committee  report  and  a 
new  committee  appointed  and  Trustees  elected  to  incorpo- 
rate the  Grand  Lodge. — 1857  Journal,  290.    Report  of  Trus- 
tees, that  they  had  incorporated  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1858 
Journal,  361,  362.    Legality  of  Incorporation  Act  questioned. 
— 1859  Journal,  465.    A  new  committee  appointed  to  inves- 
tigate the  legality  of  the  law.— 1859  Journal,  492,  496.    The 
committee  report:    "The  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Cali- 
fornia (Article  IV,  Section  31)  provides  that  corporations 
may  be  formed  under  general  laws,  but  shall  not  be  created 
by  special  act,  except  for  municipal  purposes.     By  an  Act, 
entitled  'An  Act  concerning  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows,'  approved  May  4th,  1852,  and  amended  April  19th, 
1856,  it  is  provided  that  'The  Grand  Encampment  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  of  the  State  of  Cali- 
fornia, and  each  Subordinate  Lodge  thereof,  are  severally 
empowered  to  acquire  and  hold  such  property,  real  and 
personal,  as  may  be  deemed  necessary  to  carry  out  the  char- 
itable purposes  of  said  institution,  and  may  sue  and  be  sued, 
and  have  such  other  general  powers  as  are  granted  corpora- 
tions, under  the  law,  entitled  'An  Act  concerning  corpora- 


420  Incorporation. 

tions,*  passed  April  twenty-second,  one  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred and  fifty.  If  this  Act  have  any  force,  it  creates  the 
Grand  Lodge  and  the  Subordinate  Lodges  corporations.  It 
is  not  necessary  to  say,  in  an  Act  of  Incorporation,  that  such 
body  is  made  a  corporation  in  name  and  in  fact.  The  incor- 
poration may  take  place  by  a  grant  of  the  necessary  and 
distinctive  powers  that  belong  to  a  corporation,  and  it  is 
impossible  to  grant  these  powers  without  creating  a  corpora- 
tion. There  are  very  grave  doubts  whether  this  Act  does 
not  undertake  to  create  corporations,  not  for  municipal  pur- 
poses, by  special  act,  and  your  committee  consider  those 
doubts  to  be  well  founded.  They  cannot  see  how  the  Grand 
Encampment,  that  is,  a  single  body,  can  be  considered  even 
as  a  class,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  the  Grand  Lodge  and 
of  each  Subordinate  Lodge.  It  cannot  be  perceived  how 
they  can  be  considered  corporations  formed  under  a  general 
law.  It  is  not  safe,  therefore,  to  hold  this  statute  to  be  of 
any  force,  or  to  claim  that  the  Grand  or  Subordinate  Lodges 
take  any  powers  under  it,  or  become  in  any  sense  corpora- 
tions.— 1859  Journal,  526,  527.  Resolution  offered  relative 
to  testing  the  legality  of  the  law.— 1862  Journal,  297.  The 
Trustees  requested  to  examine  the  question  of  the  legality 
of  the  incorporation,  and  take  action,  if  necessary,  to  per- 
fect the  same. — 1863  Journal,  436.  Report  of  the  Trustees 
upon  the  subject.  Until  the  permanent  location  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  the  requirements  of  the  law  cannot  be  ful- 
filled.— 1864  Journal,  562.  In  1893  a  committee  reported 
that  under  the  law  as  it  now  stands,  Title  XII  of  Part  IV 
of  Division  1,  of  the  Civil  Code  of  the  State  of  California, 
and  so  far  as  the  laws  of  the  State  are  concerned,  there  is 
no  legal  obstacle  to  the  incorporation  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
in  such  form  as  will  enable  it  to  carry  out  all  the  fraternal 
purposes  of  its  organization,  to  take  and  hold  real  property 
for  its  benevolent  purposes,  and  to  carry  on  and  maintain 
institutions  such  as  Homes  for  Aged  Odd  Fellows  and  their 
wives,  and  for  widows  and  orphans  of  Odd  Fellows;  but 
when  incorporated,  its  power  to  convey  or  to  encumber  its 
real  property  can  be  exercised  only  under  authority  of  an 


Initiation.  421 

order  of  Court,  as  in  cases  of  religious  associations,  but  in 
all  other  respects  the  management  of  its  affairs  may  be 
as  completely  under  the  control  of  the  Grand  Lodge  as  are 
those  of  any  other  corporation  under  its  control.  The  report 
was  ''accepted,"  and  the  committee  was  discharged. — 1893 
Journal,  394,  395,  399,  382,  369  to  371.  As  to  the  incorpo- 
ration of  the  Grand  Lodge  the  Committee  on  Legislation 
reported:  "We  see  no  good  reason  for  this  Grand  Body 
to  take  such  a  step  and  much  to  be  said  against  it,  and 
therefore  recommend  that  no  action  be  taken."  Report 
approved.— 1898  Journal,  241,  278. 

(See  Property  of  the  Lodge;  Odd  Fellows'  Hall.) 

INITIATION. 

1604.  When  begins  and  ends.  Initiation  begins  when 
the  candidate  is  admitted  into  the  Lodge-room,  and  ends 
when  he  is  introduced  to  the  Lodge. — 1895  Journal,  21,  185, 
235. 

1605.  All  must  pass  through  the  ceremony.  It  is  not 
lawful  for  a  Lodge  to  initiate  one  candidate  and  permit 
others  to  sit  and  witness  it,  all  must  pass  through  the  cere- 
mony.—1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14683,  14949,  15019. 

1606.  The  grip.  In  an  initiation  the  acting  Past  Grand 
(in  closing  his  charge),  should  not  greet  and  welcome  the 
brother  by  giving  him  the  initiatory  grip. — 1897  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  15167,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

1607.  Under  age.  A  Lodge  cannot  initiate  a  candidate 
under  twenty-one  years  of  age. — 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  25, 
284,   314. 

1608.  More  than  one  at  a  time.  It  is  ancient  usage  to 
initiate  more  than  one  at  a  time. — 1857  Journal,  272. 

1609.  Where  required  to  be  initiated — Staff.  Initiation 
of  menibers  in  Subordinate  Lodges  must  take  place  in  the 
Subordinate  Lodge  to  which  the  applicant  is  elected.     By 

'the  Lodge"  to  which  he  is  elected  is  meant  not  merely  the 
members   composing   that    Lodge    wherever   they   may   be 


422  Initiation. 

assembled,  but  those  members,  or  a  quornm  of  them,  regu- 
larly assembled  at  a  legally  authorized  time  and  place.  Mem- 
bers of  the  Lodge  to  which  the  candidate  is  elected  cannot 
take  the  applicant  into  the  hall  of  a  neighboring  Lodge  and 
have  the  initiation  take  place  there  by  a  staff  of  that  Lodge. 
—1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  25,  26,  219,  243. 

1610.  Where  required  to  be  initiated — Special  meeting. 

All  initiations  must  take  place  in  the  Lodge  in  which  the 
applicant  is  elected,  but  initiation  may  take  place  at  a 
special  meeting  called  in  accordance  with  the  By-Laws. — 
1865-1890-1892  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3739,  3821,  3842,  11897, 
12217,  12281,  12797,  13050,  13075. 

1611.  Who  may  deliver  Past  Grand's  charge.  There  is 
no  law  which  prevents  the  delivery  of  the  Past  Grand's 
charge  by  the  Noble  Grand,  although  it  should  be  given 
by  a  Past  Grand  if  present.  Under  no  circumstances,  how- 
ever, should  this  charge  be  given  by  a  Vice-Grand.  It  can- 
not be  given  by  a  Third  Degree  member.— 1852-1883  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  1895,  1952,  9416,  9464. 

1612.  Can  be  no  initiation,  when.  In  the  absence  of  the 
Noble  Grand  and  all  Past  Grands  there  can  be  no  initiation, 
as  a  Vice-Grand  has  no  right  to  deliver  the  Past  Grand's 
charge.— 1869  Journal,  125,  126,  12. 

1613.  Past  Grand  may  initiate.  The  Noble  Grand  and 
Vice-Grand  both  being  absent,  a  Past  Grand  may  take  the 
chair  and  initiate  candidates. — 1876  Journal,  390,  474,  508. 

1614.  Candidate  and  Past  Grand's  Charge.  As  there  is 
no  legislation  on  that  subject,  it  is  within  the  discretion  of 
the  Subordinate  Lodge  to  permit  the  candidate  to  stand 
or  be  seated  during  the  delivery  of  the  Past  Grand's  charge. 
1894  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14031,  14065. 

1615.  Recognized  mode.  The  mode  of  initiatory  work 
as  first  promulgated  and  in  general  practice  throughout  the 
jurisdiction,  is  the  recognized  mode  of  conferring  the  Ini- 
tiatory Degree  of  the  Order,  and  as  such  should  be  per- 
formed by  all  the  Lodges  in  this  jurisdiction. — 1888  Journal, 
1114,  1130-1,  1144. 


i 


424  Installation. 

By-Laws,  when  such  installation  shall  be  held  on  the  first 
regular  meeting  in  January  of  each  year,  providing  the 
installing  officers  be  present;  if  absent,  the  Lodge  may,  by 
vote,  defer  it  for  one  week,  or  call  a  special  meeting  for  that 
purpose  at  the  request  of  the  District  Deputy  Grand  blas- 
ter.— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  6. 

1621.  Ofl&cer  resigns — His  successor.  In  case  an  officer 
of  a  Lodge  resigns,  his  legal  successor  should  be  installed. — 
1904  Journal,  397,  541,  553. 

1622.  Grand  Master  and  District  Deputy  Grand  Master. 
The  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  shall,  in  the  absence  of 
the  Grand  Master,  install  the  officers  of  all  Lodges  in  his 
district. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  7. 

Note. — It   is   one  of  the   duties  ciate     at    such    installations,    and 

as  well  as  privileges  of  a  Grand  on   such   occasions   may   take    the 

Master  to  install,  or  cause  to- be  chair  of  the  Noble  Grand — (1840- 

installed,  the  officers  of  a   Subor-  1855  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  919,  240.3, 

dinate    Lodge;    he    may    therefore,  2481,  2503). 
at   his   pleasure,    attend    and    offi- 

1623.  Past  Grand  may  install,  when.  Any  Past  Grand 
in  good  standing  may  install  the  officers  of  the  Lodge  in  the 
absence  of  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master. — 1857  Jour- 
nal, 274. 

1624.  The  same.  A  Past  Grand  may  install  an  officer 
elected  to  fill  a  vacancy,  even  though  the  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  has  not  been  notified  that  the  installation  is 
about  to  take  place. — 1860  Journal,  49. 

1625.  Examination  in  secret  work  and  opening  and  clos- 
ing charges.  The  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand,  prior  to 
installation,  must,  in  open  Lodge,  pass  an  examination  in  the 
secret  work  of  the  Order  and  in  the  opening  and  closing 
charges,  satisfactory  to  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master. 
— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  4. 

1626.  Examination  in  the  work  necessary.  A  Noble 
Grand  or  Vice-Grand  cannot  be  legally  installed  without  an 
examination.     It  is  necessary  that  the  Noble  Grand  and 


Installation.  425 

Vice-Grand  shall  both  know  all  the  unwritten  work  before 
they  are  installed.  If  Noble  or  Vice-Grand  is  installed  by 
a  Past  Grand,  the  Past  Grand  must  examine  the  Noble  or 
Vice-Grand  and  certify  the  officer  is  proficient  in  the  work. 
—1903  Journal,  23,  155,  180. 

1627.  Past  Grand  as  installing  officer,  and  proficiency  in 
the  work.  Resolved,  That  it  shall  be  illegal  for  any  Past 
Grand  to  install  into  the  office  of  Noble  Grand  or  Vice- 
Grand  until  the  said  Past  Grand  has  examined  the  brother 
and  finds  him  sufficiently  acquainted  with  the  work  to  per- 
form the  duties  of  the  office. — 1895  Journal,  252. 

1628.  Unwritten  work,  and  installation.  It  is  necessary 
that  the  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand  shall  both  know  all 
of  the  "unwritten  work"  before  they  are  installed.  A  Dis- 
trict Deputy  should  refuse  to  install  them  until  they  are 
proficient  in  this  work.— 1896  Journal,  409,  588,  629. 

1629.  District  Deputy  and  proficiency  in  the  work.  The 
District  Deputy  Grand  Master,  at  the  installation  of  offi- 
cers, is  the  only  person  who  has  the  right  to  pass  upon  the 
qualifications  of  the  officers  elect  as  to  their  proficiency 
in  the  work.— 1889  Journal,  32,  122,  163. 

1630.  Noble  Grand  not  proficient  in  work — Duty  of  Dis- 
trict Deputy  Grand  Master.  If  the  Noble  Grand  elect  of 
a  Lodge  be  not  sufficiently  proficient  in  the  work  to  entitle 
him  to  be  installed,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master,  at  the  time  of  the  installation,  to  declare 
the  Lodge  open  for  the  nomination  and  election  of  a  Noble 
Grand,  but  the  District  Deputy  may,  at  the  request  of  the 
Lodge,  defer  the  installation  of  that  officer  a  reasonable 
time  to  enable  him  to  perfect  himself  in  the  work. — 1889 
Journal,  34,  122,  163. 

1631.  Election  of  another  when  Noble  Grand  not  pro- 
ficient in  work.  Should  a  District  Deputy  feel  obliged  to 
refuse  to  install  the  Noble  Grand  elect  by  reason  of  that 
officer  not  being  proficient  in  the  work  (and  the  District 
Deputy  puts  his  commission  as  District  Deputy  in  jeopardy 


426  Installation. 

by  installing  a  Noble  Grand  or  a  Vice-Grand  who  has  not 
the  work  of  his  office),  he  should  allow  the  present  Noble 
Grand  to  continue  in  office.  In  such  a  case,  the  Lodge  may 
elect  some  other  qualified  brother  to  the  office.  In  either 
case  the  District  Deputy  should  forward  reports,  per  capita 
tax,  etc.,  and  communicate  the  passwords  to  the  Noble 
Grand  and  Vice-Grand.— 1895  Journal,  18,  185,  235. 

1632.  Noble  Grand  elect  or  Vice-Grand  elect  not  quali- 
fied in  secret  work.  At  installation,  if  a  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  find  the  Noble  Grand  elect  or  Vice-Grand  elect 
not  qualified  in  the  secret  work,  he  may  declare  the  office 
vacant  and  order  the  immediate  nomination  and  election 
of  a  Noble  Grand  or  Vice-Grand,  as  the  case  may  be,  and 
install  a  brother  properly  qualified. — 1898  Journal,  222,  240, 
254,  255;  1896  Journal,  439,  607,  636;  1901  Journal,  417, 
540,  562;  Molyneaux  vs.  Pomona  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  968, 
979. 

1633.  No  installation  by  proxy — Noble  Grand  elect 
absent.  Officers  cannot  be  installed  by  proxy.  Where  the 
Noble  Grand  elect  is  absent  at  installation,  the  Lodge  may, 
if  it  see  fit,  elect  another  Noble  Grand,  and  he  may  be 
installed.  If  the  Lodge  desire  to  wait,  the  District  Deputy 
should  install  the  other  officers,  give  the  Noble  Grand  and 
Vice-Grand  the  passwords,  and  install  the  Noble  Grand  elect 
later.— 1895  Journal,  20,  185,  235. 

1634.  Noble    Grand    elect    absent — Appointed    officers. 

Where  the  Noble  Grand  elect  is  absent  at  the  time  of  instal- 
lation of  officers,  the  acting  Noble  Grand  should  continue 
to  serve  until  the  installation  of  his  successor,  and  as  the 
Noble  Grand  of  the  Lodge,  has  a  right  to  appoint  the  sub- 
ordinate officers  of  the  Lodge  for  the  term. — 1898  Journal, 
13,  221,  240. 

1635.  Supporters  of  the  Vice-Grand— Vice- Grand  pro 
tern.  When  a  Vice-Grand  elect  is,  on  the  evening  of  instal- 
lation, granted  two  weeks  further  time  in  which  to  make 
himself  proficient  in  the  work,  and  a  Vice-Grand  pro  tern  is 


Installation.  427 

appointed  for  the  evening,  such  Vice-Grand  pro  tern  has 
no  right  to  appoint  the  Right  and  Left  Supporters  of  the 
Vice-Grand  for  the  official  term,  and  the  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  has  not  the  right  to  install  them  as  such  Sup- 
porters. The  Ritual  has  placed  with  the  regularly  installed 
Vice-Grand  only  the  authority  to  appoint  these  officers.  The 
installation  of  the  Vice-Grand  Supporters,  under  the  con- 
ditions above  noted,  must  be  deferred  until  the  installation 
of  the  regularly  elected  A^^ice-Grand.— 1899  Journal,  466,  628, 
675. 

1636.  Officers  not  elected  for  the  term.  A  District  Dep- 
uty Grand  Master  on  February  12  visited  a  Lodge  in  his 
district  and  finding  that  the  officers  had  not  been  elected 
for  the  term,  caused  the  Lodge  to  elect  the  same  and  install 
them  on  the  same  evening  and  gave  the  Semi-annual  Pass- 
word. Action  approved  by  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1898  Jour- 
nal, 58,  220,  240 ;  1905  Journal,  748,  926,  944. 

1637.  Cannot  install  any  one  not  elected.  It  is  illegal 
to  install  any  one  into  office  who  has  not  been  legally 
elected  thereto.  Installation  by  proxy  is  unauthorized. — 
1896  Journal,  411,  581,  628. 

1638.  Officer  pro  tern.  An  officer  appointed  pro  tern 
cannot  be  installed.— 1903  Journal,  23,  159,  184. 

1639.  Noble  Grand  elect  absent  at  first  meeting  of  term. 
If  the  Noble  Grand  elect  do  not  appear  for  installation  at 
the  first  meeting  of  the  term,  the  Lodge  may  proceed  to 
elect  and  install  another  person  upon  the  same  evening,  to 
take  his  place. — 1870  Journal,  187,  255;  Louis  vs.  Morning 
Star  Lodge,  1879  Journal,  25,  106,  128. 

1640.  Absence  of  Vice-Grand.  Where  the  District  Dep- 
uty Grand  Master  has  installed  all  the  officers  of  a  Lodge 
except  the  Vice-Grand,  who  is  absent,  the  Vice-Grand  may 
be  installed  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Lodge.  Should  the 
District  Deputy  be  absent  from  that  meeting,  a  Past  Grand 
may,  at  the  request  of  the  Lodge,  install  the  Vice-Grand, 
taking  care,  however,  to  examine  him  as  to  his  proficiency 


428  Installation. 

in  the  work  prior  to  installation.  The  Lodge  should  be 
sufficiently  interested  in  a  correct  performance  of  its  work 
not  to  permit  the  installation  of  either  Noble  Grand  or 
Vice-Grand  unless  informed  that  the  District  Deputy  Grand 
]\Iaster,  who  is  the  authority  in  the  unwritten  work  of  his 
district,  is  satisfied  of  the  proficiency  of  those  officers. — 1880 
Journal,  257,  359,  375. 

1641.  When  unlawful  to  install.  It  is  unlawful  to  install 
the  officers  of  a  Lodge  before  the  first  regular  meeting  of 
a  term.— 1888  Journal,  1020,  1111,  1130. 

1642.  Deferred  installation  or  special  meeting.  The  offi- 
cers of  a  Lodge  should  be  installed  at  the  first  regular  meet- 
ing of  the  term,  but  installation  may  be  deferred  until  the 
next  regular  meeting,  or  the  Lodge  may  call  a  special  meet- 
ing for  the  purpose  at  the  request  of  the  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master.— 1895  Journal,  19,  185,  235. 

1643.  Arrangement  with  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 
to  install.  If  there  were  no  arrangement  with  the  Lodge 
that  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  should  install  the 
officers  at  the  third  meeting,  the  Lodge  had  the  right,  the 
District  Deputy  Grand  Master  being  absent,  to  have  its 
officers  installed  at  the  second  regular  meeting  of  the  Lodge 
in  the  new  term  by  a  Past  Grand.  If  there  were  such  an 
arrangement  with  the  Lodge,  it  should  have  waited  till  the 
third  regular  meeting,  and  then  had  its  officers  installed. — 
In  matter  of  Arroyo  Grande  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  574,  616. 

1644.  Installation  and  Password.  It  is  the  duty  of  the 
District  Deputy  Grand  Master,  unless  the  Grand  Master 
assume  that  duty,  to  install  the  officers  and  communicate 
the  Semi-annual  Password  on  installation,  but  in  case  the 
officers  be  installed  in  his  absence,  it  is  still  his  duty  to 
visit  the  Lodge  or  its  officers  and  communicate  the  same. — 
In  the  matter  of  Arroyo  Grande  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  574, 
616. 

1645.  Charges  preferred  after  election.    Where  a  Lodge, 
elects  a  qualified  brother  to  an  office,  and  after  his  election 


Installation.  429 

and  before  his  installation  charges  are  preferred  against 
the  brother,  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  must  pro- 
ceed to  install  the  brother.  Should  objections  be  offered, 
the  installing  officer  should  proceed  as  directed  in  the  Rit- 
ual.—1887  Journal,  770,  898,  904. 

1646.  Undecided  charges  do  not  affect  installation.  Unde- 
termined charges  against  an  officer  elected  but  not  installed 
have  not  the  effect  of  preventing  his  installation. — 1885 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  286,  403,  432. 

(As  to  Crime,  see  Section  2251.) 

1647.  Noble  Grand  may  install,  when.  A  Noble  Grand 
may  install  the  officers  that  succeed  him,  when  there  is  no 
qualified  officer  present — that  is,  in  the  absence  of  the  Grand 
Master,  his  Deputy  and  all  Past  Grands — after  the  consti- 
tutional time  has  expired. — 1856  Journal,  218 ;  1848  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  1246. 

1648.  Officer  who  holds  for  a  year.  An  officer  holding 
office  for  one  year  may  be  publicly  installed  at  the  mid-term 
installation  for  the  remainder  of  his  term,  but  cannot  be 
compelled  to  be  so  reinstalled.— 1897  Journal,  806,  994,  1034. 

1649.  Joint  public  installations.  Joint  public  installa- 
tions may  be  held,  the  Lodges  being  legally  convened  and 
the  law  regulating  such  matters  complied  with. — 1890 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  12216,  12281. 

1650.  Joint  installations  in  public  or  in  secret  session. 
Lodges  may  hold  joint  installations  of  officers  either  pub- 
licly or  in  secret  session.  A  Lodge  may  do  that  in  secret 
which  the  law  provides  may  be  done  in  public. — 1898  Jour- 
nal, 11,  221,  240. 

1651.  Joint  installation — Rebekah  Lodge — Encampment. 
A  joint  installation  is  where  the  officers  of  several  Lodges 
are  installed  by  the  same  Deputy,  with  the  same  ceremony. 
at  the  same  time  and  place.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  Deputy, 
as  such,  cannot  install  the  officers  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  or  an 
Encampment.      Where    a   Subordinate   Lodge,    a    Rebekah 


430  Installation. 

Lodge  and  an  Encampment  install  in  the  same  hall,  on  the 
same  evening  and  each  Lodge  by  its  own  Deputy,  the  same 
is  a  public  installation  of  officers,  and  each  organization 
should  procure  a  dispensation  from  its  respective  Deputy. — 
1898  Journal,  13,  221,  240. 

1652.  Public  installation.  The  Subordinate  Lodges  of 
this  jurisdiction  are  authorized  to  install  their  officers  in 
public;  provided,  that  the  ceremony  be  conducted  by  one 
or  more  of  the  elective  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  a 
District  Deputy  Grand  Master;  and  provided,  that  they  use 
the  form  for  public  installation  prescribed  by  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge. — 1859  Journal,  524. 

Note. — There  is  no  law  against  than  the  Lodge-room,  there  is  no 
installing  officers  of  Subordinate  objection  to  declaring  a  recess  and 
Lodges  in  any  suitable  hall  out-  then  proceeding  to  the  hall  in 
side  of  the  Lodge-room,  provided,  which  the  ceremony  is  to  take 
the  form  of  public  installation  be  place,  after  which  the  Lodge 
used — (1871  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  should  return  to  its  Lodge-room 
4992,  5185,  5222).  A  Lodge  and  close  in  form.  If  a  Lodge 
should  not  "close  in  regular  should  close  before  installation, 
form"  before  a  public  installa-  and  then  the  officers  should  be  in- 
tion,  but,  "the  ordinary  ceremo-  stalled,  the  installation  would  be 
nies  being  suspended,"  the  doors  valid,  though  irregular,  and  the 
are  opened  and  the  installation  installed  officers  would  be  the 
proceeds.  After  the  installation,  legal  officers  of  the  Lodge — (1876 
the  Grand  Officers  and  all  but  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6963,  6973). 
members  retire,  when  the  Lodge  As  to  dispensations  for  installa - 
closes  in  form.  If  the  installa-  tion  of  officers  in  public,  see  Sec- 
tion takes  place  at  a  room  other  tions   1175,   1195. 

1653.  An  officer  not  qualified  to  install.  A  brother 
installed  into  an  office  by  one  who  is  not  a  Past  Grand  or 
by  one  not  qualified  or  authorized  to  install  is  not  legally 
installed  and  does  not  acquire  the  honors  of  the  office. — 
1898  Journal,  12,  221,  240. 

1654.  Loss  of  Ritual.  The  loss  of  a  Ritual  would  not 
justify  a  District  Deputy  in  refusal  to  install  the  officers 
of  a  Lodge.— 1895  Journal,  20,  195,  196,  236. 

1655.  Elective  officer  has  precedence  of  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master.     At  public  installations,  in  case  of  contro- 


Installation.  431 

versy,  an  elective  officer  of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  have 
precedence  of  a  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  in  conduct- 
ing the  ceremony. — 1860  Journal,  22. 

1656.  Open  in  Third  Degree.  At  installation  of  officers 
the  Lodge  must  be  open  in  the  Third  Degree,  and  the  offi- 
cers retiring  with  the  Grand  Marshal  for  examination  must 
address  the  chair.— 1897  Journal,  839,  840,  994,  1034. 

Note. — The  installation  cere-  Lodge  is  open  in  the  Third  De- 
mony  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge  gree — (1885  S,  G.  L.  Journal, 
must  always  take  place  when  the      9856,  10105,   1017G). 

1657.  Officers  elect  entering  or  retiring.  Officers  elect, 
having  been  examined  in  the  ante-room,  when  they  enter  for 
installation,  do  not  address  the  chairs.  When  the  officers  at 
installation  retire  in  charge  of  the  Grand  Marshal  for  exam- 
ination, they  should  retire  in  form,  that  is,  address  the  chair. 
—1871-1887  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4992,  5185,  5222,  10716,  10951, 
11005. 

1658.  Pecuniary  charges.  All  officers  shall  be  clear  of 
all  pecuniary  charges  on  the  books  at  the  time  of  installa- 
tion.— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  4. 

1659.  Assessments  and  semi-annual  reports.  Grand 
Lodge  assessments  must  be  paid  to  the  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  prior  to  installation  of  officers,  and  no  Lodge 
is  entitled  in  this  jurisdiction  to  have  its  officers  installed 
until  the  semi-annual  reports  to  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  have 
been  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  installing  officers. — Consti- 
tution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VIII,  Sees.  3  and  4. 

1660.  Reports  and  returns.  The  Grand  Lodge  calls  the 
attention  of  officers  installing  the  officers  of  Subordinate 
Lodges  to  Sections  2  and  3,  Article  XI  of  the  Constitution 
of  Subordinate  Lodges,  and  requires  them  not  to  install  the 
officers  until  the  provisions  of  those  Sections  are  strictly 
complied  with— 1857  Journal,  218,  250. 

1661.  Objections  to  legality  of  election.  Should  any 
objection  be  expressed,  it  will  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand 
Master  to  examine  its  nature,  and  if  it  should  appear  that 


432  Installation. 

the  election  has  been  effected  by  irregular  or  illegal  means, 
the  Grand  Master  shall  order  a  new  election  to  take  place 
at  that  time,  which  he  shall  conduct,  and  the  person  then 
elected,  if  qualified,  shall  be  installed. 

(See  Subordinate  Lodge  Ritual;  Installation.) 

Note.— Where  a  new  election  i'ng  the  election  or  the  installation 
is  ordered  by  a  Grand  Master  at  of  officers.  A  member  of  the 
installation,  it  is  his  duty  to  con-  Lodge  may  vote  at  such  election, 
duct  the  same,  and  the  Noble  although  a  Grand  Officer,  or  act- 
Grand,  or  anyone  else,  has  no  ing  as  such,  and  clothed  in  his 
right  to  attempt  to  put  a  ques-  official  regalia — (1870  S.  G.  L. 
tion  to  the  Lodge  while  the  Grand  Journal,  4842,  4870). 
Master  or  his  deputy  is  conduct- 

1662.  The  same.  Objections  to  an  officer  of  the  Lodge 
acting  as  such,  on  the  ground  of  illegal  votes  being  cast, 
should  be  made  at  the  time  of  installation  and  not  after- 
wards.—1877  Journal,  581,  675,  697. 

1663.  What  language  Lodges  to  be  installed  in.  A  Lodge 
working  in  a  foreign  language  has  no  right  to  demand  that 
its  officers  be  installed  into  their  respective  chairs  in  the 
language  in  which  they  work,  when  the  District  Deputy  or 
Installing  Officers  do  not  understand  such  language. — 1858 
Journal,  369. 

1664.  Foreign  language.  There  is  no  law  that  compels  a 
District  Deputy  to  learn  a  foreign  language  in  order  to 
install  the  officers  of  a  Lodge  working  in  a  foreign  language. 
—1897  Journal,  805,  1030,  1054. 

1665.  Lodge  must  have  seal  before  Secretary  is  installed. 

District  Deputy  Grand  Masters  shall  not  install  Recording 
Secretaries  until  Lodges  place  in  their  hands  a  proper  seal, 
except  in  the  case  of  institution  of  new  Lodges. — 1858  Jour- 
nal, 389. 

1666.  Retiring  Noble  Grand  need  not  be  installed  Past 
Grand.  It  is  not  necessary  that  the  retiring  Noble  Grand 
should  be  present  at  the  installation  of  his  successor,  and 
be  installed  as  a  Past  Grand.— 1881  Journal,  502,  601,  627. 


Installation.  433 

1667.  Sitting  Past  Grand — Noble  Grand  not  earned  Hon- 
ors of  Ofl&ce.  At  the  installation  of  officers,  the  installing 
officer  has  no  right  to  instruct  a  Noble  Grand  who  has  not 
served  a  majority  of  the  meeting  nights  of  the  term,  to  take 
his  seat  as  Sitting  Past  Grand  of  the  Lodge. — 1901  Journal, 
409,  557,  562. 

1668.  Regalia — Patriarch  Militant  uniform.  The  Grand 
Master  and  his  Deputy  are,  so  to  speak,  civic  officers,  and 
when  performing  the  functions  of  that  office  should  be 
clothed  in  regalia  appropriate  to  those  functions.  A  mem- 
ber of  the  Patriarchs  Militant  has  no  right  to  wear  his  uni- 
form while  installing  the  officers  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge, 
either  in  connection  with  a  Past  Grand's  regalia  or  without 
it.  Being  the  representative  of  the  Grand  Master,  he  must 
wear  the  regalia  representing  that  office,  and  that  alone. — 
1888-1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11095,  11405,  14248,  14487,  14570. 

1669.  Patriarch    Militant    uniform — Lodge    officer.      A 

member  of  the  Patriarchs  Militant  in  full  uniform  must 
remove  his  chapeau,  sword  and  belt  before  he  can  be  installed 
into  an  office  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge.  Only  the  regalia  of 
the  office  can  be  worn  while  occupying  the  chair  of  said 
office.— 1904  Journal,  368,  547,  562.  (See  Errata  in  Jour- 
nal.) 

1670.  When  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  may  be 
removed  from  office.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand  Master  to 
remove  from  office  any  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  who 
shall  install  into  their  respective  offices  any  Noble  Grand 
or  Vice-Grand  who  has  not  committed  to  memory  the 
charges  and  secret  work. — 1888  Journal,  1126. 

1671.  Installing  officer,  how  addressed.  When  installing 
they  shall  be  addressed  by  their  proper  title.  A  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master,  when  installing,  shall  be  addressed 
as  District  Deputy  Grand  Master. — 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
15176,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

(See  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  under  head  of  Offi- 
cers; Dispensations.) 
28 


434  Insurance— International  Relations. 

INSTITUTION. 

(See  Charter.) 

INSTRUCTIONS. 

(See  Representatives.) 

INSTRUCTIONS  IN  THE  WORK. 

(See  Work  of  the  Order.) 

INSURANCE. 

1672.  Lodges  should  insure  their  property.  Resolved, 
That  this  Grand  Lodge  recommend  to  the  Subordinate 
Lodges  to  insure  their  property  against  fire. — 1880  Journal, 
365,  376. 

1673.  Grand  Lodge — Insurance  and  surety  companies. 
There  is  no  law  of  the. Order  which  authorizes  a  Grand 
Lodge  to  form  an  indemnity  company  to  protect  Lodges 
from  losses  by  fire,  or  from  infidelity  of  officers. — 1903 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  26,  284,  314. 

1674.  Soliciting  life  insurance.  All  solicitation  of  life 
insurance  in  the  Lodge  while  it  is  in  session  is  improper. — 
1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  76,  276,  291. 

INTERNATIONAL  RELATIONS. 

1675.  Foreign  Sovereignties.  The  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  has  granted  charters  to  the  following  sovereignties 
or  Grand  Lodges  in  foreign  countries:  The  Grand  Lodge 
of  Australasia  (which  includes  Australia,  New  Zealand, 
Tasmania,  and  other  islands),  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Ger- 
man Empire,  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Switzerland,  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  Sweden,  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Denmark,  and  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  Netherlands.  The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge, 
in  1900,  desiring  to  concede  to  its  foreign  jurisdictions  the 
largest  measure  of  independence  consistent  with  the  unity 
of  Odd  Fellowship  throughout  the  world,  adopted  a  uniform 
charter  for  foreign  jurisdictions,  to  become  eft'ectual  in 
each  foreign  jurisdiction  upon  its  formal  acceptance  by 
regular  and  lawful  action  of  such  jurisdiction  in  accordance 


International  Relations.  435 

with  existing  laws  and  when  accepted  and  issued  to  super- 
sede all  existing  charters,  supplemental  charters  and 
grants  to  such  jurisdiction  and  all  agreements  and  stipu- 
lations affecting  the  same.  The  following  is  the  form  of 
such  uniform  charter. 

'^ INDEPENDENT  ORDER  OF  ODD  FELLOWS. 
SOVEREIGN  GRAND  LODGE. 

Charter  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 

To  all  Whom  it  May  Concern  : — 

Know  ye,  that  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  by  virtue  of  the  authority 
vested  in  it,  doth  hereby  create  into  distinct  sovereignty  and 
independence  in  Odd  Fellowship  the 

Grand  Lodge   of    

with  full  power  in  all  matters  relating  to  Odd  Fellowship, 
as  hereinafter  more  fully  set  forth,  within  the  territory'  and 
jurisdiction  hereinafter  prescribed  and  allotted. 

The  powers  and  obligations  of  the  Grand  Lodge  hereby 
chartered  shall  be  and  remain  as  herein  prescribed  and  not 
otherwise. 

First,  The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  is  the  source  of  all 
true  and  legitimate  Odd  Fellowship  and  the  supreme  power 
in  the  Order  throughout  the  globe,  except  in  so  far  as  it  has 
released  or  granted  powers  to  Grand  Lodges  by  charters 
or  otherwise. 

It  has  original  jurisdiction  and  ultimate  power  to  enforce 
and  con.strue  this  charter,  and  has  appellate  jurisdiction, 
and  is  the  final  arbiter  in  all  questions  and  controversies 
between  Grand  Lodges  chartered  by  it. 

Second,  That  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  reserves  to  itself 
and  shall  alone  have  the  power  to  introduce  Odd  Fellow- 
ship into  new  countries  by  the  institution  of  Grand  or  Sub- 
ordinate Lodges  therein,  except  so  far  as  it  may  from  time 
to  time  delegate  or  grant  such  power  to  others. 


436  International  Relations. 

Third,  It  is  now  and  shall  always  remain  the  fundamental 
creed  of  the  Order  that  we  believe  in  a  Supreme  Being,  the 
Creator  and  Preserver  of  the  Universe. 

Fourth,  The  Order  is,  and  shall  forever  continue  to  be, 
bound  to  charitable  and  beneficent  works,  in  visiting  the 
sick,  relieving  the  distressed,  burying  the  dead,  and  edu- 
cating the  orphan,  and  in  the  performance  of  all  these  recip- 
rocal duties  and  benevolences  which  spring  from  our  recog- 
nition of  the  Fatherhood  of  God  and  the  Brotherhood  of 
Man,  and  from  the  inculcation  and  practice  of  Friendship, 
Love  and  Truth. 

The  manner,  character  and  extent  of  monied  relief  to  be 
extended  is  to  be  determined  and  regulated  by  each  juris- 
diction. 

Fifth,  No  Grand  Lodge  shall  have  the  right  to  excommu- 
nicate any  other  Grand  Lodge  or  the  Lodges  subordinate 
to  it,  nor  to  proclaim  or  enforce  non-intercourse  between 
such  Grand  Lodge  or  its  Subordinates,  and  another  Grand 
Lodge,  its  members  or  subordinates,  except  by  the  consent 
of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  and  upon  good  cause  shown 
to  exist  therefor. 

Sixth,  Among  the  qualifications  for  membership  in  the 
Order,  there  shall  at  all  times  and  under  all  conditions  and 
circumstances  be  included  the  following  qualifications; 
namely,  that  the  applicant  shall  be  a  free  white  male  of 
good  moral  character,  a  believer  in  a  Supreme  Being,  the 
Creator  and  Preserver  of  the  Universe. 

Seventh,  The  Grand  Lodge  chartered  hereby  shall  not 
at  any  time  in  any  wise  alter,  or  repudiate,  or  permit  to  be 
altered  or  repudiated  within  its  jurisdiction,  any  of  the 
signs,  tokens,  passwords  or  grips,  or  any  part  of  the  Unwrit- 
ten Work  of  the  Order,  as  now  known  and  practiced,  and 
as  may  hereafter  be  prescribed  by  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge. 

Eighth,  The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  reserves  unto  itself 
the  right  to  prescribe  and  give  to  the  Grand  Lodge  hereby 
chartered,  and  the  said  Grand  Lodge  is  obligated  to  receive 


» 


International  Relations.  437 

the  Annual  Traveling  Password  and  Explanations,  and  the 
Annual  Password  of  the  Rebekah  Degree,  which  passwords 
and  none  other  are  to  be  used  within  said  jurisdiction  for 
their  respective  purposes,  and  shall  be  used  and  spoken 
in  the  English  language. 

Ninth,  Cards  of  Visitation  and  Final  Cards,  prescribed 
and  issued  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  shall  be  respected 
and  received,  and  visitation  thereon,  and  deposit  thereof 
.shall  be  permitted  as  now  practiced  and  prescribed. 

Tenth,  The  Grand  Lodge  hereby  chartered  shall  conform 
to  the  provisions  of  this  instrument;  otherwise  this  charter 
shall  be  of  no  further  force  or  effect. 

Eleventh,  In  respect  to  all  matters  not  herein  specifically 
provided  and  reserved,  the  Grand  Lodge  hereby  chartered 
and  created  shall  be  independent;  and  within  the  limits  of 
its  jurisdiction  shall  be  the  Sovereign  and  Supreme  head 
of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

Given  under  the  seal  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  and 
the  hands  of  its  officers,  at  the  city  of  Baltimore,  State  of 

Maryland,  in  the  United  States  of  America,  this day 

of A.  D.  one  thousand  nine  hunderd 

and  of  our  Beloved  Order  the year. 

Grand  Sire. 

Deputy  Grand  Sire. 

Grand   Secretary. 

[Seal] 
—1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  940,  942;  1902    S.    G.    L.    Jour- 
nal, 576. 

The  prohibition  in  the  fifth  article  of  the  Uniform 
Constitution  for  foreign  jurisdictions  against  a  Grand  Lodge 
excommunicating  or  declaring  non-intercourse  with  Sub- 
ordinate Lodges  does  not  apply  to  the  Subordinate  Lodges 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  so  acting,  or  to  its  members,  but  only 
to  the  Subordinates  and  the  members  of  other  Grand  Lodges. 
—1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  405,  406,  417.  The  Grand  Lodge  of 
Switzerland  and  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Australasia  are  the 


438  Investments. 

only  Sovereignties  that  have  accepted  the  Uniform  Charter. 
The  charters  of  the  other  foreign  jurisdictions  will  be  found 
printed  in  the  Journals  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  that 
is,  the  charter  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  German  Empire 
and  the  agreement  therewith  and  supplemental  charter. 
—1878  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7601 ;  1884  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  9653 
to  9660.  Charter  of  Grand  Lodge  of  Denmark  and  agree- 
ment therewith.— 1884  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  9521,  9522;  1892 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  12813  to  12815.  Charter  of  Grand  Lodge 
of  Sweden  and  agreement  therewith. — 1897  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 15223,  15226.  Charter  of  Grand  Lodge  of  Netherlands. 
—1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  524,  886,  914.  The  Grand  Lodge 
of  Australasia  has  sybordinate  to  it  six  Grand  Lodges.  The 
Uniform  Charter  for  foreign  jurisdictions  is  an  imperative 
need  of  the  Order  for  that  proper  unification  which  is  essen- 
tial to  the  welfare  of  the  Order.— 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  865, 
884. 

Residents  of  a  country  wherein  no  Lodge  or  Encampment 
of  our  Order  exists,  if  otherwise  eligible  under  our  laws  and 
acceptable  upon  ballot,  may  be  admitted  to  membership  by 
any  Lodge  of  our  Order.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  929. 

As  to  the  establishment  of  foreign  Sovereignties  their 
charters,  agreements,  powers  granted  and  reserved  by  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  and  other  matters  appertaining 
thereto,  see  1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  925  to  941,  715,  716 ;  1904 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  555,  855  to  864;  1878  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7578, 
7579,  7689 ;  1880  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8218 ;  1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
135  to  137,  405  to  416,  417 ;  1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  558,  576, 
629  to  632,  998 ;  1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  66  to  72,  103  to  109, 
403  to  408 ;  1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  130,  348. 

(See  note  to  Section  2492.) 

INVESTMENTS. 
1676.     The  funds  of  a  Lodge.    They  may  be  invested  from 
time  to  time  as  the  Lodge  shall  direct. 
(See  Funds.) 


Jewels.  439 

JEWELS. 

1677.  Lodge  must  furnish.  The  jewels  of  the  Order  must 
be  furnished  by  Lodges  for  their  officers. — 1857  Journal,  289. 

1678.  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  Jewels.  Grand  Sire  and 
Past  Grand  Sires,  a  medal  three  inches  in  diameter,  of  yellow 
metal,  on  one  side  of  which  shall  be  the  coat  of  arms  of  the 
United  States  of  America,  surrounded  by  an  ornamental 
silver  edging;  Deputy  Grand  Sire,  similar  to  the  jewel  of 
the  Grand  Sire  in  all  respects,  except  that  it  shall  be  two 
inches  in  diameter;  District  Deputy  Grand  Sire,  a  medal 
similar  in  all  respects  to  the  jewel  for  the  Grand  Sire,  except 
that  it  shall  be  two  inches  in  diameter;  Grand  Representa- 
.tives  and  Past  Grand  Representatives,  a  medal  the  size  and 
style  of  the  Grand  Sire's,  with  the  coat  of  arms  of  the  State 
represented.— 1903  S.  G  L.  Journal,  294,  315 ;  S.  G.  L.  By- 
Laws,  Art.  XXIT,  Sec.  8. 

1679.  Grand  Lodge  medals  or  jewels.  Past  Grand 
Master,  the  sun,  wath  liand  and  heart,  of  white  metal,  two 
and  one-half  inches  in  diameter;  Grand  Master,  the  sun, 
with  scales  of  justice,  of  white  metal,  two  and  one-half  inches 
in  diameter;  Deputy  Grand  Master,  a  half  moon,  of  white 
metal,  two  and  one-half  inches  in  length;  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master,  a  shield  of  sterling  silver,  one  inch  and  three- 
quarters  wide  and  two  inches  long  (greatest  measure- 
ments) ;  the  upper  part  covered  with  white  enamel  with 
letters  D.  D.  G.  M.  in  blue  enamel.  The  lower  part  covered 
with  scarlet  enamel  bearing  the  following  in  white  enamel: 
A  crescent  supporting  a  five-pointed  star,  with  the  letters 
L  0.  0.  F.  below  the  crescent.  Past  District  Deputy  Grand 
Master,  the  same  jewel  used  for  D.  D.  G.  M.  with  the  letter 
P.  in  blue  enamel  in  the  center  above  the  letters  D.  D.  G.  M. ; 
Grand  Warden,  two  crossed  gavels,  of  white  metal,  two  and 
one-half  inches  in  length;  Grand  Secretary,  tAVO  crossed 
pens,  of  white  metal,  two  and  one-half  inches  in  length; 
Grand  Treasurer,  two  crossed  keys,  of  white  metal,  two  and 
one-half  inches  in  length ;  Grand  Conductor,  a  Roman  sword, 
of  white  metal,  two  and  one-half  inches  in  length;  Grand 


440 


Jewels. 


Guardian,  two  crossed  swords,  of  white  metal,  two  and  one- 
half  inches  in  length;  Grand  Marshal,  a  baton,  of  white 
metal,  two  and  one-half  inches  in  length;  Grand  Herald,  a 
trumpet,  of  white  metal,  two  and  one-half  inches  in  length. 
—1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  294,  315;  1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
732,  733,  746. 

1680.  Subordinate  Lodge  jewels.  Past  Grand,  a  five- 
pointed  star,  of  white  metal,  two  and  one-half  inches  wide, 
from  tip  to  tip;  Noble  Grand,  two  crossed  gavels,  of  white 
metal,  two  inches  wide  and  three  and  one-half  inches  long; 
Vice-Grand,  an  hour  glass,  of  white  metal,  two  inches  wide 
and  three  and  one-half  inches  long;  Recording  or  Financial 
Secretary,  two  crossed  pens,  of  white  metal,  two  inches  wide 
and  three  and  one-half  inches  long;  Treasurer,  two  crossed 
keys,  of  white  metal,  two  inches  wide  and  three  and  one- 
half  inches  long ;  Warden,  two  crossed  axes,  of  white  metal, 
two  inches  wide  and  three  an^  one-half  inches  long;  Con- 
ductor, two  crossed  wands,  of  white  metal,  two  inches  wide 
and  three  and  one-half  inches  long ;  Guardians,  two  crossed 
swords,  of  white  metal,  two  inches  wide  and  three  and  one- 
half  inches  long;  Supporters  of  the  Noble  Grand,  a  wand,  of 
white  metal,  with  two  circular  arms,  connected  by  three 
links,  and  encompassing  a  gavel  two  inches  wide  and  three 
and  one-half  inches  long;  Supporters  of  the  Vice-Grand, 
same,  encompassing  an  hour  glass;  Scene  Supporters,  same, 
encompassing  a  burning  torch ;  Chaplain,  same,  encompassing 
a  Bible.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  294,  315. 

1681.  All  officers  must  wear  jewels.  The  law  requires 
the  appointed  as  well  as  the  elective  officers  of  a  Lodge  to 
wear  jewels.— 1877  Journal,  582,  675,  697. 


Note. — The  jewels  must  not  be  wrought  in  the  regalia. 
L.  Journal,  .5804,  5945,  5953). 


(1873  S.  G. 


1682.  Grand  Master  when  visiting  Lodges.  A  Grand 
Master  when  visiting  as  such  in  his  own  jurisdiction  should 
wear  the  regalia  and  jewels  of  his  office. — 1870  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  4716,  4842,  4870. 


f 


Jewels.  441 

1683.  Past  Grand  Master's  Jewel.  The  Grand  Lodge 
resolved  to  present  each  retiring  Grand  Master  with  a  Past 
Grand  Master  *s  Jewel. — 1869  Journal,  127. 

1684.  Veteran  Jewel,  I.  0.  0.  F.  Members  of  the  Order 
in  good  standing,  and  who,  for  twenty-five  years  or  more, 
have  been  such,  shall  ha  entitled  to  wear  a  jewel  to  be  desig- 
nated The  Veteran  Jewel,  I.  0.  O.  F.— 1888-1889  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  11341,  11410,  11542,  11674,  11726,  11785. 

1685.  The  same — Continuous  membership  necessary.    A 

brother  must  be  a  member  continuously  for  twenty-five  years 
to  be  entitled  to  the  Veteran  Jewel.  A  temporary  suspension 
for  non-payment  of  dues  during  that  period  destroys  his 
right  to  the  jewel.— 1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  535,  996,  1006. 

1686.  The  same — Sick  benefits.  A  brother  who  has  been 
continuously  for  twenty-five  years  a  member  of  a  Subordi- 
nate Lodge  and  not  suspended  for  any  cause,  the  fact  that 
during  that  period  he  was  temporarily  deprived  of  sick 
benefits  for  arrears  of  dues  does  not  deprive  him  of  the  right 
to  receive  and  wear  the  Veteran  Jewel. — 1898  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 15747,  15748,  16030,  16054. 

1687.  The  same — A  Withdrawal  Card.  A  brother  who 
has  been  continuously  a  member  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  or 
Lodges  for  twenty-five  years  without  being  suspended  has 
a  right  to  the  Veteran  Jewel.  If  he  takes  a  Withdrawal 
Card  from  his  Lodge  and  within  a  year  thereafter  deposits 
the  same  and  is  admitted  to  membership  in  another  Subor- 
dinate Lodge,  the  fact  of  such  intermission  in  active  member- 
ship does  not  break  his  continuous  membership  in  the  Order 
so  as  to  preclude  him  from  claiming  the  Veteran  Jewel.  If 
he  permit  more  than  a  year  to  elapse  before  joining  another 
Lodge,  the  Withdrawal  Card  expires  and  he  becomes  an 
Ancient  Odd  Fellow,  and  thereby  breaks  his  continuous 
membership,  and  is  not  in  such  case  entitled  to  the  jewel. — 
1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15747,  15748,  16030,  16054;  1895 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14250,  14487,  14570;  1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
18,  284,  314. 


442  Jewels. 

1688.  May  wear  both  sizes.  A  brother  entitled  to  wear 
the  Veteran  Jewel  may  procure  and  wear  both  the  lar«i:e  and 
the  watch-charm  size.— 1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  534,  950,  969, 
978,  1002. 

1689.  Cannot  purchase  or  wear  unless  entitled.    No  one 

can  purchase  or  wear  the  Veteran  Jewel  except  he  be  entitled 
thereto  under  the  law.— 1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  535,  978, 
1002. 

1690.  Veteran  Jewel.  A  six-pointed  maltese  cross  of  red 
enamel,  one  and  one-quarter  inches  in  diameter,  supporting 
a  six-pointed  w^hite  star  wath  red  center,  on  which  the  figures 
25  appear  in  white  enamel.  The  base  of  the  jewel  is  yellow 
metal,  which  appears  as  a  wreath  of  leaves  between  the 
points  of  the  cross.  The  whole  is  supported  by  a  three-link 
pin  of  yellow  metal  attached  at  the  top,  and  may  be  worn 
with  or  without  a  ribbon.  This  jewel  is  made  in  a  smaller 
size,  suitable  to  be  worn  as  a  watch  charm.  Both  sizes  are 
made  in  four  qualities,  but  all  of  the  same  shape  and  style. 
The  design  is  patented,  and  the  jewels  can  be  purchased 
from  the  Grand  Secretary  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
on  an  order  from  a  Grand  Secretary  of  a  Grand  Lodge. 
Prices:  Plated,  $3.50;  8-karat  gold,  $10.00;  10-karat  gold, 
$20.00;  14-karat  gold,  $25.00.-1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  294, 
315. 

1691.  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge's  sole  right  to  manu- 
facture. Letters  patent  have  been  obtained  for  the  above 
design  of  the  Veteran  Jewel,  so  that  the  sole  right  to  manu- 
facture the  same  is  vested  in  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 
1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11497,  11545,  11674,  11726,  11785. 

1692.  Honorable  Veteran  Jewel,  I.  0.  0.  F.  It  is  fur- 
nished and  sold  to  members  in  good  standing  who  have  held 
continuous  membership  in  the  Order  for  fifty  consecutive 
years  or  more,  and  in  the  same  manner  and  on  the  same 
terms  as  the  "Veteran  Jewel,  I.  O.  0.  F."  is  sold  and  dis- 
tributed. It  is  furnished  only  by  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  through  its  Grand  Secretary  upon  the  certificate  of 
Subordinate  Lodge  and  the  order  of  a  Grand  Secretary  of  a 


I 


Jewels.  443 

Grand  Lodge,  when  accompanied  by  the  cash. — 1893-1894 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13559,  13685,  13693,  13828. 

1693.  Honorable  Veteran  Jewel.  Made  of  14-karat  gold 
throughout,  except  the  laurel  wreath,  which  is  of  18-karat 
green  gold.  The  globe  is  one  and  one-eighth  inches  in  diame- 
ter, surrounded  by  a  wreath,  making  an  extreme  width  of  one 
and  one-half  inches.  The  bar,  or  top  piece,  is  one  and  three- 
eighths  inches  wide;  total  length  of  badge,  two  and  five- 
eighths  inches.  The  globe  is  boldly  convexed,  with  flat  back 
for  inscription.  Front  of  globe,  highly  polished  with  lines 
of  longitude  and  latitude  plainly  engraved.  The  continents 
are  inserted  in  the  globe  and  made  of  a  differently  tinted 
gold,  finished  dull  or  frosted.  The  wreath,  as  stated,  is  of 
green  gold,  composed  of  laurel  leaves  in  relief,  connected 
at  the  bottom  by  three  carved  links.  At  top  of  globe,  sup- 
ported by  an  ornamental  scroll  at  either  side,  are  the  figures 
50,  set  solid  with  diamonds.  Diagonally  across  the  globe  is 
a  raised  ribbon  scroll,  enameled  in  dark  blue,  bearing  the 
word  "Universal"  in  gold  letters.  The  pendant  is  connected 
to  the  bar  by  three  links  at  either  side.  The  border, 
and  letters  *'I.  O.  O.  F."  on  the  front  of  the  bar  are  raised. 
On  the  back  of  the  bar  are  a  gold-hinged  pin  and  catch  for 
fastening.  This  jewel  is  sold  by  the  Grand  Secretary  of  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  only  on  an  order  from  a  Grand 
Secretary  of  a  Grand  Lodge. — 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  294, 
315.  The  price  is  fixed  at  $40.00.-1894  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
13827,  13974,  14064.  One  is  also  authorized  to  be  made  of 
gold  of  lower  karat  and  less  weight  than  the  one  of 
14-karat  gold,  so  that  it  can  be  sold  to  Grand  Lodges  for  a 
sum  not  exceeding  $20.00.  It  is  sold  for  $20.00—1904  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  816,  817,  841,  842,  879;  1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
211,  243. 

1694.  Application  for  the  Veteran  and  Honorable  Veteran 
Jewel.  A  member  must  apply  for  the  jewels  to  the  Grand 
Secretary  of  the  jurisdiction  in  which  he  holds  membership 
and  furnish  such  Grand  Secretary  a  certificate  from  the 
Secretary  of  his  Lodge  and  certificates  from  the  Secretaries 


444  Journal  of  Proceedings. 

of  other  Lodges,  if  he  has  belonged  to  other  Lodges,  show- 
ing that  his  membership  has  been  continuous  for  twenty-five 
years  or  more,  or  fifty  years  or  more,  or,  if  the  Lodge  in 
which  he  was  initiated  is  defunct,  a  certificate  from  the 
Grand  Secretary  of  the  jurisdiction  in  which  the  Lodge  was 
located,  as  to  his  initiation  and  membership,  or,  if  the  rec- 
ords are  destroyed  or  from  other  cause  the  certificate  from 
Grand  Secretary  cannot  be  obtained,  he  must  furnish  an 
affidavit  as  to  his  initiation  and  membership.  A  member 
can  have  his  name  engraved  on  the  reverse  side  of  the 
jewel.— 1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11543,  11674,  11726,  11785; 
1893  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13559,  13685,  13693. 

1695.  Lodge  Street  Uniform  Jewel.  A  jewel  collar  two 
and  one-half  inches  wide,  uniting  in  a  point  in  front,  made 
of  light  blue  Italian  cloth  or  other  material,  except  velvet, 
edged  with  silver  lace  or  braid,  one-fourth  of  an  inch  wide, 
and  without  embroidery  of  any  kind  whatever.  A  medal, 
to  be  suspended  from  the  collar,  of  white  metal,  one  and 
three-fourths  inches  in  diameter,  having  on  the  obverse  side, 
in  raised  w^ork,  the  All-Seeing  Eye,  encircled  with  rays  of 
light,  and  on  the  reverse,  also  in  raised  work,  three  links  of 
the  Order,  surrounded  by  the  legend,  ''In  God  We  Trust, 
Friendship,  Love  and  Truth."— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  294, 
315. 

(See  Funds.) 

JOURNAL  OF  PROCEEDINGS. 

1696.  One  copy  to  each  Lodge.  The  Grand  Secretary 
shall  make  a  just  and  true  record  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  at  every  session,  and  transmit  as  soon  as  prac- 
ticable after  the  close  of  the  annual  session,  to  the  Subordi- 
nate Lodges,  each,  one  copy  thereof. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  4. 

1697.  None  but  Odd  Fellows  should  inspect.  It  is 
improper  to  submit  to  the  inspection  of  persons  not  Odd 
Fellows  the  proceedings  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  except  the 
printed  proceedings. — 1860  Journal,  84,  86. 


Lectures.  445 

1698.  Grand  Lodge  may  omit  recording  some  proceed- 
ings. A  Grand  Body  has  the  undoubted  right  to  omit 
recording  such  of  its  proceedings  as,  in  its  judgment,  should 
not  appear  upon  the  record. — 1852  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1916, 
1956. 

1699.  As  legal  information  and  authority.  The  Journals 
of  Proceedings  of  the  Grand  Lodge  are  to  be  taken  by  Dis- 
trict Deputy  Grand  Masters  for  legal  information  and 
authority.— 1858  Journal,  331,  398. 

1700.  Journals  for  District  Deputies.  The  Grand  Secre- 
tary shall  furnish  each  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  with 
one  copy  of  the  bound  proceedings  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 
Said  copy  shall  belong  to  the  office,  and  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  each  District  Deputy  to  deliver  the  same  to  his  successor 
in  office.  The  number  of  the  district  shall  be  marked  on 
the  outside  of  the  cover. — 1860  Journal,  69. 

1701.  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  Journal.  The  Grand 
Lodge  recommends  that  the  Journal  of  Proceedings  of  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.be  in  the  possession  of  each  Lodge 
in  the  jurisdiction. — 1855  Journal,  136. 

(See  Grand  Secretary  and  District  Deputy  Grand  Master, 
under  the  head  of  Officers.  See  Secret  Journal;  Obituary 
Tablet.) 

JUNIOR  PAST  GRAND. 

(See  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.) 

LAWS  OF  SUBORDINATES,   COMMITTEE  ON. 

(See  By-Laws.) 

LECTURES. 

1702.  Odd  Fellowship.  There  is  no  law  preventing  a 
brother  lecturing,  if  he  violate  no  principle  or  law  of  the 
Order,  but  he  has  no  right  to  assume  that  he  speaks  from 
authority.— 1877  Journal,  582,  675,  697. 

Note. — It  is  not  illepnl  that  ment  of  the  Noble  Grand,  shall, 
members  of  a  Lodge,  by  appoint-       when   the  Lodge  is   opened   under 


446  Legislation — Libraries,  Odd  Fellows*. 

the  head  of  "Good  of  the  Order,"      Odd   Fellowship— (1876    S.    G.   L. 
deliver     addresses     or     essays    on       Journal,  6752,  6977,  7051). 

(See  Charges  and  Lectures.) 

LEGAL  TENDER  NOTES. 

(See  Offenses.) 

LEGISLATION. 

1703.  Committee  on  Legislation.  The  Committee  on 
Legislation  shall  consist  of  five  members,  who  shall  examine 
and  report  on  all  proposed  amendments  of  the  Constitution, 
By-Laws,  Rules  of  Order  and  Resolutions  governing  this 
Grand  Lodge,  and  such  other  matters  as  may  be  referred  to 
them  by  the  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Master. — Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  10. 

1704.  The  same— A  Regular  Committee.  It  shall  be 
appointed  at  each  annual  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  from 
among  the  members  present.  It  is  a  Regular  Committee. — 
Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  1. 

LIBRARIES,  ODD  FELLOWS'. 

1705.  Recommended  by  the  Grand  Lodge.  Lodges 
throughout  this  jurisdiction  are  recommended  to  establish 
Odd  Fellows'  Libraries.— 1857  Journal,  288. 

1706.  Donations  and  subscriptions  to  establish  and  sup- 
port. Whereas,  The  establishment  and  support  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows' Libraries  in  connection  with  the  Order  in  this  State 
has  been  productive  of  much  good  in  promoting  intellectual 
advancement  among  the  brethren  and  their  families,  and 
gives  character  to  the  Order  for  attainment  in  knowledge; 
and 

Whereas,  It  is  our  aim  to  elevate  and  improve  the  char- 
acter of  man  by  the  encouragement  of  education  and  the 
promotion  of  all  those  objects  that  have  a  tendency  to  give 
character  to  Odd  Fellowship  for  intellectual  greatness,  as 
well  as  for  its  perfect  system  of  charities: 


448  Liquors. 

laws   nor    the    principles   of    Odd  they  will  not  attempt   to  enforce 

Fellowship  descend  to  the  restric-  total      abstinence,      a      principle 

tion  or  regulation  of  the  beverage  never  intended  by  the  framers  to 

of    its    members.      While    temper-  be     ingrafted    upon    our   Order — 

anc€    is    a    cardinal    principle     of  (1849     S.    G.    L.     Journal,     1504, 

the  Order  and  must  be  observed,  1513). 

1708.  Celebrations,     anniversaries,    balls    and    parties. 

Rcsoh'cd,  That  no  Subordinate  Lodge  under  the  control  of 
this  Grand  Lodge  shall  hold  any  anniversary  or  other  cele- 
bration, ball  or  party,  where  the  regalia  of  the  Order  may  be 
worn,  or  the  name  of  the  Order  assumed,  without  the  con- 
sent of  the  Grand  Master,  first  obtained  in  writing;  such 
permission  to  be  predicated  only  upon  the  direct  promise, 
through  the  officers  of  the  Subordinate  seeking  the  per- 
mission, that  no  intoxicating  beverages  of  any  kind  shall  be 
offered  by  them  to  the  members  or  guests  present  on  the 
occasion;  provided^  that  the  foregoing  is  not  intended  to 
prevent  Lodges  from  joining  in  a  public  procession  in 
regalia,  in  connection  with  other  organizations,  when  invited 
to  do  so  by  civil  or  other  authorities,  permission  for  that 
purpose  having  first  been  obtained  from  the  Grand  Master. 
Resolved,  That  Lodges  desiring  to  avail  themselves  of  the 
privileges  contained  in  the  foregoing  resolution  may  apply 
to  the  Grand  Master,  through  their  Noble  Grand  or  Secre- 
tary, under  seal  of  the  Lodge.  Such  application  shall  con- 
tain a  direct  promise  that  no  intoxicating  beverages  of  any 
kind  shall  be  offered  by  them  to  the  members  or  guests 
present  on  the  occasion. — 1866  Journal,  189,  229. 

Note. — The      Sovereign      Grand  and  entertainments  of  every  kind 

Lodge    has   enacted   similar   legis-  — (1892  S.  G.  L.  Journal,   130(>7, 

lation  applicable  to  anniversaries,  13156). 
excursions,    picnics,    balls,    parties 

1709.  No  liquors  at  celebration,  banquet,  entertainments. 

No  Lodge  shall  permit  the  use  of  spirituous  or  malt  liquors 
at  any  celebration,  entertainment,  banquet,  supper  or  other 
repast  given  by  the  Lodge  or  held  in  the  name  of  the  Order, 
whether  held  in  the  building  or  Lodge-room  controlled  by 
the  Lodge,  or  at  any  other  place. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  X,  Sec.  4. 


Liquors.  449 

1710.  Saloonkeeper,  barkeeper.  A  saloonkeeper  or  a  bar- 
keeper is  not  eligible  to  membership  in  the  Order. — Consti- 
tution Subordinates,  Art.  II,  Sec.  6;  Constitution  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  XVI,  Sec.  5. 

(See  Membership.) 

1711.  Saloonkeeper,  barkeeper.  A  saloonkeeper  or  bar- 
keeper is  not  eligible  to  membership  in  the  Order.  A  mem- 
ber of  the  Order  who  was  not  in  the  saloon  business  on  the 
18th  of  September,  1895,  has  no  right  to  engage  in  the  busi- 
ness since  that  time.— 1897  Journal,  808,  994,  1034;  1896- 
1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14681,  14948,  15019,  21,  284,  314. 

1712.  When  cannot  resume  saloon  business.  A  member 
of  the  Order,  who  was  engaged  in  the  saloon  business  prior 
to  September  18th,  1895,  but  who  subsequently  went  out  of 
said  saloon  business  and  remains  out  of  it  for  two  years  or 
gives  up  the  business,  cannot  again  resume  the  occupation 
of  saloonkeeper  or  barkeeper. — 1900  Journal,  25,  26,  185, 
230;  1896-1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14681,  14948,  15019,  21,  284, 
314. 

1713.  Leasing  property  for  saloon.  There  is  no  law  of 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  that  prevents  a  Lodge  leasing  its 
property  for  a  saloon.— 1896  Journal,  14682,  14948,  15019, 
15043. 

1714.  A  Lodge  rents  a  store-room  for  a  saloon.  A  Lodge 
in  February,  1896,  leased  a  store-room  in  a  building  it 
owned,  and  which  was  known  as  the  Odd  Fellows'  building, 
to  a  brother  for  a  saloon.  The  brother  at  the  time  was 
engaged  in  that  business,  and  had  been  for  four  years  next 
preceding  that  time,  and  had  been  a  member  of  the  Order 
for  eight  years  prior  thereto,  and  was  such  at  the  time.  The 
brother,  therefore,  was  a  member  of  the  Order  and,  also, 
enffaged  in  the  saloon  business  on  September  18th,  1895, 

»when  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  amended  Article  XVI  of 
its  Constitution,  and  provided  that  no  saloonkeeper  or  bar- 
tender shall  be  eligible  to  membership  in  this  Order.  The 
Lodge,  in  leasing  the  store  to  the  brother,  did  not  violate 

Kl  29 

L 


450  Location  of  Lodge— Lottery. 

any  law  of  Odd  Fellowship. — Lurry  vs.  Vacaville  Lodge, 
1896  Journal,  522,  557. 

(See  Odd  Fellows'  Hall  Association.) 

1715.  Prohibition  of  their  sale  is  a  political  question.  The 

question  of  the  sale  or  the  prohibition  of  the  sale  of  intoxi- 
.j^ating  liquors  is  purely  and  simply  a  political  one,  when 
sought  to  be  controlled  or  regulated  by  legislation,  and  it  is, 
therefore,  one  banished  by  our  laws  without  our  councils. 
No  such  question  can  properly  be  considered  in  a  Lodge- 
room  of  our  Order,  and  therefore  no  communication  to  the 
legislature  from  the  Lodge,  under  its  seal  or  otherwise, 
should  be  sent.  This  does  not  prohibit  nor  interfere  with 
the  right  of  each  member  of  a  Lodge,  as  an  individual,  to 
sign  any  petition  he  may  desire  upon  the  subject  mentioned. 
—1878  Journal,  820,  928,  965. 

(See  Offenses.) 

LOCATION  OF  LODGE. 

1716.  How  changed.  The  location  of  a  Lodge  cannot  be 
changed  without  the  consent  of  the  Grand  Lodge  or  dispen- 
sation from  the  Grand  Master.  To  remove  from  one  hall  to 
another  in  the  same  town  or  city,  dispensation  or  consent 
unnecessary;  but  to  remove  to  another  town  or  city,  per- 
mission is  needed. — 1861  Journal,  146;  Grand  Lodge  Con- 
stitution, Art.  IV,  Sec.  1 ;  1895  Journal,  32,  122,  163. 

(See  Dispensations.) 

LOTTERY. 

1717.  Lotteries  prohibited.  No  Lodge  or  other  organiza- 
tion of  this  Order  in  this  jurisdiction  shall  ever  get  up, 
engage  in,  or  be  in  any  manner  interested  in  any  lottery  or 
gift  enterprise,  or  receive  any  emolument  or  benefit  there- 
from.—1871  Journal,  444,  471. 

1718.  Name  of  Order,  etc.,  to  aid  lottery,  prohibited.  Any 
member  using  the  name  of  the  Order,  or  of  any  Lodge,  Odd 
Fellows'  Hall,   Library,   Cemetery  or  other  association   of 


J 


Manchester  Unity — Mandamus. 


451 


this  Order,  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  or  in  any  manner 
furthering  the  interest  of  any  lottery  or  gift  enterprise 
scheme,  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  conduct  unbecoming  an 
Odd  Fellow,  and,  upon  due  trial  and  conviction  thereof, 
shall  be  expelled  from  the  Order.— 1871  Journal,  444,  471. 

1719.  Raffles.  It  is  unlawful  and  contrary  to  the  laws  of 
Odd  Fellowship  to  sell  tickets  for  or  hold  raffles  in  Lodges. — 
1897  Journal,  851,  852,  994,  1034. 

1720.  Lodges  and  schemes  of  hazard  and   chance.     No 

Lodge  or  any  of  the  members  thereof  shall,  in  the  name  of 
the  Order,  resort  to  any  schemes  of  hazard  or  chance  of  any 
kind  as  a  means  to  raise  funds  for  any  purpose  of  relief  or 
assistance  to  the  Lodge  or  to  individual  members. — 1866 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3953,  3987. 

1721.  Raffles  unlawful.  It  is  unlawful  for  a  Lodge  to  hold 
a  raffle,  either  at  open  meeting,  closed  meeting,  or  at  any 
meeting  whatsoever  of  the  Lodge,  either  in  the  Lodge-room 
or  ante-room  or  in  any  connection  therewith.  A  Lodge 
openly  violating  this  law  is  guilty  of  insubordination  and  is 
liable  to  lose  its  charter.— 1898  Journal,  11,  12,  221,  240. 


MANCHESTER  UNITY. 
1722.     Admission  to  our  Order.    Persons  belonging  to  the 
Manchester  Unity  may  be  admitted  to  our  Order  by  initia- 
tion.—1857  Journal,  273 ;  1864  Journal,  505. 


Note. — There  is  no  communion 
between  the  Manchester  Unity  oi 
Odd  Fellows  and  our  Order. 
There  is  no  apjeement  or  recog- 
nition for  intervisitation  between 
the  two  Orders.  Members  of  tho 
Independent    Order     of     Odd    Fel- 


lows may  unite  with  any  lawful 
society  or  association  whatever 
without  severing  their  connection 
with  the  Order— (1847,  1^2, 
1879  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1070,  1074, 
8839,  9021,  9101,  8078,  8174). 


MANDAMUS. 

1723.     Grand  Lodge  cannot  issue.    The  Grand  Lodge  has 

no  authority  to  issue  an  alternative  Writ  of  Mandate  upon 

a  petition  of  a  brother  asking  that  a  Subordinate  Lodge  be 

required  to  pay  certain  benefits  to  a  brother,  or  show  cause 


452  Membership. 

why  it  should  not  be  compelled  so  to  do. — Gunther  vs.  Har- 
mony Lodge,  1887  Journal,  891,  904. 

MARRIAGE. 
(See  Widow;  Orphans.) 

MEMBERSHIP. 

1.  Qualifications  for,  page  452. 

2.  Application  for,  page  469. 

3.  By  initiation,  page  474. 

4.  Transfer  of  membership  by  card,  page  478. 

5.  By  deposit  of  card  or  certificate,  or  as  Ancient  Odd 
Fellow,  page  488. 

6.  Reinstatement  and  readmission,  page  493. 

7.  Non-contributing   and   non-beneficial   members,   page 
501. 

8.  Miscellaneous,  page  505. 

9.  Membership   of  Grand  Lodge.      (See   Grand   Lodge, 
Business  of  Grand  Lodge,  Representatives.) 

10.  Membership  of  Degree  Lodge.     (See  Degree  Lodge.) 

11.  Membership  of  Rebekah  Lodges  and  Assembly.    (See 
Rebekah  Branch.) 

1.  QUALIFICATIONS  FOR. 
1724.  Race,  age,  health,  character,  habits,  means  of  sup- 
port, belief,  and  residence.  Every  applicant  for  initiation 
must  be  a  free  white  male  of  the  age  of  twenty-one  years; 
of  sound  health;  of  good  moral  character  and  industrious 
habits,  having  some  known  respectable  means  of  support; 
must  believe  in  the  existence  of  a  Supreme  Being,  the 
Creator  and  Preserver  of  the  Universe,  and  be  proposed  in 
the  Lodge  nearest  his  residence,  except  that  Lodge  grant 
permission  for  his  joining  another  Lodge;  provided^  that 
application  for  membership  may  be  made  to  any  Lodge 
nearest  the  residence  of  the  applicant,  in  the  same  county 
or  district.  A  candidate  may  be  admitted  in  any  Lodge  in 
the  city  or  village  in  which  he  resides;  but  all  candidates 


Mkmbership.  453 

for  initiation  must  reside  in  this  jurisdiction,  except  such 
candidates  as  may  apply  from  other  States  or  Territories 
where  there  is  no  Grand  Lodge  or  District  Deputy  Grand 
Sire  located. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  II,  Sec.  1. 

1725.  Saloonkeeper,  bartender  and  professional  gambler. 

No  saloonkeeper,  bartender  or  professional  gambler  shall  be 
eligible  to  membership  in  this  Order. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  II,  Sec.  6;  Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge, 
Art.  XVI,  Sec.  5. 

1726.  Article  XVI,  Sec.  5,  not  retroactive — Resuming 
business.  The  fifth  section  of  Article  XVI,  Constitution  of 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  which  went  into  effect  Septem- 
ber 18,  1895,  takes  from  a  saloonkeeper  or  barkeeper  in  the 
Order  no  rights  they  were  enjoying  at  the  time  of  its  adop- 
tion so  long  as  they  continue  to  use  them.  Should  they  at 
any  time  give  up  the  business  they  cannot  resume  it,  as  that 
would  be  an  overt  act,  for  which  they  would  be  liable  to 
charges.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14681,  14948,  15019. 

1727.  Saloonkeeper    prior    to    September  18,  1895.     A 

brother  who  is  a  saloonkeeper,  but  became  such  prior  to 
September  18,  1895,  is  entitled  to  all  the  benefits  and  privi- 
leges of  the  Order,  and,  if  otherwise  qualified,  is  eligible  to 
be  elected  Vice-Grand.— 1901  Journal,  408,  551,  562. 

1728.  Saloonkeeper  or  barkeeper  since  September  18, 
1895.  Under  Section  5  of  Article  XVI,  Constitution  of 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  a  brother  is  liable  to  charges  who, 
not  being  a  saloonkeeper  or  bartender  at  the  time  that 
section  was  passed,  has  since  engaged  in  it. — 1896  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  14679,  14948,  15019,  15043. 

1729.  A  saloon  connected  with  business.  A  person  con- 
ducting a  bu.siness  that  has  a  saloon  connected  with  it,  in 
any  shape,  manner  or  form,  is  not  now  eligible  to  admission 
into  the  Order.— 1896  Journal,  412,  581,  628. 

1729A.  Saloonkeeper — Bartender.  A  saloonkeeper  is  the 
owner  of  tin-  li(|unF-  husiiicss.    A   barkeeper  is  an  employe 


454  Membership. 

employed  in  such  business. — 1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15802, 
16134,  16154,  16155. 

1730.  Partner  in  saloon  and  cigar  business.  A  person 
who  is  one  of  the  partners  in  a  saloon  business,  but  who 
personally  attends  to  a  cigar  business  conducted  in  connec- 
tion with  such  saloon,  nevertheless  is  a  saloonkeeper  and  not 
eligible  to  membership  in  the  Order. — 1901  Journal,  408, 
551,  562. 

1731.  Saloonkeeper,  barkeeper  and  public  officer.  Prior 
to  September  18th,  1895,  a  brother  owned  a  saloon  business, 
which  he  has  conducted  continuously  since  then.  A  part  of 
the  time  he  held  a  public  office,  but  did  not  abandon  or  go 
out  of  the  saloon  business.  He  has  employed  a  barkeeper  at 
all  times,  but  occasionally  relieved  him  during  meal  hours. 
He  is  not  amenable  to  the  liquor  law  of  1895.  The  law  is 
not  retroactive.  He  is  in  the  business  of  keeping  a  saloon, 
and  does  not  follow  and  is  not  engaged  in  the  occupation  of 
a  barkeeper.  The  greater  includes  the  less,  and  temporarily 
tending  bar  in  his  own  saloon  does  not  make  him  a  bar- 
keeper as  contemplated  by  the  law  of  the  Order. — 1901  Jour- 
nal, 409,  551,  562. 

1732.  Chief  clerk  in  packing-house.  A  clerk  in  a  pack- 
ing-house, selling  whisky  in  packages  of  not  less  than  half  a 
pint,  not  to  be  drunk  on  the  premises,  is  not  a  saloonkeeper. 
To  constitute  a  saloonkeeper,  there  must  not  only  be  the 
selling  in  small  quantities,  but  also  the  drinking  on  the 
premises  where  sold.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  19,  284,  314. 

1733.  Agent  selling  beer  by  the  keg.  An  agent  of  a 
wholesale  beer  company  who  sells  to  dealers  beer  by  the 
keg  is  eligible  to  membership  in  the  Order. — 1903  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  21,  284,  314. 

1734.  Beer  garden — Drinks  and  liquors  to  guests.  A 
person  is  employed  in  a  beer  garden.  The  building  is 
divided  into  two  parts.  In  one  part  is  a  saloon.  In  the 
adjoining  part  there  are  tables  and  chairs  and  a  small  stage, 
where  certain  actors  and  performers  play  their  parts  in  the 


Membership.  465 

presence  of  the  audience.  He  does  not  go  behind  the  bar  to 
wait  upon  customers  at  the  bar,  but  goes  to  the  front  of  the 
bar  and  carries  drinks  and  liquors  of  all  kinds  from  the  bar 
to  customers  in  the  opera  part  of  the  beer  garden,  and  the 
establishment  is  not  a  restaurant  nor  a  hotel.  He  is  a  bar- 
tender.—1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  541,  752,  820. 

1735.  Hotel  keeper.  A  hotel  keeper  is  not  a  saloon 
keeper.  If  he  have  a  bar  and  tends  it,  he  is  a  bartender  and 
as  such  is  excluded  from  membership. — 1896  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 14682,  14948,  15019. 

1736.  Manager  of  a  hotel.  A  person  who  is  manager  of  a 
hotel  in  which  a  bar  is  maintained  is  eligible  for  member- 
ship, unless  he  tends  the  bar;  if  he  does  tend  it,  then  he  is 
ineligible.— 1898  Journal,  264,  280,  12. 

1737.  Hotel  keeper — Name  of  hotel.  When  a  person 
runs  a  hotel,  but  does  not  tend  the  bar  himself,  the  license 
being  taken  out  in  the  name  of  the  "Vail  Hotel,'  which  is 
the  person's  name,  he  is  a  saloonkeeper. — 1901  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 362,  364,  372,  373. 

1738.  Bar  in  a  summer  hotel.  The  proprietor  or  manager 
of  a  l)ar  in  a  summer  hotel  is  a  saloonkeeper,  and  he  is  a 
bartender  if  he  attends  to  the  bar  himself.  If  he  should  in 
good  faith  lease  or  rent  out  the  bar  privilege  to  another 
and  should  retain  no  interest  or  control  in  it,  he  would  not 
be  a  saloonkeeper.— 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  525,  752,  820. 

1739.  Hotel  and  restaurant  liquor  license.  The  proprie- 
tor of  a  hotel,  which  holds  a  restaurant  liquor  license,  in 
which  intoxicating  liquors  are  not  sold  by  the  drink,  is 
eligible  to  membership  in  our  Order. — 1905  Journal,  743, 
922,  936. 

1740.  A  tavemkeeper.  A  tavernkeeper  is  not  necessarily- 
excluded  from  membership.  If  he  has  a  bar  in  his  house 
and  tends  to  it,  he  is  a  bartender,  and  as  such  excluded. — 
1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14687, 14948, 15019. 


456  Membkkship. 

1741.  Grocerjonan  and  bar  or  saloon.  A  groceryman 
who  has  a  bar  or  saloon  with  his  grocery  business  for  the 
selling  of  liquor  over  the  bar  is  not  eligible  to  membership 
in  the  Order.— 1898  Journal,  56,  220,  240. 

1742.  One  who  works  in  grocery  and  attends  bar.     An 

applicant  for  membership  who  works  or  is  employed  in  a 
grocery,  and  a  part  of  whose  duties  is  to  attend  to  a  bar 
attached  to  the  grocery,  or  who  as  a  minor  part  of  his  duties 
sells  liquors  over  the  bar,  is  not  eligible  to  membership. — 
1901  Journal,  424,  540,  562 ;  1900  Journal,  25,  213,  214,  232. 

1743.  Grocer  sells  liquor  not  to  be  drunk  on  premises.    A 

brother  in  the  grocery  business  or  his  son  as  clerk,  who  is 
also  an  Odd  Fellow,  may  keep  and  sell  liquor  in  bottles 
(not  to  be  drunk  on  the  premises),  provided  they  do  not 
keep  a  bar  or  sideboard.  And  one  in  such  business,  if  other- 
wise eligible,  may  be  admitted  to  membership  in  a  Lodge. — 
1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  30,  388,  413. 

1744.  Restaurant  or  eating  house  keeper.  A  person  con- 
ducting a  restaurant  or  eating  house  under  a  restaurant 
license,  and  not  selling  intoxicating  liquors  by  the  drink,  is 
eligible  to  membership  in  the  Order. — 1902  Journal,  750, 
903,  939. 

1745.  Drummer  or  traveling  salesman.  A  drummer  or 
traveling  salesman  for  a  wholesale  liquor  house  is  eligible  to 
membership  in  the  Order— 1902  Journal,  750,  903,  939. 

1746.  Agent  of  brewery.  The  agent  of  a  brewery,  but 
not  a  dispenser  of  beer  or  liquor  over  a  bar  or  in  a  saloon, 
is  eligible  to  membership.— 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  362,  364, 
372,  373. 

1747.  Manager   of   wholesale   liquor   establishment.     A 

manager  of  a  wholesale  liquor  establishment  is  eligible  to 
membership.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  39,  365,  394. 

1748.  Wholesale  liquor  dealer.  A  man  engaged  in  selling 
liquor  at  wholesale,  and  not  retail,  is  eligible  to  membership 
in  the  Order.— 1899  Journal,  468,  631,  675. 


Membership.  457 

1749.  Druggist.  A  drug:o:ist  is  riot  a  saloonkeeper,  though 
he  sell  liquor  for  other  than  mechanical,  chemical  and  medi- 
cinal purposes.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14685,  14948,  15019. 

1750.  Druggist  and  liquor  bar.  Should  a  person  keeping 
a  drug  store,  open  a  bar  and  sell  liquor  over  it  to  be  drank 
on  the  premises,  he  would  become  a  saloonkeeper  as  well, 
and  should  he  attend  the  bar  as  well  as  his  drug  store,  he 
would  become  a  bartender  and  inadmissible  to  the  Order. — 
1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14685,  14948,  15019. 

1751.  Waiters  in  restaurant  or  hotel.  The  S.  G.  L.  con- 
stitutional amendment,  Section  5,  Article  XVI,  does  not  ex- 
clude from  membership  a  waiter  in  a  restaurant  or  hotel 
where  there  is  no  bar.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14686,  14940, 
15019. 

1752.  Waiters  in  hotels.  Waiters  in  the  dining-room  of 
a  hotel  who  serve  meals  to  guests,  and  with  them  wine  or 
other  liquors  called  for  only,  cannot  be  classed  as  bar- 
tenders.- 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14686,  14948,  15019. 

1753.  Winery  in  connection  with  farm.  One  who  con- 
ducts a  small  winery  in  connection  with  his  farm,  but  does 
not  sell  wine  by  the  drink  or  at  retail,  is  eligible  to  member- 
ship.—1901  Journal,  409,  551,  562. 

1754.  Stockholder  in  corporation  and  the  saloon  busi- 
ness. A  brother  who  is  a  stockholder  in  a  corporation  that 
owns  and  conducts  a  general  merchandise  business  in  con- 
nection with  a  saloon  business,  but  who  does  not  attend  to 
the  saloon  business  as  manager  or  barkeeper,  is  not  a  saloon- 
keeper nor  barkeeper  within  the  meaning  of  the  liquor  law 
of  1895.— 1901  Journal,  408,  551,  562. 

1755.  Stockholder  in  hotel  corporation.  The  ownership 
of  shares  of  the  stock  in  a  hotel  corporation,  in  which  hotel 
there  is  a  bar  owned  and  conducted  by  the  hotel,  does  not 
constitute  the  owner  a  saloonkeeper. — 1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
533,  958,  970. 


45»S  Mkmbership. 

1756.  A  Lodge  violating  the  law — Liquor  business.  A 
Lodge  that  has  a  member  who  has,  in  violation  of  law,  gone 
into  the  saloon  business  or  tends  bar,  and  refuses  to  take 
action  against  him,  subjects  its  charter  to  cancellation. — 
1899  Journal,  467,  631,  675. 

1757.  When  a  barkeeper  who  has  taken  a  Withdrawal 
Card  may  become  a  member  again.  A  brother  who  was  a 
member  of  a  Lodge  and  a  barkeeper  when  the  amendment  to 
Section  5,  Article  XVI,  Constitution  of  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge,  went  into  effect  (September  18th,  1895),  takes  a 
Withdrawal  Card  therefrom,  continues  in  the  occupation  of 
a  barkeeper,  and  within  a  year  from  the  issuance  of  the 
card  deposits  it  with  another  Lodge  and  applies  for  mem- 
bership therein,  the  Lodge  can  admit  him  to  membership. — 
1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15157,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

1758.  When  a  barkeeper  who  has  taken  a  Withdrawal 
Card  is  ineligible.  A  brother  who  had  gone  into  the  business 
of  tending  bar  since  the  passage  of  the  law  by  the  Sover- 
eign Grand  Lodge  declaring  professional  gamblers  and 
saloonkeepers  ineligible  to  membership  in  the  Order,  took  a 
Withdrawal  Card  from  his  own  Lodge,  presented  it  to 
another  Lodge,  and  asked  that  he  be  admitted  to  membership 
thereon.  As  the  brother  was  liable  to  charges  in  his  own 
Lodge,  and  if  found  guilty,  to  expulsion,  he  was  ineligible 
to  membership  in  the  Lodge. — 1898  Journal,  53,  220,  240. 

1759.  Saloonkeepers — Cards — Defunct  Lodges.  Holders 
of  a  Grand  Lodge  Card  as  members  of  a  defunct  Lodge,  if 
saloonkeepers  or  bartenders,  cannot  be  admitted  to  mem- 
bership.—1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14683,  14948,  15019.  But  a 
member  of  the  Order  who  was  such  member  at  the  time  of 
the  adoption  of  Section  5,  Article  XVI,  Constitution  Sover- 
eign Grand  Lodge,  and  who  at  that  time  was  and  ever  since 
has  continued  to  be  a  saloonkeeper,  loses  no  rights  because 
of  his  occupation.  If  his  Lodge  in  which  he  is  in  good 
standing  becomes  defunct  he  is  entitled  to  a  Withdrawal 
Card  from  the  Grand  Lodge  in  all  respects  the  same  as  any 
other  member  and  is  eligible  to  membership  and  may  join 


Membership.  459 

another  Lodge.— 1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  534,  992,  1006 ;  1903 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  22,  284,  314. 

1760.  Reinstatement  and  liquor  business.  A  member 
who  was  engaged  in  the  saloon  business  prior  to  September 
18th,  1895,  and  continuing  in  the  business,  having  been  sus- 
pended for  non-payment  of  dues,  can  be  reinstated. — 1900 
Journal,  26,  180,  230;  1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14681,  14948, 
15019;  1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  21,  321,  341. 

1761.  Saloonkeeper — Dismissal  Certificate.  The  holder 
of  a  Dismissal  Certificate  who  has  been  a  saloonkeeper  con- 
tinuously from  a  period  prior  to  the  enactment  of  Section  5, 
Article  XVI,  is  not  eligible  to  membership  in  the  Order. — 
1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31,  360,  371,  372,  388. 

1762.  Resigning  membership — Saloon  business.  A  brother 
resigning  membership  and  engaging  in  the  saloon  business, 
who  subsequently  retires  from  such  business  and  seeks  mem- 
bership in  his  former  Lodge  as  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow,  may 
be  received  or  rejected  as  the  Lodge  may  determine. — 1904 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  523,  757,  845. 

1763.  Ancient  Odd  Fellow — Saloonkeeper.  An  Ancient 
Odd  Fellow  who  has  been  a  saloonkeeper  continuously  from 
a  period  prior  to  the  adoption  of  Article  XVI,  Section  5, 
Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  to  the  present  time, 
cannot  now  be  lawfully  admitted  to  membership  in  a  Lodge. 
—1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  534,  978,  1002. 

1764.  Saloonkeeper — Transfer  of  membership.  A  mem- 
ber may  change  his  membership  from  one  Lodge  to  another 
by  transfer  of  membership  by  card,  although  in  the  saloon 
business,  without  subjecting  himself  to  any  disability  under 
Article  XVI,  Section  5,  Constitution  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 
—1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14687,  14948,  15019. 

1765.  Poolroom — Professional  gambler.  A  man  regu- 
larly engaged  in  a  poolroom  where  pools  are  sold  on  races, 
earning  his  living  by  acting  as  cashier  or  performing  other 
duties  incident  to  carrying  on  the  business  of  a  poolroom,  is 


460  Membehship. 

a  professional  gambler  and  is  ineligible  to  membership  in  the 
Order.— 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31,  387,  413. 

1766.  Business — Keeper  of  gambling-house.  To  keep  a 
gambling-house  is  a  violation  of  the  criminal  code  of  the 
State,  and  any  business  carried  on  in  violation  of  the  laws 
of  the  State  is  not  a  "reputable  business"  within  the  mean- 
ing of  our  laws  defining  the  qualifications  for  membership. — 
1868  Journal,  414,  527. 

1767.  Engaged  in  gambling-house  or  criminal  business. 

A  person  engaged  in  keeping  a  gambling-house  or  engaged 
therein,  or  in  any  other  business  in  violation  of  the  criminal 
laws  of  the  State,  does  not  come  within  the  constitutional 
qualification  and  is  not  eligible  for  membership. — 1895  Jour- 
nal, 22,  223,  241,  243,  253. 

1768.  Free  white  males.  The  words  "free  white  males" 
in  the  United  States  are  ordinarily  understood  and  used  to 
mean  and  intend  persons  of  the  Caucasian  race.  Half-breeds, 
or  males  of  mixed  blood,  though  recognized  by  the  laws  of 
the  land  as  citizens  and  voters,  and  Indians,  and  Mexicans 
who  are  part  Indian,  are  not  eligible  to  membership. — 1883 
Journal,  1002,  1150,  1175. 

1769.  Half-breed  and  white.  A  man  whose  mother  is  a 
half-breed  Indian  and  his  father  a  white  man,  is  not  eligible 
to  membership  in  a  Lodge. — 1889  Journal,  28,  122,  163. 

1770.  Indian  blood.  A  person  who  has  any  trace  what- 
ever of  Indian  blood  in  his  veins  is  not  eligible  to  member- 
ship in  the  Order.— 1896  Journal,  413,  588,  629. 

1771.  Mexicans.  The  son  of  a  white  man  by  a  Mexican 
woman  is  eligible  if  she  be  a  Caucasian  woman.  The 
descendants  of  the  Aztecs  are  not  white,  and  consequently 
not  eligible.— 1883  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  9160,  9324,  9442. 

1772.  A  person  of  Mexican  parentage.  An  applicant  for 
membership  in  the  Order  of  Mexican  parentage  is  eligible  to 
membership  if  descended  from  the  Spanish,  but  not  if 
descended  from  the  Indian.— 1902  Journal,  750,  900,  917. 


Membership.  461 

1773.  Race.  An  applicant  whose  father  is  a  white  Cali- 
fornian,  and  whose  mother  is  French,  and  whose  character 
is  beyond  reproach,  is  eligible  for  membership. — 1886  Jour- 
nal, 534,  620,  646. 

Note.  —  Chinese,     Polynesians  mixed   foreign   and   Japanese   par- 

and    Japanese   are    not    eligible —  entage  are  not  eligible — 1901S.  G. 

1858-1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2948,  L.  Journal,  24,  3G0,  371,  372. 
2973,   11736,   11788).     Persons   of 

1774.  A  convicted  person  who  is  pardoned.  A  person 
convicted  of  felony,  sentenced  to  State's  prison  and  after- 
wards pardoned,  and  has  lived  an  honest  life  for  fifteen 
years,  is  eligible  to  membership.  The  Lodge  must  be  its 
own  judge  of  the  worthiness  of  applicants. — 1905  Journal, 
744,  922,  936. 

1775.  Applicant  under  age.  A  Lodge  may  receive  an 
application  from,  but  cannot  initiate,  a  candidate  under  the 
age  of  twenty-one  years.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  25,  284,  314. 

1776.  Age.  There  is  no  maximum  limit  as  to  age  which 
debars  an  adult  from  becoming  a  member  of  the  Order. 
He  must  be  a  free  white  male  of  the  age  of  twenty-one  years 
and  upwards.— 1881  Journal,  500,  601,  627;  1896  Journal, 
411,  581,  628. 

1777.  Authority  of  Lodge — Age  limit.  Under  the  laws 
of  our  Order  there  can  be  no  maximum  age  limit  established 
by  Subordinate  Lodges  for  eligibility  to  membership. — 1904 
Journal,  513,  515,  536,  537. 

1778.  Health  and  morals  of  applicant.  It  is  just  as 
important  that  a  candidate  should  be  sound  in  health  as  it 
is  that  he  should  be  sound  in  morals,  and  it  is  the  duty  of  the 
committee  to  investigate  both. — 1873  Journal,  782,  900,  901. 

1779.  Health.  Good  faith  to  the  Order  requires  a  Lodge 
to  satisfy  itself  that  a  person  applying  for  admission  is  in 
good  health,  and  sound  in  body  and  mind. — 1889  Journal, 
28,  122,  163. 

1780.  Certificate  of  good  health  of  applicant.  A  Lodge 
has  a  right  to  make  By-Laws  requiring  from  an  applicant 


402  Membekship. 

for  admission  by  initiation  a  physician's  certificate  of  good 
health,  and  has,  as  an  incidental  power,  the  right  to  demand 
any  character  of  evidence  that  will  satisfy  its  members  as 
to  the  good  health  of  all  applicants  for  membership. — 1873 
Journal,  895,  901. 

1781.  Form  of  doctor's  certificate.  The  Grand  Lodge 
has  prescribed  a  form  of  physician's  certificate  of  examina- 
tion of  candidates  for  membership.  It  is  not  compulsory 
upon  Lodges  to  provide  in  their  By-Laws  that  applicants 
for  membership  shall  furnish  a  physicianis  certificate.  (See 
Form  No.  19  of  the  Forms  affixed  to  this  Digest.)— 1888 
Journal,  1119,  1152. 

1782.  The  same — The  physician's  certificate.  The  form 
prescribed  by  the  Grand  Lodge  must  be  used,  if  any;  but 
a  Subordinate  Lodge  may  add  to  the  form  prescribed  by  the 
Grand  Lodge  any  questions  which  it  may  deem  advisable 
in  regard  to  the  physical  condition  of  the  applicant. — 1895 
Journal,  185,  228,  54. 

1783.  When  physician's  certificate  may  be  required.    A 

Lodge  has  the  right  to  require  a  physician's  certificate  even 
if  the  By-Laws  be  silent.— 1891  Journal,  586,  686,  715. 

1784.  Physician's  certificate  after  favorable  ballot.  A 
Lodge  whose  By-Laws  require  a  physician's  certificate  to 
accompany  all  applicants  for  membership  can  require  such 
certificate  of  an  applicant  for  membership  after  favorable 
ballot,  and  before  initiation,  where,  owing  to  a  mistake, 
such  a  certificate  did  not  accompany  the  application. — 1897 
Journal,  1033,  1034,  1055. 

1785.  Physician's  certificate  as  to  health.  There  is  no 
law  of  the  Order  compelling  Lodges  to  require  candidates 
for  membership  to  furnish  a  physician's  certificate  of  health, 
but  Lodges  have  the  right  to  provide  that  such  certificates 
shall  be  given  by  an  applicant  for  membership  either  by 
initiation,  by  reinstatement  or  otherwise.  When  said  certifi- 
cate is  required,  it  must  be  in  the  form  prescribed  by  the 
Grand  Lodge.    The  certificate  of  any  physician  is  a  compli- 


Membership.  463 

ance  with  the  law,  unless  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  provide 
otherwise.— 1889  Journal,  34,  122,  163. 

1786.  Religious  belief.  Where  an  applicant  for  member- 
ship states  that  "he  w^ould  not  say  that  he  believed  in  a 
Supreme  Being,  but  he  believed  in  one  Overruling  Power, 
but  not  in  a  Personal  God,"  he  is  not  entitled  to  be  admitted 
as  a  member  of  this  Order  and  the  Outside  Conductor  should 
not  report  to  the  Lodge  that  satisfactory  answers  have  been 
made  to  the  questions,  when  such  an  answer  as  above  quoted 
has  been  given.  The  answers  given  to  the  several  interroga- 
tories by  a  candidate  for  admission  must  be  without  reserva- 
tion.—1883  Journal,  1150.  1175. 

XoTE. — No   peculiarities   of     re-  Belief  in  a  Supreme  Being  is  es- 
ligious     belief     or     practices     are  sential — an    atheist     is     therefore 
requisite     to    admission    into     the  disqualified — (1875  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
Order,  and  none  disqualify— ( 1848  nal,  6619,  6692). 
S.    G.    L.     Journal,     1198,    1240). 

1787.  Knowledge  of  the  language.  A  candidate  who 
cannot  understand  the  English  language  is  nevertheless 
eligible  for  initiation  into  a  Lodge  working  in  that  language. 
But  those  who  do  not  understand  the  English  language 
should  join  Lodges  working  in  the  language  which  they 
know.— 1877  Journal,  581,  673,  697. 

1788.  Reading  and  writing.  Lodges  are  not  prohibited 
from  initiating  persons  into  the  Order  who  cannot  read  and 
write.— 1858  Journal,  383. 

1789.  Deaf,  dumb  and  blind.  Lodges  may  do  as  they 
think  proper  about  admitting  to  membership  persons  who 
have  been  deprived  of  a  limb;  but  the  totally  deaf,  dumb 
and  blind  should  not  be  admitted. — 1859  Journal,  530. 

1790.  Loss  of  right  arm.  The  question  of  the  eligibility 
for  membership  in  the  Order,  by  initiation,  of  a  person  who 
has  lost  his  right  arm  is  wholly  at  the  disposal  of  the  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  to  which  admission  is  asked. — 1881  Journal, 
502.  601,  627. 


464  Membership. 

1791.  Having  only  one  eye.  A  person  with  only  one  eye 
is  eligible  to  membership  in  the  Order,  if  he  be  otherwise  in 
good  health.— 1897  Journal,  806,  1030,  1054. 

Note. — A   person    whose    phys-  eases    of    partial    deformity,    rests 

ical    deformity    prevents     a     com-  especially    with    the    Subordinate 

plianee  Avith  the  requirements  and  Lodge  to  which  admission  is  asked 

laws  of   the  Order  should  not  be  — (18G4   S.    G.    L.   Journal,   3621. 

initiated    into    it.      However,    the  3(589,  3707). 
decision  of  the  question  in  special 

1792.  Lodge  must  have  its  own  committee  report  on 
qualifications.  The  members  of  a  Lodge  are  the  proper  and 
only  judges  of  the  qualifications  of  persons  applying  for 
admittance  into  their  Lodge,  and  can  only  learn  these  qual- 
ifications in  a  legal  way  through  the  report  of  a  committee 
from  among  their  own  members.  No  Lodge  would  be  justi- 
fied in  admitting  persons  into  the  Order  upon  the  report  of 
another  Lodge.— 1873  Journal,  889,  896. 

1793.  Qualifications  may  be  discussed,  when.  Lodges 
may  allow  a  discussion  upon  the  character  and  fitness  of  an 
applicant  for  membership,  or  the  propriety  of  his  admission 
into  the  Order,  after  the  proposition  has  been  read  and 
before  reference  to  the  committee,  as  well  as  after  the  com- 
mittee have  made  their  report. — 1859  Journal,  513;  1861 
Journal,  127,  176,  177. 

1794.  Discussion  of  character,  fitness  and  qualifications 
of  candidate — Duty  of  secrecy.  The  members  of  a  Lodge 
have  a  perfect  right  to  discuss  the  character,  fitness  and 
qualifications  of  an  applicant  for  membership,  and  the  nature 
of  such  discussion  and  statements  of  the  members  at  that 
time  should  not  under  any  circumstances  be  revealed  to  the 
applicant.  A  brother  who  does  so  violates  his  obligation. — 
1901  Journal,  410,  551,  562. 

1795.  Constitution  prescribes  the  only  qualification — 
Residence.  The  only  qualifications  for  membership  in  a 
Subordinate  Lodge  are  those  prescribed  by  the  Constitution 
of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  and  the  Constitution  of  Sub- 
ordinates, and  it  is  not  competent  for  a  Subordinate  Lodge 


Membership.  465 

to  add  the  additional  qualification  of  residence  for  at  least 
six  months  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Lodge. — 1884  Journal,  13, 
21,  116,  153 ;  1885  Journal,  361,  382,  418. 

1796.  The  same — Ability  to  read  and  write.  For  the 
same  reasons,  a  Lodge  cannot  prescribe  in  its  By-Laws  the 
qualification  that  candidates  for  admission  shall  be  able  to 
read  any  clause  in  its  Constitution  and  By-Laws,  and  also 
to  write  their  names. — 1884  Journal,  13,  21,  116,  153. 

1797.  A  citizen  of  one  State  initiated  in  another.     A 

citizen  of  California  cannot  be  lawfully  initiated  into  a  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  in  any  other  State,  without  the  previous 
consent  of  the  Grand  Master  or  the  Grand  Lodge  where 
such  citizen  is  a  resident. — 1853  Journal,  36,  42;  Constitu- 
tion S.  G.  L.  Journal,  Art.  XVI,  Sec.  3. 

1798.  Resident  of  adjoining  State.  In  order  for  a  resi- 
dent of  an  adjoining  State  to  become  a  member  of  a  Lodge 
in  this  State,  a  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master  of  the 
State  of  which  the  applicant  is  a  resident  must  be  obtained. 
—1891  Journal,  585,  690. 

1799.  Deposit  of  card  in  Lodge  that  granted  it — Non- 
resident. A  brother  holding  an  unexpired  Withdrawal  Card 
may  regain  membership  in  the  Lodge  granting  the  same  by 
presenting  his  proposition  in  regular  form  for  membership 
by  deposit  of  card.  The  holder  of  an  unexpired  Withdrawal 
Card  issued  by  a  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  cannot  regain 
his  membership  in  such  Lodge  by  deposit  of  card  if  at  the 
time  he  makes  application  he  is  not  a  resident  of  this  juris- 
diction, unless  he  obtains  the  consent  of  the  Grand  Master 
of  the  State  where  he  then  resides,  and  he  is  otherwise 
qualified  according  to  the  requirements  of  Section  623  of 
White's  Digest,  edition  of  1895.  (Section  915  of  Busbee's 
Dipest  is  the  same  as  Section  623  of  White's  Digest.)— 1901 
Journal,  408,  568,  586. 

1800.  United  States  soldier  stationed  at  Manila.  A 
brother  and  soldier  in  the  United  States  Army,  stationed  at 

30 


466  Mkmbehship. 

Manila,  who  holds  a  Withdrawal  Card  issued  by  a  Lodge  in 
the  jurisdiction  of  Texas,  cannot  become  a  member  of  a 
Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  by  deposit  of  card,  by  sending  his 
proposition  and  Withdrawal  Card  by  mail,  together  with  a 
physician's  certificate,  as  required  by  the  By-Laws  of  the 
Lodge,  and  also  a  duly  executed  power  of  attorney  to  a 
brother  of  such  Lodge  to  sign  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws 
for  him,  if  elected.  He  must  be  present  in  person  to  be 
introduced  and  sign  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws. — 1901 
Journal,  409,  557,  562. 

"  1801.  Bona  fide  resident  eligible.  An  applicant  for 
admission  is  not  required  to  have  resided  in  the  State,  or  in 
a  town,  or  in  a  certain  place,  for  any  specified  time,  or  any 
definite  time.  It  is  only  necessary  that  he  be  a  bona  fide 
resident.— 1877  Journal,  582,  675,  697;  1888  Journal,  1024, 
1111,  1130;  1897  Journal,  842,  994,  1034. 

1802.  What  is  a  sufiicient  residence.  The  laws  of  the 
various  States  and  municipalities,  in  consequence  of  the 
diversity  of  their  provisions,  would  not,  as  a  general  rule, 
be  a  proper  guide  in  determining  the  question  of  residence 
of  applicants  for  membership ;  but  Lodges  must  be  governed 
in  this  respect  by  such  considerations  as  would  prevail  in 
ordinary  business,  or  social  relations ;  and  that  the  presence 
of  such  person  was  not  owing  to  the  pursuit  of  a  merely 
temporary  object.— 1852  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1840,  1897,  1952. 

1803.  By-Laws  cannot  require  a  certain  period  of  resi- 
dence. The  By-Law  of  a  Lodge  which  provides  that  an 
applicant  for  membership  must  be  a  resident  of  the  county 
for  six  months  is  void,  as  it  contravenes  Section  1,  Article  II, 
of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates.  If  he  be  a  bona  fide 
resident  of  the  county  or  district,  at  the  time  of  making  his 
application,  he  is  eligible.— 1881  Journal,  500,  601,  627. 

1804.  The  same.  A  By-Law  requiring  an  applicant  for 
membership  to  be  a  resident  of  the  jurisdiction  six  months 
before  making  application  is  illegal  and  void. — 1889  Jour- 
nal, 31,  122,  163. 


Membership  467 

1805.  Residence  in  city  or  village.  An  applicant  may  be 
admitted  to  any  Lodge  in  the  city  or  village  in  which  he 
resides.  In  other  cases  he  should  apply  to  the  Lodge  nearest 
his  residence,  or  to  the  one  nearest  his  residence  in  his  own 
county  or  district,  unless  he  obtain  the  consent  of  all  the 
Lodges  nearer  his  residence  than  the  one  he  proposes  to 
join.— 1882  Journal,  737,  738,  844,  879 ;  1878  Journal,  817, 
928,  965 ;  1879  Journal,  32,  107. 

1806.  Residence  in  county  or  district.  Where  a  candidate 
lives  in  the  county  or  district  where  the  Lodge  to  which  he 
applies  for  membership  is  situated,  but  lives  nearer  to 
another  Lodge  which  is  situated  in  another  county  or  dis- 
trict, the  consent  of  such  other  Lodge  to  the  candidate's 
application  is  not  required. — 1887  Journal,  768,  772,  875, 
888;  1905  Journal,  745,  932,  948. 

1807.  Residing  nearer  another  Lodge.  A  Lodge  has  no 
right  to  initiate  a  candidate  residing  nearer  another  Lodge, 
without  the  permission  of  such  Lodge. — 1877  Journal,  581, 
675,  679. 

1808.  The  same.  An  application  foi'  membership  by 
deposit  of  card  cannot  be  entertained  if  made  by  any  one 
who  resides  nearer  another  Lodge,  unless  that  other  Lodge 
consent  or  a  dispensation  be  granted. — 1889  Journal,  31,  122, 
163.     (Errata.) 

1809.  The  same.  A  member  of  the  Order  having  resigned 
therefrom,  desiring  to  join  a  Lodge  remote  from  his  resi- 
dence, must  obtain  the  consent  of  the  Lodge  nearest  his 
residence,  or  obtain  a  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master. 
Section  5,  Article  II,  of  the  Constitution,  applies  to  all  appli- 
cants for  membership.— 1889  Journal,  34,  122,  163. 

1810.  Residence,  distance  how  computed.  In  ascertain- 
ing whether  or  not  a  person  resides  nearer  one  Lodge  than 
another,  and  who  wishes  to  join  the  Order,  distance  is  to  be 
computed  by  the  shortest  route  which  is  traveled  in  going 
from  his  residence  to  the  respective  Lodges. — 1896  Journal, 
414,  581,  628. 


468  Membership. 

1811.  Residence  in  another  Lodge  jurisdiction — Return 
of  fee.  A  Lodge  admitting  a  member  who  resides  in  the 
jurisdiction  of  another  Lodge  without  the  permission  of  the 
latter  Lodge,  must  return  the  fees  (initiation  and  degrees), 
when  demanded  by  the  Lodge  from  whose  jurisdiction  the 
member  was  taken.  This  law  applies  to  a  charter  member 
as  well  as  any  other  member.  The  fee  demanded  is  the 
fee  of  the  Lodge  near  the  residence  of  the  member. — 1897 
Journal,  808,  994,  1034. 

1812.  Investigating  Committee  and  residence.  It  is  one 
of  the  duties  of  the  Investigating  Committee  to  learn  the 
residence  of  an  applicant  for  membership,  so  that  the  rights 
of  the  different  Lodges  be  not  abused. — 1897  Journal,  808, 
994,  1034. 

1813.  Members  of  hostile  societies.  All  Lodges  have  the 
right  to  reject  such  applicants  as  they  regard  unworthy,  and 
it  is  their  own  fault  if  persons  holding  membership  in  or 
connected  with  any  society  or  association  by  the  obligations 
or  requirement  of  which  the  secrets  of  our  Order  may  be 
endangered,  gain  admission. — 1854  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2249, 
2266,  2327. 

1814.  Signing  the  Constitution  necessary — Rights — Dues. 
A  candidate  does  not  become  a  member  of  a  Lodge  until  he 
signs  the  Constitution.  Dues  should  not  be  charged  against 
him  until  he  signs  the  Constitution,  and  until  he  so  signs  he 
is  not  entitled  to  any  of  the  rights,  privileges  or  benefits  of 
the  Order.— 1901  Journal,  410,  557,  562. 

1815.  Brother  cannot  delegate  another  to  sign  the  Consti- 
tution for  him.  A  brother  cannot,  at  the  request  of  a  person 
elected  to  become  a  member  of  a  Lodge  by  initiation  or 
otherwise,  in  his  absence,  and  without  an  introduction  to 
the  Lodge,  sign  the  Constitution  for  the  party  elected,  so  as 
to  constitute  him  a  member  of  the  Lodge. — 1883  Journal, 
1002,  1150,  1175. 

(See  Manchester  Unity.) 


Membership.  4S9 

2.    APPLICATIONS  FOR. 

1816.  Petition  necessary.  Membership  can  only  be  at- 
tained in  a  Lodge  by  petition  and  election;  and  no  other 
Lodge  has  a  right  to  admit  a  person  and  give  the  password 
(even  though  requested  to  do  so  by  another  Lodge),  except 
the  one  in  which  the  application  shall  have  been  acted  upon. 
—I860  Journal,  10,  86. 

Note.— A  Subordinate  Lodge  nal,  12353,  12632,  12701).  But 
cannot  legally  call  a  special  meet-  see  when  Grand  Master  present 
ing  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  at  a  special  meeting  may  issue 
propositions  for  membership  and  dispensation  to  receive  proposi- 
appointing  committee  on  charac-  tion,  etc. —  (Sections  1842,  1189, 
ter  thereon— (1891  S.  G.  L.  Jour-      1190  of  this  Digest). 

1817.  Proposing  applicant.  A  member  of  one  Lodge  can- 
not propose  in  another  Lodge  an  applicant  for  membership 
in  such  Lodge.— 1902  Journal,  749,  900,  917. 

1818.  Consent  of  Lodge  nearest  residence  necessary — 
Procedure  in  such  cases.  When  an  application  for  member- 
ship is  received  from  a  person  residing  nearer  to  another 
Lodge  than  the  one  to  which  the  application  is  made,  the 
Lodge  receiving  such  application  shall  communicate  the  fact 
to  the  Lodge  nearest  the  residence  of  such  applicant,  and 
shall  inquire  whether  such  person  is  a  fit  and  proper  person 
to  be  admitted  into  our  Order,  and  if  in  the  same  county 
and  district,  shall  also  ask  the  consent  of  such  Lodge  to 
receive  and  act  upon  such  application;  and  it  shall  take  no 
further  action  upon  such  application  until  an  answer  is 
received  to  such  communication.  The  Lodge  receiving  such 
communication  shall  appoint  a  committee  of  three  to  investi- 
gate the  character,  standing  and  health  of  the  petitioner,  in 
the  same  manner  as  if  the  application  were  made  directly 
to  such  Lodge.  Such  committee  shall  report  at  the  next 
regular  meeting  of  the  Lodge,  and  a  certified  copy  of  the 
report,  together  with  a  certified  copy  of  the  minutes  showing 
the  action  of  the  Lodge  upon  the  request  for  consent  to 
receive  and  act  upon  the  application  (if  such  consent  were 
necessary)  shall  be  forthwith  forwarded  to  the  Lodge  in 
which  such  application  is  filed,  and  said  last  named  Lodge 
may  then  proceed  upon  such  application  as  in  other  cases, 


470  Membership. 

except,  that  if  it  be  a  case  where  the  consent  of  the  other 
Lodge  is  necessary,  and  that  consent  be  refused,  the  peti- 
tioner's money  (if  any  has  been  paid)  shall  be  returned, 
and  no  further  action  shall  be  had  in  the  premises. — Consti- 
tution Subordinates,  Art.  II,  Sec.  5. 

1819.  To  what  Lodge  petition  should  be  presented.    It  is 

the  duty  of  an  applicant  for  membership  to  apply  to  the 
Lodge  nearest  to  his  place  of  residence,  or  he  may  to  the  one 
nearest  his  residence  in  his  own  county  or  district. — 1864 
Journal,  439,  555 ;  Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  II,  Sec.  1. 

1820.  Same  subject — Question  of  residence.  If  a  peti- 
tion for  membership  by  initiation  has  been  received,  and 
referred  to  a  Committee  of  Investigation,  and  said  com- 
mittee have  reported  that  the  applicant  resides  nearer 
another  Lodge,  and  that  the  Lodge  has  not  jurisdiction,  the 
Lodge  can,  by  motion  and  vote,  return  the  petition  to  the 
applicant,  or  a  motion  may  first  be  made  that  leave  be 
granted  to  the  applicant  to  withdraw  his  petition. — 1865 
Journal,  60,  77. 

1821.  Decision  of  nearest  Lodge  final.  Under  Section  5, 
Article  II,  of  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  the  refusal  of  a 
Lodge  nearest  the  residence  of  an  applicant  for  membership 
to  allow  another  Lodge  to  initiate  him,  is  final  and  conclusive 
so  far  as  the  two  Lodges  are  concerned. — 1888  Journal,  1020, 
nil,  1130. 

1822.  Withdrawal  Card.  Any  brother  may  deposit  a 
Withdrawal  Card,  and  the  Lodge  wherein  the  same  is  depos- 
ited receive  him  without  asking  permission  of  the  Lodge 
granting  said  Withdrawal  Card,  provided  he  resides  within 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge  which  he  proposes  to  join.  And, 
also,  provided,  if  the  Lodge  granting  the  Withdrawal  Card 
is  the  nearest  Lodge  to  the  residence  of  the  candidate,  then 
the  said  Lodge  must  be  notified  as  provided  by  Section  5, 
Article  II,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. — 1898 
Journal,  12,  222,  240. 

1823.  Consent  to  join  Lodge  outside  of  city.  Where  a 
city  has  four  Lodges,  all  meeting  in  the  same  building,  and  a 


Membership.  471 

resident  of  the  city  applies  for  admission,  by  initiation,  to 
a  Lodge  outside  of  the  city,  it  is  only  necessary  to  ask  the 
consent  to  receive  and  act  upon  such  application  of  one  of 
the  city  Lodges,  as  each  has  jurisdiction  over  the  territory 
within  the  city.— 1905  Journal,  743,  932,  948. 

1824.  Failure  to  act  on  request  for  consent  of  Lodge. 

When  an  application  for  membership  is  received  from  a  per- 
son residing  nearer  to  another  Lodge  within  whose  jurisdic- 
tion he  is,  than  the  one  to  which  the  application  is  made 
and  the  Lodge  to  which  the  application  is  made  requests 
the  consent  of  the  other  Lodge,  which  fails  or  neglects 
to  act  on  the  request  for  consent,  this  failure  or  neglect 
is  not  consent.  Such  consent  is  necessary  and  with- 
out such  consent  the  Lodge  receiving  the  application  has  no 
right  to  ballot  for  or  elect  or  initiate  the  applicant. — Appeal 
of  Oakland  Lodge;  1902  Journal,  927,  944. 

1825.  Consent  necessary  and  Investigating  Committee. 
In  cases  in  which  consent  of  the  Lodge  nearer  the  applicant's 
residence  is  necessary  to  enable  another  Lodge  to  act  on  the 
application  for  membership  and  such  Lodge  does  not  give  or 
refuse  its  consent,  such  Lodge  nearest  applicant's  residence 
is  not  required  under  Section  5,  Article  II,  Constitution  of 
Subordinates,  to  appoint  a  committee  of  three  to  investigate 
the  character,  standing  and  health  of  the  applicant. — Appeal 
of  Oakland  Lodge,  1902  Journal,  927,  944. 

1826.  Applicant  residing  in  the  county  but  outside  of 
limits  of  a  city  therein.  Where  applicant  for  membership 
in  Oakland  Lodge,  located  in  Oakland,  resided  in  Fruitvale, 
which  is  not  an  incorporated  city  or  incorporated  village, 
but  is  a  part  of  the  County  of  Alameda  outside  of  the  limits 
of  Oakland,  which  is  a  city  in  the  same  county,  and  his  resi- 
dence was  nearer  Fruitvale  Lodge,  which  is  located  in  Fruit- 
vale,  than  to  Oakland  Lodge,  Oakland  Lodge  had  no  right  to 
ballot  for  or  elect  or  initiate  the  applicant  without  the  con- 
sent of  Fruitvale  Lodge.  The  applicant  should  have  been 
proposed  in  Fniitvale  Lodge,  it  being  the  Lodge  nearest  his 


472  Mkmbership. 

residence  in  the  county  .^Appeal  of  Oakland  Lodge,  1902 
Journal,  927,  944. 

1827.  Lodge  must  appoint  Committee  of  Investigation. 
A  Lodge  must  appoint  a  Committee  of  Investigation  on  the 
petition  of  a  candidate  for  initiation,  even  where  the  Lodge 
nearest  the  candidate's  residence  has  given  its  consent  to 
the  candidate's  initiation  by  the  other  Lodge  upon  the 
report  of  a  committee  of  its  own  appointment.  Where  no 
Committee  of  Investigation  has  been  appointed  by  a  Lodge, 
it  is  proper  for  the  candidate  to  ask  permission  to  with- 
draw his  application,  and  the  Lodge  has  a  right  to  grant 
it.  Any  action  of  the  Lodge  in  balloting  for  the  person 
after  his  application  has  been  withdrawn,  is  null  and  void. — 
1873  Journal,  783,  889,  896,  900,  901. 

1828.  Consent  of  Lodge  nearest  residence — Initiation  fee. 

A  Lodge  in  granting  permission  to  another  Lodge  to  receive 
and  act  upon  a  petition  of  a  candidate  for  initiation  who 
resides  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge  granting  permis- 
sion, must  give  or  refuse  consent  without  reservation.  If  a 
Lodge  gives  consent,  it  has  no  claim  for  fees. — 1905  Journal, 
744,  922,  936,  932,  948. 

1829.  Vote  to  refer  not  necessary.  When  a  petition  for 
membership  is  presented  to  a  Lodge,  it  does  not  require  a 
motion  and  vote  of  the  Lodge  to  refer  it  to  a  Committee  of 
Investigation.— 1877  Journal,  582,  675,  697. 

1830.  Petition  must  not  be  laid  over  one  year.  A  Lodge 
has  no  right  to  lay  a  petition  for  membership  (by  initiation) 
over  for  one  year,  even  if  the  Investigating  Committee 
should  recommend  such  action  by  the  Lodge. — 1884  Journal, 
112,  131,  154. 

1831.  Where  petition  does  not  contain  name  of  recom- 
mending brother.  Where  a  petition  for  membership  is  duly 
received,  accepted  and  acted  upon,  and  the  candidate 
rejected,  the  action  of  the  Lodge  is  legal,  notwithstanding  it 
is  discovered,  subsequently  to  the  rejection,  that  the  candi- 
date's petition  does  not  contain  the  name  of  the  brother 
recommending  him. — 1880  Journal,  259,  359,  375. 


J 


\ 


Membership.  473 

1832.  Second  petition  must  take  same  course    as    first. 

Where  a  candidate  for  membership  by  card  has  been  once 
rejected  by  the  Lodge,  the  candidate  may  apply  again  to 
the  same  Lodge,  and  the  Lodge  has  the  right  to  receive  the 
petition  and  appoint  a  committee;  but  an  action  of  the 
Lodge  instructing  the  committee  to  report  forthwith,  and 
then  balloting  for  and  electing  the  candidate,  is  illegal.  The 
Lodge  should  have  appointed  a  Committee  of  Investigation, 
who  should  report  at  a  subsequent  meeting. — In  re  Moke- 
lumne  Lodge,  1866  Journal,  637,  648;  1887  Journal,  769, 
896,  904. 

1833.  Majority  of  Committee  of  Investigation  must  act. 
If,  upon  the  evening  when  the  Committee  of  Investigation 
upon  the  application  of  a  candidate  should  report,  two  mem- 
bers of  the  committee  be  absent  and  do  not  sign  the  report, 
the  Lodge  cannot  act  upon  the  report  of  the  remaining 
member  of  the  committee. — 1884  Journal,  13,  14,  116,  153. 

1834.  Different  reports  from  Investigating  Committee. 
When  only  two  members  of  a  Committee  of  Investigation 
on  the  application  of  a  candidate  report,  one  report  favorable 
and  one  unfavorable,  the  candidate  cannot  be  legally  bal- 
loted for  on  such  reports.— 1894  Journal,  605,  731,  771 ;  1890 
Journal.  316,  407,  417,  436. 

1835.  When  petition  may  be  withdrawn.  An  application 
for  membership  may  be  withdrawn  without  the  permission 
of  the  Lodge  before  the  report  of  the  committee  is  read  to 
the  Lodge;  but  after  the  report  of  the  committee  has  been 
read,  the  candidate  must  be  balloted  for. — Constitution  Sub- 
ordinates, Art.  Ill,  Sec.  6;  1903  Journal,  23,  155,  180. 

1836.  Withdrawal   of   application — Unfavorable   report. 

If  report  of  Committee  of  Investigation  is  unfavorable,  appli- 
cation cannot  be  withdrawn  after  the  report  is  read,  and  the 
Lodge  must  vote  on  unfavorable  report  the  same  as  favor- 
able report  of  the  Committee  of  Investigation. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  16 ;  1903  Journal,  23,  155, 180. 

1837.  Penalty  for  misrepresentations  in  petition.  If  any 
person  shall  gain  admittance  to  any  Lodge  ui)on  a  petition 


47-*  Membership. 

containing  any  false  representations,  he  shall  be  expelled. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  7. 

1838.  Form  of  application  for  membership.  A  form  has 
been  prescribed  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  It  is  not 
mandatory,  but  has  been  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  several 
Grand  Lodges.— 1885-1886  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10148,  10188, 
10252,  10487,  10511. 

1839.  Proposition  for  membership.  The  name  of  a  per- 
son offered  for  membership,  with  his  age,  nativity,  residence 
and  occupation,  must  be  proposed  by  a  member  in  writing, 
signed  by  the  applicant,  with  the  names  of  two  persons  as 
references  attached  and  entered  upon  the  record. — Constitu- 
tion Subordinates,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  1. 

1840.  Objections  to  a  candidate  need  not  be  stated.  It  is 
not  obligatory  upon  a  member  of  a  Lodge  to  state  his  objec- 
tions against  a  candidate  for  initiation  to  the  Investigating 
Committee.— 1864  Journal,  536,  562. 

1841.  Report  of  committee.  The  report  of  a  committee 
on  a  petition  for  membership  must  be  in  writing. — 1897  Jour- 
nal, 807,  994,  1034. 

1842.  Special  meeting.  A  Lodge  cannot  receive  a  petition 
for  membership,  or  act  on  the  report  of  a  committee  on  a 
petition,  and  ballot  for  membership  at  a  special  meeting, 
unless  the  Grand  Master  is  present  at  the  special  meeting 
and  grants  a  dispensation  therefor.  After  a  candidate  has 
been  elected  at  a  regular  meeting,  a  special  meeting  may  be 
called  to  initiate  such  a  candidate. — 1897  Journal,  808,  1030, 
1054 ;  Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

1843.  Special  meeting.  It  is  illegal  to  call  a  special 
meeting  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  an  application  for  mem- 
bership.- 1898  Journal,  65,  220,  240. 

3.     BY  INITIATION. 

1844.  How  proposed — Committee — Ballot.  The  name  of 
a  person  offered  for  membership,  with  his  age,  nativity,  resi- 


Membership.  475 

dence  and  occupation,  must  be  proposed  by  a  member,  in 
writing,  signed  by  the  applicant,  with  the  names  of  two  per- 
sons as  references  attached,  and  entered  upon  the  record, 
and  forthwith  be  referred  to  a  committee  of  three  members 
for  investigation,  who  shall  report  at  the  next  succeeding 
regular  meeting  (unless  extraordinary  circumstances  pre- 
vent), when  the  candidate  shall  be  balloted  for  with  ball 
ballots,  and  if  not  more  than  two  black  balls  appear,  he  shall 
be  elected ;  but  if  three  or  more  black  balls  appear,  the  candi- 
date shall  be  declared  rejected. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  Ill,  Sec.  1. 

1845.  Persons  elected  must  present  themselves  for  initia- 
tion within  a  reasonable  time.  A  person  elected  to  member- 
ship must  present  himself  for  initiation  within  a  reasonable 
time,  or  the  application  shall  be  deemed  to  be  withdrawn  and 
the  fee  returned.  A  person  having  applied  in  1895,  and  paid 
the  fee  then  required,  but  having  failed  to  present  himself 
for  initiation,  must  now  apply  in  regular  form  and  be  bal- 
loted for  again — pay  the  initiation  fee  now  required, 
although  the  fee  formerly  paid  was  not  returned — the  Lodge, 
of  course,  giving  the  applicant  credit  for  the  amount  form- 
erly paid.— 1898  Journal,  15,  204,  205,  215. 

1846.  Initiation  on  Sunday.  A  person  initiated  on  Sun- 
day, in  violation  of  the  laws  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge, 
and  who  has  not  been  guilty  of  fraud  or  misrepresentation, 
is  as  much  an  Odd  Fellow  as  if  elected  and  initiated  at  a 
regular  meeting,  and  the  Lodge  cannot  take  advantage  of  its 
own  wrong  and  repudiate  its  action.  The  brother  must  be 
recognized  as  a  member  so  long  as  he  complies  with  our 
laws.— 1873  Journal,  783,  900,  901. 

Note. — An  initiation  of  an  iin-  If  he  have  been  guilty  of  fraud  or 

worthy  person  cannot  \ye  declared  misrepresentation,     he     must     be 

null   and   void.     He   can   only    i>e  tried  upon  charges  and  dealt  with 

expelled    after    proper    trial    upon  accordingly — (1848  S.  G.  L.  Jour 

charges— (1849   S.  G.  L.  Journal,  nal,  1280;    1851  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

1475,    1511).     A   person   who   has  1723,  1797;  1853  S.  G.  L.  Journa'., 

been    illegally    initiated    is    never-  2140,  2177 ;  1870  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

theless    a    member    of    the   Order.  4858,  4894). 


476  Mkmbkrship. 

1847.  Initiation  at  illegal  special  meeting.  A  Lodge  held 
a  meeting  during  which  the  Noble  Grand  was  taken  ill,  and 
retired  to  his  home,  a  short  distance  away.  The  Vice-Grand 
closed  the  meeting  and  the  Lodge  adjourned.  After 
adjournment  it  was  found  that  a  candidate  (who  had  been 
previously  elected)  had  come  to  town  for  initiation.  The 
Vice-Grand  and  brothers  returned  to  the  hall,  where  the 
meeting  was  reopened  and  the  candidate  initiated.  Although 
under  the  By-Laws  the  Vice-Grand  had  no  right  to  call  a 
special  meeting  at  that  time,  as  the  Noble  Grand  was  not 
absent  from  town,  yet  the  candidate  was  a  member  of  the 
Order.— 1899  Journal,  443,  650,  677. 

1848.  After  resignation.  It  is  competent  for  a  Lodge  to 
initiate  an  applicant  who  has  previously  held  membership 
in  the  Order  and  resigned  therefrom  in  good  standing,  if  he 
be  not  able  to  pass  an  examination  in  the  work. — 1868  Jour- 
nal, 489,  502. 

1849.  Initiation  under  an  assumed  name.  There  is  no 
objection  to  a  Lodge  initiating  a  candidate  under  an  assumed 
name  when  such  assumed  name  has  been  taken  for  no  illegal 
purpose,  but  is  the  name  by  which  the  candidate  has  been 
known  and  recognized  since  his  childhood,  and,  furthermore, 
is  the  name  which  the  candidate  himself  accepts  as  his  true 
name  for  all  purposes. — 1884  Journal,  20,  116,  153. 

1850.  Effect  of  loss  of  petition.  A  Lodge  can  elect  and 
initiate  a  candidate  notwithstanding  his  petition  to  become 
a  member  is  lost  after  its  reception. — 1870  Journal,  267,  293. 

1851.  Receive  petition,  elect  and  initiate  same  evening. 

It  is  not  proper  for  a  Lodge  to  receive  the  petition  of  an 
applicant,  elect  and  initiate  him  the  same  night,  except  by 
dispensation. — 1857  Journal,  269,  274;  Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Bee.  1. 

1852.  Proceedings  upon  rejection.  When  a  candidate  for 
initiation  has  been  rejected,  notice  thereof  shall  be  sent 
without  delay,  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  and  to  all  the  Lodges 
in  the  county  and  district,  and  he  cannot  be  proposed  again 


Membership.  477 

in  any  Lodge  for  the  space  of  one  year  after  such  rejection. 
All  other  applications  for  membership  may  be  renewed  at 
any  time. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  5. 

Note. — There  is  no  general  law  is  a  matter  for  local  law — (185G 

of  the  Order  limiting  the  number  S.     G.    L.     Journal,     2560,     2627, 

of  times  a  candidate  can  l>e   pro-  2664). 
posed  after  rejection;   the  inquiry 

1853.  Rejected  applicant,  wrong  name,  new  application. 
Should  a  person  apply  for  membership  into  a  Lodge  by 
initiation,  and  should  sign  a  name  to  the  petition  other  than 
his  true  name,  which  petition  coming  on  regularly  to  be  con- 
sidered, and  the  petitioner  rejected,  he  could  not  thereafter 
within  one  year,  apply  for  membership  under  another  name, 
the  Committee  of  Investigation  and  the  Lodge  knowing  that 
it  was  one  and  the  same  person. — 1896  Journal,  413,  581,  628. 

1854.  Where  member  of  extinct  Lodge  unable  to  prove 
himself  in  work  of  the  Order.  In  case  a  person  who  claims 
to  have  been  a  member  of  a  Lodge  in  another  jurisdiction,  is 
unable  to  prove  himself  at  all  in  the  work  of  the  Order,  and 
is  unable  to  procure,  after  reasonable  effort,  any  evidence 
of  his  having  been  once  a  member — the  Lodge  in  which  he 
claims  to  have  had  membership  being  extinct  and  the  records 
of  the  Lodge  being  lost  or  destroyed — it  is  competent  for  a 
Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  to  receive  such  person  as  an  appli- 
cant for  initiation,  such  person  making  truthful  answers  to 
the  questions  propounded  before  initiation. — 1878  Journal, 
818,  928,  965. 

1855.  Cannot  agree  to  waive  benefits.  Where  a  person 
who  is  fifty-five  years  of  age,  offers  himself  for  membership 
and  who  has  never  been  a  member,  and  the  Lodge  declines  to 
accept  him,  a  Lodge  cannot,  for  the  purpose  of  admitting 
him,  enter  into  an  agreement  with  him  whereby  he  waives 
all  right  to  pecuniary  benefits,  but  agrees  to  pay  all  dues, 
etc.,  as  other  members.  It  is  illegal. — 1883  Journal,  1003, 
1150,  1175. 


478  Membership. 

4.  TRANSFER  OF  MEMBERSHIP  BY  CARD. 
1856.  A  member  of  a  Lodge  may  apply  to  become  a  mem- 
ber of  another  Lodge  without  first  severing  his  connection 
with  his  own  Lodge — No  admission  fee.  A  member  of  the 
Order  entitled  to  a  Withdrawal  Card,  who  upon  change  of 
his  residence  may  desire  to  join  this  Lodge  by  deposit 
of  card  may  make  application  for  admission  before 
severing  his  connection  with  his  Lodge  by  sending  in 
his  petition  setting  forth  the  fact,  together  with  such  other 
matter  as  is  usually  contained  in  petitions  for  membership. 
In  case  of  the  election  of  such  applicant,  the  Secretary  shall 
immediately  notify  the  Lodge  to  which  the  brother  belongs, 
and  w^hen  the  brother's  Withdrawal  Card  shall  have  been 
received  by  the  Secretary  of  this  Lodge  he  shall  be  entitled 
to  sign  the  Constitution  and  thereby  be  received  in  full  mem- 
bership without  being  required  to  pay  any  card  or  admission 
fee.  A  ballot  under  this  section  cannot  be  reconsidered. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  2;  1905  Journal, 
935,  936,  958,  965. 

Note. — The  foregoing  section  of  drawal  Card  at  the  actual  cost 
the  Constitution  is  based  upon  of  the  card  to  the  Lodge,  and  to 
the  legislation  of  the  Sovereign  admission  to  his  new  Lodge  with- 
Grand  Lodge  of  1904  designed  to  out  being  required  to  pay  a  card 
provide  '*For  transfer  of  member-  or  admission  fee;  but  where  a 
ship  by  card,"  as  it  is  designated  physician's  certificate  is  required 
in  the  report  of  the  committee  he  must  pay  the  expense  of  the 
which  recommended  the  same,  same" — (1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
and  which  legislation  provides  757-761,  846).  The  committee's 
that  "a  member  of  the  Order  en-  report  contains  the  following:  "It 
titled  to  a  Withdrawal  Card,  "may  be  justly  asked  'Why  should 
changing  his  residence  from  the  "an  Odd  Fellow  who  has  once 
vicinity  of  his  own  Lodge  to  the  "paid  his  initiation  and  degree 
vicinity  of  another,  and  desiring  "fees,  because  of  change  of  resi- 
to  unite  with  a  Lodge  at  his  new  "denee  be  compelled  to  pay  an- 
place  of  residence,  upon  so  stating  "other  admission  fee  if  he  wishes 
in  his  application  for  member-  "to  remain  what  he  has  been  sol- 
ship,  and  being  elected  by  ball  "emnly  declared  to  be,  one  of  a 
ballot,  as  provided  by  local  law,  "great  brotherhood?'  When  once 
shall  be  entitled  upon  notice  be-  "a  man  has  joined  our  Order  and 
ing  sent  to  his  old  Lodge  by  the  "been  admitted  to  its  charmed 
new   Lodge    to    receive    a    With-  "circle,   that    admittance    should, 


Membership.  479 

"as  long  as  he  obeys  the  laws  and  "to  the  whole  world  of  Odd  Fel- 
"commands  of  the  Order,  be  a  "lowship" — (1904  S,  G.  L.  Jour- 
"passport  without  additional   fees       nal,  761). 

1857.  Elected  to  membership  by  another  Lodge — With- 
drawal Card.  Should  this  Lodge  receive  notification  that  one 
of  its  members  has  been  elected  to  membership  by  another 
Lodge,  upon  application  as  provided  in  Section  2  of  this 
Article,  this  Lodge  shall,  at  the  meeting  when  such  notifica- 
tion is  received,  grant  such  brother  a  Withdrawal  Card  if  he 
is  clear  on  the  books  of  the  Lodge  and  free  from  all  charges, 
upon  the  payment  of  the  actual  cost  of  the  card  to  the  Lodge, 
and  the  Secretary  shall  immediately  forward  the  card  to  the 
Lodge  from  which  the  notification  of  the  brother's  election 
to  membership  comes. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  Ill, 
Sec.  2. 

1858.  Law  of  transfer  of  membership  by  card.    The  law 

of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  in  regard  to  admission  by  card 
on  transfer  of  membership  by  card  (see  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  Journal,  757-761,  845)  applies  to  all  brothers  within 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 1905  Jour- 
nal, 744,  932,  948. 

1859.  Withdrawal  Card  on  transfer  of  membership — 
Charges.  After  a  brother  has  applied  and  been  elected  to 
become  a  member  of  a  Lodge  by  deposit  of  card  on  transfer 
of  membership,  and  application  has  accordingly  been  made 
to  his  Lodge  for  a  Withdrawal  Card,  and  he  is  free  from  all 
charges,  the  card  must  be  granted.  His  Lodge  in  such  a  case 
cannot  neglect  or  refuse  to  grant  the  card,  and  charges  can- 
not be  subsequently  preferred  in  his  Lodge  and  his  Lodge 
expel  him. — Taylor  and  Lemoore  Lodge,  1905  Journal,  766, 
931,  948. 

1860.  Grand  Master  may  direct  Lodge  to  grant  With- 
drawal Card.  When  a  brother  has  been  elected  to  become  a 
member  of  a  Lodge  by  deposit  .of  card  on  transfer  of  mem- 
bership and  the  Lodge  in  which  he  has  been  elected  has  asked 
the  brother's  Lodge  for  his  Withdrawal  Card,  which  the 
Lodge  refuses  to  grant,  the  Grand  Master  should  direct  such 


480  Membership. 

Lodge  to  grant  the  Withdrawal  Card,  provided  no  charges 
have  been  filed  against  the  brother  before  the  application 
for  a  Withdrawal  Card. — Taylor  and  Lemoore  Lodge,  1905 
Journal,  766,  931,  948;  1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15750,  16030, 
16054;  1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15,  285,  314. 

1861.  Withdrawal  Card— Vote  by  ball  ballot  required. 
After  ja.  brother  has  been  elected  to  become  a  member  of  a 
Lodge  under  said  law  of  1904  on  transfer  of  membership  by 
card  and  an  application  has  been  accordingly  made  to  his 
Lodge  for  a  Withdrawal  Card  and  he  is  free  from  all 
charges  and  all  fees  and  dues  have  been  paid,  the  Noble 
Grand  and  Secretary  cannot  issue  the  Withdrawal  Card 
without  any  formal  action  of  the  Lodge.  The  Withdrawal 
Card  can  only  be  issued  by  the  action  and  vote  of  the  Lodge 
and  the  vote  must  be  by  ball  ballot. — 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
38,  219,  243. 

1862.  Application  for  the  Withdrawal  Card.  After  a 
brother  has  been  elected  to  become  a  member  of  a  Lodge 
under  said  law  of  1904  on  transfer  of  membership  by  card, 
the  application  to  the  old  Lodge  for  a  Withdrawal  Card 
should  be  made  by  the  brother,  but  the  new  Lodge  should 
give  notice  to  the  old  Lodge  of  his  application  for  member- 
ship and  election.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  47,  219,  243. 

1863.  The  same.  The  Secretary  of  the  Lodge  may  apply 
for  such  Withdrawal  Card  at  the  instance  and  by  the 
authority  of  the  brother.  When  application  for  a  With- 
drawal Card  is  made  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Lodge  to  which 
the  brother  has  been  elected,  in  writing  and  under  the  seal 
of  the  Lodge,  authority  from  the  brother  to  make  such  appli- 
cation shall  be  ''presumed"  in  the  absence  of  evidence  to  the 
contrary.— 1891  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  12353,  12632,  12701 ;  1899 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  256,  389,  398. 

1864.  The  new  law  of  transfer  of  membership  by  card  is 
valid  and  operative.  The  new  law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  (see  1904  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  Journal,  page  761 ; 
see  also  note  to  Section  1856  of  this  Digest)  providing  for 
transfer  of  membership  by  card  is  a  constitutional  and  bind- 


r 


^ 


Membership.  481 

ing  law  and  went  into  effect  January  1st,  1905,  and  without 
any  action  or  notice  from  Grand  Masters.  It  becomes  a  law 
without  action  of  any  Grand  Lodge.  It  became  oper- 
ative throughout  all  jurisdictions  January  1st,  1905,  and 
does  not  require  any  legislation  by  any  jurisdiction  to  put 
its  provisions  in  force.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  22,  23,  26,  219, 
243,  24,  32,  40. 

1865.  Dismissal  Certificate.  The  said  new  law  of  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  1904  on  transfer  of  membership 
by  card  does  not  apply  to  applicants  for  membership  on  Dis- 
missal Certificates,  and  does  not  in  any  way  affect  the  holder 
of  a  Dismissal  Certificate.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  24,  26,  219, 
243,  39. 

1866.  Expired  Withdrawal  Card.  The  said  new  law  of 
1904  does  not  in  any  way  affect  the  holder  of  an  expired 
Withdrawal  Card.  An  applicant  for  membership  on  an 
expired  Withdrawal  Card  does  not  come  under  the  pro- 
visions of  such  law.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  24,  29,  219,  220, 
243. 

1867.  Certificate.  Under  the  said  new  law  of  1904,  there 
can  be  no  transfer  of  membership  on  certificate,  but  only  on 
a  Withdrawal  Card.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  40,  219,  243. 

1868.  Who  may  apply  for  transfer  of  membership  by 
card.  The  said  new  law  of  1904  applies  only  to  members, 
and  is  available  only  on  the  conditions  specifically  set  forth 
in  the  law.  Thus,  in  order  that  a  member  of  the  Order  shall 
be  entitled  to  the  benefits  conferred  by  the  law,  the  following 
facts,  at  least,  must  exist: 

1.  He  must  be  a  member  of  the  Order  entitled  to  a  With- 
drawal Card. 

2.  He  must  change  his  residence  from  the  vicinity  of  his 
own  Lodge  to  the  vicinity  of  another. 

3.  Desiring  to  unite  with  a  Lodge  at  his  new  place  of  resi- 
dence, and  upon  so  stating  in  his  application  for  membership, 
and  upon  bointr  elected  by  ball  ballot,  as  provided  by  local 

31 


482  Membership. 

law,  he  shall  be  entitled,  upon  notice  being  sent  to  his  old 
Lodge  by  the  new  Lodge,  to  receive  a  Withdrawal  Card  at 
the  actual  cost  of  the  card  to  the  Lodge. 

4.  Having  so  received  the  Withdrawal  Card  from  his  old 
Lodge,  he  may  deposit  it  with  the  new  Lodge  he  desires  to 
join  in  the  vicinity  of  his  new  place  of  residence,  without 
being  required  to  pay  a  card  or  admission  fee;  except  that 
where  a  physician's  certificate  is  required  he  must  pay  the 
expense  of  the  same,  and  no  other  charge  can  be  made  for 
admission  under  the  circumstances  named.  The  conditions 
mentioned  in  the  law  must  exist  and  the  provisions  of  the 
law  must  be  complied  with. — 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14,  15, 
26,  27,  28,  24,  25,  219,  243,  221,  244. 

1869.  The  application  under  the  transfer  of  membership 
by  card  law.  The  application  to  the  new  Lodge  need  not  be 
accompanied  by  a  Dismissal  Certificate,  an  official  receipt  or 
a  Withdrawal  Card.  The  facts  necessary  to  support  the 
application  must  appear  in  the  petition  itself,  as  the  law 
provides.  This  petition  in  addition  to  the  facts  set  forth  in 
the  ordinary  application  for  membership,  must  state  that  the 
applicant  is  a  member  of  the  Order  entitled  to  a  Withdrawal 
Card  from  his  Lodge  (naming  it),  or  that  he  holds  such  a 
card  in  full  force  (producing  it),  that  he  changed  his  place 
of  residence  from  the  vicinity  of  his  own  Lodge  to  the 
vicinity  of  the  one  he  now  desires  to  join,  and  that  he 
desires  to  join  such  Lodge.  If  on  this  petition  he  is  elected 
by  ball  ballot,  as  provided  by  local  law,  notice  should  be 
given  by  the  new  Lodge  to  the  old  Lodge,  whereupon  he 
shall  be  entitled  to  a  Withdrawal  Card  from  his  old  Lodge 
(if  he  does  not  already  hold  one  in  full  force),  and  to  admis- 
sion to  the  new  Lodge  on  the  conditions  stated  in  the  said 
new  law  of  1904  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 1905  S.  G. 
L.  Journal,  39,  221,  244. 

1870.  The  same.  The  brother  should  apply  by  petition 
setting  forth  all  the  facts  necessary  to  entitle  him  to  the 
benefits  of  said  new  law  of  1904  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  47,  219,  243. 


Membership.  483 

1871.  Holding  a  Withdrawal  Card  or  entitled  to  one — 
Dismissal  Certificate — Official  receipt.  The  said  new  law 
of  1904  applies  to  a  brother  entitled  to  a  Withdrawal  Card 
or  holding  a  Withdrawal  Card  in  full  force,  who  changes 
his  place  of  residence  from  the  vicinity  of  his  own  Lodge 
to  the  vicinity  of  another,  and  who  desires  to  unite  with  a 
Lodge  at  his  new  place  of  residence.  The  holding  of  a 
Dismissal  Certificate  or  an  official  receipt  is  not  sufficient. 
He  must  hold  or  be  entitled  to  hold  a  Withdrawal  Card. — 
1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  38,  221,  244,  46,  47. 

1872.  Withdrawal  Card  in  full  force— Official  certificate 
— Visiting  Card.  If  a  brother  holds  a  Withdrawal  Card  in 
full  force,  it  is  of  the  same  effect  as  though  he  were  "enti- 
tled" to  one  under  the  provisions  of  the  said  new  law  of 
1904.  He  cannot  be  admitted  under  said  law,  however, 
either  on  an  official  certificate  or  a  Visiting  Card. — 1905 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  39,  221,  244. 

1873.  Withdrawal   Card   and  no   change   of  residence. 

Where  a  brother  takes  a  Withdrawal  Card  from  his  Lodge 
without  first  applying  for  membership  to  another  Lodge  and 
within  one  year  of  the  date  of  the  issue  of  his  card  applies 
to  become  a  member  of  another  Lodge  on  that  card,  but  has 
not  changed  his  residence,  he  is  required  to  pay  an  admis- 
sion fee.  The  said  new  law  of  1904  does  not  apply  to  such 
a  case.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  28,  29,  221.  244. 

1874.  Withdrawal  Card— Change  of  residence— Card 
expires.  A  brother  changes  his  residence  and  complies  with 
all  the  conditions  of  the  said  new  law  of  1904  except  that  he 
receives  a  Withdrawal  Card  from  his  old  Lodge  at  the  time 
of  his  removal,  and  presents  it  with  his  application  for 
membership  to  the  Lodge  of  his  new  residence  while  it  is 
still  good  for  visiting  purposes,  and  is  elected  to  member- 
ship thereon.  The  old  Lodge  cannot  charge  any  fee  for  the 
Withdrawal  Card,  because  the  brother  already  has  a  With- 
drawal Card  in  full  force.  If  he  complies  with  all  the  other 
conditions  he  can  use  that  card.  The  new  Lodge,  if  it  elects 
him  to  membership,  cannot  charge  an  admission  fee,  but  may 


484  Membership. 

charge  the  cost  of  the  medical  certificate,  when  it  is  required. 
If  the  brother  holds  the  Withdrawal  Card  thus  secured  for 
more  than  one  year  before  he  presents  it  to  the  Lodge  of 
his  new  residence  for  membership  the  said  law  of  1904  does 
not  apply  to  him.  He  should  not  be  admitted  without  fee. — 
1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  29,  220,  243. 

1875.  Change  of  residence — City — Town — State — Juris- 
diction. The  said  new  law  of  1904  does  apply  to  a  person 
who  shall  change  his  residence  from  one  city  or  town  to 
another  or  from  one  State  to  another  or  from  one  vicinity 
to  another  in  the  same  jurisdiction. — 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
23,  219,  243,  46,  219,  243. 

1876.  Change  of  residence — Same  town  or  city.  The  said 
new  law  of  1904  does  apply  to  a  person  who  shall  change 
his  residence  from  the  vicinity  of  his  own  Lodge  to  the 
vicinity  of  another  Lodge  in  the  same  town  or  city  of  his 
residence.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  23,  219,  243,  28,  219,  243, 
39,  221,  222,  244. 

1877.  Same  city  and  no  change  of  residence.  Where 
there  are  two  or  more  Lodges  in  the  same  city  and  a  mem- 
ber of  one  of  the  Lodges  has  not  changed  his  residence  the 
said  new  law  of  1904  does  not  apply  to  such  member. — 1905 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  24,  219,  243,  29,  219,  243,  39,  221,  222,  244. 

1878.  Same  city  and  change  of  residence.  A  brother 
residing  in  the  city  of  Boston  changes  his  residence  from 
the  ward  in  which  his  Lodge  is  located  to  a  ward  ten  miles 
distant  from  his  former  residence.  He  is  within  a  minute's 
walk  of  a  Lodge  located  at  his  new  place  of  residence,  and 
he  has  removed  from  the  vicinity  or  neighborhood  of  the 
Lodge  in  which  he  holds  membership.  The  said  new  law  of 
1904  applies  to  his  case.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  24,  25,  219, 
243. 

1879.  Same  city  and  change  of  residence.  The  said  new 
law  of  1904  does  apply  to  cities  having  more  than  one  Lodge 
when  the  applicant  has  changed  his  residence  and  his  new 
residence  is  nearer  to  the  Lodge  which  he  desires  to  join 


Membership.  485 

than  it  is  to  his  former  Lodge. — 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  18, 
30,  59. 

1880.  Residing  midway  between  two  halls.  A  Lodge- 
room  in  the  city  of  Somerville  is  within  a  stone's  throw 
of  a  Lodge-room  in  the  city  of  Cambridge.  A  brother  resid- 
ing in  Somerville  lives  midway  between  the  two  halls.  He 
is  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  both  Lodges.  The  said  new 
law  of  1904  is  not  applicable  to  the  brother. — 1905  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  25,  219,  243. 

1881.  Change  of  residence  —  Vicinity.  The  word 
*' Vicinity"  in  said  new  law  of  1904  is  to  receive  a  reason- 
able interpretation  in  view  of  the  purpose  of  the  resolution. 
It  cannot  be  defined  geographically  as  meaning  a  removal 
from  one  town,  city,  county.  State,  or  Territory  to  another. 
The  language  of  the  law  is  ''changing  his  residence  from 
the  vicinity  of  his  own  Lodge  to  the  vicinity  of  another,  and 
desiring  to  unite  with  a  Lodge  at  his  new  place  of  residence." 
A  member  comes  within  the  provision  of  the  law  when, 
residing  in  one  section  of  a  city  close  to  his  Lodge,  he 
removes  to  another  location  in  a  city  10  miles  away  and 
close  to  another  Lodge.  Each  case  should  depend  upon  the 
peculiar  circumstance,  keeping  in  view  the  purpose  of 
the  law.  It  is  not  intended  that  the  word  "Vicinity" 
should  be  defined  by  territorial  limits,  namely,  by  lines  divid- 
ing cities,  wards,  counties,  and  States.  The  word  "Vicin- 
ity" in  an  agricultural  sparsely  settled  district  would  have 
a  very  different  meaning  from  the  word  when  applied  to 
Lodges  within  the  limits  of  a  city.  In  some  country  dis- 
tricts 10  miles  would  be  considered  in  the  same  vicinity.  It 
would  hardly  be  so  in  a  compactly  built  city.  The  law  does 
apply  to  a  change  of  residence  from  one  point  in  the  same 
city  to  another  not  in  the  same  vicinity,  when  all  the  other 
points  in  the  law  are  found  to  exist. — 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
27,  219,  243. 

1882.  Change  of  residence  before  the  law.  A  brother 
who  changed  his  residence  before  the  enactment  of  said 
new  law  of  1904  can  make  application  under  said  law. — 
1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  30,  219,  243. 


486  Membership. 

1883.  Change  of  residence  after  the  law.  A  brother  who 
changed  his  residence  after  the  enactment  of  said  new  law 
of  1904,  but  before  it  took  effect,  may  make  application 
under  said  law— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  30,  219,  243. 

1884.  When  applicant  may  apply.  A  brother  who  has 
changed  or  shall  change  his  residence  can  make  application 
under  said  new  law  of  1904  at  any  time  after  such  change 
of  residence.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31,  219,  243. 

1885.  When    change    of    residence    must    occur.     The 

change  of  residence  need  not  have  occurred  after  the  enact- 
ment of  this  new  law  of  1904,  nor  after  the  date  of  the  With- 
drawal Card,  but  must  have  been  after  he  joined  the  Lodge 
from  which  he  proposed  to  withdraw.  If  residing  near  to 
one  Lodge,  he  lawfully  joins  another  more  distant  from 
his  residence,  he  cannot  claim  the  benefit  of  this  law  to 
alter  his  choice.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  38,  221,  244. 

1886.  The  same.  A  brother  who  has  lived  for  years 
away  from  his  Lodge,  keeping  himself  in  good  standing  so 
that  he  would  be  entitled  to  a  Withdrawal  Card  at  any 
time,  concludes  finally  to  transfer  his  membership  to  the 
Lodge  of  his  present  residence.  The  said  new  law  of  1904 
applies  to  such  a  member  without  regard  to  the  time  at 
which  he  changed  his  place  of  residence,  provided  such 
change  was  after  he  became  a  member  of  the  Lodge  he  now 
proposes  to  leave.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  30,  31,  219,  243. 

1887.  Change  of  residence — Section  of  city — Part  of 
county.  The  change  of  residence  need  not  necessarily  be 
from  one  jurisdiction  to  another,  but  may  be  from  one 
section  of  a  city  to  another  section  of  the  same  city,  or 
from  one  part  to  another  part  of  the  same  county.  The 
said  new  law  of  1904  was  intended  to  enable  brothers  to 
belong  to  Lodges  close  to  their  place  of  residence. — 1905 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  38,  39,  221,  244. 

1888.  Suspended  for  non-pajrment  of  dues.  A  member 
of  a  Lodge,  who  has  been  suspended  for  non-payment  of 
dues,  moves  from  one  vicinity  to  another  and  makes  appli- 


Membership. 


487 


cation  to  a  Lodge  for  admission,  and  is  accepted  as  a  mem- 
ber, must  be  entitled  to  a  Withdrawal  Card  under  the  laws 
of  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge  from  which  he  desires  to 
withdraw,  and  must  comply  with  all  the  requirements  of 
the  law,  which  are  conditions  to  his  being  so  entitled.  When 
he  has  become  entitled  to  the  card,  the  Lodge  should  grant 
it  under  the  provisions  of  the  said  new  law  of  1904,  if  the 
conditions  specified  in  that  new  law  exist. — 1905  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  46,  219,  243. 

1889.  Oflacial  certificate  —  Visiting  card  —  Twenty-five 
years  a  contributing  member.  The  sections  of  the  Constitu- 
tion of  Subordinates  which  provided  that  a  member  of  a 
Lodge  holding  an  official  certificate  or  a  Visiting  Card,  or 
who  had  been  a  contributing  member  for  twenty-five  years, 
might  apply  to  become  a  member  of  another  Lodge  without 
first  applying  for  a  Withdrawal  Card  from  his  Lodge,  were 
repealed,  and  the  present  Section  2,  Article  III,  Constitu- 
tion of  Subordinates,  was  enacted  in  May,  1905,  by  the 
Grand  Lodge.  (See  Section  1856  of  this  Digest.) — 1905 
Journal,  935,  936,  958,  965. 


Note. — Said  repealed  sections 
of  the  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nates were  based  on  the  law  en- 
acted in  1880  by  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  which  reads,  "Any 
member  of  this  Order  who  has 
been  a  contributing  member 
twenty-five  years,  upon  change  of 
residence,  shall  have  the  privi- 
lege of  applying  for  membership 
in  any  Lodge  at  his  new  place  of 
residence  without  first  applying 
for  a  Withdrawal  Card  from  the 
Lodge  in  which  he  holds  member- 
ship. Upon  election  of  such 
brother  by  the  Lodge  to  which  he 
shall  apply  for  membership,  said 
Lodge  shall  notify  the  Lodge  of 
which  he  is  a  member  of  such 
election,  when,  being  free  from  all 
charges  and  the  payment  of  all 
dues  and  fees,  upon  proper  appli- 


cation he  shall  be  entitled  to  a 
Withdrawal  Card.  Upon  deposit 
of  said  card  with  the  Lodge  in 
which  he  has  been  elected,  he 
shall  be  entitled  to  sign  the  Con- 
stitution and  be  received  in  full 
membership  from  such  time,  upon 
the  payment  of  the  admission  tees 
required  by  the  By-Laws  of  said 
Lodge"— (1880  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
8404,  8478),  and  on  the  law  en- 
acted in  1887  and  amended  in 
1895  by  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  which  reads,  "Any  member 
of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  or  En- 
campment or  Rebekah  Lodge  of 
the  Order,  holding  a  Visiting 
Card  in  force,  shall  have  the 
privilege  of  applying  for  member- 
ship in  any  Lodge  or  Encamp- 
ment or  Rebekah  Lodge  without 
first    applying   for   a    Withdrawal 


488  Membership. 

Card  from  the  Subordinate  Lodge  be  received  in  full 
or  Encampment  or  Rebekah  Lodge  from  such  time  upon  payment  of 
in  which  membership  is  held.  the  admission  fees  required  by 
Upon  election  of  such  member  by  the  By-Laws  of  said  Lodge,  En- 
the  Lodge,  Encampment  or  Re-  campment  or  Rebekah  Lodge" — 
bekah  Lodge  to  which  application  1887  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10973. 
is  made  for  membership,  said  11025;  1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
body  shall  notify  the  body  of  14596,  14611),  Said  law  concern 
which  the  applicant  was  a  mem-  ing  Visiting  Cards  was  in  1897 
ber  of  such  election,  when,  being  held  applicable  to  official  certifi- 
free  from  all  charges  and  the  pay-  cates  for  dues  paid  to  a  date 
ment  of  all  dues  and  fees,  upon  later  than  when  presented — (1897 
proper  application  he  shall  be  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15165,  15534, 
granted  a  Withdrawal  Card.  15163).  The  present  Section  2, 
Upon  deposit  of  said  Withdrawal  Article  III,  Constitution  of  Sub- 
Card  with  said  Lodge,  Encamp-  ordinates,  is  based  on  the  Sover- 
nient  or  Rebekah  Lodge  to  which  eign  Grand  Lodge  Law  of  1904 — 
he  was  elected,  he  shall  be  enti-  See  Section  1856  of  this  Digest 
tied  to  sign  the  Constitution  and  and  note  thereto. 

(See  Fees.) 

5.  BY  DEPOSIT  OF  CARD  OR  CERTIFICATE  OR  AS 
ANCIENT  ODD  FELLOW. 

1890.  Card  or  certificate  must  be  deposited  or  loss 
proven.  Every  applicant  for  membership  by  deposit  of  card, 
or  certificate  of  dismissal,  or  as  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow, 
shall  deposit  his  card  or  certificate  with  his  proposition,  or 
furnish  satisfactory  evidence  that  such  card  or  certificate 
has  been  lost. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  II,  Sec.  2. 

Note. — The    card    must    be     re-  its     rightful     owner.      The    Lodge 

turned   to   the   applicant   if   he   be  has  no  right  to  mutilate  the  card 

rejected.     The  card  is  his  rightful  by  endorsing  thereon  "rejected" — 

property,    and    unless    the     appli-  (1849-1852  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1399, 

cant    should    be    accepted    by    the  1449,  1479,  1963). 
Lodge,    it    should    be    returned    to 

1891.  The  Annual  Traveling  Password.  An  applicant  for 
membership  by  deposit  of  card  is  required  to  have  the 
accompanying  Annual  Traveling  Password. — 1861  Journal, 
173. 

Note. — Should  he  not  have  tlie  an    Ancient     Odd     Fellow — (1861- 

Annual     i  raveling    Password,     or  1862  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3336,  3353- 

should  the  card  be  an  expired  one,  3479). 
the   brother  may  be   admitted   as 


Membership.  489 

1892.  Applicant  and  expired  Withdrawal  Card.  A  per- 
son holding:  an  expired  Withdrawal  Card  cannot  be  rein- 
stated to  membership  by  ballot  on  simple  motion.  He  must 
apply  by  petition  in  due  form  as  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow; 
a  committee  must  be  appointed,  etc. — Appeal  of  Crooks, 
1903  Journal,  121,  124,  154. 

1893.  When  application  may  be  made.  A  brother  may 
apply  to  join  a  Lodgre  by  deposit  of  card  at  any  time  before 
the  expiration  of  the  card.  Where  a  card  expires  upon  the 
day  following  such  application,  it  is  legal  to  proceed  to 
ballot  after  the  expiration  of  the  card,  the  application  hav- 
ing been  made  during  the  life  of  the  card. — 1879  Journal, 
23,  101,  110. 

1894.  When  cannot  be  admitted  to  another  Lodge.      A 

member  holding  a  Withdrawal  Card 'from  his  Lodge,  near 
which  he  resides,  cannot  be  admitted  to  another  Lodge,  not 
in  the  same  county  or  district,  if  his  former  Lodge  object. — 
1875  Journal,  280,  295. 

1895.  Holder  of  Withdrawal  Card  re-admitted,  how.    A 

brother  holding  a  Withdrawal  Card  in  date,  with  an  order 
for  the  Annual  Traveling  Password,  can  join  a  Lodge  by 
deposit  of  such  card,  and  upon  satisfactory  proof  to  the 
Lodge  that  he  is  the  lawful  holder  thereof.  And  this  is  so, 
even  though  the  holder  of  the  card  be  utterly  unable  to 
prove  himself,  in  any  manner  or  form,  in  the  work  of  the 
Order.— 1877  Journal,  583,  675,  697. 

1896.  Applicant  may  apply,  where.  Where  a  brother 
obtains  a  Withdrawal  Card  from  his  Lodge,  he  may  apply 
for  membership,  by  deposit  of  card,  in  a  Lodge  more 
remote  from  his  place  of  residence  than  his  former  Lodge 
is,  provided  Section  5,  Article  II,  of  the  Constitution  of 
Subordinates,  be  complied  with.— 1884  Journal,  17,  116, 153. 

Note. — The  holder  of  an  unex-  where  he  is  not  a  resident  of  the 
pired  Withdrawal  Card  ^-annot  jurisdiction — ( 1897  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
deposit  it  and  apply  for  member-  nal,  15170,  15534,  15584,  15613). 
ship    in    the   Lodge    granting   it, 


490  Membership. 

1897.  Effect  of  granting  Withdrawal  Card.  When  a 
brother  applies  for  a  Withdrawal  Card,  his  connection  with 
the  Lodge  ceases  on  the  vote  being  passed  to  grant  him  the 
card.  If  he  should  desire  to  become  connected  with  the 
Lodge  again,  he  mnst  apply  for  admission  upon  his  card — 
(Grimes  vs.  Cherokee  Lodge,  1864  Journal,  557).  The  Lodge 
cannot  restore  him  to  membership  by  simply  reconsidering 
the  vote  by  which  the  card  was  granted. — 1873  Journal,  782, 
783,  900,  901.  See,  also,  1852  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1841,  1898, 
1952. 

Note. — A  brother  has  the  right  it,  though  the  Lodge  granting  the 

to  deposit  a  Withdrawal  Card  on  card   has,    since  granting  it,  been 

application    for    membership,    and  suspended    or    expelled — (1849   S. 

a  Lodge  has  the  right  to  receive  G.  L.  Journal,  1470,  1484). 

1898.  Credentials  of  member  of  extinct  Lodge.  A  brother 
who  was  in  good  standing  at  the  time  his  Lodge  became 
extinct,  or  was  a  suspended  member  for  any  cause  other  than 
the  non-payment  of  dues,  or  had  been  expelled,  cannot  be 
admitted  to  membership  in  this  jurisdiction  until  he  shall 
procure  proper  credentials  from  the  jurisdiction  to  which  he 
formerly  belonged. — 1864  Journal,  487,  536. 

1899.  Defunct  Lodges — Withdrawal  Cards — Dismissal 
Certificates.  Grand  Lodges,  through  their  proper  officers,  are 
permitted  to  issue  to  members  of  defunct  Lodges  Withdrawal 
Cards  or  Dismissal  Certificates,  according  to  the  standing  of 
the  brothers  when  the  Lodge  surrendered  its  charter,  and 
members  holding  such  cards  or  Dismissal  Certificates  shall 
have  the  same  privilege  and  are  to  be  recognized  by  every 
Lodge  to  which  they  may  be  presented,  whether  in  or  out  of 
the  jurisdiction  issuing  them  as  having  the  same  force  and 
effect  as  a  Withdrawal  Card  or  Dismissal  Certificate  issued 
by  an  existing  Lodge  in  good  standing,  and  will  enable  the 
holder  to  join  another  Lodge,  and  all  laws  in  conflict  there- 
with are  repealed.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  251,  319,  320,  353. 

1900.  Suspended  or  expelled  member.  No  suspended  or 
expelled  member  of  the  Order  can  be  admitted  to  member- 
ship in  this  Lodge  except  on  a  Dismissal  Certificate  or  on 


Membership.  491 

being  reinstated  and  receiving  a  Withdrawal  Card  from  the 
Lodge  which  suspended  or  expelled  him,  or  from  the  Grand 
Secretary,  as  prescribed  by  law. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  II,  Sec.  3. 

1901.  To  receive  petition  and  ballot  the  same  evening.  It 
is  not  legal  for  a  Lodge  to  receive  a  proposition  for  member- 
ship by  deposit  of  card  and  ballot  for  the  applicant  the  same 
evening,  without  a  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master. — 
1889  Journal,  33,  122,  163. 

1902.  Investigating  Committee  not  to  report  forthwith. 

Improper  for  an  Investigating  Committee  to  report  forth- 
with on  an  application  for  membership  by  card,  and  for  the 
Lodge  to  receive  such  report,  and  ballot  on  the  application 
at  the  same  meeting  the  application  is  received,  except  by 
dispensation. — 1860  Journal,  85,  86. 

1903.  Appointment  of  Investigating  Committee.  A  Noble 
Grand  may  appoint  an  Investigating  Committee  on  the  ap- 
plication of  a  brother  by  deposit  of  card,  though  he  may  be 
present  in  the  Lodge. — 1857  Journal,  272. 

1904.  Applicant  becomes  a  member,  when.  A  brother 
who  makes  application  to  a  Lodge  for  membership  by 
deposit  of  card  and  is  elected,  does  not  become  a  member 
of  the  Lodge  until  after  signing  the  Constitution. — 1883 
Journal,  1001,  1150,  1175 ;  1901  Journal,  410,  557,  562. 

1905.  The  rank  or  degree  of  applicant.  Where  a  brother 
holds  a  Withdrawal  Card  and  applies  for  admission  upon  it, 
and  can  prove  himself  only  as  far  as  the  Second  Degree,  but 
the  Lodge  receives  a  communication  from  the  brother's 
former  Lodge  that  he  had  received  the  Scarlet  Degree,  the 
number  of  degrees  he  had  received  is  a  question  of  fact  to  be 
determined  by  the  Lodge.  Should  the  Noble  Grand  decide 
the  brother  to  be  entitled  to  rank  as  a  Third  Degree  member, 
and  the  Lodge  acquiesce  in  the  decision,  the  decision  of  the 
Xoble  Grand  becomes  the  decision  of  the  Lodge. — 1878  Jour- 
nal, 958,  973,  983. 


492  Membership. 

1906.  Degrees — An  elected  brother  not  signed  the  Con- 
stitution. A  brother  who  has  been  elected  to  become  a  mem- 
ber of  a  Lodge  by  deposit  of  card,  and  who  has  only  attained 
the  First  Degree,  never  having  signed  the  Constitution,  nor 
presented  himself  for  introduction,  cannot  legally  apply  for 
the  other  degrees,  nor  can  the  Lodge  legally  confer  them. — 
1883  Journal,  1001,  1150,  1175. 

1907.  When  elected,  committee  appointed  to  examine  as 
to  degrees.  When  a  brother  is  presented  for  admission  to 
membership  by  deposit  of  final  card  (after  notice  of  his 
election),  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Noble  Grand  to  appoint 
a  committee  of  three  Scarlet  Degree  members,  one  of  whom 
shall  be  the  senioi>  Past  Grand  present ;  if  no  Past  Grand  be 
present,  then  the  acting  Noble  Grand  shall  be  one  of  said 
committee.  They  shall  examine  the  applicant  in  all  of  the 
degrees  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  he  claims  to  have  attained, 
and  report  to  the  Lodge.  If  correct,  he  shall  be  introduced 
by  the  committee,  and  sign  the  Constitution  of  the  Lodge. — 
1857  Journal,  266. 

Note. — The  Noble  Grand  should  tioii  was  referred  had  not  per- 
examine  an  applicant  for  mem-  formed  that  duty,  or  a  committee 
bership  by  card  as  to  his  being  in  of  the  Lodge  had  not  previously 
possession  of  the  Annual  Travel-  examined  him  therein  when  visit- 
ing Password,  and  of  the  degrees  ing  the  Lodge — (1853  S.  G.  L. 
he  claims  to  have  received,  if  the  Journal,  2147,  2177). 
committee    to    whom    his    applica- 

1908.  Lodge  has  the  right  to  reject  applicant.  A  Lodge 
has  a  right  to  reject  the  holder  of  a  Withdrawal  Card  within 
date.  An  applicant  for  admission  by  card  is  subject  to  the 
same  consideration  as  an  applicant  by  initiation.  The  card 
is  prima  facie  evidence  of  good  character,  but  not  conclusive. 
There  may  be  other  considerations  besides  character  which 
w^ould  influence  the  members  of  a  Lodge  to  reject  an  appli- 
cant for  membership  by  card  as  well  as  by  initiation. — 1876 
Journal,  391,  474,  508. 

Note. — A    Lodge    is    not    bound  application  is  made  is  the  appro- 

to  receive  a  card  on  deposit  or  to  priate  party  to  judge  of  the  ap- 

admit  the  holder  thereof  to  mem-  plicant's    fitness    for    re-admission 

bership.     The  Lodge  to  which  the  —(1844  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  678). 


b 


Membership.  493 

1909.  Rejected  applicant  by  card  may  apply  again  at 
next  meeting.  A  candidate  who  has  applied  for  admission 
by  card,  and  who  has  been  rejected,  can  make  another  appli- 
cation at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Lodge. — 1888  Journal, 
1021,  1111,  1130. 

1910.  The  same — Or  at  same  evening  to  same  Lodge.  An 
applicant  for  membership  by  deposit  of  card  having  been 
rejected,  may  present  his  application  again  the  same  even- 
inor  and  in  the  same  Lodge. — 1889  Journal,  31,  122,  163. 

1911.  Renewal  of  application.  Application  for  admission 
by  card  may  be  made  at  any  time,  and  there  is  no  limit  to  the 
number  of  times  in  case  of  rejection. — 1858  Journal,  378. 

1912.  Grand  Secretary  should  be  notified  of  rejection. 

The  Grand  Secretary  should  be  notified  of  the  rejection  of  a 
candidate  who  applies  for  admission  by  card. — 1888  Jour- 
nal, 1021,  1111,  1130. 

1913.  Lodges  should  be  notified  of  rejection.  In  case  a 
candidate  by  deposit  of  card  as  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow  is 
rejected,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Lodge  to  report  it  to  every 
Lodge  in  the  county,  and  to  the  Grand  Secretary. — 1882 
Journal,  739,  844,  879. 

(See  Cards  and  Certificates;  Fees.) 

6.     REINSTATEMENT  AND  READMISSION. 

1914.  Grand  Lodges'  control  of  the  question.  The  ques- 
tion of  the  reinstatement  of  members  who  have  been  sus- 
pended for  non-payment  of  dues  is  by  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  relegated  to  and  placed  under  the  control  of  the 
several  local  Grand  Lodges  and  Grand  Encampments,  and 
all  laws  in  conflict  therewith  are  repealed. — 1902  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  895,  954,  970.  • 

1915.  The  general  laws  on  the  subject — Grand  Lodges' 
laws.  The  law  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  1902  (S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  895,  954,  970)  is  comprehensive  and  remits  the  whole 
subject  of  reinstatement  of  members  suspended  for  non- 
payment of  dues  to  local  Grand  Lodges  and  Grand  Encamp- 


494  Membership. 

ments,  and  puts  no  limitation  on  the  control  of  the  matter  by 
Grand  Lodges  and  Grand  Encampments,  respectively.  The 
general  laws  upon  the  subject  are  in  force  except  where 
Grand  Lodges  or  Grand  Encampments  in  pursuance  of  the 
authority  conferred  by  the  law  have  assumed  control  and 
otherwise  provided.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  26,  284,  314. 

1916.  Within  one  year  after  suspension  for  non-payment 
of  dues.  Any  member  suspended  from  membership  for  non- 
payment of  dues  may  be  reinstated  in  the  Lodge  from  which 
he  was  suspended  within  one  year  thereafter,  by  paying  the 
amount  of  one  year's  dues,  and  by  receiving  a  vote  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  members  present — a  motion  to  that  effect  hav- 
ing been  laid  over  one  week,  and  said  vote  shall  be  by  ballot. 
— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  1,  Clause  2. 

1917.  Application  for  reinstatement  within   a  year.    A 

brother  making  application  for  reinstatement  under  the 
provisions  of  Clause  2,  Article  VIII,  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nate Lodges,  is  entitled  to  reinstatement  under  the  pro- 
visions therein,  although  such  reinstatement  does  not  take 
place  until  after  the  expiration  of  the  year. — 1898  Journal, 
13,  231,  277. 

1918.  More  than  one  year  after  such  suspension.  After 
one  year  after  date  of  suspension,  a  member  suspended  for 
non-payment  of  dues  may  be  reinstated  upon  the  payment  of 
the  amount  of  one  year's  dues  or  such  greater  sum  as  the 
By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  may  prescribe ;  and  he  shall  petition 
the  Lodge  in  writing  to  be  reinstated,  which  shall  be  dis- 
posed of  as  provided  in  Article  III,  Section  1,  for  petitions 
for  membership  by  initiation. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  VIII,  Sec.  1,  Clause  2. 

1919.  When  rejected  applicant  may  apply  again.  A  mem- 
ber who  has  been  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  less 
than  one  year,  and  who,  on  making  application  for  rein- 
statement, is  rejected,  may  apply  again  at  the  next  meeting 
of  the  Lodge.— 1897  Journal,  809,  1030,  1054. 

1920.  The  one  year's  dues.  The  one  year's  dues  referred 
to  in  Article  VIII,  Section  1,  Clause  2,  Constitution  of  Subor- 


Membership.  495 

• 
dinates,  relative  to  reinstatement  of  members  suspended  for 
non-payment  of  dues,  is  the  one  year's  dues  of  the  Lodge  at 
the  time  the  brother  applies  to  be  reinstated. — 1876  Journal, 
391,  474,  508. 

1921.  Admission  fees  and  dues.  When  the  admission  fee 
is  ten  dollars,  and  the  yearly  dues  are  twelve  dollars,  a 
brother  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  must  pay  twelve 
months'  dues  prior  to  reinstatement. — 1899  Journal,  443, 
650,  677. 

1922.  More  than  twelve  months'  dues  cannot  be 
demanded,  when.  A  Lodge  cannot  demand  more  than  twelve 
months'  dues  of  a  brother  when  he  petitions  within  a  year 
after  ceasing  membership  for  reinstatement,  after  having 
ceased  membership  for  non-payment  of  dues,  even  though 
his  dues  had  been  allowed  to  accumulate  for  a  longer  period 
than  twelve  months  before  the  Noble  Grand  declared  him  to 
have  ceased  membership. — 1861  Journal,  180. 

1923.  Fines  and  Assessments.  A  brother  suspended  for 
non-payment  of  dues,  upon  reinstatement  within  one  year 
thereafter,  must  pay  the  year's  dues  required  to  be  paid  by 
members  of  the  Lodge  at  the  time  of  the  application  for 
reinstatement.  He  need  not  pay  in  addition  to  dues,  the 
fines  and  assessments  charged  against  him  during  the  year 
previous  to  his  suspension. — 1873  Journal,  870,  892;  1872 
Journal,  689;  Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec. 
1,  Clause  2. 

1924.  Fines  and  assessments  when  suspension  is  for  a 
fixed  period.  When  the  suspension  is  for  a  fixed  period  of 
time,  altliough  payment  of  fines  and  assessments  made  dur- 
ing such  period  is  not  a  pre-requisite  for  reinstatement,  yet 
such  assessments  stand  a  charge  against  the  brother  when 
reinstated  the  same  as  before  the  suspension. — 1872  Journal, 
689;  1873  Journal,  870,  892. 

1925.  When  fines  are  imposed  after  trial,  for  offenses. 
All  fines  imposed  under  this  section  shall  be  paid  within 
thirteen  weeks  from  the  date  of  their  imposition,  or  the 


496  Membership. 

brother  shall  stand  suspended  from  all  the  rights  and  bene- 
fits of  the  Order  until  such  fine  is  paid ;  and  if  he  cease  to 
be  a  member  he  shall,  prior  to  reinstatement,  pay  the  whole 
amount  of  such  fines  and  dues. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  VIII,  Sec.  6. 

1926.  When  petition  for  reinstatement  necessary.  Arti- 
cle VIII,  Section  1,  Clause  3,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subor- 
dinates, must  be  construed  in  conjunction  with  Clause  2. 
An  application  for  reinstatement  and  a  Withdrawal  Card 
under  Clause  3  must  be  in  writing,  no  particular  form  being 
necessary.  If  the  application  be  made  within  one  year  after 
suspension,  it  may  be  granted  without  petition,  it  may  be 
granted  upon  motion  laid  over  one  week,  and  by  a  two- 
thirds  vote,  which  vote  shall  be  by  ballot ;  but  if  made  after 
the  expiration  of  a  year  from  the  date  of  suspension,  then 
it  must  be  made  by  petition,  etc.,  as  indicated  in  Article  III, 
Section  1,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates. — 1863  Jour- 
nal, 434,  438;  1867  Journal,  292,  338,  349;  1883  Journal, 
1003,  1150,  1175. 

1927.  Form  of  petition.  Article  VIII,  Section  1,  Consti- 
tution of  Subordinates,  providing  for  reinstatement  of  a 
brother  who  has  been  suspended  over  a  year  for  non-pay- 
ment of  dues,  does  not  require  the  same  form  as  for  initia- 
tion; it  only  prescribes  the  manner  of  the  disposition  of  the 
application,  and  not  the  form. — 1863  Journal,  434,  438. 

1928.  When  suspension  is  for  a  fixed  period.  When  a 
suspension  is  for  a  fixed  and  limited  period,  the  disability 
expires  with  the  expiration  of  the  term,  and  no  announce- 
ment or  notice  is  necessary,  and  the  law  does  not  require 
the  Noble  Grand  to  declare  in  open  Lodge  the  fact  of  such 
reinstatement,  and  does  not  require  notices  of  such  rein- 
statement to  be  sent  to  the  Grand  Secretary  and  the  Lodges 
in  the  county. — 1860  Journal,  51. 

1929.  The  same.  Upon  the  expiration  of  the  term  of 
suspension  he  is  ipso  facto  restored  to  membership.  His 
dues  accrue  during  suspension. — 1857  Journal,  250. 


Membership.  497 

1930.  Physician's  certificate  may  be  required.  Where 
a  brother  has  been  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues,  the 
Lodge  has  the  right  to  require  a  physician's  certificate  of 
him  when  making  application  for  reinstatement. — 1888 
Journal,  1022,  1111,  1130;  1905  Journal,  743,  932,  948. 

1931.  Not  necessary  to  introduce    reinstated    brother. 

When  a  brother  has  ceased  membership  for  non-payment 
of  dues,  and  is  subsequently  reinstated,  it  is  not  necessary 
to  appoint  a  committee  to  introduce  such  brother.  The 
Noble  Grand  should  admit  him,  'and  then  communicate  the 
semi-annual  password. — 1862  Journal,  290. 

1932.  Not  necessary  to  re-sign  Constitution.     It  is  not 

necessary  to  re-sign  the  Constitution  when  a  person  sus- 
pended is  reinstated. — 1861  Journal,  169 ;  1862  Journal,  290. 

1933.  What  proceedings  not  necessary  on  reinstatement. 
A  brother  who  has  ceased  membership  for  non-payment  of 
dues  more  than  one  year,  and  whose  ballot  on  reinstate- 
ment conforms  to  that  of  an  initiate,  should  not  be  required 
to  answer  the  usual  questions,  be  introduced  and  re-sign  the 
Constitution,  as  in  case  of  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow  with  a 
card  on  readmission. — 1867  Journal,  339,  349. 

1934.  Payment  of  less  than  is  due  on  reinstatement. .  An 

error  in  reinstating  a  brother  by  payment  of  less  than  is 
due  does  not  deprive  the  brother  of  membership.  The  bal- 
ance due  can  be  charged  against  him  on  the  books. — Chaf- 
fin  vs.  Hope  Lodge,  1869  Journal,  64,  76. 

1935.  Consent  of  Lodge  nearest  residence,  not  neces- 
sary. A  member  of  a  Lodge  has  been  suspended  five  years 
for  non-payment  of  dues;  during  the  interval  of  suspension 
a  new  Lodge  was  established  nearer  the  residence  of  the 
suspended  brother.  Upon  the  petition  of  the  suspended 
member  to  be  reinstated  in  the  Lodge  which  suspended 
him,  the  consent  of  the  new  Lodge  nearest  his  residence  is 
nnnece.s.sary.  The  provisions  of  Article  II,  Section  5,  of 
the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  are  not  applicable  to 
petitions  for  reinstatement.— 1873  Journal,  894,  901;  1882 
Journal,  739,  844,  879. 

3-2 


498  Membership. 

1936.  Reinstatement  within  five  years  and  card.  A  mem- 
ber suspended  from  membership  for  non-payment  of  dues, 
and  who  makes  application  for  reinstatement  and  for  a 
Withdrawal  Card  for  the  purpose  of  uniting  with  another 
Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction,  may  be  reinstated  and  granted 
a  final  card  at  any  time  within  five  years  from  the  date 
of  suspension,  upon  the  payment  of  one  year's  dues  and 
the  usual  price  of  a  card. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art. 
VIII,  Sec.  1,  Clause  3. 

Note. — But  one  course  is  open  to  statement — (1852   S.   G.   L.   Jour- 

a  person  to  regain  admission  into  nal,    1885,    1948;    1855    S.    G.    L. 

the  Order,  who  has  lost  connection  Journal,  2495,  2520)  ;  or  for  a  dis- 

therewith  by  disuse.     It  is  to  ap-  missal  certificate — (1880  S.  G.  L. 

ply  to  his  former  Lodge  for  rein-  Journal,  8487 ) . 

1937.  Notice  of  reinstatement.  Notice  of  all  reinstate- 
ments shall  forthwith  be  forwarded  to  every  Lodge  in  the 
county,  to  the  Subordinate  Encampment  and  Rebekah 
Lodge,  of  which  the  brother  is  a  member,  and  to  the  Grand 
Secretary. — Constitution   Subordinates,   Art.   VIII,    Sec.    8. 

1938.  Contributing  member  for  twenty-five  years  and 
over  sixty  years  of  age.  Provided  that  no  member  shall 
be  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  who  is  over  sixty 
years  of  age,  and  who  has  been  a  contributing  member  for 
twenty-five  consecutive  years,  but  he  shall  be  retained  as 
a  non-beneficial  member,  and  as  such  shall  be  entitled  to 
the  password  and  all  the  privileges  of  active  members, 
except  benefits.  The  Lodge  shall  not  be  compelled  to  pay 
per  capita  tax  on  such  non-beneficial  members.  Such  non- 
beneficial  members  may  be  reinstated  in  the  manner  as  pro- 
vided for  the  reinstatement  of  suspended  members  for  non- 
payment of  dues. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII, 
Sec.  1;  1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  25,  219,  243. 

1939.  Brother  suspended  for  an  offense.  A  brother  sus- 
pended for  any  cause  may  be  reinstated  on  the  removal  of 
the  cause  or  the  expiration  of  the  term  for  which  he  was 
suspended,   without   action   of  the   Lodge,   and   the   Noble 


Membership. 


499 


Grand  shall  declare  in  open  Lodge  his  being  reinstated. 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  9. 


Note. — The  moment  the  term 
fixed  for  the  duration  of  the  pun- 
ishment expires,  ipso  facto,  the 
member  returns  to  the  full  enjoy- 


ment of  his  position  in  the  Lodge, 
without  form— (1849  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  1504,  1513). 


1940.  The  same.  Upon  the  expiration  of  a  term  of  sus- 
pension of  a  brother,  he  is  ipso  facto  restored  to  membership. 
—1857  Journal,  250. 

1941.  To  reinstate  expelled  member.  An  expelled  mem- 
ber can  be  reinstated  only  after  a  proposition,  reference  and 
election  by  ballot,  as  in  the  case  of  a  newly-proposed  mem- 
ber, permission  having  first  been  obtained  from  the  Grand 
Master. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  9. 

1942.  Expelled  member  and  member  suspended  on 
charges.  This  Lodge  shall  not  reinstate  an  expelled  member 
of  this  Lodge  nor  one  suspended  upon  charges  without  per- 
mission of  the  Grand  Master. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  X,  Sec.  2. 

1943.  What  expelled  member  must  pay.  To  reinstate 
an  expelled  member,  he  must  pay  the  same  fee  as  an  initiate 
of  the  same  age,  or  such  lesser  fee  as  the  By-Laws  may  pre- 
.scribe.  On  taking  the  degrees,  he  must  pay  for  the  same 
as  any  other  member.— 1878  Journal,  818,  928,  965;  1895 
Journal,  818,  928,  967. 

1944.  In  what  Lodge  expelled  brother  should  be  rein- 
stated. If  a  member  be  expelled  from  a  Lodge  and  join 
another  Lodge  by  initiation  without  first  being  reinstated, 
and  be  expelled  the  second  time,  the  Lodge  to  reinstate  him 
is  the  Lodge  wherein  he  had  a  legal  membership.  It  is  the 
Lodge  from  which  he  was  first  expelled. — 1872  Journal, 
689. 

1945.  Expelled  member  reinstated — His  rank  and 
degrees.  A  brother  expelled  from  the  Lodge,  upon  rein- 
statement, should  be  received  exactly  the  same  as  if  he  had 
never  been  expelled,  and  should  take  rank  according  to  the 


500  Membership. 

degrees  obtained  by  him  before  such  expulsion;  no  reini- 
tiation or  reconferring  of  degrees  is  permitted. — 1878  Jour- 
nal, 818,  928,  965 ;  1879  Journal,  32,  107. 

Note. — An  expelled  member  can-  withstanding  permission  so  to  do 

not  be  readmitted  to  membership  is   given   by  the   Grand   Lodge  of 

by    another    Lodge    in    the    same  the  Jurisdiction — (1886   S.   G.   L. 

jurisdiction  without  the  consent  of  Journal,  10406,  10443). 
the   Lodge   expelling   him.        Not- 

1946.  Expelled  member  of  another  jurisdiction.  A  mem- 
ber expelled  in  one  jurisdiction  cannot  be  legally  reinstated 
in  another  jurisdiction  except  by  the  consent  of  the  Lodge 
expelling  him,  and  if  reinstated,  except  by  consent,  is  a 
member  neither  of  the  Lodge  expelling  nor  of  the  Order. 
No  Subordinate  Lodge  can  reinstate  an  expelled  member 
of  its  own  motion.  The  consent  of  the  Grand  Lodge  to 
which  the  Lodge  is  Subordinate,  or  of  the  Grand  Master,  is 
absolutely  necessary  to  authorize  the  restoration. — 1851- 
1872-1873  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1175,  1806,  5208,  5919,  5950. 

1947.  Money  on  rejection  to  be  returned.  When  a 
brother  applies  for  reinstatement  after  suspension  for  non- 
payment of  dues,  and  is  rejected,  the  money  paid  in  by 
him  on  his  application  must  be  returned  to  him,  although 
he  be  indebted  to  the  Lodge  in  that  amount. — 1870  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  4871,  4896. 

1948.  How  expelled  member  reinstated.  When  a  mem- 
ber has  been  expelled  from  a  Lodge  for  any  cause,  and  the 
judgment  of  the  Lodge  has  been  sustained  on  appeal,  he  can 
be  reinstated  to  membership  only  by  action  of  the  Lodge 
from  which  he  was  expelled.  There  is  no  provision  of  law 
investing  the  Grand  Master  or  the  Grand  Lodge  with  par- 
doning power.— 1889  Journal,  32,  122,  163. 

1949.  Reinstatement  of  expelled  member.  Section  9, 
Article  VIII,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  regulates  this 
matter.  An  application  to  reinstate  an  expelled  member 
must  be  made  to  the  Lodge  which  expelled  him.  On  receipt 
of  the  application  the  Lodge  must  wait  till  it  receives  the 
permission  or  dispensation  of  the  Grand  Master,  as  provided 


Il 


Membership.  501 

therein.  On  receipt  of  such  application,  if  the  Lodge  desires 
to  act  thereon,  it  must,  by  a  majority  vote,  determine  to 
apply  for  such  permission  or  dispensation.  On  receipt  of 
such  permission  or  dispensation  it  must  then  act  in  accord- 
ance with  the  requirements  of  said  Section  9,  Article  VIII, 
of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates.  Such  applicant  must 
be  balloted  for  in  the  same  manner  as  an  applicant  to 
become  a  member  by  initiation,  and  the  same  ballot  that 
rejects  an  applicant  to  become  a  member  by  initiation, 
rejects  such  an  applicant  who  desires  to  be  reinstated  as  an 
expelled  member.— 1903  Journal,  195,  196,  212. 

1950.  The  ballot  on  application  of  expelled  member  to 
be  reinstated.  The  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution 
expressly  provides  in  effect  that  the  application  or  proposi- 
tion shall  be  referred  to  a  committee  and  the  applicant  shall 
be  balloted  for  and  elected  as  in  the  case  of  a  newly  proposed 
member.  Under  these  provisions  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge 
Constitution,  such  an  applicant  is  either  elected  or  rejected 
the  same  as  an  applicant  for  membership  by  initiation  or  a 
newly  proposed  member,  that  is  if  three  or  more  black  balls 
appear  the  applicant  is  rejected. — 1903  Journal,  194,  212. 

7.    NON-CONTRIBUTING  AND  NON-BENEFICIAL  MEM- 
BERS. 

1951.  Non-contributing  member — Over  sixty  years  of 
age  and  a  contributing  member  for  twenty-five  years.  "Pro- 
vided that  no  member  shall  be  suspended  for  non-payment 
of  dues  who  is  over  sixty  years  of  age,  and  who  has  been 
a  contributing  member  for  twenty-five  consecutive  years, 
but  he  shall  be  retained  as  a  non-beneficial  member,  and  as 
such  shall  be  entitled  to  the  password  and  all  the  privileges 
of  active  members,  except  benefits.  The  Lodge  shall  not  be 
compelled  to  pay  per  capita  tax  on  such  non-beneficial  mem- 
bers. Such  non-beneficial  members  may  be  reinstated  in  the 
manner  as  provided  for  the  reinstatement  of  suspended 
members  for  non-payment  of  dues." — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  VIII,  Sec.  1,  Clause  1 ;  1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  392, 


502  Membership. 

414 ;  1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1012 ;  1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  850, 
866,  884. 

Note. — The  words  "contributing  eluding    the    time    an    unexpired 

membership     for    twenty-five    con-  Withdrawal  Card  may  have    been 

secutive   years"    mean    continuous  held — (1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  18, 

membership  for  twenty  years,  in-  284,  314). 

1952.  Non-contributing  members.  The  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  adopted  in  1905  the  following:  Resolved,  That  the 
designation  '* non-beneficial,"  as  used  in  the  law  above 
quoted  (the  law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  which  is 
found  in  Section  1951  of  this  Digest),  be  discontinued,  and 
the  term  *' non-contributing"  be  substituted  therefor,  so  that 
the  designation  "non-beneficial"  shall  apply  only  to  mem- 
bers who,  by  reason  of  non-payment  of  dues  for  the  time 
provided  by  local  law,  are  not  entitled  to  benefits. — 1905 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  209,  279,  292. 

1953.  Reinstatement      of      non-contributing      member. 

Where  a  brother  over  sixty  years  of  age  has  been  a  con- 
tributing member  for  twenty-five  years  consecutively  and 
is  dropped  for  non-payment  of  dues  to  the  grade  of  a  non- 
beneficial  member,  he  may  be  reinstated  in  the  manner  pro- 
vided for  the  reinstatement  of  dropped  members  by  the 
Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  the  several  jurisdictions. — 
1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  25,  219,  243. 

1954.  Eligible  to  office.  A  non-contributing  member, 
mentioned  in  Section  1951  of  this  Digest,  is  eligible  to  elec- 
tion as  Noble  Grand  or  any  other  elective  office  in  a 
Subordinate  Lodge.  The  language  of  the  law  is  that  ''such 
non-beneficial  members  [non-contributing  members]  shall 
have  all  the  privileges  of  active  members,  except  benefits." 
—1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  25,  219,  243. 

1955.  Visiting  Card.  A  member  becomes  a  non-contrib- 
uting member  according  to  Section  1951  of  this  Digest  and 
resides  in  another  jurisdiction  and  in  order  that  he  may 
have  the  Annual  Traveling  Password  and  visit  in  other 
jurisdictions  he  should  obtain  from  his  Lodge  the  special 
Visiting  Card  for  such  non-beneficial  members  [non-contrib- 


Membership.  503 

nting  members]  .—1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  209,  279,  292,  42, 
219,  243. 

(See  Section  795.) 

1956.  Who  may  be  admitted  as  non-beneficial  member. 

An  Odd  Fellow  who  has  been  regularly  initiated  into  the 
Order,  and  has  retained  membership  therein  for  at  least 
five  consecutive  years,  and  who  at  the  time  of  making  appli- 
cation for  reinstatement  or  membership,  shall  be  over  fifty 
years  of  age,  may  be  admitted  to  membership  in  this  Lodge 
as  a  non-beneficial  member  upon  such  terms  as  the  By-Laws 
may  prescribe,  by  presenting  a  petition  as  required  under 
Section  1,  Article  III,  for  proposals  for  membership  by 
initiation,  which  shall  be  disposed  of  according  to  said  sec- 
tion.— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  II,  Sec.  4;  1881  Jour- 
nal, 500,  601,  627;  1886  Journal,  536,  620,  646;  1905  Jour- 
nal, 744,  932,  948. 

Note. — Non  affiliated    Odd    Fel-  sion  for  cause,  may  be  admitted  to 

lows  who  have  been  regularly  in-  membership  in  any  Lodge  as  non- 

itiated  in  the  Order  and  have  re-  beneficial     members     upon      such 

tained  membership  therein  for  at  terms  as  the  local  law  may  pre- 

least  five  consecutive    years,    and  scribe — (1870    S.    G.    L.    Journal, 

who  at  the  time  of  making  appli-  4884,  4919;  1876  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

cation  for  reinstatement  or  mem-  6984,  7054;  1878  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

bership  shall  be  over  fifty  years  of  7856,  7884). 
age  and  who  are  not  under  expul- 

1957.  Consent  necessary.  An  Odd  Fellow  cannot  be 
decreed  a  non-beneficial  member  at  the  will  of  his  Lodge 
and  without  his  consent,  nor  can  it  cut  him  off  from  bene- 
fits while  paying  his  dues,  unless  authorized  so  to  do  by 
law.— 1897  Journal,  1002,  1035. 

1958.  Brother  over  fifty  years  of  age  reinstated  benefi- 
cial member.  A  brother  who  has  been  suspended  for  non- 
payment of  dues,  and  who  was  regularly  initiated  into  the 
Order  and  retained  his  membership  for  at  least  five  consec- 
utive years,  may  be  reinstated  after  he  is  over  fifty  years 
of  age  as  a  beneficial  member. — 1883  Journal,  1004,  1150, 
1175. 


504  Membership. 

1959.  Age — Beneficial  and  non-beneficial  members.  Sec- 
tion 4,  Article  II,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  does 
not  prohibit  a  Lodge  from  admitting,  as  a  beneficial  mem- 
ber, an  Odd  Fellow  over  fifty  years  of  age.  It  simply  per- 
mits a  Lodge  to  receive,  as  non-beneficial  members,  those 
who  possess  the  requirements  contained  in  the  said  section 
and  whom  the  Lodge  might  not,  by  reason  of  ill  health  or 
otherwise,  desire  to  receive  as  beneficial  members. — 1889 
Journal,  32,  122,  163. 

1960.  To  change  from  member  to  non-beneficial  member. 

A  member  of  a  Lodge  in  good  standing,  over  fifty  years  of 
age,  can  change  his  relation  to  the  Order  from  that  of  a 
beneficial  to  a  non-beneficial  member,  but  it  must  be  done 
by  withdrawing  from  the  Lodge  and  applying  for  read- 
mission  as  a  non-beneficial  member. — 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
14973,  15068. 

1961.  Ancient  Odd  Fellows  over  fifty  years  of  age.  A 
former  member  of  a  Lodge,  over  fifty  years  of  age,  holding 
a  Withdrawal  Card  two  years  old,  and  wishing  to  re-unite 
as  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow,  is  eligible  to  beneficial  mem- 
bership, and  the  Lodge  may  admit  him  as  such  should  it 
see  fit.  There  is  no  maximum  limit  as  to  the  age  which 
would  debar  him  from  again  becoming  a  member  of  the 
Order.— 1895  Journal,  21,  195,  196,  236. 

1962.  Rights    of    non-beneficial  members — Vote — Office. 

Non-beneficial  members  are  entitled  to  the  same  rights  and 
privileges  as  beneficial  members,  except  in  the  matter  of 
benefits.  They  can  vote  and  hold  office. — 1896  Journal,  415, 
588,  629. 

1963.  Qualifications  of  non-beneficial  members.  A  per- 
son who  has  never  been  a  member  of  the  Order  cannot  be 
elected  and  initiated  as  a  non-beneficial  member.  Only  those 
who  have  been  members  of  the  Order  more  than  five  years 
and  at  the  time  of  application  are  over  fifty  years  of  age 
are  so  eligible.— 1888  Journal,  1020,  1111,  1130. 

1964.  When  a  non-beneficial  member  may  withdraw  and 
rejoin.     An  Odd  Fellow  who  joins  a  Lodge  as  an  Ancient 


i 


Membership.  505 

Odd  Fellow,  and  as  a  non-beneficial  member,  can  withdraw 
and  join  another  Lodge  in  full  membership,  if  the  other 
Lodge  be  willing  to  accept  him  in  that  way. — 1888  Journal, 
1026,  1111,  1130. 

8.     MISCELLANEOUS. 

1965.  No  life  membership.  A  Lodge  cannot  make  a  life 
member  of  a  brother  who  is  unable  to  pay  his  dues,  and  thus 
entitle  him  to  benefits  if  sick.  Life  membership  is  not 
recognized  by  the  laws  of  Odd  Fellowship. — 1892  Journal, 
13,  112,  127. 

1966.  No  life  membership— Trust  fund  for  it.  There  is 
no  pro\nsion  in  the  laws  of  our  Order  for  the  purchase  of  a 
life  membership  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  yet  there  is  noth- 
ing to  prevent  a  brother  placing  with  his  Lodge  a  trust 
fund,  which,  placed  at  interest,  will  provide  a  revenue  suffi- 
cient to  meet  all  demands  of  the  Lodge  upon  him. — 1898 
Journal,  11,  221,  240. 

1967.  No  honorary  membership.  A  brother  in  good 
standing  cannot  be  proposed,  and,  by  motion,  be  elected 
an  honorary  member  of  a  Lodge.  Honorary  membership 
is  not  allowed  in  Odd  Fellowship.— 1897  Journal,  413,  607, 
636;  1897  Journal,  808,  994,  1034. 

1968.  In  case  of  suspension.  A  suspended  brother  of 
the  Order  is  not  entitled  to  the  privileges,  attentions  or 
benefits  of  the  same,  and  he  should  not  be  reported  to  the 
Lodge  when  sick ;  and  in  case  of  his  death  while  under  sus- 
pension, the  Lodge  incurs  no  new  liability  on  account  of 
his  decease.— 1856  Journal,  189,  203;  1857  Journal,  249. 

1969.  In  case  of  illegal  initiation.  Persons  who  from  no 
fault  of  their  own  are  illegally  initiated,  cannot  be  dis- 
charged from  membership  for  that  reason,  but  are  entitled 
to  all  the  rights  enjoyed  by  other  members  of  similar  rank ; 
and  the  same  rule  governs  the  case  of  an  unworthy  person 


506  Membkrsbip. 

who  may  have  been  inadvertently  admitted. — 1861  Journal, 
147;  1888  Journal,  1031,  1121,  1152. 

Note. — An  initiation  of  an  un-  charges  duly  preferred  and  investi- 

worthy  person  cannot  be  declared  gated — (1849   S.    G.    L.    Journal, 

null  and  void.  He  can  only  be  ex-  1475,  1511). 
pelled    after    proper     trial     upon 

1970.  Illegally  initiated,  and  guilty  of  fraud.  If  a  per- 
son who  has  been  illegally  initiated  have  been  guilty  of 
fraud,  his  initiation  cannot  be  declared  void,  as  it  might  be 
construed  as  releasing  him  from  his  obligation,  which  per- 
haps would  also  be  considered  void  if  the  whole  initiation 
were;  but  in  such  case  he  can  be  expelled  therefor  after 
trial.— 1853  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2146,  2177. 

1971.  Insane  person  initiated.  A  man  makes  applica- 
tion for  membership  in  a  Lodge,  the  committee  reports 
favorably  on  the  application  after  the  medical  examiner 
has  already  pronounced  the  applicant  in  good  health,  the 
ballot  is  taken  and  announced  clear,  and  the  candidate 
declared  elected.  The  candidate  answered  all  questions 
satisfactorily,  after  which  the  candidate  was  initiated. 
After  the  initiation  it  is  ascertained  that  the  initiate  is  on 
parole  from  an  insane  asylum.  Until  the  fact  of  the  broth- 
er's insanity  at  the  time  of  his  application,  election  and  ini- 
tiation is  legally  established  under  the  laws  of  the  Order, 
his  membership  must  be  recognized.  If  in  a  proceeding  for 
that  purpose,  and  of  which  he  has  full  notice,  it  is  shown 
that  he  was  insane  at  the  time  of  his  application,  election 
and  initiation,  his  election  could  be  annulled,  and  he  could 
be  expelled  from  the  Lodge  on  the  ground  that  he  was  not 
competent  to  enter  into  the  contract  involved  in  the  obtain- 
ing of  membership;  or  charges  could  be  preferred  against 
him  for  concealing  from  the  Lodge  and  not  divulging  the 
important  fact  of  the  condition  of  his  mind.  The  proceed- 
ings would  have  to  be  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of 
local  law.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  75,  299,  300,  324. 

1972.  Illegal  acts  of  Lodge.  A  brother  should  not  be 
deprived  of  any  of  his  legal  rights  in  consequence  of  the 
illegal  acts  of  his  Lodge. — 1864  Journal,  574,  573. 


Membership.  607 

1973.  Resignation.  A  brother  in  good  standing  and  free 
and  clear  on  the  books  may  sever  his  connection  with  the 
Lodge  and  the  Order  by  a  written  resignation,  without  other 
condition,  and  without  ever  having  asked  for  a  Withdrawal 
Card.— 1878  Journal,  817,  928,  965;  1879  Journal,  32,  107; 
1897  Journal,  804,  1030,  1054;  1879  Journal,  24,  101,  110. 

1974.  After    Withdrawal    Card    refused    may    resign. 

Should  the  Lodge  refuse  to  grant  the  card,  the  applicant, 
on  tendering  a  written  resignation  of  membership,  and 
paying  all  dues,  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  from  the  Secre- 
tary a  certificate,  under  seal  of  the  Lodge,  to  that  effect, 
and  such  certificate  shall  be  sufficient  evidence  of  good 
standing  at  the  time  of  such  resignation. — Constitution  Sub- 
ordinates, Art.  XII,  Sec.  1. 

1975.  When  resignation  takes  effect.  A  resignation  from 
the  Order  must  be  in  writing  and  signed  by  the  brother 
resigning,  and  when  filed  with  the  Secretary  at  a  regular 
meeting,  if  clear  on  the  books,  his  connection  with  the  Order 
is  immediately  severed  without  further  action  of  the  Lodge. 
—1889  Journal,  33,  122,  163. 

1976.  Resignation — Ballot.  If  a  member  sends  to  the 
Lodge  a  written  resignation  of  his  membership  it  must  not 
be  balloted  on.— 1904  Journal,  368,  547,  562. 

1977.  Under  charges  and  resignation.  A  member  cannot 
resign  from  a  Lodge  w^hile  charges  are  pending  against 
him.— 1876  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7098;  1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
524,  753,  820. 

1978.  Charges  and  resignation.  If  charges  are  preferred 
at  the  same  meeting  at  which  the  resignation  is  tendered, 
the  brother  accused  cannot  resign. — 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
524,  753,  820. 

1979.  Resignation  severs  connection  entirely.  A  writ- 
ten resignation  severs  the  connection  of  a  brother  finally 
and  entirely  with  the  Order,  provided  he  be  in  good  stand- 
ing in  his  Lodge  at  the  time  of  such  resignation.    When  a 


508 


Memorial  Day. 


brother  has  so  separated  himself  from  the  Order,  he  is  no 
longer  in  any  respect  subject  to  its  jurisdiction. — 1849 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1449,  1440;  1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  523,  757, 

845. 

1980.  Resignation  and  Dismissal  Certificate.  A  brother 
in  good  standing  (that  is,  paid  up)  can  tender  his  resigna- 
tion as  a  member  of  the  Order,  unless  charges  be  preferred 
against  him.  He  is  not  entitled  to  a  Dismissal  Certificate  in 
that  case.  Dismissal  Certificates  can  only  be  issued  to  mem- 
bers under  suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues. — 1897  Jour- 
nal, 808,  1030,  1054. 

1981.  After  resignation  may  re-apply.  In  case  of  resig- 
nation of  a  brother  from  the  Order,  he  may  apply  again 
for  admission  at  any  time. — 1860  Journal,  64,  73. 

1982.  Notice  of  resignation.  In  case  of  the  resignation 
of  a  brother  from  the  Order,  all  Lodges  in  the  district  and 
the  Grand  Secretary  shall  be  notified,  but  his  name  should 
not  be  entered  in  the  black  book. — 1860  Journal,  64,  73,  74. 

1983.  May  solicit  persons  to  become  applicants.  There 
is  no  law  prohibiting  the  soliciting  of  persons  to  petition 
Lodges  for  membership,  it  is  admissible  and  advisable  to 
present  to  good  citizens  the  advantages  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  in 
a  proper  way,  ask  consideration  and  if  they  be  favorably 
impressed,  to  request  their  application  for  membership. — 
1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11482,  11728,  11786. 

(See  Aged  Odd  Fellows.) 


MEMORIAL  DAY. 
1984.  The  day  and  its  observance.  The  second  Tuesday 
in  June  of  each  year  is  Memorial  Day,  and  Lodges  are 
requested  to  assemble  and  engage  in  appropriate  memorial 
services  respecting  their  deceased  members.  It  is  admissible 
for  several  Lodges  to  hold  joint  exercises  at  a  selected 
Lodge-room  or  suitable  hall. — 1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11761, 
11794,  11482,  11728,  11786. 

Note. — The  Grand  Sire  in  con-      is  required  to  issue    a    memorial 
junction  with  the  Grand  Secretary,      proclamation    annually    at    least 


Mileage.  509 

sixty  days  prior  to  the  10th  day  of  may  select  such  a  day,  and  the 

of  June.     A  Grand  Lodge  cannot  Grand  Master  may  issue  his  proc- 

fix  any  date  other  than  that  fixed  lamation  therewith — (1900S.  G.  L. 

by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  for  Journal,     813,     841,     874;      1899 

Memorial  Day,  but  if  a  different  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  41,  365,  394) .    It 

day  than   the   second   Tuesday   in  is  lawful   to  hold    memorial    ser- 

Jime  be  more  convenient  for  any  vices  on  Sunday — 1898    S,    G.    L. 

jurisdiction  to  hold  such  memorial  Journal,  15749,  10030,  16059). 
services,  the  Grand  Master  there- 

(See  Funds,  Section  1515.) 

MILEAGE. 

1985.  Committee  on  Mileage  a  regular  committee.  There 
shall  be  appointed  at  each  annual  session  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  a  regular  Committee  on  Mileage  from  among  the 
members  present. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI, 
Sec.  2. 

1986.  Committee  on  Mileage  and  its  duties.  The  Com- 
mittee on  Mileage  shall  consist  of  five  members,  who  shall, 
at  each  annual  session  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  ascertain  what 
amount  will  be  necessary  to  pay  the  mileage  of  the  succeed- 
ing annual  session,  and  to  provide,  in  their  report,  for  an  as- 
sessment to  be  levied  on  the  Subordinate  Lodges  of  this  juris- 
diction for  that  purpose.  Such  assessment  shall  be  levied 
upon  each  Subordinate  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  its 
members  returned  in  the  semi-annual  report  thereof  of  De- 
cember 31st  of  that  year,  and  shall  be  on  all  members  not  sus- 
pended on  that  date.  Said  assessment  shall  be  paid  by  the 
respective  Lodges  at  the  first  meeting  in  January  follow- 
ing, to  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master,  or  other  officer 
authorized  to  receive  the  same,  who  shall  remit  it,  without 
delay,  to  the  Grand  Secretary. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge, 
Art.  VI,  Sec.  11. 

1987.  The  Representative  Fund.  At  each  annual  com- 
munication of  the  Grand  Lodge,  an  assessment  shall  be 
levied  upon  each  Subordinate  Lodge  within  this  jurisdiction 
to  raise  a  fund  which  shall  be  known  as  the  Representative 
Fund.  Said  assessment  shall  be  sufficient  to  raise  such  a 
sum  of  money  as  will  defray  the  expenses  provided  for  as 


510  Mileage. 

follows:  One  Representative  from  each  Lodge  in  this  juris- 
diction, who  shall  attend  the  annual  communication  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  and  shall  be  present  at  all  sittings  of  such 
annual  communication,  shall  be  entitled  to  and  shall  receive 
from  the  funds  raised  for  such  purpose  the  actual  neces- 
sary traveling  expenses,  both  in  coming  from  and  return- 
ing to  his  place  of  residence. — 1867  Journal,  336,  345;  1868 
Journal,  496,  512. 

1988.  Excuses  for  non-attendance — Should  remain  till 

session  closes.  Resolved,  That  an.y  Representative  entitled 
to  mileage  in  attendance  at  the  annual  session  of  this  Grand 
Lodge,  who  fails  to  remain  until  the  close  of  the  session, 
unless  he  can  furnish  a  written  excuse  signed  by  the  Grand 
Master,  shall  forfeit  his  right  to  said  mileage.  Sickness  of 
himself  or  family  shall  be  the  only  excuse  allowed. — 1894 
Journal,  767. 

1989.  Payable  the  last  day  of  session.  Resolved,  That 
hereafter  Representatives  to  this  Grand  Lodge  shall  not 
be  paid  their  mileage  until  the  last  day  of  the  session  of 
the  Grand  Lodge.  Adopted  as  a  standing  resolution  of  this 
Grand  Lodge.— 1900  Journal,  245. 

1990.  The  mileage  Representative.  Where  a  Subordi- 
nate Lodge  has  failed  to  designate  a  Representative  who 
shall  be  entitled  to  draw  mileage  and  but  one  Representa- 
tive shall  be  present  from  such  Lodge,  the  name  of  such 
Representative  shall  be  entered  on  the  special  roll  as  the 
Representative  entitled  to  mileage  in  such  case. — 1868  Jour- 
nal, 476. 

1991.  Bill  of  items  of  actual  traveling  expenses  required. 

Representatives  to  the  Grand  Lodge  who  may  be  entitled 
to  mileage,  are  required  to  furnish  with  their  respective 
certificates  a  bill  of  items  of  their  actual  traveling  expenses, 
and  the  Committee  on  Mileage  is  authorized  to  have  blanks 
prepared  for  the  above  named  purpose. — 1874  Journal,  110. 

1992.  Expenses  while  in  attendance  not  allowed.     The 

Representatives  to  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  make  their 
vouchers  for  only  the  actual  mileage  paid  by  them  in  com- 


Minutes  and  Records.  611 

ing  to  and  returning  home  from  the  Grand  Lodge.  No 
expenses  while  in  attendance  shall  be  included. — 1879  Jour- 
nal, 109. 

1993.  Mileage  allowed  from  place  of  actual  residence. 
Representatives  to  the  Grand  Lodge  who  do  not  reside  at 
the  location  of  the  Lodge  w^hich  they  represent,  are  allowed 
mileage  only  from  the  place  of  their  actual  residence;  pro- 
vided, that  mileage  shall  not  be  allowed  or  paid  to  any 
brother  for  a  longer  distance  than  the  distance  from  his 
Lodge  to  the  place  of  meeting  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1878 
Journal,  942. 

1994.  Mileage — How  computed.  The  computation  of 
mileage  shall  be  on  the  most  direct  route  of  first-class  pass- 
age or  traveling  and  at  the  cost  of  round-trip  tickets  or 
rates,  or  limited  tickets  where  obtainable,  to  include  sleep- 
ers both  ways  where  necessary,  and  the  Grand  Secretary  is 
instructed  to  have  blank  mileage  certificates  prepared  in  a 
manner  to  show  the  amount  paid  for  sleepers,  and  to  call 
the  attention  of  Secretaries  to  this  requirement  in  the  printed 
blank  mileage  certificates  sent  to  Lodges. — 1885  Journal, 
409,  433;  1894  Journal,  750,  773. 

MINUTES   AND   RECORDS. 

1995.  Rules  to  be  observed  in  keeping.  The  following 
rules  are  to  be  observed  by  Secretaries  of  Subordinate 
Lodges  throughout  this  jurisdiction: 

1.  The  record  of  every  meeting  should  contain  a  caption 
containing  date  of  meeting,  name  of  Lodge,  hour  and  place 
of  meeting. 

2.  Xames  of  officers  absent. 

3.  Approval  of  minutes  of  last  meeting;  or  if  amended, 
the  amendments  should  here  be  written  out  in  full  on  the 
minutes,  and  no  erasure  or  alteration  should  be  made  of  the 
minutes  as  written  up. 

4.  All  votes  and  resolutions  passed  by  the  Lodge,  should 
be  entered  in  full  on  the  minutes,  though  the  precise  state 
of  the  vote  need  not  be  stated,  unless  the  yeas  and  nays 


512  Minutes  and  Records. 

be  taken,  when  the  names  of  all  voting  should  be  entered 
on  the  Journal. 

5.  An  abstract  or  the  substance  of  Treasurers'  and  Trus- 
tees' reports,  and  all  reports  in  relation  to  finances  of  the 
Lodge,  the  annual  and  semi-annual  reports  should  be  noted 
or  an  abstract  of  the  same  entered  on  the  Journal. 

6.  An  abstract  of  all  communications  from  the  Grand 
Master  and  Grand  Secretary  shall  be  entered  on  the  min- 
utes, and  the  originals  numbered,  and  such  number  entered 
on  the  minutes,  and  the  papers  kept  on  file  in  the  order  of 
their  numbers,  provided,  that  the  notices  of  suspensions, 
expulsions  and  rejections  should  be  written  up  in  the  black 
book  and  the  fact  of  their  reception  entered  on  the  minutes. 

7.  The  reports  of  all  committees,  or  the  substance  thereof 
as  the  Lodge  may  order. 

8.  A  brief  statement  of  all  the  proceedings  of  the  Lodge. 

9.  Receipts  of  the  week. 

The  above  are  not  stated  in  the  order  in  which  they  may 
come  up  in  the  Lodge,  but  Secretaries  will  understand  that 
every  matter  of  business  will  be  noted  as  it  arises  in  the 
Lodge.— 1859  Journal,  508,  509 ;  1868  Journal,  495,  511. 

1996.  Duty  of  Secretary.  The  Recording  Secretary  shall 
keep  accurate  minutes  of  Lodge  proceedings;  endorse  and 
file  all  papers  and  documents  pertaining  to  Lodge  transac- 
tions; number  serially  and  file  all  communications  from  the 
Grand  Master  or  Grand  Secretary,  and  enter  an  abstract 
thereof  and  the  number  on  the  minutes. — Constitution  Sub- 
ordinates, Art.  VII,  Sec.  3. 

1997.  Not  necessary  for  Noble  Grand  to  sign.    It  is  not 

necessary  for  the  Noble  Grand  to  sign  the  minutes,  and  there 
is  no  law  requiring  him  to  do  so.  The  minutes,  as  read  by 
the  Secretary,  are  approved  by  the  Lodge  at  each  meeting. 
—1901  Journal,  410,  557,  562. 

1998.  Minutes  should  state  the  facts  as  they  occur.  The 
minutes  of  the  Lodge  should  state  the  facts  as  they  occur. 
They  should  be  a  truthful  history  of  the  proceedings  of  the 


Minutes  and  Records.  513 

Lodge.— Matter  of  Modoc  Lodge,   1896  Journal,   612,   613, 
619. 

1999.  Minutes  in  case  no  quorum.  It  is  the  duty  of  the 
Reeordiug  Secretary  to  enter  in  the  minute  book  the  date  of 
each  Lodge  night,  whether  there  be  a  quorum  present  or 
not.  When  there  is  no  quorum  present,  he  should  note  the 
names  of  those  present,  for  in  such  cases,  those  who  attend 
should  receive  credit.  The  minute  book  will  then  show  a 
true  statement.     Thus: 

Lodge,  No. ,  I.  O.  0.  F. 

Term,  July  ,   18 . 

Present,  Brothers , ,  and .    No  quorum  present. 

,  Secretary. 

—1863  Journal,  365,  410,  421. 

2000.  What  are  records.  The  records  of  a  Lodge  con- 
sist of  all  the  books,  papers,  communications,  reports,  bills, 
bonds  and  other  papers  which  come  into  the  possession 
of  the  Lodge,  and  are  requisite  to  preserve  authentic  and 
correct  evidence  of  the  acts  and  legislation  of  the  same,  and 
a  Lodge  must  not  mutilate  any  portion  thereof. — 1859  Jour- 
nal, 447,  448,  529. 

2001.  Proceedings  and  testimony  in  trials  are  part  of 
records.  The  minutes  of  the  proceedings  and  testimony  of 
a  trial  of  a  brother  upon  charges  constitute  a  part  of  the 
records  of  the  Lodge,  and  a  brother  desiring  permission  to 
in.spect  them  should  apply  to  the  Lodge. — Barnard  vs.  Hum- 
boldt Lodge,  1876  Journal,  450,  464. 

2002.  Minutes  may  be  corrected,  when  and  how.  When 
the  minutes  of  a  Lodge  come  up  for  approval,  they  may 
be  altered — that  is,  amended — if  found  incorrect,  by  a  ma- 
jority of  the  members  present  entitled  to  vote,  and  not  other- 
wise.—1856  Journal,  220. 

2003.  Cannot  be  expunged.  The  regularly  adopted 
proceedings  of  a  Lodge  cannot  be  expunged. — 1856  Jour- 
nal, 214. 

2004.  Cannot  be  erased.  A  Lodge  cannot  erase  any  por- 
tion of  its  minutes;  they  must  be  a  truthful  record  of  its 

.33 


514         Monitory  Committee— Moral  Character. 

proceedings.— 1880  Journal,  259,  359,  375;  1887  Journal, 
768,  875,  888. 

2005.  No  act,  vote  or  resolution  should  be  omitted  or 
erased.  In  no  case  should  any  vote  or  resolution,  actually 
passed  by  the  Lodge  and  ordered  on  record  or  file,  be  omit- 
ted or  erased  from  the  records,  or  taken  from  the  file  and 
placed  beyond  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Lodge,  however  erro- 
neous in  spirit  or  unlawful  in  import.  It  may  be  rescinded 
or  annulled  at  a  future  meeting,  but  the  minutes  and  papers 
on  file  in  the  archives,  relating  to  the  act  and  its  correction, 
should  both  appear. — 1859  Journal,  447,  448,  529. 

2006.  Lodge    should    not    part    with    original    records. 

Lodges  have  no  right  to  part  with  any  portion  of  their 
archives,  or  subject  them  to  the  risk  of  transportation, 
except  when  expressly  required  or  permitted  to  do  so  by 
law.  In  almost  all  cases,  copies  only  are  called  for,  and, 
when  this  is  the  case,  original  papers  should  not  go  out  of 
the  close  custody  of  the  Lodge  to  which  they  belong. — Carr 
vs.  North  Star  Lodge,  1862  Journal,  299,  318. 

2007.  Minutes  as  to  visitors.  Upon  each  occasion  that 
an  elective  officer  of  the  Grand  Lodge  introduces  a  visitor 
into  the  Subordinate  Lodge  the  Recording  Secretary  should 
note  the  same  upon  the  record. — 1857  Journal,  286. 

2008.  Appeals.  The  Recording  Secretary  should  enter 
all  appeals  in  full  upon  the  record. — 1861  Journal,  196. 

(See  Admission  to  One's  Own  Lodge.) 

MONITORY    COMMITTEE. 

2009.  Prohibited.  The  By-Laws  of  Subordinate  Lodges 
relating  to  Monitory  Committees  are  annulled  and  Subordi- 
nate Lodges  are  prohibited  from  enacting  By-Laws  provid- 
ing for  the  creation  of  such  committees. — 1868  Journal,  517. 

MORAL    CHARACTER. 

2010.  Candidates  for  membership.  All  candidates  for 
membership  are  required  to  be  of  good  moral  character. 

(See  Membership.) 


Name  of  Person — Name  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  515 

MOTIONS. 
(See  Order,  Rules  and  Questions  of.) 

NAME    OF    PERSON. 

2011.  Lodge  cannot  change  name  of  a  person.  It  is  not 
competent  for  a  Lodge,  or  any  jurisdiction  of  the  Order,  to 
change  the  name  of  any  person.  Such  power  belongs  solely 
to  the  civil  authority.— 1862  Journal,  326,  332 ;  1863  Journal, 
386,  410. 

2012.  Change  of  name  upon  Lodge  records.  In  case  the 
name  of  any  member  of  the  Order  shall  at  any  time  appear 
— upon  memorial  duly  presented  by  him — not  to  be  his 
correct  name,  the  Lodge  may,  upon  motion  duly  made  there- 
for, order  such  name  (Ranged  upon  the  records  of  the  Lodge 
to  his  true  name;  provided,  a  motion  therefor  shall  be  sub- 
mitted in  writing  at  least  two  weeks  prior  to  action  thereon ; 
and  provided  further,  that  two-thirds  of  the  members  pres- 
ent at  the  meeting  of  the  Lodge  consent  thereto,  and  the 
Secretary  shall  report  such  action  to  the  Grand  Secretary, 
who  shall  report  the  same  to  all  the  Lodges  in  the  jurisdic- 
tion.— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  8. 

(See  Offenses.) 

NAME    OF    SUBORDINATE    LODGE. 

2013.  Certain  names  cannot  be  chosen.  The  practice  of 
allowing  members  of  the  Order  to  choose  the  name  by  which 
their  Lodges,  respectively,  shall  be  known,  is  time-honored, 
and  should  not  be  disturbed  for  slight  or  trivial  causes. 
The  Grand  Lodge  has  the  right  to  refuse  to  confirm  any 
name  which  may  for  any  cause  be  unacceptable.  No  Lodge 
or  Body  within  this  jurisdiction  is  permitted  to  name  its 
Lodge  after  the  name  of  any  living  person  in  or  out  of  the 
Order,  or  to  give  such  names  as  Firemen's  Lodge,  American 
Lodge,  Merchants'  Lodge,  or  Laborers'  Lodge. — 1854  Jour- 
nal, 70. 

(See  Lottery.) 


516  Name  of  the  Order—Newspapers. 

NAME  OF  THE  ORDER. 

2014.  Advertisements  and  business.  The  use  of  the  name 
of  the  Order  or  its  emblems  in  connection  with  business  or 
advertisements  is  prohibited. 

(See  Emblems;  Lottery.) 

NEW  LODGES. 

(See  Charter.) 

NEWSPAPERS. 

2015.  No  official  organ.  No  newspaper  is  the  official 
organ  of  the  I.  0.  0.  F.  The  Grand  Lodge  recognizes  no 
official  organ  during  recess,  except  the  Grand  Master. — 
1889  Journal,  22,  120. 

2016.  No  one  authorized  to  designate  an  official  organ. 

No  person  shall  be  authorized  to  designate  any  newspaper 
as  the  official  or  other  organ  of  this  Grand  Lodge. — 1874 
Journal,  119. 

2017.  Fraternal  press.  Resolved,  That  the  Subordinate 
Lodges  of  the  Jurisdiction  of  California  are  hereby  author- 
ized to  appropriate  from  their  general  funds  for  the  pur- 
pose of  subscribing  for  papers  or  journals  exclusively 
devoted  to  Odd  Fellowship. — 1904  Journal,  547. 

2018.  Publications   of  reports  to   Grand  Lodge.     It  is 

improper  for  any  officer  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  or  any  mem- 
ber of  the  Order  in  this  jurisdiction,  to  publish  or  impart 
for  publication  any  report  or  extracts  therefrom,  intended 
or  required  to  be  made  to  this  Grand  Lodge,  in  advance  of 
action  thereon  by  this  Grand  Body,  unless  such  publication 
have  been  specially  authorized  or  directed. — 1872  Journal, 
643,  644,  675. 

2019.  Publications  of  suspensions  and  expulsions.     The 

publications  of  suspensions  and  expulsions  in  the  public 
prints  is  discountenanced  by  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1855  Jour- 
nal, 156. 


Number  of  Lodge— Nurses  and  Watchers.      517 

NEW    TRIAL. 

2020.  Lodge  may  grant.  The  Subordinate  Lodges  may 
grant  new  trials  in  cases  of  charges,  and  a  new  investigation 
in  cases  of  investigations  as  to  benefits,  and  a  new  trial  in 
case  of  reversal  of  judgment  on  appeal. 

(See  Trials;  Benefits;  Appeals.) 

NUMBER    OF    LODGE. 

2021.  Charters — How  numbered.  Charters  issued  from 
this  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  numbered  consecutively  in  order 
of  their  issuance. — 1864  Journal,  540,  564.  The  Grand  Lodge 
has  permitted  new  Lodges  to  take  the  numbers  of  extinct 
Lodges.— 1885  Journal,  280,  378,  418;  1893  Journal,  268; 
1895  Journal,  7,  8. 

2022.  Precedence  in  number.  Lodges  take  precedence  in 
numbers  as  they  are  instituted. — 1854  Journal,  64;  1864 
Journal,  540,  564. 

NURSES    AND    WATCHERS. 

2023.  Watchers  and  nurses  paid  from  Lodge  funds — 
Regulation  thereof.  Grand  Bodies  may  provide  or  permit 
their  Subordinates  to  provide,  by  By-Law,  that  watchers 
and  nurses,  paid  from  Lodge  funds,  shall  not  be  furnished 
to  members  who  shall  be  so  much  in  arrears  for  dues  as  to 
prevent  them  from  receiving  sick  or  funeral  benefits.  Grand 
Bodies  may  limit  or  permit  their  Subordinates  to  limit  by 
By-Law  the  time  for  which  such  services  of  watchers  and 
nurses  paid  from  Lodge  funds  shall  be  rendered  as  may  be 
deemed  best  for  the  interests  of  their  Subordinates  and  their 
members  in  their  several  jurisdictions. — 1902  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 932,  954,  969;  1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  29,  284,  314;  1903 
8.  G.  L.  Journal,  324,  396,  426,  427. 

2024.  The  same.  Grand  Lodges  may  and  are  empowered 
to  80  legislate  as  to  refjuire  the  same  qualifications  in  order  to 
entitle  members  to  attentive  benefits  as  are  or  may  be 
required  in  order  to  entitle  members  to  pecuniary  benefits 
and  all  legislation  in  conflict  therewith  is  repealed. — 1903 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  324,  396,  426,  427. 


518  Nurses  and  Watchers. 

2025.  No  discrimination  between  members.  If  the  By- 
Laws  provide  for  nurse  hire  for  a  member,  the  Lodge  can- 
not discriminate  between  brothers  who  are  at  the  location 
of  the  Lodge,  and  those  absent  therefrom,  but  all  members 
are  equally  entitled  to  the  same. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  IV,  Sec.  10. 

2026.  When  Lodge  must  pay  for  nurse.  A  Lodge  must 
pay  for  a  nurse  for  one  of  its  members  when  he  is  sick  and 
under  the  care  of  another  Lodge  in  the  same  or  another 
jurisdiction  when  the  brother's  Lodge  provides  in  its  By- 
Laws  for  the  payment  of  a  nurse. — 1885  Journal,  383,  419. 

Note. — Where  the  By-Laws  pro-  its  sick  members  when  away  from 
vide  for  a  nurse  for  its  sick  mem-  his  home — (1892-1894  S.  G.  L. 
bers,  a  Lodge  is  liable  for  moneys  Journal,  13121,  13126,  14128, 
expended  for  nurse  hire  for  one  of   14151). 

2027.  Accident  while  under  influence  of  liquor.      If  a 

Lodge  provide  for  nurse  hire,  and  a  brother  meet  with  an 
accident  while  under  the  influence  of  liquor,  he  is  entitled 
to  such  nurse.— 1897  Journal,  844,  994,  1034. 

2028.  When  brother  under  care  of  another  Lodge.  If 
the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  for  the  payment  of  a  nurse, 
if  the  sick  member  be  within  the  jurisdiction  of  his  Lodge, 
the  Lodge  must  pay  if  he  be  under  the  care  of  another 
Lodge.— 1891  Journal,  585,  690,  716. 

2029.  Hired  watchers  when  brother  under  care  of  another 
Lodge.  The  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  providing  for  hiring  watch- 
ers and  the  amount  to  be  paid  when  a  brother  is  sick  at 
home,  though  silent  as*  to  the  sickness  when  absent,  author- 
izes a  Lodge  having  the  brother  in  charge  away  from  his 
home  to  pay  for  watchers  the  same  amount. — 1896  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  14686,  14948,  15019. 

2030.  Nursing  is  attentive  benefits.  Where  the  By-Laws 
of  a  Lodge  provide  for  employing  nurses  for  the  care  of  its 
members  when  sick,  it  applies  equally  to  all  members  of 
the  Lodge,  whether  entitled  to  sick  benefits  or  not,  except 
in  case  of  and  as  prescribed  by  some  law  or  By-Law  as  pro- 


I 


Nurses  and  Watchers.  519 

Tided  in  Sections  2023  and  2024  of  this  Digest.— 1889  Jour- 
nal, 34,  122,  163. 

2031.  Attentive  and  pecuniary  benefits.  ''Attentive" 
and  ** pecuniary"  benefits  are  two  separate  and  "distinct 
things.  ''Attentive"  benefits  apply  to  visits,  watching,  nurs- 
ing and  such  care  as  is  given  a  member  by  other  members 
of  a  Lodge.  "Pecuniary"  benefits  apply  to  all  moneys  paid 
for  weekly  or  funeral  benefits.  "Pecuniary"  benefits  are 
due  only  to  members  who  are  in  good  standing  and  enti- 
tled to  them,  according  to  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge,  and 
are  paid  to  all  alike,  rich  or  poor,  but  only  on  a  vote  of  the 
Lodge.  The  nursing  of  members,  whether  done  by  other 
members  or  by  hired  nurses,  is  an  "attentive"  and  not  a 
"pecuniary"  benefit.  "Attentive"  benefits  must  be  given 
all  members  as  long  as  they  are  members  of  a  Lodge,  irre- 
spective of  their  standing,  except  in  case  of  and  as  pre- 
scribed by  some  law  or  By-Law  as  provided  in  Sections  2023 
and  2024  of  this  Digest.— 1897  Journal,  806,  1030,  1031,  1054, 
1055;  1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14,  248,  14487,  14570. 

2032.  Where  By-Laws  authorize  Visiting  Committee  to 
hire  nurses.  A  Lodge  has  the  right  to  make  it  the  duty  of 
its  members  to  watch  with  sick  brothers,  or  to  hire  nurses 
and  to  pay  for  their  services  out  of  the  funds  of  the  Lodge. 
And  where  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  authorize  the  Visiting 
Committee  to  hire  nurses  for  sick  brothers,  sick  brothers 
temporarily  away  from  home  and  under  the  care  of  a  Gen- 
eral Relief  Committee,  are  entitled  to  the  services  of  a  nurse 
when  in  need  of  such,  and  the  Relief  Committee  is  legally 
entitled  to  be  reimbursed  by  the  Lodge  for  all  moneys  so 
expended. — Santa  Cruz  Relief  Committee  vs.  Montezuma 
Lodge,  1882  Journal,  857,  881. 

2033.  When  By-Laws  authorize  Noble  Grand  to  employ 
nurse.  If  the  By-Laws  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  provide 
that  the  Noble  Grand  shall  see  that  the  sick  are  properly 
cared  for,  and  that  he  shall  employ  a  nurse  when  in  his 
judtrment  it  be  deemed  necessary,  the  Noble  Grand  of  another 
Lodjfe,  in  whose  care  a  brother  of  the  first  Lodge  is,   is 


520  Nurses  and  Watchers. 

authorized  by  law  to  provide  a  nurse  when  in  his  judgment 
he  may  deem  it  necessary,  and  the  bill  incurred  is  a  lawful 
one  and  should  be  paid.  But  the  action  of  the  Noble  Grand 
of  the  second  Lodge  is  binding  only  till  the  next  meeting  of 
the  Lodge.  The  first  Lodge  cannot  lawfully  prohibit  the 
other  Lodge  from  continuing  to  employ  a  nurse,  and  is 
under  obligation  to  pay  the  necessary  nurse  hire. — 1884 
Journal,  168,  167 ;  1885  Journal,  383,  419. 

2034.  When  nurse  hiring  at  discretion  of  Noble  Grand 
or  Visiting  Committee.  If  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide 
for  nurse  hire,  and  leave  the  engaging  of  a  nurse  to  the  dis- 
cretion of  the  Noble  Grand  or  the  Visiting  Committee,  then 
the  Lodge  is  bound  by  their  action. — 1897  Journal,  806,  1030, 
1054. 

2035.  Reimbursement  for  nurse  hire.  The  Lodge  hav- 
ing in  charge  a  sojourning  sick  brother,  may,  if  its  laws  so 
provide,  hire  a  nurse  for  the  care  of  the  brother,  but  is  not 
entitled  to  be  repaid  therefor  by  the  Lodge  to  which  such 
brother  belongs  unless  the  By-Laws  of  that  Lodge  provide 
for  the  hiring  and  payment  of  nurses  for  the  sick. — 1882 
Journal,  812,  859,  882. 

2036.  The  same.  Lodge  A  can  be  compelled  to  refund 
to  Lodge  B,  within  this  jurisdiction,  money  paid  out  for 
nurse  hire  in  taking  care  of  a  member  of  Lodge  A  in  good 
standing,  when  the  By-Laws  of  Lodge  A  provide  for  the 
payment  of  nurse  hire  for  its  sick  members ;  more  especially 
when  Lodge  A  furnishes  to  Lodge  B  a  copy  of  its  By-Laws 
for  its  guidance.— 1877  Journal,  682,  699. 

2037.  The  same.  The  Lodge  having  in  charge  a  sojourn- 
ing sick  brother  whose  Lodge  has  a  By-Law  which  reads: 
"If  the  disease  be  contagious  or  infectious,  in  which  case 
the  committee  shall  employ  a  competent  nurse,  to  be  paid 
from  the  funds  of  the  Lodge,  provided  further  that  in  all 
cases  by  the  direction  of  the  Lodge,  a  nurse  may  be  em- 
ployed to  care  for  the  brother,  and  paid  from  the  funds  of 
the  Lodge,"  may,  when  proper,  hire  a  nurse  for  the  care 


I 


Nurses  and  Watchers.  521 

of  the  sick  brother,  and  is  entitled,  under  the  latter  clause 
of  said  By-Law,  to  be  repaid  therefor  by  the  Lodge  to  which 
the  brother  belongs.  —  Santa  Lucia  Lodge  vs.  Madison 
Lodge,  1905  Journal,  940,  964. 

2038.  Constitution  and  By-Laws  control.  Sick  benefits, 
nurse  hire  and  funeral  expenses  are  regulated  by  the  Con- 
stitution of  Subordinates  and  by  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge 
to  which  the  brother  belongs.  He  is  of  right  entitled  to 
receive  only  so  much  as  the  By-Laws  of  his  Lodge  allow, 
and  such  Lodge  can  be  legally  required  to  reimburse  when 
the  brother  is  under  the  care  of  another  Lodge.  All  further 
aid  is  voluntarily  extended  as  a  charity,  in  the  discretion 
of  the  Lodge  bestowing  it.— 1887  Journal,  846,  885. 

2039.  Employment  of  nurses — Question  for  Subordinates. 
The  employment  and  payment  of  nurses  to  attend  and  take 
care  of  sick  brothers  is  exclusively  within  the  province  of  the 
Lodges,  to  be  exercised  without  recommendation  or  man- 
date from  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1872  Journal,  667,  684. 

2040.  When  Lodge  not  liable  for  nurse  hire.  A  Subor- 
dinate Lodge  which  at  no  time  during  the  sickness  of  a 
brother  was  asked  to  furnish  a  watcher  or  nurse,  and  at 
no  time  during  said  sickness  was  a  watcher  or  nurse  so 
furni.shed,  either  by  the  Lodge  or  any  of  its  officers,  is  not 
bound  to  pay  a  watcher  or  nurse  hire  bill  otherwise  con- 
tracted. The  fact  that  an  officer  of  the  Lodge  is  notified 
that  a  nurse  had  been  employed  by  the  family,  and  such 
emplo>Tnent  by  the  family  reported  to  the  Subordinate 
Lodge,  does  not  in  any  way  obligate  the  Lodge  to  pay 
such  nurse,  and  more  especially  is  this  true  when  neither 
the  brother  nor  his  wife  at  any  time  made  application  to 
the  Lodge  or  any  of  its  officers  for  a  watcher  or  nurse. — 
1905  S.  O.  L.  Journal,  218,  248. 

2041.  Ratifying  employment  of  nurse.  The  Lodge 
having  the  right  in  the  first  instance  to  employ  a  nurse,  it 
has  the  legal  right  to  ratify  that  which  has  been  done  and 
in  its  judgment  pay  for  sersices  that  have  been  actually 


522  Nurses  and  Watchers. 

rendered.  Whether  the  sick  brother  required  a  nurse,  and 
whether  the  service  was  really  performed  and  was  worth 
the  amount  charged,  were  questions  of  fact  to  be  deter- 
mined by  the  Subordinate  Lodge. — Granger  vs.  Ventura 
Lodge,  1904  Journal,  523,  527,  528. 

2042.  Sick  entitled  to  watchers  till   cease   membership. 

A  brother  when  sick  is  entitled  to  watchers  until  he  ceases 
membership.  The  fact  that  he  is  disabled  by  the  By-Laws 
from  receiving  benefits  makes  no  difference,  except  in  case 
of,  and  as  prescribed  by  some  law  or  By-Law,  as  provided 
in  Sections  2023  and  2024  of  this  Digest.— 1856  Journal,  204 ; 
1863  Journal,  440 :  1884  Journal,  112,  130. 

Note. — Night     watching     is     a  watch    sick    members    within    the 

form  of  attentive    benefits — (1899  jurisdiction   of   the   Lodge — (1902 

S.   G.   L.   Journal,    19,   365,   394).  S.   G.   L.   Journal,   530,   531,   977, 

There  can  be  no  limit  to  distantje  1002). 
to    which    brothers    shall    go    to 

2043.  Before  a  member  six  months.  A  brother  is  entitled 
to  watchers  before  he  has  been  a  member  six  months. — 
1884  Journal,  112,  130. 

(See  Sections  2023  and  2024.) 

2044.  Duty  of  brother  to  watch  without  pay.  It  is  a  bind- 
ing duty,  imposed  upon  the  members  of  the  Order  by  our 
laws  and  principles,  to  watch  with  a  sick  brother  without 
compensation,  when  called  upon  to  do  so,  and  without  regard 
to  the  Lodge  to  which  the  sick  brother  may  belong. — 1870 
Journal,  268,  293 ;  1882  Journal,  812,  859,  882. 

Note. — Where  a  Lodge  provides  of    such    watchers     is    altogether 

for  "night  watchers"  for  sick  mem-  apart  from  the  sick  benefits    due 

bers,  this  is  to  be  considered  as  a  under  the  general  or  local  law — 

form  of   "attentive  benefits,"  and  (1893    S.    G.    L.    Journal,    13257, 

any  expense  incurred  in  payment  13641,  13691). 

2045.  Sacred  duty  to  watch.  By  the  laws  of  our  Order 
it  is  a  sacred  duty  to  watch  beside  the  pillow  of  a  sick 
brother.  This  feature  of  regular  administration  at  the  sick 
bed  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  and  it  is  one  of  the  most 


Nurses  and  Watchers.  523 

touching  features  of  Odd  Fellowship. — 1861  Journal,  159, 
174. 

Note. — As  to  the  duty  of  and  out  of  their  own  jurisdiction, 
brothers    when    away    from    home      see  Section  2760  of  this  Digest. 

2046.  Notice  to  watch  with  the  sick.  Any  member  of 
a  Lodge  is  competent  to  convey  a  message,  or  give  notice, 
at  the  request  of  the  proper  authority,  to  a  brother  to  watch 
with  the  sick. — Schlund  vs.  Mokelumne  Lodge,  1863  Jour- 
nal, 404,  415. 

2047.  Sojourning  sick  brothers  and  watchers.  A  Lodge 
has  the  power  to  compel  its  members  to  watch  with  a  so- 
journing sick  brother,  and  has  the  right  to  engraft  such  a 
clause  in  its  By-Laws. — 1868  Journal,  490,  503. 

2048.  Brother  must  not  be  excused,  when.  A  Lodge 
can  compel  a  brother  to  sit  up  and  watch  with  the  sick, 
who  puts  in  a  plea  of  sickness  of  himself,  and  holds  a  certi- 
ficate of  a  physician  that  it  would  be  an  injury  to  his  health 
to  do  said  duty — yet  said  brother  is  able  to  and  does  attend 
to  his  usual  occupation  and  is  not  on  the  sick  list  of  the 
Lodge.  It  may  be  admitted  as  injurious  to  the  health  of 
any  one  to  sit  up  at  night  and  lose  his  sleep,  but  no  brother 
can  ask  to  be  excused  from  this  duty  on  such  certificate  if 
the  By-Laws  of  his  Lodge  require  such  duty. — 1872  Journal, 
689,  690. 

2049.  Sickness  caused  by  unnecessary  exposure.  Our 
laws  compel  us  to  furnish  watchers  for  a  sick  brother,  if  in 
good  standing,  although  his  sickness  were  caused  by  un- 
neces.sary  exposure.— 1862  Journal,  292,  338,  349. 

2050.  When  sick  cared  for  by  Lodge  members  acting  as 
watchers.  No  Lodge  or  Relief  Committee  that  cares  for  its 
members  by  draft  (that  is  by  calling  on  the  members  to 
watch,  etc.)  shall  be  liable  for  the  payment  of  nurse  hire, 
unless  said  Lodge  or  Relief  Committee  shall  have  first 
authorized  the  payment  of  the  same. — 1897  Journal,  806, 
1030,  1054. 


524  Nurses  and  Watchers. 

2051.  Notified  to  watch  with  sick  brothers  and  excuse. 
A  brother  cannot,  after  he  has  been  notified  by  the  Visiting 
Committee  to  watch  with  a  sick  brother,  absent  himself 
without  procuring  a  substitute,  or  without  informing  the 
Visiting  Committee  of  his  intention  to  be  absent,  and  then 
claim  to  be  excused  for  said  neglect  under  the  following 
By-Law,  to-wit:  **Any  brother  neglecting  or  refusing  to 
watch  with  the  sick  or  to  procure  a  substitute,  when  re- 
quired by  the  Visiting  Committee,  shall  be  fined  five  dollars, 
except  in  case  of  absence,  or  sickness  of  himself  or  family." 
—1870  Journal,  267,  293. 

2052.  A  sick  Rebekah  and  watchers.  A  Subordinate 
Lodge  cannot  compel  its  members  to  watch  with  a  sick 
sister  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah. — 1880  Journal,  503,  601, 
627. 

2053.  Where  a  brother  is  guilty  of  immoral  conduct. 

Where  a  brother  is  stabbed  or  otherwise  injured  while 
intoxicated,  and  the  By-Laws  of  his  Lodge  are  silent  upon 
the  subject,  the  question  as  to  whether  he  be  entitled  to 
watchers  is  one  more  of  propriety  than  of  law.  The  dictates 
of  humanity  would  suggest  that  the  unfortunate  brother 
should  be  properly  looked  after  in  his  immediate  peril,  but 
after  that  is  passed  his  conduct  should  be  investigated,  and 
if  it  appear  that  it  was  his  own  immoral  and  improper 
conduct  that  led  to  the  injury,  then  he  is  not  entitled  to 
any  consideration  at  the  hands  of  his  Lodge.  The  fraternal 
care  and  attention  provided  by  our  Order  for  its  members 
in  sickness  and  distress  is  not  designed  for  those  who  so 
far  forget  their  obligations  as  to  bring  sickness  and  distress 
upon  themselves, — 1884  Journal,  14,  115,  153;  1887  Jour- 
nal, 885. 

2054.  When  payment  of  nurse  hire  discretional.  Where 
the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  that  nurse  hire  may  be 
paid  from  the  funds  of  the  Lodge,  if  the  circumstances  and 
conditions  of  the  sufferer  require  personal  care  and  atten- 
tion, and  a  brother  is  in  arrears  for  dues  when  taken  sick, 
and  is  abundantly  able  to  pay  for  a  nurse,  the  payment 


Obituary  Tablkt—Occupation.  -  525 

for  nurse  hire  by  the  Lodge,  under  its  By-Laws,  is  a  matter 
entirely  within  its  discretion.— 1887  Jouiral,  768,  898,  904. 

2055.  Wife  not  to  be  paid  for  nursing  husband.  It  is 
illegal  for  a  Lodge  to  pay  a  member's  wife  for  nursing  him 
while  he  is  sick.— 1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14574,  14608. 

2056.  Wife  or  natural  brother  acting  as  nurse.  Natural 
brothers  are  not  bound  to  attend  each  other  in  times  of 
sickness  to  such  a  degree  as  to  preclude  payment  for  such 
services.  Such  bounden  duty  undoubtedly  subsists  between 
husband  and  wife  when  living  together  as  such,  but  whether 
the  rule  shall  apply  to  natural  brothers  will  depend  entirely 
upon  circumstances.  The  Subordinate  Lodge  is  the  sole 
judge  of  such  a  case,  and  it  is  proper  for  it  to  determine 
whether  compensation  shall  be  allowed. — Granger  vs.  Ven- 
tura Lodge,  1904  Journal,  523,  527,  528. 

2057.  Minor  daughter  nursing  her  father.  Minor 
daughter  of  a  brother  and  a  member  of  his  family  is  not 
entitled  to  be  paid  by  a  Lodge  for  nursing  her  father  during 
his  illness.— 1899  Journal,  24,  365,  394. 

(See  also  Relief  Committee  and  Relief  as  to  nurses  and 
watchers.) 

OBITUARY  TABLET. 

2058.  To  be  in  each  Journal.  An  appropriate  obituary 
tablet  shall  be  prepared,  to  be  placed  in  the  Journal,  upon 
which  shall  be  recorded  in  a  fitting  manner  the  decease  of 
such  members  of  this  Grand  Lodge  as  shall  be  announced 
at  each  session  of  this  Body.  Such  record  upon  the  obit- 
uary tablet  shall  be  in  lieu  of  resolutions  relative  to  the 
death  of  members  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  excepting  Past 
Grand  ^Masters  and  elective  Grand  Officers. — 1862  Journal, 
318,  319. 

OCCUPATION. 

2059.  Right  to  choose.  So  long  as  a  brother  conducts 
himself  properly  and  brings  no  disgrace  to  the  Order,  we 


526       Odd  Fellows'  Hall— Odd  Fellows'  Home. 

have  no  right  to  dictate  to  him  what  occupation  he  should 
follow  to  earn  a  livelihood.— 1888  Journal,  1023,  1111,  1130. 
(See  IMembership  and  Offenses,  as  to  certain  prohibited 
occupations.) 

2060.  Proposition  for  membership.  The  occupation  of  a 
person  offered  for  membership  must  be  stated  in  the  proposi- 
tion.— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  1. 

ODD  FELLOWS'  HALL. 

2061.  Used  for  other  purposes  and  dedication.  A  hall, 
used  by  Odd  Fellows,  may,  if  the  Lodge  so  desire,  be  dedi- 
cated to  the  uses  of  Odd  Fellowship,  although  used  for  other 
purposes.  The  propriety  of  so  doing,  where  the  hall  is 
largely  used  for  other  purposes,  is  a  matter  of  taste  merely. 
—1878  Journal,  818,  928,  965;  1879  Journal,  32,  107. 

2062.  Dedication,   dispensation  unnecessary.     It  is  not 

requisite  for  a  dispensation  to  be  granted  to  dedicate  an 
Odd  Fellows'  Hall.— 1877  Journal,  582,  675,  697. 
(See  Funds.) 

ODD  FELLOWS'  HALL  ASSOCIATION. 

2063.  Articles    of    Incorporation    and    By-Laws.      The 

Grand  Lodge  recommends  a  form  of  Articles  of  Incorpora- 
tion of  an  Odd  Fellows'  Hall  Association,  and  also  a  set  of 
By-Laws  for  such  a  corporation,  which  Articles  and 
By-Laws  and  the  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  pre- 
pare the  same,  containing  reasons  and  suggestions  in  regard 
to  the  matter,  will  be  found  on  pages  165-171  of  the  Journal 
of  1900  of  the  Grand  Lodge.— 1900  Journal,  165  to  171,  228. 

2064.  Liquor  business.  A  Board  of  Directors  of  an  I.  0. 
O.  F.  Hall  Association  can  rent  a  portion  of  the  building  to 
a  person  who  will  sell  liquors  at  retail. — 1904  Journal,  368, 
534,  536. 

ODD  FELLOWS'  HOME. 

2065.  Establishment  by  Grand  Lodge.  The  Grand  Lodge 
in  1893  made  provisions  for  the  establishment  of  the  Odd 


Odd  Fellows'  Home.  527 

Fellows*  Home  in  California  by  the  enactment  among  other 
things  of  the  following  resolutions,  and  the  election  of 
Trustees  accordingly : 

2066.  Trustees — Debts,  contracts  and  liabilities.  Resolvect, 
That  a  Board  of  five  Trustees  be  elected  by  this  Grand 
Lodge,  who  shall  constitute  a  Board  of  Management,  having 
full  power  to  regulate  its  affairs,  to  make  such  necessary 
rules  for  the  Home  (subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Grand 
Lodge)  and  appoint  such  persons  as  officers  and  assistants  as 
shall  be  required.  That  no  Trustee  shall  receive  any  com- 
pensation for  his  services.  But  said  Board  of  Management 
shall  not  have  authority  to  make  or  create  any  debt,  con- 
tract or  liability  for,  or  on  behalf  of  this  Grand  Lodge ;  nor 
shall  this  Grand  Lodge  be  liable  to  said  Board,  or  any  other 
person,  or  to  any  of  its  members  for  any  services,  outlays  or 
expenditures. 

2067.  Terms  of  Trustees  and  election — Report  to  Grand 
Lodge.  Resolved,  That  the  Trustees,  immediately  after 
being  organized,  devise  ways  and  means  to  carry  forward 
this  project,  to  issue  circulars,  and  to  solicit  such  aid  as 
may  seem  most  desirable.  That  at  first  one  Trustee  shall 
be  elected  to  serve  five  years,  one  for  four  years,  one  for 
three  years,  one  for  two  years  and  one  for  one  year;  and 
at  each  subsequent  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  one  Trustee 
shall  be  elected  to  serve  for  five  years,  unless  removed  by 
death  or  resignation,  or  by  the  Grand  Lodge  for  cause. 
*  *  *  *  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Trustees  to  report 
annually  to  this  Grand  Body  the  condition  of  the  Home 
and  property  under  their  charge. 

2068.  Odd  Fellows*  Home  Fund— Secretary,  Treasurer. 
Rcsohed,  That  the  (irand  Secretary  of  this  Grand  Body 
shall  be  Secretary  of  the  said  Trustees,  and  the  Grand 
Treasurer,  Treasurer  of  the  same,  until  otherwise  ordered 
by  the  Grand  Lodge.  The  property  shall  be  under  the  con- 
trol of,  and  the  funds  subject  to  the  order  of  the  Trustees, 


528  Odd  Fellows'  Home. 

and  shall  be  held  and  known  as  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home 
Fund  of  California.— 1893  Journal,  368,  370,  399,  430. 

XoTE. — Since  the  adoption  of  the  tion,  and  in  1896  amended  the 
foregoing  resolutions,  the  Grand  same  by  making  the  Trustees 
Lodge  in  1894  amended  its  Con-  elective  officers  of  the  Grand 
stitution  by  providing  that  the  Lodge — (1894  Journal,  734,  766; 
revenue  of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  1896  Journal,  560,  579,  622;  Con- 
be  raised  for  the  support  and  stitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VIII, 
maintenance    of    such    an    institu-  Sec.  1,  and  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  1 ) . 

2069.  Deed  of  endowment.  The  Odd  Fellows'  Home  of 
California  was  dedicated  April  26,  1895..  and  its  deed  of 
endowment,  dated  January  26,  1895  (giving  and  granting 
to  the  Trustees  of  the  Home  and  their  successors  in  the 
trust  certain  land  and  improvements  thereon  at  Thermalito, 
Butte  County,  in  trust  for  the  uses  and  purposes  of  **a 
Home  for  Aged  and  Indigent  Odd  Fellows,  their  wives, 
widows  and  orphans"),  is  printed  in  full  in  Journal  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  that  year. — 1895  Journal,  153,  154.  There 
is  also  a  deed  dated  May  27,  1899,  from  the  grantors  in  the 
deed  of  endowment,  granting,  etc.,  all  the  right,  title,  inter- 
est, reversions  and  remainders  of  the  grantors  in  and  to 
said  real  estate  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Home  and  their  suc- 
cessors in  office.  This  deed  is  printed  in  full  in  Journal  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  1900,  pages  131,  132,  and  was  first 
delivered  in  escrow,  and  the  history  and  circumstances  relat- 
ing to  it  and  the  resolutions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  that  the 
title  under  it  has  vested  in  the  Trustees  and  directing  that 
it  be  recorded,  etc.,  appear  in  the  Journals  of  the  Grand 
Lodge.— 1899  Journal,  624,  625,  656,  667  to  670 ;  1900  Journal, 
131,  154,  155,  175,  176;  1904  Journal,  474;  1905  Journal, 
925,  963,  964.  There  is  also  a  deed  dated  July  8,  1905,  from 
the  grantors  in  the  deed  of  endowment  to  the  Trustees  and 
their  successors  in  the  Trust  which  is  recorded  in  County 
Recorder's  office  of  Butte  County,  and  which  vests  in  the 
Trustees  and  their  successors  the  title  and  right  and  the 
authority  and  power  to  sell,  grant,  bargain,  convey  and 
dispose  of  the  premises  described  in  the  deed  of  endow- 
ment, or  any  part  thereof,  absolutely,  completely  and  en- 
tirely free  from  the  trust,  should  the  Grand  Lodge  so  desire 


i 


Odd  Fellows'  Home.  529 

and  direct.    This  deed  will  be  reported  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
in  session  and  appear  in  its  Journal  of  1906. 

The  Trustees  have  acquired  additional  pieces  or  lots  of 
land  in  Butte  County  by  other  deeds,  and  have  sold  a  part 
of  this  additional  land  in  Butte  County. — 1895  Journal,  155 ; 
1896  Journal,  537,  538,  540 ;  1897  Journal,  947 ;  1898  Journal, 
184;  1899  Journal,  555,  556,  564,  625;  1900  Journal,  151, 
429,  430;  1904  Journal,  474.  Deed  of  the  White  Tract  in 
Santa  Clara  County  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Home  received 
as  a  site  for  a  new  Home  is  printed  in  Journal  of  Grand 
Lodge  of  1902,  page  772.  Leases  of  the  White  tract,  agree- 
ment between  Trustees  of  the  Home  and  the  San  Jose  and 
Santa  Clara  Railroad  Company,  deed  of  part  of  White  tract 
to  said  Railroad  Company,  Trustees  authorized  to  dispose 
of  the  White  tract  in  Santa  Clara  County  at  the  best  possi- 
ble price.— 1902  Journal,  772,  847,  848,  850,  852,  853 ;  1903 
Journal,  133 ;  1904  Journal,  486,  548,  561 ;  1905  Journal,  873, 
925. 

2070.  Trustees  thereof  are  elective  officers  of  the  Grand 
Lodge.  The  elective  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  be: 
1st.  Grand  Master.  ##*###* 
8th.  ''The  five  Trustees  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  for  a 
term  of  five  years,  one  of  whom  shall  be  elected  each  year 
to  succeed  the  Trustee  elected  under  the  resolution  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  at  the  session  of  May,  1893,  as  the  several 
terms  for  which  said  Trustees  were  elected  shall  expire." 
— Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  1 ;  1896  Journal, 
560. 

(See  Bonds.) 

2071.  Claims  against  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  Fund. 
Claims  a^^ainst  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  Fund  shall  be  exam- 
ined and  audited  by  the  Trustees  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home, 
and  be  paid  by  warrants  drawn  upon  said  Home  Fund  by 
the  President  or  the  Board  of  Trustees,  countersigned  by 
the  Grand  Secretary. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI, 
Sec.  4. 

34 


630  Odd  Fellows'  Hume. 

2072.  Taxation  for  its  maintenance.  The  revenue  of  this 
Grand  Lodge  shall  be  raised  for  the  purpose  of  defraying 
the  necessary  expenses  thereof,  and  the  necessary  expense 
of  support  of  aged  and  indigent  Odd  Fellows,  their  wives, 
widows  and  orphans,  whenever  they  shal*  be  supported  at 
an  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  founded  and  maintained  under  the 
auspices,  authorization  or  permission  of  this  Grand  Lodge, 
and  the  expense  of  furnishing  and  maintaining  such  Homes. 
— Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VHI,  See.  1. 

Note. — State  Grand  Lodges  may  and  have  the  legal  right  and  full 
establish  and  maintain  Homes  for  power  to  make  reasonable  and 
aged  and  indigent  Odd  Fellows  and  necessary  assessments  upon  its 
widows  of  deceased  members  of  the  Subordinates  to  provide  and  main- 
Order  and  Homes  for  the  care,  tain  such  Homes — (1894  S.  G.  L. 
protection  and  education  of  or-  Journal,  14115,  14151;  1900 
phans    of    deceased    Odd    Fellows,  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  513,  827,  873). 

2073.  Widows'  and  Orphans'  Funds — Per  capita  tax — 
Grand  Lodge.  In  jurisdictions  where  an  Odd  Fellows' 
Home  is  maintained  the  Grand  Lodges  of  such  jurisdiction 
are  authorized  to  empower  Subordinate  Lodges  to  pay  from 
the  Widows'  and  Orphans'  Fund  of  such  Subordinate 
Lodges,  all  or  any  portion  of  the  per  capita  tax  levied  by 
such  Grand  Lodge  upon  its  Subordinates  for  the  support  of 
such  Home,  and  further,  to  empower  such  Subordinate 
Lodges  to  pay  from  such  Widows'  and  Orphans'  Fund  such 
sums  as  such  Grand  Lodge  may  determine  to  be  necessary 
and  proper  for  the  support  of  such  widows  and  orphans  as 
may  be  placed  in  said  Home  upon  request  of  such  Subor- 
dinate Lodges.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  289,  320,  327. 

2074.  Right  and  authority  of  the  Grand  Master.  Be  it 
enacted  by  the  Grand  Lodge  that  the  Grand  Master  shall 
have  the  right  and  authority,  at  all  such  times  as  he  may 
deem  expedient,  to  inquire  into  and  examine,  or  cause  to 
be  examined,  the  books  and  accounts  of,  and  all  the  affairs 
and  matters  concerning  or  relative  to  the  Odd  Fellows' 
Home  and  its  management,  and  to  require  from  the  Board 
of  Trustees  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  or  its  Superintendent, 
written  information  upon  any  matter    or  subject    relative 


I 


Odd  Fellows'  Home.  631 

thereto,  and  the  right  to  submit  such  reports  and  recom- 
mendations to  the  Grand  Lodge  and  to  the  said  Board  of 
Trustees  as  he  may  deem  appropriate. — 1897  Journal,  1064. 

2075.  Receipts  and  expenditures.  Resolved,  That  the 
Trustees  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  be,  and  they  are  hereby 
instructed  to  submit  with  each  annual  report  to  this  Grand 
Lodge  a  full  and  detailed  statement  for  each  year  of  the 
receipts  and  expenditures  in  connection  with  the  manage- 
ment and  conduct  of  the  affairs  and  business  of  the  Home. 
—1897  Journal,  1065. 

2076.  Inmates — Sick  and  funeral  benefits  and  expenses 
and  dues  and  assessments.  No  brother  who  shall  have  been 
admitted  to  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  as  an  indigent,  shall 
be  entitled  to  sick  or  funeral  benefits  during  the  time  he 
shall  remain  an  inmate  of  the  Home,  but  the  funeral  ex- 
penses allowed  by  the  By-Laws  of  his  Lodge,  in  case  of  his 
death  and  burial  by  the  Home,  shall  be  paid  into  the  Odd 
Fellows'  Home  Fund.  No  brother  shall  be  required  to  pay 
Lodge  dues  or  assessments  while  an  inmate  of  the  Home 
as  an  indigent. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  4. 

2077.  A  brother  must  consent  to  go  to  Home.    An  Odd 

Fellow  cannot  be  required  to  go  to  the  Home  without  his 
consent ;  but  if  he  do  go  there,  while  in  the  Home  his  Lodge 
is  relieved  from  paying  him  benefits. — 1897  Journal,  1002, 
1035. 

2078.  Sending  brothers  to  the  Home.  Should  a  brother 
advanced  in  years  become  enfeebled  from  sickness,  yet  able 
to  get  around,  and  though  indigent,  but  so  reduced  in 
physical  strength  that  he  considers  it  would  be  endangering 
his  health  to  go  to  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  and  his  physician 
so  advises,  there  is  nothing  which  would  compel  him  to  go 
if  his  Lodge  desired  to  place  him  in  the  Home,  feeling  as 
though  the  payment  of  sick  benefits  to  him  had  become 
burdensome,  and  from  which  they  desired  to  be  released. 
—^896  Journal,  412,  581,  628. 


532  Odd  Fellows'  Home. 

2079.  To  be  admitted,  must  be  free  from  all  charges.  No 
brother  is  entitled  to  admission  to  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home 
unless  he  be  free  from  all  charges  against  his  name  on  the 
Lodge  books.— 1897  Journal,  842,  994,  1034. 

2080.  Dues  and  assessments — Suspension.  A  brother 
in  the  Home  is  not  required  to  pay  dues  and  assessments, 
and  therefore  cannot  be  suspended  during  his  stay  at  the 
Home,  except  for  conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow. — 
1897  Journal,  806,  1030,  1054. 

2081.  Dues  and  assessments — Password — Good  standing. 

A  brother's  dues  should  all  be  paid  before  he  is  entitled  to 
admission  to  the  Home,  and  while  in  the  Home  no  dues  are 
charged  up  against  him.  If  he  leave  the  Home,  his  dues 
begin  again  in  his  Lodge.  He  would,  therefore,  be  entitled 
to  the  password  all  the  time  while  at  the  Home.  A  brother 
cannot  lose  his  standing  while  in  the  Hom6. — 1897  Journal, 
807,  994,  1034. 

2082.  Password.  As  to  the  semi-annual  password  and 
orders  for  the  same  sent  to  inmates,  see  Sections  2547  and 
2548  of  this  Digest. 

2083.  Resident  thereof  suspended  and  dues.  When  a 
resident  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Home  is  suspended  therefrom  for 
cause,  for  a  fixed  period  of  time  or  permanently,  he  is  not 
during  the  term  of  such  suspension  a  resident  of  the  Home, 
and  hence  is  not  exempted  from  the  payment  of  dues  to 
the  Lodge.— 1899  Journal,  665,  683,  686. 

2084.  Suspended  inmate — Dues — Benefits.  An  inmate  of 
the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  who  is  suspended  for  a  limited  time 
can,  during  such  suspension,  pay  dues  to  his  Lodge,  and  if 
sick  or  taken  sick  during  such  time,  he  is  entitled  to  sick 
benefits,  provided  he  has  complied  with  the  By-Law^s  of  his 
Lodge.— 1902  Journal,  749,  900,  917. 

2085.  Rules  and  regulations  for  its  management.  Such 
rules  and  regulations  were  adopted  by  the  Board  of  Trustees 
of  the  Home  and  approved  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  are  as 
follows : 


Odd  Fellows'  Home.  533 

Preamble.  The  Odd  Fellows'  Home  of  California  is  es- 
tablished by  the  Grand  Lodge,  I.  0.  O.  P.,  of  the  State  of 
California,  under  resolutions  adopted  by  said  Grand  Lodge, 
at  its  session  in  1893  (Journal,  pages  370  and  399),  under 
the  management  of  a  Board,  consisting  of  five  members, 
known  as  Trustees  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  "to  consti- 
tute a  Board  of  Management,  with  full  power  to  regulate 
its  affairs,  to  make  such  necessary  rules  for  the  Home  (sub- 
ject to  the  approval  of  the  Grand  Lodge),  and  to  appoint 
such  persons,  officers  and  assistants  as  shall  be  required, 
and  to  report  annually  to  the  Grand  Lodge." 

Rule  I.  Officers  and  Committees.  The  Board  of  Trustees 
shall  annually  elect  one  of  its  own  members  as  President, 
and  one  as  Vice-President,  and  may,  from  time  to  time,  ap- 
point such  committees  and  prescribe  their  duties,  as  it  shall 
deem  best.  The  Grand  Secretary  shall  be  ex-oMcio  Secre- 
tary of  the  Board,  and  the  Grand  Treasurer  shall  be  ex-oMcio 
Treasurer  thereof. 

Rule  II.  Superintendent  and  Matron.  The  Board  of 
Trustees  shall  have  power  to  appoint  a  Superintendent  and 
Matron  of  the  Home,  to  hold  during  the  pleasure  of  the 
Board,  and  to  fix  their  compensation.  The  Superintendent 
and  Matron  shall  reside  at  the  Home,  and  have  general 
charge  of  the  property  of  the  Home,  managing  and  caring 
for  the  same,  and  for  the  inmates  of  the  Home,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Trustees. 

Rule  III.  Duties  of  President  and  Vice-President.  The 
President  shall  preside  at  all  meetings  of  the  Board  of 
Trustees  and  be  the  executive  officer  thereof,  and  perform 
such  duties  as  usually  pertain  to  such  office,  and  sign  all 
warrants  drawn  upon  the  Treasurer.  In  the  absence  of  the 
President,  or  in  case  of  his  inability  to  act,  the  Vice-Presi- 
dent shall  perform  the  duties  which  appertain  to  the  office 
of  President. 

Rule  IV.  Duties  of  Secretary.  The  Secretary  shall  keep 
an  accurate  record  of  all  the  i)r()ceedings  of  the  Board  of 


534  Odd  Fellows'  Home. 

Trustees,  and  an  accurate  account  of  all  receipts  and  dis- 
bursements of  moneys  belonging  to  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home 
Fund,  and  perform  such  other  duties  as  such,  as  may  be 
required  of  him  by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  or  by  the  Grand 
Lodge,  pertaining  to  the  business  of  the  Home. 

Rule  V.  Duties  of  Treasurer.  The  Treasurer  shall  re- 
ceive from  the  Secretary  and  safely  keep  and  faithfully 
account  for,  and  be  responsible  on  his  bond  as  Grand  Treas- 
urer therefor,  all  moneys  belonging  or  pertaining  to  the 
Odd  Fellows'  Home  Fund,  and  pay  the  same  out  only  upon 
the  warrant  of  the  President  (or  in  his  absence  or  inability 
to  serve,  of  the  Vice-President),  attested  by  the  Secretary. 

Rule  VI.  Funds  —  Disbursements  —  Reports  —  Finance 
Committee.  All  funds  collected  or  received  for  the  use  of 
the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  of  California,  whether  from  sub- 
scription, gift,  donation,  or  from  assessment  levied  by  the 
Grand  Lodge,  shall  be  paid  over  to  and  a  record  thereof 
duly  made  by  the  Grand  Secretary,  and  be  by  him  paid 
over  to  and  deposited  with  the  Grand  Treasurer  as  Treas- 
urer; and  such  funds  shall  only  be  disbursed  upon  the  war- 
rant of  the  President  (or  in  case  of  his  absence  or  inability 
to  serve,  of  the  Vice-President),  attested  by  the  Grand 
Secretary  as  Secretary.  In  eases  of  the  payment  of  fixed 
salaries  which  have  been  established  by  the  Board,  or  of 
fixed  sums  due  upon  contract  already  approved  and  estab- 
lished by  the  Board,  warrants  may  be  drawm  for  the  amounts 
so  fixed  and  established,  when  due  and  payable,  but  in 
all  other  cases,  warrants  shall  not  be  drawn  except  in  pay- 
ment of  bills  or  claims  duly  presented  to  and  audited  and 
allowed  by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  or  to  meet  appropriations 
first  duly  authorized  by  such  Board.  At  every  annual 
session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  a  full  and  complete  report  of 
all  receipts  and  disbursements  from  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home 
Fund,  with  an  itemized  statement  of  account  and  the 
vouchers  therefor,  shall  be  submitted  for  the  inspection 
and  examination  of  the  Finance  Committee  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  and  its  report  to  the  Grand  Lodge  thereon,  together 


Odd  Fellows'  Home.  536 

with  a  general  report  from  the  Trustees  of  the  condition 
and  management  of  the  Home  and  of  the  property  thereof. 

Rule  Vn.  Meetings — Quorum.  Regular  monthly  meet- 
ings of  the  Board  shall  be  held  at  the  office  of  the  Grand 
Secretary  on  the  second  Monday  of  each  month,  at  two 
o'clock  p.  m.,  or  if  that  shall  be  a  legal  holiday,  then  upon 
the  next  succeeding  business  day,  at  two  o'clock  p.  m.  (ex- 
cepting the  meetings  of  April,  August  and  December  of 
each  year,  which  meetings  shall  be  held  at  the  Odd  Fellows' 
Home  on  the  Saturday  preceding  the  second  Monday,  at 
such  hour  as  may  be  fixed  by  the  President),  for  the  audit- 
ing of  claims  and  for  such  other  business  as  may  come  before 
the  Board.  Special  meetings  may  be  held  at  such  times  or 
places  as  may  be. ordered  by  the  President,  or  by  any  two 
members  of  the  Board.  At  all  meetings  of  the  Board  the 
presence  of  at  least  three  members  shall  be  required  to  con- 
stitute a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business,  and  the 
concurrence  of  not  less  than  three  members  shall  at  all  times 
be  required  for  the  approval  or  adoption  of  any  measure 
or  claim  requiring  the  action  of  the  Board, — As  amended  by 
the  Board,  December  13,  1897. 

Rule  VIII.  Who  to  be  admitted — Conditions  of  admis- 
sion. This  Home  is  not  founded,  and  is  not  to  be  used  as 
a  hospital  for  the  care  of  persons  temporarily  disabled  by- 
sickness  or  accident.  Nor  is  it  designed  to  take  the  place 
of  the  Lodge  in  the  performance  of  the  duty  imposed  by 
the  elementary  law  of  the  Order,  in  the  matter  of  caring  for 
the  sick,  but  it  is  rather  to  supplement  the  work  of  the 
Lodge,  taking  up  the  great  work  of  benevolence  and  charity 
where  the  duty  of  relief  and  sick  benefits  ends,  by  caring 
for  the  infirmities  of  age,  coupled  with  the  misfortunes  of 
poverty,  and  the  helplessness  of  infancy,  rather  than  for 
the  afflictions  of  disease.  It  is  established  for  the  care  and 
maintenance  of  members  of  the  Order  who  are  unable  to 
earn  a  livelihood  by  reason  of  the  infirmities  of  age  and  the 
chronic  afflictions  incident  thereto,  and  are  in  indigent  cir- 
cumstances, without  other  means  of  support;  and  of  the 


5S6  Odd  Fellows'  Home. 

infirm  and  helpless  wives  or  widows  of  such,  and  of  the 
helpless  orphans  of  members  of  the  Order,  who  are  without 
other  and  proper  provision  for  their  care  and  education. 
Such  persons,  upon  being  admitted  to  the  Home,  and  to  the 
care  and  support  of  the  Grand  Lodge  therein,  will  be  cared 
for  in  sickness  and  in  health,  while  they  remain  residents 
thereof,  and  will  be  required  to  relinquish  all  claims  upon 
their  respective  Lodges  for  benefits,  as  a  condition  of  their 
admission  to  and  support  in  the  Home.  The  funeral  ex- 
penses, however,  required  by  the  Constitution,  shall  be  paid 
to  the  Home  on  the  death  of  a  member  who  is  a  resident 
of  said  Home. 

Adult  males,  to  be  entitled  to  such  admission  as  of  right, 
must  be  aged,  infirm  and  indigent,  as  hereinabove  provided ; 
each  must  be  at  the  time  of  his  admission,  and  must  have 
been  for  at  least  five  years  before  such  admission,  a  member 
in  good  standing  in  some  Subordinate  Lodge  within  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  California,  or  must  have 
been  such  in  some  defunct  Lodge  in  said  jurisdiction  at 
the  time  of  the  surrender  of  the  charter,  and  must  present 
to  the  Board  of  Trustees,  or  to  its  authorized  Committee  on 
Admission,  to  be  preserved  among  the  records  of  the  Home, 
a  certificate  signed  by  the  Noble  Grand  and  Secretary  of 
his  Lodge,  and  under  the  seal  thereof,  showing  the  fact 
of  such  membership  in  good  standing,  the  date  of  his 
admission  to  the  Lodge  and  his  rank  therein,  his  age,  the 
fact  that  he  is  unable  to  support  himself  by  reason  of  in- 
firmity, and  is  without  other  means  of  support,  requesting 
on  behalf  of  the  Lodge  that  he  be  admitted  to  the  Home, 
and  certifying  that  as  a  condition  of  his  admission  he  has 
relinquished  all  claim  upon  the  Lodge  for  benefits  while 
there ;  and,  also,  a  certificate  from  some  reputable  physician 
showing  that  he  is  not  afflicted  with  insanity  or  acute  or 
contagious  diseases,  and  is  not  helpless  from  any  chronic 
disease.  In  case  the  applicant  be  out  of  membership  at  the 
time,  by  reason  of  the  fact  that  his  Lodge  is  extinct,  a  certi- 
ficate as  to  the  fact  of  infirmity  and  indigency,  issued  by 
the  Noble  Grand  and  Secretary  of  some  Lodge  in  this  juris- 


Odd  Fellows*  Home.  i>S7 

diction  having  knowledge  of  those  facts,  under  the  seal  and 
by  the  authority  of  the  Lodge,  and  a  certificate  from  the 
Grand  Secretary,  showing  the  facts  as  to  his  membership 
and  age,  must  be  presented  and  filed  with  the  Board,  as 
aforesaid,  with  like  physician's  certificate.  Such  certificates 
approved  by  the  Board,  or  its  Admission  Committee,  shall 
prima  facie  entitle  the  applicant  to  admission  to  the  Home 
as  a  non-paying  resident  thereof,  whenever  there  is  room 
for  his  accommodation  and  care ;  but  if  at  any  time  thereafter 
it  shall  be  found  that  the  certifying  officers  or  the  Board 
have  been  deceived  as  to  the  facts,  and  that  the  person  is 
not  one  entitled  to  the  care  and  maintenance  of  the  Home, 
or  if  from  any  cause  he  shall  cease  to  be  indigent  and 
become  able  to  support  himself,  or  he  shall  prove  himself 
insubordinate,  and  persistently  violate  the  reasonable  rules 
of  discipline  of  the  Home,  he  may  be  dismissed  therefrom. 
Aged,  infirm  and  indigent  wives  of  aged,  infirm  and  in- 
digent Odd  Fellows  in  standing  in  this  jurisdiction,  or  the 
aged,  infirm  and  indigent  widows  of  Odd  Fellows,  who, 
at  the  time  of  their  death,  were  members  of  Lodges  in  this 
jurisdiction,  or  aged,  infirm  and  indigent  widowed  or  un- 
married sisters  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah  may  be  admitted 
to  the  Home  upon  satisfactory  proof  of  the  facts  by  certi- 
ficates, as  above  required,  and  subject  to  the  same  conditions 
as  above  prescribed  for  brothers. 

Orphans  or  half  orphan  children  of  Odd  Fellows,  who 
are,  or  who  at  the  time  of  their  death  were,  members  in 
good  standing  in  some  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction,  such  chil- 
dren being  under  fourteen  years  of  age,  and  without  other 
suitable  home  or  means  of  proper  care,  may  be  admitted 
and  cared  for  in  the  Home  at  Thermalito,  upon  such  proofs 
as  shall  be  required  by  the  Board,  to  be  furnished  by  either 
Subordinate  or  Rebekah  Lodges,  and  in  the  management, 
education  and  care  of  such  orphans,  the  Board  of  Trustees 
may  accept  or  call  to  their  aid  an  Advisory  Board,  selected 
from  among  the  sisters  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah,  such 
selection  to  be  made  either  by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  or  by 
the  State  organization  of  the  sisters  of  the  Rebekah  Degree. 


538  Odd  Fellows'  Home. 

Odd  Fellows  in  good  standing  in  Lodges  of  other  juris- 
dictions, or  the  wives  or  widows  of  such,  resident  in  the 
State  of  California,  aged,  infirm  and  indigent,  as  herein- 
above provided,  not  afflicted  with  insanity  or  contagious 
diseases,  whenever  and  as  long  as  there  is  room  and  accom- 
modation therefor  without  exclusion  of  those  of  our  own 
jurisdiction,  may  be  admitted  and  cared  for  at  the  Home 
upon  such  terms  as  may  be  prescribed  by  the  Board  of  Trus- 
tees, and  as  shall  in  all  cases  protect  the  Home  Fund  from 
expense  on  account  thereof. 

Rule  IX.  Admission  of  non-indigent  Odd  Fellows.  Aged 
Odd  Fellows,  members  in  good  standing  in  this  jurisdiction, 
not  indigent,  may  secure  for  themselves  the  right  of  resi- 
dence and  care  at  the  Home  from  month  to  month,  for  a 
fixed  term  or  for  life.  The  price  to  be  paid  for  life  member- 
ship shall  be  one  thousand  dollars;  from  month  to  month, 
or  for  other  fixed  term,  such  sum  shall  be  charged  as  may 
be  prescribed  by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  and  as  shall  be 
sufficient  to  cover  all  the  expenses  of  such  care  and  main- 
tenance during  the  time  the  brother  remains  at  the  Home. 

Rule  X.  Rules  of  discipline.  Upon  the  opening  of  the 
Home,  and  at  any  time  thereafter,  as  experience  shall 
demonstrate  the  necessity  therefor,  the  Board  of  Trustees 
shall  prescribe  and  establish  such  rules  of  discipline  for  the 
government  of  the  officers,  servants  and  inmates  of  the 
Home  as  in  the  judgment  of  the  Board  may  be  required. 

Rule  XI.  Wines  and  intoxicating  liquors — Intoxication. 
No  wines  or  intoxicating  liquors  of  any  kind  shall  ever  be 
kept  or  furnished  at  the  Home,  or  in  or  upon  any  of  the 
buildings  or  grounds  belonging  thereto,  to  be  used  as  a 
beverage,  and  none  shall  be  permitted  to  be  so  used  thereat 
or  thereon.  A  violation  of  this  rule  by  inmate  or  employee 
shall  be  sufficient  ground  of  dismissal  from  the  Home.  Nor 
shall  any  person  be  permitted  to  remain  at  the  Home  in  any 
capacity  who  is  in  the  habit  of  becoming  intoxicated  else- 
where. 


Odd  Fellows'  Home.  539 

Rule  XII.     Powers  and  duties  of  Superintendent.     The 

Superintendent  is  the  chief  executive  officer  at  the  buildings 
and  grounds  of  the  Home.  He  shall  have  power  to  engage 
and  discharge  employees  as  authorized  from  time  to  time 
by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  at  such  salaries  as  may  be  auth- 
orized, and  in  case  of  emergency,  requiring  extra  help,  may 
employ  the  same  for  the  time  being,  reporting  his  action  in 
such  cases  to  the  Board  at  the  next  regular  meeting  thereof, 
with  his  reasons  therefor.  He  must  preserve  peace  and 
order  at  the  Home  among  both  employees  and  residents, 
and  take  all  necessary  precautions  for  the  preservation  of 
the  property  under  his  charge,  and  the  health  and  cleanli- 
ness of  all  persons  residing  therein.  He  must  admit  to  the 
Home  as  residents  all  persons  whose  applications  have  been 
submitted  to  and  approved  by  the  Board. 

He  shall  at  each  regular  meeting  of  the  Board  report  the 
names  of  all  persons  who  have  been  admitted  as  residents 
since  the  last  preceding  report,  with  age,  rank,  and  the 
name  and  number  of  the  Lodge  to  which  such  resident 
belongs,  or  on  whose  application  he  is  admitted.  If  from 
information  subsequently  acquired,  or  from  any  cause,  he 
shall  conclude  that  any  person  admitted  as  a  resident  of  the 
Home  is  not  entitled  to  be  or  remain  there,  he  shall  report 
the  facts  and  circumstances  leading  to  such  conclusion  to 
the  Board  for  investigation  and  determination,  and  if  at 
any  time  during  the  interim  between  sessions  of  the  Board 
of  Trustees,  by  reason  of  drunkenness,  or  of  violent  or 
quarrelsome  deportment,  persistent  vulgar,  obscene  conduct, 
or  vulgar,  profane  or  abusive  language  on  the  part  of  any 
resident,  seriously  affecting  the  peace  and  harmony  of  the 
Home,  he  shall  have  power,  in  his  discretion,  to  suspend  or 
dismiss  the  delinquent  resident  from  the  privileges  of  the 
Home,  reporting  his  proceedings  in  regard  thereto,  and  his 
reasons  therefor,  to  the  Board  at  its  next  meeting,  and  in 
the  meantime  the  resident  so  suspended  or  dismissed  must 
leave  the  Home. 

In  case  of  an  outbreak  of  contagious  disease,  he  shall 
have  power  and  it  shall  be  his  duty  to  take  such  measures 


540  Odd  Fkllows'  Home. 

for  the  protection  of  others  from  exposure  thereto,  and  for 
the  proper  care  of  the  diseased  one,  as  in  his  judgment  shall 
be  necessary,  and  as  the  circumstances  of  the  case  may  re- 
quire, acting  under  the  advice  of  the  physician  in  that 
regard. 

In  case  of  a  violent  and  dangerous  insanity,  or  of  crime 
under  the  laws  of  the  State,  he  shall  have  power,  and  it 
shall  be  his  duty,  to  take  such  proceedings  thereon,  under 
the  laws  of  the  State  as  he  shall  deem  necessary  and  proper. 

In  case  of  the  death  and  burial  at  the  Home  of  a  brother 
entitled  to  be  buried  with  the  honors  of  the  Order,  and 
other  provision  is  not  made  therefor,  he  shall  conduct  the 
funeral,  or  cause  the  same  to  be  done  by  some  other  quali- 
fied brother,  according  to  the  funeral  ceremony  of  the 
Order,  and  cause  the  remains  to  be  buried  with  proper 
ceremony,  in  the  cemetery  of  the  Home,  and  keep  such 
record  of  all  burials  made  from  the  Home  as  will  enable 
proper  identification  of  each  grave  whenever  it  may  be 
desired;  and  he  shall  take  charge  of  and  safely  keep,  sub- 
ject to  the  claim  of  whomsoever  may  be  lawfully  entitled 
thereto,  all  the  personal  effects  of  such  deceased  brother, 
keeping  an  inventory  thereof. 

Rule  XIII.  Duties  of  Matron.  The  Matron  shall  be  the 
female  head  of  the  family  at  the  Home,  and  perform  the 
duties  pertaining  to  that  position,  and  shall  be  the  assistant 
of  the  Superintendent  in  the  care  and  management  of  the 
Home.— 1895  Journal,  192,  232 ;  1896  Journal,  609,  610,  611, 
636. 

2086.  Duties  of  physician  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home.  The 
Board  of  Trustees  have  adopted  the  following: 

Resolved,  That  the  resident  physician  shall  have  charge 
of  and  be  responsible  for  the  hygienic  and  sanitary  condition 
of  the  buildings  and  farm  of  ''the  Home."  He  shall  be 
charged  with  the  care  of  the  sick  and  disabled ;  have  charge 
of  all  nurses,  with  power  to  dismiss  for  neglect  of  duty  or 
incompetency,  in  cases  of  emergency;  but  when  the  Super- 


Odd  Fellows'  Home.  541 

intendent  is  at  the  Home,  such  cases  shall  be  reported  to 
him,  and  with  him,  or  the  Trustees,  shall  finally  rest  the 
power  of  dismissal.  The  physician  shall  make  daily  inspec- 
tion of  each  room  occupied  by  a  resident,  also  water  closets, 
bathrooms,  cellar,  storerooms,  kitchen,  etc.,  and  report  to 
the  Superintendent  or  Matron  (as  the  case  may  require) 
any  neglect  of  duty  on  the  part  of  those  charged  with  the 
care  of  any  part  or  department  of  ''the  Home."  He  shall 
present  monthly  reports  to  the  Board  of  Trustees,  showing 
-the  number  of  cases  treated,  the  sex  of  the  patient,  and  the 
cause  and  duration  of  illness.  He  shall,  upon  the  arrival 
of  an  applicant  for  residence  at  the  Home,  make  a  careful 
and  thorough  examination  into  the  physical  and  mental 
condition  of  said  applicant,  and  report  same  to  the  Board 
of  Trustees. 

2087.  Certificate  or  application  for  admission  to  the 
Home.  The  Board  of  Trustees  have  prescribed  forms  of 
such  certificate  or  application,  to  be  signed  by  the  Noble 
Grand  of  a  Lodge,  and  attested  by  the  seal  and  signed  by 
the  Secretary,  and  subscribed  by  the  applicant.  (See  Forms 
Nos.  8  and  10  of  the  forms  affixed  to  this  Digest.) 

2088.  Medical  certificate.  The  Board  of  Trustees  has 
prescribed  a  form  of  medical  certificate  in  regard  to  an 
applicant  for  admission  to  the  "Home,"  to  be  signed  by 
a  physician  and  attested  by  the  seal  and  signatures  of  the 
Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand  of  a  Lodge.  (See  Form  No. 
9  of  the  forms  affixed  to  this  Digest.) 

2089.  Certificate  of  life  membership.  (See  Form  No.  14 
of  the  forms  affixed  to  this  Digest.) 

2090.  Rules  of  discipline  for  its  government.  The  Board 
of  Trustees  of  the  Home  have  established  such  rules,  and 
they  are  as  follows: 

Rule  1.  Wines  and  intoxicating  liquors.  Every  resident 
and  employee  is  required  to  carefully  observe  and  conform 
to  Rule  XI  of  the  Rules  and  Regulations  prescribed  by  the 


542  Odd  Fellows'  Home. 

Grand  Lodge  for  the  government  of  this  Home,  subject  to 
the  penalty  therein  prescribed.    Said  Rule  reads  as  follows; 

INTOXICATING  LIQUOBS. 

"RlTLE  XI.  No  wines  or  intoxicating  liquors  of  any  kind  shall  ever 
be  kept  or  furnished  at  the  Home,  or  in  or  upon  any  of  the  buildinjrs  or 
grounds  belonging  thereto,  to  be  used  as  a  beverage,  and  none  shall  be 
permitted  to  be  so  used  thereat  or  thereon.  A  violation  of  this  rule  by 
inmate  or  employee  shall  be  sufficient  ground  of  dismissal  from  the 
Home.  Nor  shall  any  person  be  permitted  to  remain  at  the  Home  in 
any  capacity  who  is  in  the  habit  of  becoming  intoxicated  elsewhere." 

Rule  2.  Liquors — Penalty.  Any  violation  of  Rule  1,  as 
above  provided,  will  subject  the  offender  to  reprimand  by 
the  Superintendent,  Resident  Director  or  President,  and 
repeated  violation  of  the  rule  shall  subject  the  offender  to 
dismissal  from  the  Home. 

Rule  3.  Giving  or  furnishing  liquors.  No  visitor  at  the 
Home  shall  give  or  furnish  to  any  resident  or  employee  any 
alcoholic  liquor,  wine  or  beer.  Any  resident  or  employee 
having  knowledge  of  a  violation  of  this  rule  shall  inform 
the  Superintendent  thereof,  and  the  oft'ender  shall  there- 
after be  denied  the  privilege  of  visiting  the  Home,  and  if 
a  member  of  the  Order,  his  offense  shall  be  reported  to  the 
Lodge  to  which  he  belongs. 

Rule  4.  Cooking.  No  cooking  shall  be  allowed  in  any 
of  the  rooms  of  the  Home  except  the  kitchen,  and  special 
cooking  at  the  request  of  residents  or  employees  will  not  be 
allowed  except  upon  notification  to  and  consent  of  the  Super- 
intendent or  Matron  or  the  Hospital  Steward. 

Rule  5.  Keeping  rooms  clean,  etc.  Each  resident,  if  able, 
will  be  required  to  care  for  his  or  her  own  room,  keeping 
it  clean  and  in  order  at  all  times;  and  certified  residents 
(being  those  who  do  not  hold  Life  Membership)  who  are 
able  to  do  more,  are  expected  and  required  to  contribute 
towards  keeping  down  the  expenses  of  the  Home  by  assist- 
ing in  other  work  about  the  premises  according  to  their 
ability,  under  the  direction  of  the  Superintendent  or 
Matron. 


Odd  Fellows'  Home.  543 

Rule  6.  Meals.  Every  person  who  is  able  to  go  to  the 
dining-room  is  required  to  be  prompt  in  attendance  at 
meals.  The  hours  for  meals  shall  be  determined  by  the 
Superintendent. 

Rule  7.  Dining-room.  No  meals  shall  be  served  else- 
where than  in  the  dining-room,  except  to  those  who  are 
unable  by  reason  of  sickness,  or  other  good  cause,  to  attend 
at  regular  meals. 

Rule  8.  Lights — Noise.  Except  when  otherwise  required 
by  sickness,  no  lights  will  be  allowed  in  any  lodging-room 
after  the  occupants  thereof  have  retired  for  the  night,  and 
all  lights  in  lodging-rooms,  and  other  unnecessary  lights, 
must  be  turned  off  at  seasonable  hours,  the  same  to  be  regu- 
lated by  the  Superintendent,  from  time  to  time,  according 
to  season,  after  which  no  loud  or  boisterous  talking,  laugh- 
ing, or  other  disturbing  noises  shall  be  permitted. 

Rule  9.  Absence  from  the  Home  or  meals.  To  the  end 
that  they  may  at  all  times  be  properly  cared  for,  residents 
at  the  Home  are  requested  not  to  leave  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  the  Home  without  notice  to  the  Superintendent 
or  Matron,  and  no  certified  resident  must  leave  the  Home, 
to  be  absent  any  meal,  without  the  previous  consent  of  one 
of  those  officers.  Such  consent  shall  not  be  given  a  second 
time  to  one  ivho  returns  under  the  iniluence  of  liquor.  Cer- 
tified residents  desiring  to  be  absent  from  the  Home  over 
night,  or  for  a  longer  period,  must  procure  from  the  Super- 
intendent or  Matron  a  written  or  printed  leave  of  absence, 
showing  consent,  the  name  of  the  person  to  whom  issued, 
with  the  name  and  number  of  his  Lodge,  and  that  he  is 
a  resident  of  the  Home.  Such  leave  shall  not  be  issued, 
unless  in  the  opinion  of  the  officer  granting  the  same  the 
applicant  therefor  be  in  both  physical  and  mental  condition 
rendering  it  safe  for  him  to  travel  alone,  or  his  departure 
be  taken  in  care  of  a  relative,  or  a  representative  of  his 
Lodge.  Residents  holding  Life  Memberships  are  at  liberty 
to  depart  and  return  at  pleasure,  but  the  Superintendent 
or  Matron  should  be  advised  of  the  party's  intention  in 


544  Odd  Fellows'  Home. 

that  regard,  and  they  like  all  others  must  conform  to  the 
Rules  of  the  Home  in  other  respects. 

Rule  10.  Baths.  Every  resident  is  required  to  take  a 
bath  at  least  once  a  week,  and  all  residents  and  employees 
are  required  to  so  conduct  themselves  as  to  keep  the  Home 
and  its  surroundings  in  a  neat,  clean  and  healthy  condition. 

Rule  11.  Physician,  medicine  and  nurse.  A  skilled  phys- 
ician, hospital  steward,  medical  dispensary  and  nurses  as 
required  are  provided  for  the  care  of  the  health  of  the  resi- 
dents at  the  Home,  without  expense  to  them.  Residents 
are  warned  against  the  use  of  drugs  or  patent  medicines, 
except  when  prescribed,  but  when  medicines  are  required, 
they  are  expected  and  required  to  use  them  as  directed  by 
the  physician. 

Rule  12.  Proper  conduct.  Every  resident  and  employeer 
is  required  to  treat  every  other  with  respect,  courtesy  and 
kindness,  and  to  be  guilty  of  no  act  which  will  disturb  the 
peace  and  harmony  of  the  Home.  Violations  of  this  rule 
should  be  reported  at  once  to  the  Superintendent,  whose 
duty  it  is  to  enforce  this  and  all  other  rules  of  the  Home. 

Rule  13.  Violation  of  rules  and  insubordination.  Resi- 
dents and  employees  should  remember  that  the  penalty 
prescribed  by  the  Grand  Lodge  for  insubordination,  or  per- 
sistent violation  of  the  reasonable  rules  of  discipline  of  the 
Home,  is  dismissal  therefrom.  In  cases  of  emergency, 
affecting  the  immediate  welfare  or  peace  of  the  Home,  the 
Superintendent  is  authorized  to  exercise  this  power,  and  in 
all  cases  of  repeated  violation  of  the  rules,  or  of  any  of 
them,  he  is  required  to  report  to  the  Board  of  Trustees  for 
its  action  thereon. 

2091.    Additional  Rules. 

(A)  Money  and  valuables  of  brother  admitted.  Upon 
the  admission  of  a  resident  to  the  Home,  he  shall  deliver  to 
the  Superintendent  any  money  and  other  valuables  he  may 
have  on  his  person,  taking  a  receipt  for  the  same,  which 


Offenses.  545 

receipt  he  shall  at  once  send  to  his  Lodge.  When  the  Super- 
intendent delivers  to  said  resident  any  portion  of  the  money 
or  valuables  originally  received  by  him,  he  shall  take  a 
receipt  for  the  same  from  the  resident  and  forward  said 
receipt  to  the  Board  of  Trustees  at  the  next  regular  meet- 
ing, and  he  shall  be  so  instructed  by  the  Superintendent. 

(B)  Departing  permanently  from  the  Home.  When  a 
resident  has  been  legally  admitted  to  the  Home,  he  or  she 
shall  not  be  allowed  to  depart  permanently  except  upon  the 
written  authority  of  the  Board  of  Trustees. 

(C)  Voluntarily  leaving  the  Home.  Whenever  a  resi- 
dent voluntarily  leaves  the  Home  the  Lodge  to  which  such 
brother  belongs  shall  be  immediately  notified  by  the  Super- 
intendent, giving  the  date  of  such  brother's  leaving. 

(D)  Leave  of  absence.  A  resident  of  the  Home,  on  being 
granted  a  leave  of  absence,  must  deliver  the  key  of  his  room 
to  the  Superintendent,  and  an  absence  of  more  than  twenty 
days  will  cause  the  room  to  be  declared  vacant. 

(E)  Intoxication.  Whenever  a  resident  of  the  Home 
shall  become  intoxicated,  he  shall  be  punished  as  follows: 

For  the  first  offense,  suspension  for  two  months. 
For  the  second  offense,  suspension  for  four  months. 
For  the  third  offense,  suspension  for  six  months. 
For  the  fourth  offense,  he  shall  be  expelled. 

OFFENSES. 

1.  What  afe  not  offenses,  page  545. 

2.  What  are  offenses,  page  548. 

1.     WHAT  ARE  NOT  OFFENSES. 

2092.  Collection  of  debts  and  private  contracts.  Our 
laws  are  not  intended  to  be  invoked  for  the  collection  of 
debts  or  for  the  punishment  of  oft'enses  not  of  themselves 
clearly  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow.    It  is  improper  to  make 


546  Offenses. 

the  Lodge  the  tribunal  to  enforce  private  contracts  where  no 
actual  fraud  appears;  ordinary  transactions  where  the 
courts  afford  a  remedy  and  where  the  good  name  of  the 
Order  is  not  specially  affected,  and  where  public  or  private 
morals  are  not  clearly  violated,  should  not  be  brought  in- 
side of  the  Lodge-room  for  adjudication. — Levey  vs.  Mag- 
nolia Lodge,  1871  Journal,  403,  404,  429. 

2093.  .  Promises  to  pay  pecuniary  obligations.  Members 
of  the  Order  should  not  be  held  amenable  to  its  penalties 
for  a  failure  to  comply  with  promises  to  pay  pecuniary  obli- 
gations. All  grievances  of  this  character  are  properly  re- 
ferable to  the  courts  of  competent  jurisdiction  for  a  full 
and  complete  remedy.  An  attempt  to  collect  debts  or  to 
enforce  any  kind  of  pecuniary  obligations  through  the 
instrumentality  of  our  code  of  trials,  is  subversive  of  justice 
and  against  the  spirit  and  teachings  of  our  Order,  unless 
the  obligation  was  incurred  through  some  false  pretense,  or 
the  transaction  involved  some  act  of  personal  dishonesty. — 
1879  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8076,  8174. 

2094.  The  mere  owing  of  a  debt  no  offense.  The  mere 
fact  that  a  brother  owes  debts  and  has  not  paid  them,  or 
will  not  work  for  the  creditor,  so  that  what  he  earns  may 
be  applied  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  debt,  do  not  constitute 
an  offense.  In  matters  of  this  nature,  unconnected  with 
any  fraudulent,  immoral  or  wrongful  conduct,  charges 
should  not  be  preferred. — Cosgrove  vs.  Petaluma  Lodge, 
1877  Journal,  658,  666 ;  Weill  vs.  Elmira  Lodge,  1878  Jour- 
nal, 888,  913. 

2095.  Pecuniary  obligations  without  false  pretenses  or 
fraudulent  acts.  Pecuniary  obligations  without  false  pre- 
tense or  fraudulent  acts,  arising  merely  out  of  a  brother's 
inability  to  pay  his  debts,  are  not  the  subject  of  charges 
and  trials  in  our  Order. — Hankerson  vs.  Santa  Lucia  Lodge, 
1891  Journal,  665,  674. 

2096.  Private  business  matters.  No  person  on  being 
admitted  to  membership   in  this  Order  thereby  loses  any 


Offenses.  547 

rights  he  had  in  possession  as  a  citizen.  His  right  to  pro- 
tection by  the  civil  authorities  is  not  impaired  by  becoming 
an  Odd  Fellow;  the  laws  of  the  land  and  the  courts  which 
administer  them  are  the  surest  and  most  proper  means  by 
which  justice  can  be  obtained.  Such  questions  of  difference 
should  not  be  attempted  to  be  adjudicated  by  any  authori- 
ties within  the  Order.— 1860  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3252,  3267. 

2097.  Paying  a  debt  in  legal  tender  notes.  The  payment 
of  a  debt  by  an  Odd  Fellow  to  another  in  treasury  notes  is 
not  an  offense  by  our  laws*  when  the  laws  of  our  country 
recognize  such  payment  as  valid,  unless  there  be  a  contract 
to  pay  in  other  money.  Nothing  in  this  decision  shall  be 
construed  to  mean  that  the  Grand  Lodge  recognizes  the 
right  of  any  brother  to  violate  his  promise  to  a  brother  Odd 
Fellow,  whether  it  be  in  writing  or  otherwise. — Smith  vs. 
Pilot  Peak  Lodge,  1864  Journal,  549,  550. 

2098.  Exercise  of  a  legal  right.  A  persistent  exercise  of 
a  legal  right  cannot  be  construed  as  conduct  unbecoming 
an  Odd  Fellow.  Thus,  where  the  right  is  denied  to  the 
Xoble  Grand  or  the  Lodge  to  compel  a  brother  to  receive 
the  password,  the  refusal  of  the  brother  to  receive  the  pass- 
word, is  not  an  offense,  as  there  is  no  legal  obligation 
requiring  him  to  receive  it. — 1876  Journal,  392,  474,  508. 

2099.  Sick  benefits  and  fraudulent  intent.  A  brother 
charged  with  accepting  sick  benefits,  and  also  with  claiming 
sick  benefits,  from  the  Lodge  when  not  entitled  thereto, 
must  have  acted  with  some  dishonest  motive  or  fraudulent 
intent,  or  have  committed  some  wrongful  act,  in  order  to 
be  guilty  of  an  offense  rendering  him  amenable  to  charges. 
— Kaufman  vs.  Germania  Lodge,  1876  Journal,  472,  502; 
Hazen  vs.  Branciforte  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  909,  910. 

2100.  Benefits  and  bad  faith.  To  constitute  an  offense, 
the  claim  for  hein'fits  must  be  made  in  bad  faith,  the  claim- 
ant knowing  himself  not  to  be  so  entitled  and  seeking  to 
impose  on  the  Lodge.— 1887  Journal,  910,  909. 


548  Offenses. 

2101.  No  law  compelling  brother  to  divulge  name  of 
offender.  There  is  no  specific  law  by  which  a  member  of 
the  Order  can  be  compelled  to  divulge  the  name  of  a  brother 
whom  he  knows  to  have  committed  an  offense  against  or  to 
have  violated  the  laws  of  the  Order. — 1881  Journal,  500, 
601,  627. 

2.     WHAT  ARE  OFFENSES. 

2102.  Offenses.  Any  member  who  shall  be  guilty  of  any 
immoral,  dishonest,  fraudulent  or  criminal  act,  or  who  shall 
violate  any  of  the  principles  of  the  Order,  or  be  guilty  of 
conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow,  or  offend  against  the 
Constitution,  By-Laws  or  Rules  of  Order  of  the  Lodge,  shall 
be  fined,  reprimanded,  suspended  or  expelled  as  the  Con- 
stitution or  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  direct,  or  in  absence  of 
such  direction  as  the  Lodge  may  determine. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  2. 

2103.  Gaining  admission  by  false  representations.  If 
any  person  shall  gain  admittance  to  any  Lodge  upon  a 
petition  containing  any  false  representations,  he  shall  be 
expelled. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  7. 

2104.  Brother  unworthy  at  time  of  initiation.  Charges 
can  be  preferred  against  a  brother  who  was  unworthy  at 
the  time  of  his  initiation,  and  he  may  be  tried  and  expelled. 
—1858  Journal,  383. 

2105.  Offense  in  Encampment.  A  brother  committing 
an  offense  in  another  branch  of  the  Order  may  be  liable  to 
penalty  in  the  Lodge,  although  an  act  maj'-  be  single  the 
offense  may  be  several;  but  the  place  where  the  offense  is 
committed  must  generally  be  immaterial. — 1860  Journal,  27. 

2106.  Crime  against  laws  of  the  land.  A  brother  who 
commits  a  crime  against  the  laws  of  the  country  can  be  tried 
for  conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow,  without  regard  to 
his  prosecution  by  the  people,  and  is  presumed  to  be  inno- 
cent until  proven  guilty,  and  therefore  does  not  lose  his 
standing  in  the  Lodg6  until  convicted. — 1877  Journal,  582, 
678,  702. 


Offenses.  549 

2107.  Gaining  admission  by  wrong  name.  Fraudulently 
gaining  membership  in  the  Lodge  by  assvmiing  an  alias 
name,  thereby  misleading  the  Investigating  Committee  and 
members  from  learning  the  reputation  and  character  of 
the  person. — Abou  Ben  Adhem  Lodge  vs.  Mayhew,  1869 
Journal,  101,  115. 

2108.  Embezzlement  of  Lodge  funds.  It  is  an  offense 
for  a  Financial  Secretary  to  convert  Lodge  funds  to  his 
own  use.  If  the  Lodge  owe  an  officer,  he  has  no  right  to 
pay  himself  out  of  the  Lodge  funds  without  action  of  the 
Lodge.— Kennedy  vs.  Wood,  1873  Journal,  843,  855. 

2109.  Embezzlement  of  Lodge  Funds.  An  officer  who 
uses  the  funds  of  the  Lodge  entrusted  to  his  keeping  for 
his  own  purposes  violates  his  obligation  and  is  guilty  of  an 
offense  against  the  laws  of  the  Order.  No  matter  however 
honestly  he  may  have  intended  to  pay  it  back,  the  offense 
nevertheless  is  committed.  It  is  a  trust  fund  and  must  be 
sacredly  kept  for  the  purposes  for  which  it  was  raised. — 
1885  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  9994,  10152. 

2110.  Embezzlement.  Embezzlement  is  an  offense  against 
good  morals,  a  crime  and  consequent  violation  of  law,  as 
well  those  of  the  State  as  of  the  Order,  and  is  conduct  unbe- 
coming an  Odd  Fellow.— 1893  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13434,  13563. 

2111.  Offer  to  return  embezzled  funds — False  pretenses. 
After  committing  a  wrong,  a  tender  of  the  money  does  not 
condone  the  offense  or  stay  prosecution.  The  funds  of  Odd 
Fellowship  constitute  a  sacred  trust  devoted  to  the  charit- 
able and  beneficent  purposes  of  the  fraternity.  He  who 
converts  them  to  his  own  use,  or  keeps  or  detains  them  in 
violation  of  his  duty  or  of  his  trust,  or  obtains  them  from 
iiodges  by  false  pretenses,  or  lays  immoral  or  criminal  hands 
on  such  funds,  is  guilty  of  a  violation  of  the  pure  principles 
of  Odd  Fellowship,  and  of  an  offense  in  Odd  Fellowship. — 
Knowles  vs.  Enterprise  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  955,  977. 

2112.  Offer  to  return  or  return  of  embezzled  money.    The 

offer  to  return  the  money,  or  the  actual  return  of  the  money 


550  Offenses. 

to  the  Lodge  or  its  owner,  after  its  embezzlement  or  appro- 
priation, or  the  commission  of  an  offense,  is  no  defense  to 
the  charge,  although  the  Lodge  may,  in  the  exercise  of  its 
discretion  in  the  imposing  of  a  penalty,  give  it  such  consid- 
eration as  it  deems  proper. — Christensen  vs.  San  Leandro 
Lodge,  1903  Journal,  125,  127,  154. 

2113.  Drunkenness  is  a  gross  offense.  The  offense  of 
drunkenness  is  a  gross  one  against  the  laws  of  our  Order 
and  its  Ritual,  and  one  that  aff'ects  the  good  name  not  only 
of  the  offender,  but  of  all  who  are  associated  with  him. — 
1859  Journal,  487,  495 ;  1869  Journal,  67,  78 ;  1871  Journal, 
428,  440;  Sacramento  Lodge  vs.  Gilday,  1871  Journal,  458, 
470;  1874  Journal,  80,  84;  1876  Journal,  450,  464;  Rogers 
vs.  Fresno  Lodge,  1877  Journal,  648,  665;  Mann  vs.  Branci- 
f orte  Lodge,  1878  Journal,  884,  913 ;  Smith  vs.  Stony  Creek 
Lodge,  1887  Journal,  838,  853. 

2114.  Habitual  drunkenness    or   a    single    instance.     A 

single  instance  of  drunkenness  is  disgraceful  to  a  brother 
and  to  the  Order. — Sharpies  vs.  Industrial  Lodge,  1877  Jour- 
nal, 650,  665.  Drunkenness,  whether  habitual  or  in  a  single 
instance,  is  an  offense  in  Odd  Fellowship  as  the  Grand 
Lodge  has  frequently  declared. — Shiels  vs.  St.  Helena  Lodge, 
1888  Journal,  99,  107 ;  1888  Journal,  1168. 

2115.  Drunkenness — Time — Place.  Drunkenness  is  an 
offense  against  the  Order  at  all  times  and  in  all  places. — 
1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  797,  871. 

2116.  Penalty  for  drunkenness.  The  offense  of  drunken- 
ness is  an  offense  in  Odd  Fellowship  whicli  justifies  and  gen- 
erally merits  expulsion;  yet  the  penalty  appertains  to  the 
discretion  of  the  Lodge. — Barnard  vs.  Humboldt  Lodge,  1876 
Journal,  449,  464;  Rogers  vs.  Fresno  Lodge,  1877  Journal, 
649,  665;  Mann  vs.  Branciforte  Lodge,  1878  Journal,  884, 
913;  Smith  vs.  Stony  Creek  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  838,  853. 

2117.  Murder.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  murder  is  the 
command  of  Odd  Fellowship. — Billings  vs.  Eureka  Lodge, 
1891  Journal,  695,  697,  723. 


Offenses.  561 

2118.  Perjury.  Perjury  is  clearly  conduct  unbecoming 
an  Odd  Fellow  and  is  an  offense.  Applied  to  a  case  of  per- 
jury, in  the  verification  of  an  answer  in  a  civil  action.  We 
have  no  legislation  prohibiting  a  Lodge  from  entertaining 
the  charge  till  the  accused  is  tried  and  convicted  of  the  crime 
by  a  legal  tribunal. — Maulbatch  vs.  Pajaro  Lodge,  1877 
Journal,  659,  666. 

2119.  Introducing  a  woman  of  bad  repute.  A  Subordi- 
nate has  the  power  to  expel  a  member  for  introducing  a 
woman  of  bad  repute  to  an  Odd  Fellows'  festival,  he  having 
knowledge  of  her  character. — 1875  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6609, 
6688. 

2120.  Threats  to  black-ball.  It  is  clearly  conduct  unbe- 
coming an  Odd  Fellow  to  threaten  to  black-ball  any  and  all 
persons  proposed  for  membership  by  certain  brothers  in  the 
Lodge,  without  regard  to  the  merits  or  qualifications  of  the 
applicants. — Tonkin  vs.  Marion  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  511, 
539. 

2121.  Improper  conduct  in  Lodge.  All  members  of  the 
Order  are  in  duty  bound,  while  in  the  Lodge,  to  be  gov- 
erned by  the  well-known  usages  of  the  Order,  and  in  case 
of  refusal,  it  is  proper  to  prefer  charges  against  them  for 
conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow.  No  member  can  claim 
indulgence,  on  account  of  his  official  position  in  the  Order. 
—1868  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4241,  4374,  4404,  4414,  4430. 

2122.  Holder  of  Visiting  Card  borrowing  Lodge  funds 
and  offense.  A  member  of  the  Order  in  good  standing, 
evidenced  by  holding  an  unexpired  Visiting  Card,  issued  in 
conformity  with  the  laws  of  the  Order  by  his  Lodge  or 
Encampment,  and  having  the  Annual  Traveling  Password, 
being  in  distress,  or  pretending  so  to  be,  and  needing  money, 
and  who,  having  asked  for  and  received  from  a  Lodge  or 
Encampment,  or  a  member  thereof,  a  sum  of  money  under 
the  assurance  or  promise  that  he  will  return  or  repay  the 
same  within  a  given  time,  or  so  soon  as  he  returns  home,  but 
who  shall  neglect  to  do  so  after  a  reasonable  time  thereafter, 


552  Offenses. 

without  a  satisfactory  excuse  being  rendered,  shall  be 
deemed  guilty  of  conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow.  Due 
notice  of  such  facts  having  been  officially  communicated 
to  his  Lodge  by  the  Lodge  or  Encampment  so  loaning  him 
the  money,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  his  Lodge  to  notify  him 
of  such  indebtedness  or  loan,  and  to  demand  payment  there- 
of, and  if  he  then  refuse  or  neglect  to  pay  the  same,  his 
Lodge  shall  prefer  charges  against  him,  try  him,  and,  if 
found  guilty  and  without  sufficiently  mitigating  circum- 
stances, expel  him  from  the  Order.  If  there  be  such  miti- 
gating circumstances,  the  Lodge  shall  impose  such  penalty 
as  it  may  deem  best.— 1874  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6310;  1875 
Journal,  338. 

2123.  Urging  litigation  against  a  brother.  The  urging 
of  litigation  against  a  brother;  stirring  up  a  suit  against 
him  on  the  ground  of  dishonesty,  especially  when  no  such 
ground  exists;  preventing,  for  the  sake  of  personal  gain,  a 
compromise  that  would  be  greatly  to  the  advantage  of  a 
brother,  are  gross  violations  of  the  laws  of  Odd  Fellowship. 
— San  Juan  Lodge  vs.  Moore,  1859  Journal,  489,  495. 

2124.  Suspended  member  refusing  to  retire.     It  is  an 

offense  for  a  suspended  member  to  refuse,  at  the  hour  for 
opening  the  Lodge  at  the  regular  meeting  night,  to  retire 
from  the  Lodge-room  when  requested  by  the  Noble  Grand. 
—Bay  View  Lodge  vs.  Turner,  1870  Journal,  256,  282. 

2125.  Debt  due  a  Lodge — Non-payment  of  the  same — 
Statute  of  Limitations.  Notwithstanding  a  person  may  in  a 
Court  of  Justice  plead  the  Statute  of  Limitations  of  the 
State  of  California  as  a  defense,  or  in  bar,  of  an  action  to 
recover  a  debt,  yet  the  debtor  still  owes  the  debt.  Such 
Statute  of  Limitations  does  not  and  can  not  exempt  an  Odd 
Fellow  in  such  case  from  his  promise  or  pledged  word  to 
pay,  or  from  the  obligation  of  honesty  and  honor,  or  from 
fraternal  obligations.  The  debt  due  the  Lodge,  if  paid, 
belongs  to  the  funds  of  the  Lodge,  which  are  a  sacred  fund — 
a  trust  fund,  devoted  to  the  relief  of  the  sick,  the  burial  of 
the  dead,  the  education  of  the  orphan,  and  the  care  of  the 


Offenses.  553 

widow.  When  a  brother  is  indebted  to  a  Lodge  upon  a 
promissory  note,  secured  by  a  mortgage  upon  real  estate, 
and  such  Statute  of  Limitations  has  run  against  the  note 
and  mortgage,  and  the  brother  has  the  ability  to  pay  the 
debt  due  the  Lodge,  and  the  ability  to  renew  the  mortgage 
therefor,  when  the  Lodge  is  willing  thus  to  extend  the  loan, 
who  neither  pays  the  debt  nor  thus  extends  the  loan,  is 
guilty  of  an  offense  in  Odd  Fellowship.  In  this  case  the 
note  and  mortgage  were  given  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Lodge. 
— Jefcoat  vs.  Mineral  Lodge,  1904  Journal,  528,  536. 

2126.  Owing  money  to  Lodge,  insolvency  and  Statute  of 

Limitations.  An  Odd  Fellow  who  borrows  money  from  his 
Lodge  is  not  morally  excused  from  paying  the  same  on 
account  of  the  Statute  of  Limitations,  or  on  account  of  the 
lapse  of  time,  however  long  it  may  be.  One  who  seeks  that 
advantage,  or  who,  while  owing  money  to  his  Lodge,  accepts 
pecuniary  assistance  upon  condition  that  he  shall  not  fulfill 
his  moral  and  pecuniary  obligations  thereto,  is  guilty  of  an 
offense  deserving  expulsion.  Applied  to  a  case  where  a 
brother  after  his  insolvency  was  assisted  in  his  business  by 
persons  who  exacted  a  promise  from  him,  that  he  would 
not  renew  any  of  his  old  obligations,  and  on  that  account 
refusing  to  take  any  steps  to  pay  or  in  effect  promise  to 
pay  in  the  future. — Sutter  Creek  Lodge  vs.  Fifield,  1870 
Journal,  261,  292. 

2127.  Borrowed  money — Statute  of  Limitations.  Where 
members  indebted  to  the  Lodge  on  notes  for  money  bor- 
rowed from  the  Lodge,  and  which  notes  are  outlawed  and 
tke  members  are  able  to  pay  but  refuse  to  make  a  satis- 
factory arrangement  with  the  Lodge,  either  by  payment 
or  by  giving  the  Lodge  new  security,  charges  should  be  pre- 
ferred. We  should  not  keep  in  membership  those  who  do 
not  regard  the  sacred  obligations  of  Odd  Fellowship. — 1905 
Journal,  744,  922,  936. 

2128.  Expelled  member  initiated  under  different  name. 
Where  a  person,  after  conviction  on  charges,  is  expelled 
and  aftenvards,  under  a  different  name,  is  initiated  into 


» 


554  Offenses. 

another  Lodge  of  this  jurisdiction  and  takes  his  With- 
drawal Card  and  joins  another  Lodge,  and  is  Sitting  Past 
Grand  therein,  he  commits  an  oflPense  against  Odd  Fellow- 
ship. Such  expelled  person  cannot  be  legally  initiated; 
charges  should  be  preferred,  and  he  should,  after  trial,  be 
expelled.— 1871  Journal,  451,  452,  473. 

2129.  False  statement  by  Noble  Grand.  A  Noble  Grand 
making  a  false  statement  to  the  Lodge  that  was  intended  to 
mislead  the  Lodge. — Balch  vs.  Occidental  Lodge,  1878  Jour- 
nal, 894,  935. 

2130.  Bartender  or  saloon-keeper.  If  a  member  of  the 
Order  commence  to  attend  bar  or  conduct  a  saloon,  either 
temporarily  or  permanently,  after  September  18th,  1895,  he 
is  amenable  to  the  laws  of  the  Order  for  an  offense  and 
liable  to  charges  and  trial  and  the  penalties  prescribed  by 
law. — Davisson  vs.  Suisun  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  954,  977 ; 
Petition  of  Rosenbaum,  1900  Journal,  143,  176. 

2131.  Abandons  liquor  business  and  afterwards  engages 

in  it.  If  a  brother  who  was  heretofore  engaged  in  the 
liquor  business  should,  after  September  18th,  1895,  cease 
said  business,  and  not  engage  therein  for  a  period  of  time, 
but  thereafter  engages  in  the  saloon  business,  or  attends 
bar,  or  if  in  fact  he  were  out  of  the  business  at  the  time  the 
law  was  adopted,  and  thereafter  takes  it  up  again,  he  is 
amenable  to  the  laws  of  the  Order,  and  guilty  of  conduct 
unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow.— 1896  Journal,  414,  581,  628. 

2132.  Change  from  "bartender"  to  "saloon-keeper."    A 

"saloonkeeper"  is  an  owner  of  the  liquor  business;  a  "bar- 
tender" is  an  employe  employed  in  such  business.  A  change 
by  a  brother  legally  a  "bartender"  to  that  of  a  "saloon- 
keeper" is  a  violation  of  law.— 1898  Journal,  15802,  16134, 
16154,  16155.  It  is  illegal  to  retain  as  a  member  one  who 
was  a  bartender  at  the  time  of  the  enactment  of  the  amend- 
ment (Section  5,  Article  XVI,  Constitution  S.  G.  Lodge) 
and  who  has  since  purchased  a  saloon  which  he  conducts 
himself  with  the  aid  of  a  bartender. — 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
29,  360,  371,  372. 


Offenses.  555 

2133.  Attending  bar  occasionally — No  compensation.    A 

brother  who  occasionally  tends  bar,  two,  four  and  six  hours 
at  a  time,  as  an  accommodation,  and  without  compensation, 
violates  the  law.— 1904  Journal,  368,  534,  536. 

2134.  Acting  as  bartender,  not  for  gain — Time  and  quan- 
tity. A  brother  cannot  act  as  bartender,  not  for  gain,  to 
accommodate  a  friend  who  wishes  to  visit  his  family  for  a 
few  days.  No  Odd  Fellow  can  become  a  bartender  for  any 
purpose  without  violating  the  fundamental  law  of  the 
Order.  The  Constitution  of  the  S.  G.  Lodge,  Article  XVI, 
Section  5,  reads  ''bartender,"  without  qualification  or  limi- 
tation as  to  time  or  quantity. — 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  800, 
872. 

2135.  Hotel  and  liquor  business.  A  brother  who  owns  a 
half  interest  in  a  hotel  and,  at  times  of  rush  of  business  goes 
behind  the  bar  and  serves  drinks  is  a  saloon-keeper  and 
subject  to  charges.— 1903  Journal,  23,  155,  180. 

2136.  Pecuniary  interest  in  a  saloon.  A  brother  who 
since  the  amendment  of  1895  (Section  5,  Article  XVI,  Con- 
stitution S.  G.  Lodge)  becomes  the  owner  of  a  saloon  or 
invests  money  in  a  saloon  or  purchases  an  interest  in  a 
saloon  or  has  his  name  on  the  sign  as  *'A's  Saloon,"  indi- 
cating ownership  or  interest,  is  a  saloon-keeper,  and  violates 
the  law.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  21,  284,  314,  22,  284,  314. 

2137.  Bartender  in  clubroom.  A  brother  who  tends  bar 
in  a  clubroom,  sells  drinks  to  members  of  the  club  only,  vio- 
lates the  law  if  he  engaged  in  the  business  since  the  amend- 
ment of  1895  (Section  5,  Article  XVI,  Constitution  S.  G. 
Lodge).-- 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  19,  284,  314. 

2138.  Criminal  dealer  in  or  seller  of  liquors.  A  member 
who  deals  in  or  sells  intoxicating  liquors  contrary  to  the 
penal  law  of  a  State  or  country  is  guilty  of  conduct  unbe- 
coming an  Odd  Fellow  and  is  amenable  t(t  the  laws  of  the 
Order.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  19,  284,  314;  1896  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  14678,  14948,  15019. 

(See,  also.  Membership  as  to  saloon-keepers  and  bar- 
tenders.) 


556  Offenses. 

2139.  Professional  gamblers.  Professional  gamblers  in 
violation  of  the  laws  of  the  State  were,  before  the  amend- 
ment (Section  5,  Article  XVI,  Constitution  S.  G.  L.),  subject 
to  discipline  and  expulsion. — 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14678, 
14948,  15019. 

2140.  Poolroom  where  pools  are  sold  on  races.  A  mem- 
ber regularly  engaged  in  a  poolroom  where  pools  are  sold  on 
races,  earning  his  living  by  acting  as  cashier  or  performing 
other  duties  incident  to  carrying  on  the  business  of  a  pool- 
room, is  a  professional  gambler  and  is  liable  to  charges  for 
violating  Section  5,  Article  XVI,  Constitution  S.  G.  Lodge. — 
1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31,  387,  413. 

2141.  Criminal  gambling.  A  member  who  is  guilty  of 
gambling  in  violation  of  the  penal  laws  of  a  State  or 
country  is  guilty  of  conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow,  and 
is  amenable  to  the  laws  of  the  Order. — 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
19,  284,  314. 

2142.  Accidentally  or  improperly  obtaining  password 
and  using  it.  Any  member  who,  accidentally  or  surrepti- 
tiously, comes  into  possession  of  a  password,  when  not  en- 
titled to  the  same,  because  in  arrears,  or  of  any  part  of  the 
secret  work  of  the  Order,  and  uses  it  to  his  own  advantage, 
or  otherwise  violates  his  obligations,  is  guilty  of  conduct 
unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow.— 1895  Journal,  21,  237,  251. 

2143.  Rank  and  regalia  of  Past  Grand.  Unlawfully  and 
falsely  representing  and  pretending  to  a  committee  of  a 
Lodge,  or  to  the  Noble  Grand,  or  to  officers  and  members 
of  the  Lodge,  that  one  is  a  Past  Grand  and  wearing  the  Past 
Grand's  regalia,  is  an  offense. — Clark  vs  America  Lodge, 
1899  Journal,  548,  549,  612. 

2144.  Counsel  for  claimant  and  offensive  conduct.  Coun- 
sel for  claimant  appearing  before  committee  appointed 
under  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  to 
investigate  a  claim  for  sick  benefits,  in  a  state  of  intoxica- 
tion or  committing  before  the  committee  any  offensive  or 
improper  conduct,  is  guilty  of  an  offense. — Nichols  vs.  Bran- 
ciforte  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  603,  604,  613. 


Offenses.  557 

2145.  Revealing  private  business  of  Rebekah  Lodge.    A 

member  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  who  is  also  a  member  of  a 
Rebekah  Lodge,  and  who  in  violation  of  duty  reveals  the 
private  business  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  is  liable  to  charges 
in  his  Subordinate  Lodge  for  so  doing,  and  if  found  guilty 
may  be  fined,  reprimanded,  suspended  or  expelled,  provided 
the  private  business  does  not  relate  to,  or  require  any  dis- 
closure of  the  work  or  secrets  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah. — 
1898  Journal,  256,  257,  12,  278. 

2146.  Other  offenses.  The  Grand  Lodge  has  declared  the 
following  to  be  offenses: 

(1.)  Maliciously  and  with  intent  to  injure  a  brother  in 
his  business,  procuring  a  third  person  to  sue  the  brother 
and  attach  his  property  and  thereby  causing  him  to  pay  the 
expenses  of  such  unnecessary  proceedings. — Balducci  vs. 
Gilroy  Lodge,  1879  Journal,  76,  99. 

(2.)  Vulgar,  indecent  and  insulting  language  to  a 
brother. — Balducci  vs.  Gilroy  Lodge,  1879  Journal,  76,  99. 

(3.)  Any  indecent  conduct  toward  the  wife  of  a  brother 
is  an  offense. — Millard  vs.  Mountain  View  Lodge,  1879  Jour- 
nal, 76,  77,  99. 

(4.)  Solicitation  of  adultery  made  to  the  wife  of  a 
brother  is  an  offense. — 1879  Journal,  76,  77,  99. 

(5.)  Offensive,  insulting  and  obscene  or  defamatory  lan- 
guage of,  and  concerning  a  brother,  may  constitute  an  of- 
fense in  Odd  Fellowship,  although  the  brother  may  not  be 
present  when  the  same  is  uttered. — Weller  vs.  Soquel  Lodge, 
No.  137,  1892  Journal,  69,  90. 

(6.)  Where  a  brother  obtained  funeral  benefits  by  caus- 
ing a  letter  and  certificate  of  his  death  to  be  sent  to  his 
Lodge,  and  years  afterwards  the  Lodge  ascertained  that  the 
brother  was  alive,  he  has  thereby  committed  fraud  and 
forgery,  he  is  still  a  member  of  the  Lodge  and  charges 
should  be  preferred  and  he  should  be  tried  and  expelled. — 
1894  Journal,  606,  607,  732,  771. 


558  Offenses. 

(7.)  Assault  and  battery  on  the  person  of  a  brother. — 
1871  Journal,  406,  439. 

(8.)  An  assault  with  a  deadly  weapon  on  a  public  street. 
—California  Lodge  vs!  Beck,  1866  Journal,  191,  210. 

(9.)  Brutally  beating  and  bruising  one's  son,  or  kicking 
one's  son  in  such  a  manner  as  to  endanger  his  life. — Castle 
vs.  Oso  Lodge,  1873  Journal,  864,  887. 

(10.)  Attempting  by  threats  and  intimidation,  to  prevent 
a  brother  from  prosecuting  charges  which  he  has  filed  in 
the  Lodge. — California  Lodge  vs.  Beck,  1866  Journal,  192, 
210. 

(11.)  Appropriating  admission  fee.  —  Mt.  Davidson 
Lodge  vs.  Bodwell,  1865  Journal,  35,  41. 

(12.)  Abuse  of  wife  and  children. — Sacramento  Lodge 
vs.  Gilday,  1871  Journal,  458,  470 ;  Bidwell  Lodge  vs.  Price, 
1873  Journal,  856,  864. 

(13.)     Acting  as  second  in  a  duel. — 1856  Journal,  208. 

(14.)  Calling  a  brother  a  thief  and  liar  in  public  m  an 
angry  manner. — In  re  Bagnell,  1870  Journal,  228,  280. 

(15.)  Calling  a  brother  a  liar  in  open  Lodge. — California 
Lodge  vs.  Livingston,  1870  Journal,  257,  291,  292;  1898  Jour- 
nal, 167,  198. 

(16.)  Causing  the  wife  of  another  to  leave  her  husband 
under  promise  of  receiving  her  in  one's  house  and  marrying 
her,  and  by  means  of  these  promises  inducing  her  (to  use 
the  words  of  the  charge)  "to  leave  the  ways  of  a  virtuous 
woman." — Conrad  vs.  Orpheus  Lodge,  1878  Journal,  895, 
935. 

(17.)  Calling  a  brother  profane  and  vulgar  names. — 
Covenant  Lodge  vs.  Maus,  1871  Journal,  406,  439. 

(18.)  Defaming  the  character  of  a  brother's  wife. — 
Lansdon  vs.  Annally  Lodge,  1860  Journal,  43,  44. 


Offenses. 


659 


(19.)  Desertion  and  abuse  of  family. — El  Dorado  Lodge 
vs.  Mucke.  1866  Journal,  170,  174 ;  Castle  vs.  Oso  Lodge,  1873 
Journal,  S6^,  887. 

(20.)  Disorderly  conduct  on  the  streets,  and  fighting  and 
profane  language. — Barnard  vs.  Humboldt  Lodge,  1876  Jour- 
nal, 450,  464. 

(21.)  Defrauding  the  widow  of  a  brother. — Vacaville 
Lodge  vs.  Eversole,  1871  Journal,  433,  470. 

(22.)  Embezzlement  of  money  of  cemetery  association  by 
superintendent. — Bay  View  Lodge  vs.  Turner,  1869  Journal, 
66,  78. 

(23.)  Feigning  sick,  and  attempting  thereby  to  obtain 
sick  benefits. — California  Lodge  vs.  Livingston,  1870  Jour- 
nal, 257,  291,  292. 

(24.)  Fraud  and  fraudulently  obtaining  goods  by  false 
representation. — Bay  City  Lodge  vs.  Ephraim,  1861  Journal, 
154,  166. 

(25.)  A  teller  fraudulently  misreading  the  ballots  to 
secure  the  election  of  a  brother. — Yerba  Buena  Lodge  vs. 
Collins,  1869  Journal,  94,  116,  123. 

(26.)  Failing  to  serve  as  a  watcher  vvith  a  sick  brother, 
having  been  duly  notified  so  to  do. — Yerba  Buena  Lodge  vs. 
Fonda,  1866  Journal,  169,  174. 

(27.)  Indecent  behavior,  and  indecent  and  vulgar  lan- 
guage under  intoxication,  on  a  public  street  and  in  the 
presence  and  hearing  of  respectable  ladies  and  others. — 
Toman  vs.  Tuolumne  Lodge,  1870  Journal,  227,  251. 

(28.)  Insulting  language  towards  brothers  of  the  Order, 
and  contemptuous  language  in  open  Lodge. — Rattenberry 
▼8.  Capitol  Lodge,  1870  Journal,  261,  292. 

(29.)  An  insolvent,  with  fraudulent  intent,  purchasing 
goods  with  intent  to  have  them  attached  for  his  own  per- 
sonal benefit. — Spiegal  vs.  Bay  City  Lodge,  1863  Journal, 
402,  414. 


560  Offenses. 

(30.)  Injuring  a  brother  in  his  business,  and  deceiving 
him. — Humphrey  vs.  San  Andreas  Lodge,  1858  Journal,  356. 

(31.)  Language  in  open  Lodge  attacking  the  character 
of  a  brother. — Brooklyn  Lodge  vs.  Burgess,  1857  Journal, 
246,  247 ;  Brooklyn  Lodge  vs.  Henderson,  1868  Journal,  477, 
501,  502. 

(32.)  Publication  of  a  libel  on  a  brother. — Powers  vs. 
Suisun  Lodge,  1867  Journal,  331,  349. 

(33.)  Seduction. — San  Francisco  Lodge  vs.  Neuval,  1871 
Journal,  405,  439. 

(34.)  Seduction  under  promise  of  marriage  of  an  un- 
married female  of  previous  chaste  character  in  violation  of 
Section  628  of  the  Penal  Code  of  the  State  of  California  is 
an  offense  in  our  Order.— ^Dunbar  vs.  Chorro  Lodge,  1900 
Journal,  134,  135,  176. 

(35.)     Self-confessed  libertine.— 1871  Journal,  405,  439. 

(36.)  Slander  of  a  brother  in  wantonly  charging  him 
with  dishonesty. — Red  Bluff  Lodge  vs.  Porter,  1860  Journal, 
33,  34. 

(37.)  Slander  in  charging  a  brother  with  perjury. — 
Forest  City  Lodge  vs.  Gould,  1861  Journal,  153,  166. 

(38.)  Slander  of  a  brother. — Price  vs.  Magnolia  Lodge, 
1863  Journal,  400,  414. 

(39.)  Slandering  and  uttering  falsehoods  about  a  brother 
by  falsely  reporting  that  he  had  informed  a  rejected  candi- 
date that  a  certain  brother  had  cast  a  black-ball. — Goodale 
vs.  Havilah  Lodge,  1870  Journal,  226,  250. 

(40.)  Vilifying  a  brother  and  speaking  disrespectfully 
and  harshly  of  one's  Lodge,  both  to  members  and  persons 
not  members  of  the  Order. — Ukiah  Lodge  vs.  Morse,  1872 
Journal,  562,  653. 


Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  561 

(41.)  Calling  a  brother  a  swindler  in  the  presence  of 
others. — Smith  vs.  Stony  Creek  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  838, 
853. 

(42.)  Revealing  to  a  person  not  a  member  the  transac- 
tions of  a  Lodge. — Ukiah  Lodge  vs.  Morse,  1872  Journal, 
562,  653. 

(43.)     Wilfully  neglecting  to  sit  up  with  the  corpse  of  a 

brother  during  the  night,  after  being  notified  to  do  so  by 

the  Noble  Grand  of  his  Lodge,  or  to  furnish  a  substitute 

to  perform  said  duty. — Napa  Lodge  vs.  Israelsky,  1871  Jour- 

[  nal,  427,  440. 

(44.)  Wilfull,  deliberate  falsehoods,  to  deceive  a  Lodge. 
— California  Lodge  vs.  Livingston,  1870  Journal,  257,  291, 
292. 

(45.)  Writing  or  copying  the  charge  in  Degree  of  Re- 
bekah.— 1870  Journal,  279,  280,  296. 

(46.)  Violating  the  penal  laws  of  the  land,  or  committing 
a  crime. — Sacramento  Lodge  vs.  Gilday,  1871  Journal,  458, 
470;  Knowles  vs.  Enterprise  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  955,  961; 
Dunbar  vs.  Chorro  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  134,  135,  170. 

(47.)  Threatening  the  life  of  the  complainant,  if  he  per- 
sisted in  prosecuting  charges. — California  Lodge  v^.  Beck, 
1866  Journal,  192,  210. 

(48.)  Keeping  opium  place  in  violation  of  city  ofdinance. 
—1884  Journal,  104,  133. 

(See  Ritual;  Lottery;  Trials.) 

OFFICERS  OF  GRAND  LODGE. 

1.  Qualifications,  nominations,  election,  appointment,  re- 
moval, vacancies,  general  provisions  and  decisions,  page  562. 

2.  Grand  Master,  page  568. 

3.  Grand  Secretary,  page  574. 

4.  Grand  Representatives,  page  578. 

5.  Other  Elective  Grand  Officers,  page  579. 

6.  District  Deputy  Grand  Master,  page  580. 
.     7.    Tnistees.     (See  Trustees.) 


562  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

1.     QUALIFICATION,    NOMINATION,    ELECTION,    AP- 
POINTMENT, REMOVAL,  VACANCIES,  GENERAL 
PROVISIONS   AND   DECISIONS. 

2147.  Elective  Officers.  The  elective  officers  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  shall  be :  First,  Grand  Master ;  Second,  Deputy  Grand 
Master;  Third,  Grand  Warden;  Fourth,  Grand  Secretary; 
Fifth,  Grand  Treasurer;  Sixth,  Grand  Representatives  to 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge;  Seventh,  Three  Trustees; 
Eighth,  Five  Trustees  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  for  a  term 
of  five  years,  one  of  whom  shall  be  elected  each  year  to  suc- 
ceed the  Trustee  elected  under  the  resolution  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  at  the  session  of  May,  1893,  as  the  several  terms  for 
which  said  Trustees  were  elected  shall  expire. — Constitu- 
tion Grand  Lodge,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  1. 

Note.— The    attainment    of  the  (1853-1855-1885  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

Royal    Purple    Degree    cannot    be  1922,         1957-2479,        2503-10098, 

made     a     necessary     qualification  10175). 
for  the  office  of  Grand  Master — 

2148.  Appointed  Officers.  The  appointed  officers  shall 
be:  ^^ 

Grand  Chaplain,  Grand  Marshal,  Grand  Conductor, 
Grand  Guardian,  Grand  Herald. 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  for  each  district. — Consti- 
tution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  2. 

2149.  Election  of  Grand  Master.  A  Grand  Lodge  can 
elect  its  Grand  Master  from  the  floor  without  previous  ser- 
vice in  office,  unless  there  is  some  provision  in  its  Constitu- 
tion making  the  brother  ineligible. — 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
39,  219,  243. 

2150.  Qualifications  of  elective  Grand  Officers.  No  one 
shall  be  eligible  for  any  elective  Grand  Office  unless  he  be 
qualified  to  become  a  member  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  have 
attained  such  degrees  as  by  virtue  of  his  office  he  may 
confer  upon  others. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  Ill, 
Sec.  4. 

Note. — A  provision  in  a  State  Grand  Lodge  cannot  be  elected  to 
Constitution    that    members    of    a       office  therein  until  one  year  after 


Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  663 

their  admission  to  membership  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8090,  8176, 
therein       is       illegal— (1879-1887       10937,   10978). 

2151.  Qualifications  of  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  A 
Past  Grand  who  is  not  a  member  of  the  Grand  Lodge  is 
ineligible  to  appointment  as  Grand  Secretary.  No  one  can  be 
an  officer  of  a  Grand  Lodge  who  is  not  in  fact  a  member  of 
that  Grand  Lodge.  To  be  a  member  of  a  Grand  Lodge  a 
Past  Grand  must  have  been  admitted  and  had  the  Grand 
Lodge  Degree  conferred  upon  him,  and  this  cannot  be  done 
except  by  the  Grand  Lodge  when  in  session. — 1903  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  41,  284,  314. 

2152.  Officers  must  have  secret  work.  One  of  the  im- 
portant and  necessary  qualifications  to  be  possessed  by 
candidates  for  the  office  of  Grand  Warden,  Deputy  Grand 
blaster,  and  Grand  Master  shall  be  a  perfect  acquaintance 
with  the  secret  work  of  the  Order  before  their  installation. 
—1882  Journal,  870. 

2153.  Consent  of  nominee   must  be   obtained.     In   the 

nomination  of  officers,  members  are  required  to  obtain  the 
consent  of  those  they  name  before  presenting  their  names 
for  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1863  Journal,  440. 

2154.  Promise  from  nominee  for  Grand  Representative 
required.  Every  candidate  of  the  Grand  Lodge  who  shall 
be  proposed  as  a  candidate  for  the  office  of  Grand  Repre- 
sentative is  required  to  state,  upon  his  honor,  whether  or 
not  he  intends  (if  elected  to  the  office)  to  return  on  or 
before  the  1st  day  of  January  next  succeeding  his  election. 
—1859  Journal,  502,  510,  531. 

2155.  Time  and  manner  of  nomination  and  election — 
Tellers — Count  and  canvass.  The  election  for  elective 
officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  held  at  10  o*clock  a.  m. 
on  the  third  day  of  the  session,  by  ballot,  in  the  following 
manner:  When  open  in  that  order  of  business,  each  Past 
Grand  present  having  the  privilege  to  nominate,  there  shall 
be  provided  a  ballot  box,  in  which  to  deposit  the  ballots,  and 
all  shall  proceed  to  vote;  and  when  all  have  voted  that  wish, 


o64  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

the  Grand  Master  shall  proclaim  the  ballot  closed.  Nomina- 
tions shall  be  made  for  all  offices  to  be  filled  before  balloting: 
for  any  is  commenced.  After  the  nominations,  and  before 
balloting  commences,  there  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Grand 
Master  four  tellers  for  each  office  for  which  there  is  more 
than  one  person  in  nomination.  The  Grand  Lodge  shall 
then  immediately  proceed  to  successively  ballot  for  each  and 
every  office  to  be  filled,  and  the  tellers  appointed  for  the 
respective  contests  shall  receive  the  votes  on  such  contest 
and  shall  retire  to  the  ante-room,  or  to  some  part  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  room,  where  they  will  not  interfere  with  the 
business  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  where  they  shall  publicly 
count  and  canvass  the  votes,  and  shall,  immediately  upon 
the  conclusion  of  the  same,  report  the  result  thereof  to  the 
Grand  Lodge.  While  the  tellers  are  counting  and  canvass- 
ing the  votes,  the  Grand  Lodge  may  proceed  with  its  other 
business,  and  it  shall  always  be  in  order  to  receive  the  report 
of  the  tellers  and  declare  the  result  thereof,  and  imme- 
diately take  another  ballot  if  no  election  has  resulted,  which 
ballot  shall  be  confined  to  the  three  having  the  greatest  num- 
ber of  votes  (provided  there  are  three  voted  for),  and  if 
there  then  be  no  choice,  the  ballot  shall  be  confined  to  the 
two  receiving  the  greatest  number  of  votes.  Any  Past 
Grand  qualified,  having  received  a  majority  of  votes,  shall 
be  declared  elected,  and  shall  be  installed  into  his  respective 
office  on  the  last  day  of  the  session.  Provided,  that  in  all 
cases  where  only  one  person  is  in  nomination  for  an  office, 
the  election  may  be  held  z'iva  voce.  Provided,  also,  that 
the  Grand  Lodge  may,  after  a  four-fifths  vote,  install  any 
officer  or  officers  at  any  time  after  his  election,  but  the 
duties  of  said  officer  or  officers  shall  not  commence  until 
the  last  day  of  the  session. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art. 
Ill,  Sec.  3. 

2156.  Balloting  for  Grand  Officers  and  collectors  of  bal- 
lots. When  a  ballot  is  being  taken  at  an  election  of  officers 
in  the  Grand  Lodge  every  person  in  the  room,  except  the  col- 
lectors, shall  be  required  to  be  and  remain  seated  during  the 
taking  thereof;  and  the  Grand  Master  shall  appoint  a  suffi- 


Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  -  665 

cient  number  of  collectors  to  assign  one  for  each  row  of 
seats;  and  the  collectors  shall  simultaneously  start  from  the 
head  of  the  room  (that  nearest  the  Grand  Master's  station) 
and  proceed  together  to  collect  the  ballots  in  order  from 
the  brothers  in  their  respective  rows  of  seats,  and  from  no 
others,  and  shall  immediately  deposit  the  same  with  the 
tellers. — Adopted  as  a  standing  Rule  of  Order  of  the  Grand 
Lodge.— 1902  Journal,  925,  941,  942,  945. 

2157.  Bonds. — As  to  the  bonds  required  of  Grand 
Officers  and  Trustees,  see  Section  718. 

2158.  Previous  service  in  office.  The  Grand  Lodge  will 
hereafter  ignore  the  practice  of  electing,  as  a  matter  of 
course,  the  Deputy  Grand  Master  to  the  office  of  Grand 
Master,  and  the  Grand  Warden  to  the  office  of  Deputy 
Grand  Master,  but  will  elect  officers  without  regard  to  their 
previous  service  in  office. — 1870  Journal,  262,  263. 

2159.  Appointed  officers,  how  appointed.  The  appointed 
officers  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Grand  Master,  by  and 
with  the  consent  and  approval  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  after 
his  installation. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  5. 

2160.  Grand  Officers,  pro  tern.  The  Grand  Master  may 
appoint  all  Grand  Officers  pro  tern. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

2161.  Past  Grand  and  appointed  office.  The  Grand  Mas- 
ter may  appoint  a  Past  Grand  a  member  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
who  is  not  a  representative  to  an  appointed  office. — 1869 
Journal,  114,  117 ;  1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  41,  284,  314. 

(See  Sections  2150  and  2151.) 

2162.  Vacancies,  how  filled.  The  Grand  Master  may 
suspend  a  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  from  office  for 
neglect  of  duty,  and  vacancies  in  such  office,  from  any  cause, 
shall  be  filled  by  the  Grand  Master.  Vacancies  in  the  other 
Grand  offices,  except  that  of  Grand  Master,  shall  be  filled 
by  the  Grand  Lodge,  if  in  session  ;  if  not,  then  by  the  Stand- 
ing Committee,  for  the  remainder  of  the  term ;  provided^  that 


566  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

in  case  of  vacancy  in  the  office  of  Grand  Representative  or 
of  Trustee  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  the  appointee  of  the 
Standing  Committee  shall  only  hold  until  the  succeeding 
session  of  this  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge, 
Art.  V,  Sec.  4. 

2163.  Withdrawal  Card  does  not  vacate  office,  when.  An 

officer  of  the  Grand  Lodge  does  not  vacate  his  office  by 
taking  a  Withdrawal  Card,  if  the  same  be  immediately  de- 
posited in  the  Grand  Lodge,  accompanying  the  application 
for  a  new  charter;  provided,  that  while  holding  such  With- 
drawal Card,  and  until  such  new  Lodge  be  established,  such 
person  can  discharge  no  official  act. — 1857  Journal,  250,  251. 

Note. — An  officer  of  a  Grand  During  the  time  between  his  tak- 
Lodge  may  take  a  Withdrawal  ing  the  card  and  depositing  it  in 
Card  without  vacating  his  office,  another  Lodge,  the  discharge  by 
though  he  do  not  intend  to  change  him  of  the  functions  of  his  office  is 
his  residence,  if  within  one  month  suspended,  to  be  revived  upon  the 
he  shall  deposit  it  in  and  join  a  deposit  of  his  Withdrawal  Card 
Subordinate  Lodge— (1889  S.  G.  L.  as  aforesaid— (1892  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
Journal,     11487,     11728,     11786).  nal,  12790,  12791,  13050,  13076). 

2164.  Suspension  for  cause  vacates  office.  An  elective 
officer  of  a  State  Grand  Lodge  was  suspended  for  three 
months  in  his  Subordinate,  after  trial  and  conviction  on 
charges  of  conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow.  This 
vacated  his  office,  and  it  should  be  filled  in  the  mode  pro- 
vided in  the  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  he  would 
not  be  restored  to  his  office  at  the  end  of  his  suspension, 
unless  the  Constitution  so  declared. — 1879  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
7909,  8072,  8173. 

2165.  Trial  and  removal  for  misconduct  or  neglect.  Any 
Grand  Officer  may  be  removed  from  his  office  by  the  Grand 
Lodge  for  misconduct  or  neglect  of  duty,  but  he  shall  be 
entitled  to  a  fair  trial,  and  two-thirds  of  the  votes  of  the 
members  present  shall  be  necessary  for  removal. — Constitu- 
tion Grand  Lodge,  Art.  V,  Sec.  1. 

2166.  Who  to  occupy  the  chair  during  time  of  trial  of 
Grand  Master.    Whenever  the  Grand  Master,  or  officer  act- 


Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  567 

ing  as  such,  shall  be  on  trial,  or  whenever  a  resolution  for 
the  removal  of  the  Grand  Master,  or  officer  acting  as  such, 
shall  be  submitted,  the  Grand  Lodge  may  direct  any  Past 
Grand  Master,  in  case  the  Deputy  Grand  Master  or  Grand 
Warden  are  incapacitated,  to  occupy  the  chair. — Constitu- 
tion Grand  Lodge,  Art.  V,  Sec.  2. 

2167.  Duties  of  appointed  officers.  The  appointed 
officers  of  this  Grand  Lodge  shall  perform  such  duties  as 
are  required  by  their  charges  and  usages  of  the  Order. — 
Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  8. 

2168.  Candidates  electioneering.  Electioneering  for  the 
purpose  of  obtaining  an  office  from  this  Grand  Lodge  is  a 
violation  of  the  high  and  pure  principles  of  Odd  Fellow- 
ship, and  should  receive  the  condemnation  and  disappro- 
bation of  every  member  of  the  Order,  and  secure  the  cer- 
tain defeat  of  every  candidate  resorting  to  such  evil  prac- 
tice to  secure  an  election  to  any  office  within  the  power  of 
this  Grand  Lodge  to  confer. — 1875  Journal,  278. 

2169.  Electioneering  in  Grand  Lodge.  The  distribution 
of  election  cards  in  his  own  behalf,  the  solicitation  of  votes 
for  himself,  and  similar  electioneering  practices,  by  a  candi- 
date for  office  in  this  Grand  Lodge,  are  in  conflict  with  the 
usages  of  the  Order  and  repugnant  to  the  spirit  of  Odd 
Fellowship,  and  shall  not  be  permitted  at  sessions  of  the 
Grand  Lodge. — Adopted  as  a  standing  Rule  of  Order  of  the 
Grand  Lodge.— 1902  Journal,  925,  941,  942,  945. 

2170.  Electioneering  circulars  and  papers.  Ballots  at 
the  election  of  Grand  Officers  headed  "People's  Ticket"  and 
all  papers  of  an  electioneering  kind  are  to  be  earnestly  con- 
demned. It  is  an  introduction  into  the  Order  of  a  part  of 
the  machinery  of  politics  which  cannot  be  too  sternly  repro- 
bated. If  practiced,  it  will  sap  the  foundations  of  the  Order 
and  convert  the  temples  dedicated  to  Friendship,  Love  and 
Truth  into  dens  of  corruption  and  hate. — 1876  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 7019,  7074. 


568  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

2171.  The  same — Grand  Lodge's  authority  to  prohibit. 
A  Grand  Lodge  has  the  right  to  forbid  by  law  the  issuing 
of  electioneering  circulars  by  Subordinate  Lodges  or  indi- 
vidual members  of  the  Order  within  its  jurisdiction,  advocat- 
ing or  condemning  brothers  as  candidates  for  Grand  Officers. 
—1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  18,  365,  394. 

2.     GRAND  MASTER. 

2172.  Duties.  The  Grand  IMaster  shall  preside  at  all 
sessions  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  preserve  order  therein, 
and  enforce  a  due  observance  of  the  Constitution  and  By- 
Laws  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  and  of  this  Grand 
Lodge.  All  questions  of  order,  and  all  decisions  made  by 
him  on  any  point  growing  out  of  the  Constitution  or  By- 
Laws  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  shall  be  subject  to  appeal  from 
his  decision  to  the  Grand  Lodge;  and  it  shall  be  his  duty 
to  put  the  question  on  all  such  appeals  to  the  Grand  Lodge. 
He  may  appoint  all  Grand  Officers  pro  tern,  and  all  com- 
mittees not  otherwise  provided  for  in  this  Constitution,  or 
ordered  by  the  Grand  Lodge.  He  shall  give  the  casting 
vote  in  all  cases  where  the  votes  are  equally  divided,  ex- 
cept in  cases  of  election  of  officers.  When  any  demand 
shall  have  been  approved  by  a  majority  of  the  Finance 
Committee,  he  shall  order  the  Grand  Treasurer  to  pay  the 
same. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

Note. — Upon  principle  a  Grand  Subordinate    Lodge    are    such    as 

Master   should    not   hold    office    in  might     be     inconsistent    with    the 

his    Subordinate    Lodge    such    as  proper  discharge  of  his  duties  as 

Vice-Grand  or  Noble  Grand.     The  Grand    Master— (1900    S.    G.    L. 

duties  of  an  executive  officer  of  a  Journal,  506,  827,  873). 

2173.  Powers  and  duties.  He  may,  in  person,  confer  the 
Past  Official  Degrees;  and  when  present  at  a  special  meet- 
ing of  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  he  may  exercise  the  powers 
conferred  on  him  by  the  first  and  seventh  subdivisions  of 
this  section.  He  shall  decide  all  appeals  on  questions  of 
law  which  may  be  made  to  him  from  the  decisions  of  his 
deputies.  He  shall  receive  and  act  upon  all  complaints 
which  may  be  made  to  him  against  his  Deputies  or  Lodges. 


Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  669 

He  shall  give  such  instructions  from  time  to  time,  in  the 
work  of  the  Order,  to  the  Deputies  or  to  the  Lodges,  as  may 
be  necessary.  When  officially  visiting  Subordinate  Lodges 
he  shall  be  received  with  the  honors  of  the  Order.  In 
case  of  the  loss  or  destruction  of  a  charter  belonging  to 
a  Lodge,  the  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Secretary  shall,  on 
proper  notification,  issue  at  once  another  charter  to  said 
Lodge. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 
Note. — As  to  his  power  to  issue  dispensations,  see  Dispensations. 

2174.  Grand  Master's  powers  and  duties  in  cases  of  un- 
just delays,  obstructions,  etc.,  as  to  benefits,  charges,  etc. 
Be  it  enacted  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  that  the  Grand  Master 
whenever  he  considers  that  a  Lodge,  by  its  actions,  non- 
actions, neglects,  omissions,  delays,  postponements,  obstruc- 
tions, etc.,  is  abusing  the  laws  and  principles  of  Odd  Fellow- 
ship, and  an  appeal  is  not  an  adequate  remedy,  and  that 
justice  and  a  proper  administration  of  the  laws  of  Odd 
Fellowship  require  an  immediate  consideration  thereof,  and 
action  thereon,  may  refer  such  matters  to  some  Standing 
Committee  of  this  Grand  Lodge  for  consideration,  and  a 
report  thereon  to  him,  recommending  certain  directions  by 
the  Grand  Master  to  the  Lodge  relative  thereto,  and  if  the 
Grand  Master  approves  the  same  he  shall  command  and 
direct  said  Lodge  accordingly,  and  if  the  Lodge  fails  to 
obey  said  direction  the  Grand  Master  is  authorized  to  take 
the  charter  and  suspend  the  Lodge.  All  such  reports  and 
approval  and  actions  of  the  Grand  Master  shall  be  reported 
to  the  Grand  Lodge  at  its  next  session,  for  its  action.  Mat- 
ters relating  to  benefits  or  charges  shall  be  referred  by  the 
Grand  Master  to  the  Committee  on  Appeals  and  other  matters 
to  such  Standing  Committees  as  the  Grand  Master  may  select. 
When  the  Grand  Master  determines  to  refer  such  matters  to 
a  committee,  he  shall  command  the  Lodge,  under  the  seal  of 
the  Grand  Lodge,  attested  by  the  Grand  Secretary,  to  trans- 
mit forthwith  to  the  (irand  Secretary  for  the  use  of  the 
committee,  a  transcript  of  all  the  minutes,  proceedings  and 
documents  of  the  Lodge,  and  its  committees,  if  any,  and 


570  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

notify  the  Lodge  that  the  same  will  be  considered  by  the 
committee  of  the  Grand  Lodge  to  whom  the  Grand  Master 
referred  it  for  a  report  and  recommendation  under  this 
legislation.— 1898  Journal,  272,  273,  281. 

2175.  Grand  Master's  powers  and  authority  as  to  Re- 
bekah  Lodges.  Be  it  enacted,  that  the  Grand  Master  shall 
have  power  to  issue  dispensations  to  Rebekah  Lodges  in 
all  similar  instances  in  which  he  possesses  such  power  in 
regard  to  Subordinate  Lodges,  and  shall  possess  all  powers 
and  authority  in  regard  to  Rebekah  Lodges  that  he  pos- 
sesses in  regard  to  Subordinate  Lodges. — 1898  Journal,  274, 
281. 

2176.  Grand  Master  no  authority  to  decide  as  to  benefits. 

The  Grand  Master  has  no  authority  to  determine  or  decide, 
upon  an  ex-parte  statement  of  the  facts,  whether  or  not  a 
brother  is  entitled  to  sick  or  funeral  benefits  or  expenses. 
The  issue  of  fact  must  be  tried  by  an  Investigating  Com- 
mittee, and  their  report  acted  upon  by  the  Lodge,  pursuant 
to  the  provisions  of  Article  IV,  Section  5,  Constitution  of 
Subordinate  Lodges,  and  then  an  appeal  may  be  taken 
direct  to  the  Grand  Lodge.— 1901  Journal,  410,  544,  562. 

(See  Benefits.) 

2177.  New  trial.  A  Grand  Master  has  not  the  right  to 
set  aside  the  action  of  a  Lodge  and  order  a  new  trial. — 1897 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15168,  15534,  15584. 

(See  Appeals.) 

2178.  District  Deputy  Grand  Master.  The  Grand  Mas- 
ter may  suspend  a  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  from  office 
for  neglect  of  duty. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  V, 
Sec.  4. 

2179.  Cannot  loan  Grand  Lodge  funds.  The  Grand 
Master  is  not  authorized  to  loan  any  of  the  funds  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  to  anyone  for  any  purpose. — 1896  Journal, 
412,  581,  628. 


[ 


Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  571 

2180.  His  relation  to  the  Grand  Lodge.  The  Grand 
Lodge  alone  is  the  Supreme  tribunal  of  the  Order  in  its 
jurisdiction;  to  it  he  is  indebted  for  his  position,  and  to  it 
he  is  accountable  and  from  and  through  it  to  the  Sover- 
eign Grand  Lodge.  He  has  no  right  to  refuse  to  entertain 
appeals  from  his  decisions  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  though,  in 
his  judgment,  an  adverse  decision  might  violate  the  Consti- 
tution.—1847  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1108,  1122. 

2181.  Publishing  his  decisions.  The  Grand  Lodge  recom- 
mends the  decisions  of  the  Grand  Master  made  during  his 
administration  be  published,  from  time  to  time,  in  the 
papers  devoted  to  publishing  information  concerning  the 
Order  in  this  jurisdiction,  proznded  that  no  expenses  of 
publication  be  incurred  which  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  be 
called  upon  to  pay.— 1896  Journal,  458,  581,  628. 

2182.  Decisions  and  annual  report  of  Grand  Master. 
After  the  Digest  shall  have  been  published,  Grand  Masters 
should  simply  refer  inquirers  upon  questions  of  law  already 
decided,  and  which  may  be  found  in  our  Constitution  and 
By-Laws,  enactments  and  decisions,  to  such  law,  and  not 
encumber  his  annual  report  by  any  reference  thereto,  ex- 
cept in  important  matters  of  general  interest,  and  thus  save 
cost  of  printing,  and  the  time  of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  their 
further  consideration. — 1896  Journal,  554,  556. 

2183.  He  cannot  make  laws.  A  Grand  Master  is  not  the 
law-making  power.  He  cannot  ordain,  enact  or  make  laws 
or  rules  of  procedure.  He  is  a  creature  of  the  law  and  not 
a  creator  of  it,  and  possesses  only  the  power  conferred  upon 
him  by  the  law.  He  must  see  that  the  law  and  practice  of 
the  Order  is  observed  throughout  his  jurisdiction  and  in 
correcting  errors,  irregularities'  or  giving  instructions,  he  is 
responsible  for  his  acts  and  therefore  should  employ  such 
means  to  accomplish  his  purpose  as  in  his  judgment  may 
seem  to  be  necessary  and  safe  and  for  which  he  is  willing 
to  be  held  responsible.— 1879-1890  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8110, 
8178,  11898,  12217,  12281. 


572  Offickrs  of  Grand  Loi  ge. 

2184.  Annual  report  and  visitation.  It  is  the  duty  of  the 
Grand  Master  to  embrace  iu  his  annual  report  an  account 
of  the  number  and  location  of  all  Lodges  visited. — 1856 
Journal,  211,  214. 

2185.  Decisions  of  President  of  Rebekah  Assembly.  The 
President  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  shall  report  each  de- 
cision rendered  by  her  to  the  Grand  Master  for  his  decision 
thereon,  and  the  Grand  Master  shall  embody  his  decisions 
thereon  in  his  annual  report. — 1898  Journal,  274,  281. 

2186.  Annual  report  and  statistics.  Grand  Masters  shall 
not  include  statistical  matter  in  their  annual  reports. — 
1876  Journal,  476,  503. 

2187.  Annual  report    and    District    Deputies'    reports. 

Grand  Masters  should  embody  in  their  reports  so  much  of 
the  reports  of  their  District  Deputies  as  they  may  deem  of 
importance  to  the  Order. — 1858  Journal,  377,  378. 

(See  Section  2234.) 

2188.  To  wear  regalia  and  jewels.  A  Grand  Master, 
when  visiting  as  such  in  his  own  jurisdiction,  should  wear 
the  regalia  and  jewels  of  his  office. — 1870  S.  G.  L.  Journa^, 
4716,  4842,  4870. 

2189.  Traveling  expenses.  Resolved,  That  the  Grand 
]\Iaster  be  authorized  to  draw  on  the  Grand  Treasurer  at 
such  times  and  for  such  amounts  as  he  may  deem  necessary, 
same  to  be  expended  for  necessary  traveling:  and  other  ex- 
penses of  Grand  Master  while  on  official  business  for  Grand 
Lodge,  provided^  such  suras  so  drawn  shall  not  exceed  in 
the  aggregate  $1,500  in  any  one  year,  and  provided  further, 
that  so  soon  as  practicable  after  drawing  such  sums  he 
shall  file  with  the  Grand  Secretary  a  certificate,  stating  that 
such  sums  have  been  actually  expended  for  the  purposes 
authorized  by  this  resolution. — 1896  Journal,  564,  567. 

2190.  Relation  of  Grand  Master  to  Subordinates.  A 
Grand  Master  should  not  take  the  chair  of  a  Noble  Grand 
to  prevent  that  officer  from  submitting  an  illegal  motion.    If 


f 


Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  573 

the  Noble  Grand  persist  in  violation  of  law  and  his  obligra- 
tions,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Grand  blaster  to  inform  the 
Lodge  that  unless  it  shall  require  its  officers  to  conform  to 
the  law,  he  will  proceed  against  it  for  insubordination.  The 
official  relations  of  the  Grand  Master  are  not  with  the 
Noble  Grand,  but  with  the  Subordinate  Lodge  itself  in  its 
Lodge  capacity. — 1864  Journal,  504. 

2191.  Cannot  review  or  amend  Grand  Lodge  proceedings. 

It  is  not  competent  for  the  Grand  blaster  to  review  or  amend 
the  proceedings  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1887  Journal,  769, 
897,  904. 

2192.  To  require  Subordinate  to  comply  with  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  decision.  Whenever  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge,  in  case  of  appeal,  instructs  the  Grand  Lodge  of  a 
jurisdiction  to  direct  a  Subordinate  to  comply  with  the 
decision  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  it  becomes  the  duty 
of  the  Grand  Master  of  the  jurisdictioa  in  such  case,  on 
receiving  official  notice  of  the  action  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge,  to  notify  the  Subordinate  Lodge  of  such  action  and 
direct  it  to  comply  therewith. — 1884  Journal,  37,  116,  153; 
1883-1890  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  9162,  9324,  9442,  12124,  12288. 

2193.  Property  of  extinct  Lodge.  In  case  of  the  sur- 
render of  a  Lodge's  charter  and  property  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  the  Grand  Master  has  no  authority  whatever  to  dis- 
pose of  such  property  without  authority  from  the  Grand 
Lodge.  The  power  to  dispose  of  property  of  extinct  Lodges 
appertains  solely  to  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1878  Journal,  927, 
965. 

2194.  Instruction  in  secret  work.  The  Grand  blaster  has 
full  authority,  in  person  or  by  lawful  officers  under  him,  to 
instruct  in  secret  work  and  to  enforce  uniformity  in  all 
the  signs  and  charges,  as  well  as  in  mode  of  working. — 
1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11731,  11787. 

2195.  Right  to  suspend  a  Subordinate  Lodge.  A  Grand 
Master  in  vacation  does  possess  the  right  to  suspend  a  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  for  y>orsistent  disobedience  or  violation  of 


574  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

law,  without  a  trial,  provided  the  local  law  does  not  other- 
■wise  provide:  but  this  power  should  not  generally  be  exer-' 
eised  until  after  notice  to  the  Subordinate,  and  not  arbi- 
trarily or  for  slight  cause.  He  may  restore  such  suspended 
Lodge  without  waiting  for  action  of  his  Grand  Lodge,  un- 
less the  Constitution,  or  instructions  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
limit  his  authority  in  this  respect.— 1890-1891-1893  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  12121,  12288,  12229,  12284,  12561,  12647,  13258, 
13548,  13671. 

2196.  Power  to  suspend  Lodge.  The  power  given  to  a 
Grand  Master  to  suspend  and  take  from  a  Lodge  its  charter 
is  a  highly  penal  power,  and  should  be  exercised  only  in 
extreme  cases  when  injury  to  the  Order  is  imminent. — 1896 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14684,  14948,  15019. 

2197.  Suspending  Grand  Master's  Lodge.  When  a  Grand 
Master  suspends  a  Subordinate  Body  of  which  he  is  a  mem- 
ber or  withdraws  its  charter,  such  suspension  or  withdrawal 
of  charter  shall  not  affect  his  rank  or  standing  in  the  Order 
during  the  remainder  of  his  term  of  office  and  for  a  period 
of  thirty  days  after  the  close  of  said  term. — 1888  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  11385,  11400. 

2198.  Visitation  of  Lodges.  Grand  Masters  requested  to 
visit  those  Lodges  which  have  not  been  visited  by  their  im- 
mediate predecessors,  so  that  visitations  may  be,  as  far  as 
possible,  equalized. — 1877  Journal,  118,  140. 

(See  Districts  for  visitation  by  Grand  Master.) 

3.     GRAND  SECRETARY. 

2199.  Duties.  The  Grand  Secretary  shall  make  a  just 
and  true  record  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Grand  Lodge  at 
every  session,  and  transmit  as  soon  as  practicable  after  the 
close  of  the  annual  session,  to  the  Subordinate  Lodges,  each 
one  copy  thereof.  He  shall  keep  the  accounts  between  the 
Grand  Lodge  and  its  Subordinates,  receive  all  moneys  com- 
ing therefrom,  and  pay  the  same  over  to  the  Grand  Treas- 
urer weekly.     He  shall  issue  all  necessary  notices  and  cir- 


Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  575 

culars  to  Subordinates,  Representatives  and  officers ;  he  shall 
provide  all  stationery  for  the  use  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and 
superintend  such  printing  as  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  direct. 
He  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  are  herein  provided 
for,  or  that  may  be  ordered  by  the  Grand  Lodge.  He  shall 
receive  such  salary  as  may  be  fixed  upon  at  each  annual 
session,  which  shall  be  paid  monthly. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  4. 

Note. — Past     Grand,    otherwise  time.   Any  constitutional  provision 

qualified,    can    be    elected    to    the  in   a    Subordinate   jurisdiction   to 

office     of     Grand     Secretary     and  the     contrary     is     invalid — (1891 

Grand  Representative  at  the  same  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  12354). 

(See  Section  2151.) 

2200.  Assistant.  Grand  Secretary  empowered  to  engage 
an  assistant.— 1884  Journal,  148,  163. 

2201.  Special  session  to  confer  Grand  Lodge  Degree. 
Hereafter,  when  the  Grand  Secretary  shall  attend  special 
sessions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  held  to  confer  the  Grand  Lodge 
Degree,  the  Grand  Master  is  authorized  to  draw  a  warrant 
on  the  Grand  Treasurer  in  favor  of  the  Grand  Secretary, 
for  his  necessary  expenses  incurred  in  such  attendance. — 
1883  Journal,  1155,  1176. 

2202.  Duty  as  to  constitutional  amendments.  As  soon  as 
possible  after  the  close  of  each  regular  session  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  the  Grand  Secretary  shall  cause  to  be  printed  on 
separate  slip.s,  and  gummed  so  as  to  be  easily  inserted  in, 
and  attached  to,  the  constitution-book,  the  amendments  to 
the  Constitutions  of  Subordinate  and  Rebekah  Lodges 
adopted  at  such  session,  and  two  copies  thereof,  respectively, 
to  be  fonvarded,  with  proper  instructions,  to  each  Subordi- 
nate and  Rebekah  Lodge.— 1896  Journal,  534,  558,  559. 

2203.  Printed  Constitutions  for  Subordinates.  Resolved, 
That  the  Grand  Secretary  be,  and  is,  authorized  to  have 
printed,  in  regular  size  for  binding,  for  Lodge  use,  the  Con- 
stitution of  Subordinate  Lodges,  and  that  the  Grand  Secre- 
tary shall  sell  to  Subordinates  these  Constitutions  as  Grand 


% 


576  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

Lodge  supplies  at  no  more  than  ten  per  cent,  increase  of 
their  cost. — 1894  Journal,  767. 

2204.  Printed  Rebekah  Lodge  Constitutions.  Resolved, 
That  the  Grand  Secretary  be,  and  is,  hereby  authorized  to 
have  printed,  in  regular  size  for  binding,  for  Lodge  use,  the 
Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges,  and  that  the  Grand  Secre- 
tary shall  sell  to  Rebekah  Lodges  these  Constitutions  as 
Grand  Lodge  supplies,  at  no  more  than  ten  per  cent,  increase 
of  their  cost;  said  Constitutions  to  bear  the  imprint, 
**  printed  by  order  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  of  Cali- 
fornia," on  the  title  page. — 1896  Journal,  536,  559. 

2205.  To  furnish  Journals  and  Digest  to  Committees. 
The  Grand  Secretary  shall  furnish  each  of  the  Committees 
on  Appeals,  State  of  the  Order,  and  Legislation,  one  full 
copy  of  the  Journal  and  Pigest  of  Proceedings  of  the  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge  and  of  this  Grand  Lodge.  The  name 
of  the  respective  committee  shall  be  printed  on  the  books, 
and  the  Grand  Secretary  shall  keep  them  during  the  interim 
of  sessions  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1865  Journal,  83. 

2206.  Blank  Financial  Secretaries'  reports.  Grand  Secre- 
tary empowered  to  devise  a  printed  blank  for  Financial 
Secretary's  report,  copies  of  which  he  shall  send  to  each 
Subordinate  Lodge  with  other  blanks  foi*  Lodge  use. — 1888 
Journal,  1106. 

2207.  To  furnish  blank  bonds  to  Lodges.  The  Grand 
Secretary  is  required  to  furnish  blank  bonds  to  all  Lodges, 
in  a  legal  form,  for  the  purpose  of  qualifying  officers  having 
care  of  the  funds  of  the  Lodge. — 1854  Journal,  77. 

2208.  To  furnish  certain  forms  to  Lodges.  The  Grand 
Secretary  shall  cause  a  quantity  of  blank  forms  for  charges, 
summons,  subpoenas,  reports  of  Trial  Committees,  notices  of 
filing  report,  bills  of  exceptions  and  notices  of  appeal  to  be 
printed,  and  keep  a  supply  on  hand,  and  furnish  the  same 
to  Lodges,  when  called  for,  free  of  charge. — 1869  Journal, 
109,  128;  1870  Journal,  231,  251. 


I 


Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  577^ 

2209.  To  furnish  certain  proceedings  of  Grand  Lodge  to 
Subordinates.  The  Grand  Secretary  shall  furnish  all  Sub- 
ordinate Lodges,  at  the  earliest  possible  moment,  a  copy  of 
such  proceedings  of  the  Grand  Lodge  as  require  their 
prompt  action. — 1853  Journal,  42. 

2210.  To  furnish  forms  of  certain  certificates.  Grand 
Secretary  instructed  to  provide  necessary  blanks  for  certi- 
ficates of  Representatives-elect  to  the  Grand  Lodge  and  Past 
Grands  in  good  standing  in  each  year. — 1859  Journal,  529. 

2211.  May  require  certain  information  from  Lodges. 
The  Grand  Secretary  is  authorized  to  demand  from  each 
Subordinate  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction  a  full  and  complete 
statement  showing,  as  far  as  can  be  ascertained — 

1st.     The  full  name  of  every  person  who  has  ever  been  a 
member  of  said  Lodge. 

2nd.  The  age  of  members  at  time  of  admission. 

3rd.  The  nativity. 

4th.  The  occupation. 

5th.  When  admitted. 

6th.  How  admitted. 

7th.  Name,  number  and  location  of  Lodge  from  which 
card  was  taken. 

8th.  When  suspended. 

9th.  When  expelled. 

10th.  When  resigned. 

11th.  When  reinstated. 

12th.  Date  of  death. 

13th.  Date  of  withdrawal. 

And  upon  such  demand  being  made,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
"f  said  Lodge  to  immediately  make  provision  for  furnishing 
the  same  in  the  manner  and  form  above  prescribed. — 1879 
Journal,  .32,  116,  1.39. 
.17 


978  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

2212.  Rooms  of  Grand  Secretary.  The  Grand  Lodge 
shall  procure  a  suitable  room,  or  rooms,  and  furnish  the 
same  appropriately,  for  the  use  of  the  Grand  Secretary,  and 
to  be  used  for  the  legitimate  business  of  the  Order,  and  no 
other.  Proper  accommodations  shall  be  set  apart  in  the 
same  for  the  use  of  the  Grand  Master. — 1873  Journal,  838, 
861. 

2213.  Last  day's  proceedings  of  Grand  Lodge.  The 
Grand  Secretary  is  required  to  prepare  and  cause  the  publi- 
cation of  the  last  day's  proceedings  of  the  Grand  Body, 
attesting  the  same  with  his  signature,  and  forward  to  the 
several  Lodges  of  which  the  Representatives  are  members 
one  copy  for  each  Representative. — 1899  Journal,  663,  664, 
682. 

(See  Sections  2800,  1585;  and  see  Odd  Fellows'  Home; 
Bonds.) 

4.     GRAND  REPRESENTATIVE. 

2214.  Certificate  of  election.  Immediately  after  the 
election  of  a  Grand  Representative,  it  is  the  duty  of  the 
Grand  Secretary  to  forward  to  the  Grand  Secretary  of  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  a  duplicate  copy  of  the  Representa- 
tive's certificate  of  election. — 1857  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2768, 
2811. 

2215.  Report.  At  each  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  the 
Grand  Representatives  are  required  to  report,  in  writing, 
all  matters  regarding  the  Good  of  the  Order  of  this  State, 
as  well  as  any  measure  brought  by  them  before  the  Sover- 
eign Grand  Lodge,  in  behalf  of  this  jurisdiction. — 1854  Jour- 
nal, 75,  76. 

2216.  Seat  declared  vacant,  when.  The  Grand  Lodge 
has  the  right  to  declare  the  seat  of  a  Grand  Representative 
vacant  who  does  not  return  to  his  jurisdiction  on  or  before 
the  1st  day  of  January  following  the  annual  session  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  at  which  he  shall  represent  such  State  Grand 
Body,  unless  he  shall  be  prevented  by  sickness  or  unavoid- 


Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  579 

able  accident,  of  which  the  Grand  Body  he  represents  shall 
be  the  judge.— 1860  Journal,  23. 

2217.  To  report  to  Rebekah  Assembly.  Grand  Repre- 
sentatives are  required  to  report  to  the  Rebekah  Assembly 
all  legislation  in  regard  to  Rebekahs. — 1894  Journal,  735, 
773. 

5.  OTHER  ELECTIVE  GRAND  OFFICERS. 

2218.  Duties  of  Deputy  Grand  Master.  The  Deputy 
Grand  Master  shall  support  the  Grand  Master  in  presiding, 
and  in  his  absence  shall  occupy  the  chair  for  him.  In  the 
event  of  a  vacancy  in  the  office  of  Grand  Master,  the  Deputy 
Grand  Master  shall  become  Grand  Master  for  the  balance 
of  the  term,  and  receive  the  honors  of  a  full  term. — Consti- 
tution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  2. 

2219.  Duties  of  Grand  Warden.  The  Grand  Warden 
shall  assist  the  Grand  Master  in  conducting  the  business  of 
the  Grand  Lodge.  He  shall,  under  the  Grand  Master,  have 
special  charge  of  the  door,  and  in  the  absence  of  the  Grand 
Master  and  Deputy  Grand  Master,  he  shall  preside. — Con- 
stitution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  3. 

XoTE. — A    Grand    Warden    per-  therein,  is  not  entitled  to  take  the 

torming    the     duties     of     Deputy  rank  of  a  Deputy  Grand  Master — 

Grand     Master,     without     having  (1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  515,  827, 

been    duly    elected    and    installed  873). 

2220.  Duties  of  Grand  Treasurer.  The  Grand  Treasurer 
shall  receive  and  receipt  for  all  moneys  belonging  to  or 
placed  in  his  charge  by  this  Grand  Lodge,  and  deposit  the 
same  immediately  on  receipt  thereof  by  him  in  some  bank, 
to  be  designated  to  him  in  writing  by  the  Finance  Commit- 
tee of  this  Grand  Lodge,  in  the  name  of  and  to  the  credit 
of  this  Grand  Lodge ;  he  shall  pay  all  orders  drawn  on  him 
by  the  Grand  Master,  under  seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  by 
cheek  or  draft  on  said  bank,  signed  by  said  Grand  Treasurer 
and  countersigned  by  the  Grand  Secretary,  with  the  seal 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  affixed  thereto.  Each  month  the  Grand 
Treauurer  shall  furnish  to  the  Grand  Master  an  account  of 


580  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

all  moneys  received  during  the  month  and  a  bank  tag,  show- 
ing the  amount  of  money  in  bank  to  the  credit  of  the  Grand 
Lodge.  The  Finance  Committee  shall  have  power  to  change 
the  bank  where  such  money  shall  be  deposited,  and  in  case 
of  a  change,  the  committee  shall  be  charged  with  the  duty 
of  seeing  that  their  directions  as  to  change  of  deposit  are 
carried  out.  The  Grand  Treasurer  shall  attend  all  regular 
sessions  of  this  Grand  Lodge;  he  shall  keep  his  accounts  in 
such  a  manner  as  will  exhibit  the  sources  and  amount  of 
receipts,  and  to  whom  paid;  have  his  accounts  closed  up  on 
the  thirty-first  day  of  March  annually,  and  submit  them  to 
the  Finance  Committee;  he  shall  produce  for  the  examina- 
tion of  said  Finance  Committee,  the  funds  in  his  hands,  or 
the  evidence  of  the  deposit  thereof  in  said  bank,  and  shall 
annually  report  to  this  Grand  Lodge,  a  full  and  true 
account  of  all  moneys  received  and  paid  out  by  him.  The 
Grand  Treasurer's  account  and  books,  including  the  bank 
book,  shall  at  all  times  be  open  and  subject  to  the  inspection 
of  the  Grand  Master,  the  Finance  Committee  or  the  Trustees, 
or  either  of  them,  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5. 

(See  Odd  Fellows'  Home;  Trustees;  Bonds.) 

6.  DISTRICT  DEPUTY  GRAND  MASTER. 
2221.  Duties.  The  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  shall, 
in  the  absence  of  the  Grand  Master,  install  the  officers  of  all 
Lodges  in  his  district,  and  enforce  a  due  observance  of  the 
Constitution,  By-Laws  and  Resolutions  of  the  Grand  Lodge ; 
be  the  organ  of  the  Grand  Master  with  the  Subordinates  in 
his  jurisdiction;  have  power  to  grant  dispensations  to 
Lodges  in  his  district,  for  the  election  of  any  Third  Degree 
member  of  the  Lodge  to  any  office  in  such  Lodge  in  case  all 
qualified  members  refuse  to  serve;  for  holding  public  instal- 
lations of  officers,  and  for  the  giving  of  social  parties  in  the 
name  of  the  Order ;  he  shall  see  that  the  work  of  the  Order 
is  performed  uniformly;  confer  official  degrees  on  Past 
Grands;  collect  from  Lodges  in  his  district  all  returns  and 
moneys  due  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  forward  them  immedi- 


h 


Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  581 


ately  to  the  Grand  Secretary;  decide  all  questions  of  law 
that  may  be  submitted  to  him  by  the  Lodges  under  his 
charge;  he  must  report  immediately  all  such  decisions  to 
the  Grand  Master  for  his  approval,  and  report  annually  to 
the  Grand  Master  all  other  proceedings  had  or  taken  by  him. 
He  shall  forthwith  report  to  the  Grand  Master  all  cases  of 
violation  on  the  part  of  the  Subordinates,  of  the  Constitu- 
tion and  By-Laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  disobedience  to 
his  lawful  commands. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV, 
Sec.  7. 

2222.  Need  not  be  a  Representative.     A  Past  Grand  is 
eligible   to    the   office    of   District    Deputy   Grand   Master, 

rhether  he  be  a  Representative  to  the  Grand  Lodge  or  not ; 
mt  it  is  necessary  that  he  should  have  had  the  Grand  Lodge 
degree  conferred  on  him.  A  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 
this  jurisdiction  is  an  appointed  officer  of  the  Grand 
>dge.  The  Grand  Master  may  appoint  a  Past  Grand  a 
lember  of  the  Grand  Lodge  who  is  not  a  Representative  to 
-an  appointed  office.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal  41,  284,  314; 
1869  Journal,  114,  117;  1885  Journal,  387,  402,  431. 
(See  Section  2151.) 

2223.  Term.    The  term  of  a  District  Deputy  Grand  Mas- 
;r  expires  when  his  successor  is  appointed. — 1895  Journal, 

!1,  195,  196,  236. 

2224.  Residing  out  of  his  district.    The  fact  that  a  Dis- 
•ict  Deputy  (Jrand  Master  has  moved  beyond  the  boundary 

>f  his  official  district  does  not  disqualify  him  in  the  per- 
formance of  his  duties  as  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  in 
md  for  the  district  for  which  he  has  been  appointed  Deputy. 
■1899  Journal,  467,  431,  675. 

2225.  Committee  to  examine  and  instruct  nominees.  At 
>ach  annual  communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  on  the 
Irst  day  of  the  session,    the  sitting    Grand    Master    shall 

appoint  a  committee  of  five,  among  whom  shall  be  the  acting 
<irand  Representatives,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  examine 
and  instruct  the  nominees  for  District  Deputy  Grand  Mas- 
ters in  the  secret  work  of  the  Order. — 1869  Journal,  7. 


582  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

2226.  District  Deputies,  how  recommended.  All  nomina- 
tions or  recommendations  of  persons  for  appointment  as 
District  Deputy  Grand  Masters  shall  be  in  writing,  and 
filed  with  the  Grand  Secretary,  who  shall  make  a  list  of  the 
names  of  the  persons  as  recommended  and  deliver  such  list 
to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  appointed  for  the  exam- 
ination of  District  Deputies;  and  immediately  upon  tht^ 
election  of  the  new  Grand  Master  the  Grand  Secretary  shall 
deliver  all  nominations  and  recommendations  filed  with  him 
to  the  Grand  Master  elect.— 1872  Journal,  652,  677. 

2227.  Report  of  committee.  Upon  the  completion  of 
their  labors,  and  at  any  time  after  the  election  of  the  in- 
coming Grand  Master,  said  committee  may  report  to  the 
Grand  Lodge,  and  shall  hand  a  list  of  nominees  to  the  Grand 
Master  elect,  with  such  recommendations  as  they  may  deem 
proper.  Such  nominations  and  reports  shall  be  considered 
by  the  Grand  Master  elect,  but  he  is  not  bound  to  appoint 
the  persons  so  nominated,  unless  their  qualifications  meet 
his  approval  and  the  approval  of  said  Examining  Commit- 
tee.—1869  Journal,  7. 

2228.  New  district.  A  District  Deputy  should  be  ap- 
pointed when  the  first  Lodge  is  instituted  in  a  district. — 
1853  Journal,  36. 

2229.  Candidates  for  appointment — Secret  work — In- 
struction. Resolved,  That  candidates  for  District  Deputies 
must  be  familiar  with  the  secret  work  of  the  Order,  and  pre- 
sent themselves  to  the  Committee  on  Instruction  for  exam- 
ination before  the  close  of  the  second  day  of  the  session,  and 
that  the  Subordinate  Lodges  in  this  jurisdiction  be  urged 
to  recommend  no  Past  Grand  for  such  ofiice  who  is  not  well 
qualified  in  the  secret  work  of  the  Order.  In  cases  where 
the  Lodges  desire  the  reappointment  of  the  acting  District 
Deputy,  this  rule  shall  not  apply;  provided,  that  the  Grand 
Master  may  use  his  discretion  in  regard  to  appointing  Dis- 
trict Deputies  who  are  not  present  at  the  sessions  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  when  no  qualified  Representative  is  present 
from  the  district. — 1896  Journal,  629. 


Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  58S 

2230.  Secret  work — Knowledge  of  law  of    the    Order. 

Resolved,  That  candidates  for  appointment  to  the  office  of 
District  Deputy  Grand  Master  shall,  before  recommendation 
for  such  appointment,  become  so  proficient  in  such  a 
thorough  knowledge  of,  not  alone  the  "secret  work,"  but 
also  in,  the  law  of  the  Order,  as  defined  in  the  fundamental 
law  and  in  the  Digests  and  Reports  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  and  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  State  of  California,  as 
to  qualify  them  to  perform  all  the  duties  pertaining  to  that 
high  office;  and  that  the  Subordinate  Lodges  of  this  juris- 
diction be  urged  to  nominate,  and  the  ''Committee  on 
Examination  and  Instruction  of  District  Deputies"  to 
recommend,  no  Past  Grand  for  District  Deputy  who  is  not 
so  qualified.— 1899  Journal,  647,  677. 

2231.  Represents  the  Grand  Master  in  his  absence.  The 
District  Deputy  Grand  Master  is  the  representative  of  the 
Grand  blaster  in  his  district,  and  he  should  require  of  the 
Lodges  in  his  district  a  due  observance  of  the  Constitution 
and  By-Laws.— 1886  Journal,  534,  536,  620,  646. 

Note. — District  Deputies,  when  on   the    local    law.        The   general 

performing   the    functions    of    an  laws  of  the  Order  do  not  seem  to 

office,  have  the  right  to  wear  the  define     their      duties — (1874-1886 

regalia     and    jewel    of   the   officer  S.     G.    L.    Journal,     6209,     6262, 

whom  they  represent.      Their  au-  10251,  10487,  10511). 
tiiority  depends  for  the  most  part 

2232.  Authority  on  questions  of  law,  when.  A  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master  is  authority  on  all  questions  of  law 
or  u.sage  of  the  Order  in  the  absence  of  the  Grand  Master, 
and  his  or  her  instructions  must  be  obeyed  until  reversed  by 
higher  authority.— 1892  Journal,  14,  112,  127. 

2233.  Must  address  the  chairs.  A  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master,  with  his  officers,  has  no  right  to  enter  a  Lodge 
without  addressing  the  chairs. — 1891  Journal,  585,  686,  715. 

2234.  Duties  of  as  to  instruction.  The  District  Deputy 
Grand  Ma.sters  of  the  several  districts  in  this  jurisdiction 
are  instructed  to  visit  each  and  every  Lodge  in  their 
respective  districts  for  the  purpose  of  instruction  in  the  un- 


584  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

written  work  of  our  Order,  applicable  to  the  Lodges  in  their 
district,  at  least  once  in  each  term,  the  reports  of  all  such 
meetings  of  instruction  shall  be  made  to  the  Grand  Master 
by  the  District  Deputies,  and  the  Grand  Master  shall  incor- 
porate the  substance  of  such  reports  in  his  annual  report  to 
this  Grand  Lodge.— 1891  Journal,  729,  732. 

2235.  Must  procure  certificate  for  semi-annual  pass- 
word. It  is  the  duty  of  each  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 
on  or  before  the  first  meeting  in  May  and  November  of  each 
term,  to  procure  from  his  Lodge  and  file  with  the  Grand 
Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  a  certificate,  stating  that  he 
is  entitled  to  the  semi-annual  password ;  provided,  that  such 
certificate  may  be  filed  at  a  later  date.  The  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  shall  not  be  entitled  to  the  semi-annual  pass- 
word until  such  certificate  shall  be  filed  with  the  Grand 
Secretary.— 1864  Journal,  540,  564. 

2236.  Neglect  to  file  such  certificate.  If  any  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to  file  such  cer- 
tificate with  the  Grand  Secretary  on  or  before  the  last  meet- 
ing of  his  Lodge,  in  May  and  November  of  his  term,  the 
Grand  Master  may  remove  such  District  Deputy  Grand  Mas- 
ter from  office  and  appoint  another  in  his  stead. — 1864  Jour- 
nal, 540,  564. 

2237.  Suspension  from  office.  He  may  be  suspended 
from  office  by  Grand  Master  for  neglect  of  duty.— Constitu- 
tion Grand  Lodge,  Art.  V,  Sec.  4. 

2238.  Duty  to  visit  Lodges.  It  would  be  well  for  Dis- 
trict Deputies  to  make  at  least  one  official  visit  to  the 
Lodges,  within  their  districts,  for  the  purpose  of  giving  in- 
structions in  the  secret  work  before  the  officers  are  installed. 
A  District  Deputy  ought  to  visit  his  Lodges  more  than  twice 
a  year.  These  visits  cannot  be  too  frequent. — 1896  Journal, 
410,  581,  628. 

2239.  Communications  with  Lodges.  District  Deputy 
Grand  Masters  and  Lodges  should  communicate  with  one 
another  by  written  communications,  as  this  would  avoid  un- 


Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  585 

pleasant  misapprehensions. — In  matter  of  Arroyo   Grande 
Lodge,  1896  Journal,  574,  616. 

2240.  Reports  of  District  Deputy.  District  Deputy 
Grand  Masters  within  this  jurisdiction  shall,  within  the  time 
directed  by  the  Grand  Master,  furnish  to  him  a  report  of 
their  official  actions  embracing : 

1st.     A  list  of  dispensations  granted,  with  reason  therefor. 

2nd.  Degrees  conferred,  and  authority  for  conferring  the 
same. 

3rd.     Decisions  rendered,  giving  facts  of  each  case. 

4th.  Statement  of  installation  of  officers  of  each  Lodge 
installed  by  him,  and  a  statement  of  the  general  condition  of 
the  Lodge. 

5th.  Any  other  matter  pertaining  to  his  district,  or  the 
Order  at  large,  which  he  may  deem  important. — 1878  Jour- 
nal, 928,  965. 

2241.  Cannot  appoint  Grand  Marshal,  when.  A  District 
Deputy  Grand  ]\Iaster  has  no  right  to  appoint  a  brother  to 
act  as  Grand  Marshal,  to  assist  in  the  installation  of  officers 
of  a  Lodge,  when  the  Grand  Marshal  is  present  in  person 
and  willing  to  officiate. — 1862  Journal,  291. 

2242.  Cannot  delegate  power.  A  District  Deputy  cannot 
in  any  way  delegate  his  power  and  authority  to  another, 
nor  appoint  a  Past  Grand  to  install  officers  in  his  absence. — 
1859  Journal,  447,  529. 

2243.  Cannot  call  special  meeting.  A  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  has  no  power  to  call  or  request  a  special  meet- 
ing to  be  called,  for  the  purpose  of  installing  the  officers  of 
the  Lodge,  before  the  first  regular  meeting  in  the  new  term 
has  expired. — 1865  Journal,  58,  71.        ^ 

2244.  Receipts  for  Rituals,  Journals  and  Digest.  The 
District  Deputy  (irand  Masters  are  required  to  take  a  receipt 
from  the  Noble  Grand,  at  installation,  of  all  Charge  Books 
(Rituals),  also  bound  Journals  and  Digests  belonging  to  and 


586  -Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

in  possession  of  their  respective  Lodges,  and  are  further 
required  to  forward  the  same  to  the  Grand  Secretary  with 
the  reports. — 1867  Journal,  363. 

2245.  Receipts  for  returns  and  money — Duty  to  transmit. 
All  Lodges  shall  take  a  receipt  from  the  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  for  their  returns,  and  the  amount  of  per- 
centage paid  by  them,  which  receipt  shall,  on  the  following 
day,  be  forwarded  to  the  Grand  Secretary  by  mail,  and  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  District  Deputy,  within  ten  days 
thereafter,  to  forward  the  amount  and  returns  to  the  Grand 
Secretary.  Should  the  Grand  Secretary  not  receive  the 
returns  and  money  set  forth  in  such  receipt,  within  thirty 
days,  it  shall  be  his  duty  to  inform  the  Grand  Master  of  the 
same,  who  shall  communicate  with  the  Lodge,  inquiring 
into  the  cause  of  the  delay;  and  if  the  Lodge  respond 
that  the  returns  and  percentage  have  been  delivered  to 
the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  Grand  Secretary  forthwith  to  prefer  charges  against 
such  District  Deputy,  to  the  Lodge  of  which  he  is  a  member, 
and  proof  of  neglect  of  his  duty  shall  subject  said  District 
Deputy  to  any  penalty  known  to  the  Order. — 1857  Journal, 
275 ;  1858  Journal,  381,  382. 

2246.  Power  to  withhold  new  password.  A  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master  may  withhold  a  new  semi-annual  pass- 
word from  the  Noble  Grand  who  has  been  installed  by  any 
other  officer  until  the  reports  and  dues  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
have  been  delivered  to  him  or  notice  served  upon  him  that 
they  have  been  given  to  the  installing  officer. — 1860  Journal, 
85,  86. 

2247.  Lodges  must  obey  instructions  of  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master.  Lodges  under  the  jurisdiction  of  District 
Deputies  are  obliged  to  obey  instructions  of  such  officers. — 
1857  Journal,  254. 

2248.  Duty  to  see  officers  proficient  in  work.  All 
District  Deputy  Grand  Masters  or  installing  officers  shall 
fully  examine  each  elective  officer  in  their  respective  dis- 


Officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  587 

tricts,  relative  to  their  proficiency  in  the  work  of  the  Order, 
and  to  install  no  such  officer  unless  he  have  the  charges  and 
work  of  such  office  fully  committed  to  memory.  This  in- 
struction is  not  to  be  so  construed  as  to  prevent  the  installa- 
tion of  the  first  officers  of  a  new  Lodge. — 1856  Journal,  219, 
222. 

2249.  Officers  must  be  proficient  in  secret  work.  District 
Deputy  Grand  Masters  have  the  right  to  require  of  all  Vice- 
Grands  elect,  that  they  be  proficient  in  all  the  secret  work 
of  the  Lodge  before  being  installed  into  said  office. — 1877 
Journal,  710. 

2250.  Officer  no  certificate  of  former  services.  A  Dis- 
trict Deputy  Grand  Master  has  no  right  to  refuse  the  instal- 
lation of  an  officer  as  Vice-Grand,  on  the  ground  that  the 
Vice-Grand  elect  has  no  certificate  of  his  former  services,  if 
the  records  of  the  Grand  Lodge  contain  sufficient  evidence 
of  such  service.  But  the  simple  list  of  officers  elected  at  the 
commencement  of  each  term,  is  not  sufficient  evidence  of 
service.— 1866  Journal,  199,  216. 

2251.  When  must  install  officer — Crime.  A  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master  is  bound  to  install  an  officer  when 
there  are  no  charges  against  him  on  the  books  of  the  Lodge, 
even  if  he  knows  such  officer  to  be  guilty  of  violating  any 
part  of  the  Criminal  Code  of  this  State,  provided  the  officer 
have  attained  the  degrees  required,  have  filled  the  offices  as 
laid  down  in  the  work  of  the  Order,  be  properly  qualified 
and  his  election  have  been  fair  and  in  form. — 1856  Journal, 
217,  220. 

2252.  When  can  take  chair  of  Noble  Grand.  A  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master,  in  his  official  capacity,  has  no  right 
to  take  the  chair  of  the  Noble  Grand  except  at  the  installa- 
tion of  officers.— 1869  Journal,  11,  124,  125;  1896  Journal, 
607,  608,  636. 

2253.  When  may  demand  copies  of  Lodge  proceedings. 
District  Deputy  Grand  Masters  have  a  right  to  demand  cer- 
tified copies  of  the  proceedings  of  a  Lodge,  when  so  in- 
structed by  the  Grand  Master. — 1860  Journal,  71. 


588  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

2254.  The  same.  If  a  notice  of  appeal  have  been  filed, 
copies  of  all  papers,  minutes,  etc.,  should  be  transmitted  to 
the  Grand  Lodge.  If  there  be  no  appeal,  and  the  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master  request  copies,  etc.,  they  should  be 
forwarded  to  him.  Requests  officially  made  by  the  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master  for  copies  of  matters  which  he  may 
think  his  duty  requires,  he  is  entitled  to.  He  has  a  right  to 
know  what  has  taken  place  and  to  have  copies,  and  then 
to  take  such  official  action  thereon  as  he  deems  his  duty 
requires.— 1891  Journal,  585,  586,  687,  715. 

2255.  No  judicial  power — Trials.  No  power  is  lodged  in 
the  hands  of  a  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  to  review  on 
appeal  the  proceedings  of  a  Lodge  or  committee  in  matter  of 
charges  or  trials.  Said  officer  has  no  judicial  powers.  He 
is  merely  the  channel  through  which  the  transcript  is  trans- 
ferred from  the  Lodge  to  the  Grand  Secretary. — Eldorado 
Lodge  vs.  Mucke,  1866  Journal,  170,  174. 

2256.  Expenses  of — Installation.  Lodges  visited  by 
District  Deputy  Grand  Masters  for  installation  of  officers 
should  make  a  reasonable  appropriation  to  defray  the  nec- 
essary traveling  expenses  of  such  Deputies  in  those  cases 
in  which  they  leave  the  place  where  they  reside  and  go  to 
the  place  where  the  Lodge  is  located  to  install  the  officers. 
The  Lodge  has  no  right  to  appropriate  its  funds  to  reim- 
burse a  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  who  is  a  member  of 
the  Lodge  and  resides  at  its  location  for  his  expenses  in- 
curred in  going  to  San  Francisco  to  perfect  himself  in  the 
work  and  get  the  password  before  installing  its  officers,  or 
for  expenses  incurred  by  him  for  stationery,  stamps  and 
money  for  the  purpose  of  making  returns  to  the  Grand  Sec- 
retary.— Doherty  vs.  Byron  Lodge,  1893  Journal,  433,  432. 

2257.  Cannot  be  Noble  Grand  or  Vice-Grand.  A  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master  cannot  be  the  Noble  Grand  or  Vice- 
Grand  of  his  Lodge  during  the  term  for  which  he  has  been 
commissioned  District  Deputy  Grand  Master. — 1899  Jour- 
nal, 464,  431,  675 ;  1905  Journal,  743,  932,  948 ;  1890  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  12177,  12274. 


Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  589 

2258.  May  act  as  Recording  Secretary.  A  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master  may  act  as  Recording  Secretary  of 
the  Lodge.— 1889  Journal,  68. 

2259.  May  hold  certain  offices  in  Lodge.  A  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master  may  hold  any  elective  office  or  other 
office  in  his  Subordinate  Lodge  except  Noble  Grand  and 
Vice-Grand,  and  he  can  be  installed  into  such  office  by  a 
Past  Grand  or  the  Noble  Grand.— 1898  Journal,  64,  220,  240; 

1888  Journal,  1019,  1111,  1130;  1877  Journal,  581,  675,  697; 

1889  Journal,  68 ;  1899  Journal,  646,  431,  675 ;  1905  Journal, 
743,  932,  948. 

2260.  Form  of  dispensation  by  District  Deputy  Grand 
Master.  (See  Form  No.  7  of  the  forms  affixed  to  this 
Digest.) 

(See  Installation.) 

OFFICERS  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE. 

1.  Qualifications,  nominations,  elections,  appointments, 
vacancies,  removals,  general  provisions,  and  decisions,  page 
589. 

2.  Noble  Grand,  page  605. 

3.  Vice-Grand,  page  612. 

4.  Recording  Secretary,  page  613. 

5.  Financial  Secretary,  page  615. 

6.  Treasurer,  page  616. 

7.  Other  officers,  page  617. 

1.     QUALIFICATIONS,      NOMINATIONS,      ELECTIONS, 
APPOINTMENTS,     VACANCIES,     REMOVAL, 
GENERAL  PROVISIONS,  AND  DECISIONS. 
2260a.     Elective  officers.    The  elective  officers  shall  con- 
si.st  of  a  Noble  (jrand,  Vice-Grand,  Secretary,  and  Treas- 
urer; provided,  that  Lodges  may  elect  officers  annually  in 
December  for  the  ensuing  year  when  so  provided  in  the 
By-Laws  of  the  Lodge.    The  Lodge  may  also  elect  a  Finan- 
cial Secretary  to  serve  for  one  year,  and  three  Trustees  to 


590  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

serve  for  such  terms  as  the  By-Laws  shall  prescribe;  pro- 
vided, further,  that  no  member  shall  hold  any  two  of  said 
offices  at  the  same  time. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art. 
VI,  Sec.  1. 

2261.  Appointed  officers.  The  appointed  officers  shall 
consist  of  a  Warden,  Conductor,  Outside  Guardian,  Inside 
Guardian,  Right  Supporter  to  Noble  Grand,  Left  Supporter 
to  Noble  Grand,  Right  Supporter  to  Vice-Grand,  Left  Sup- 
porter to  Vice-Grand,  and  Right  and  Left  Scene  Supporters, 
who  shall  each  serve  a  regular  term ;  and  the  Lodge  may  also 
appoint  a  Chaplain  for  a  regular  term. — Constitution  Subor- 
dinates, Art.  VI,  Sec.  2. 

2262.  Qualifications  of  elective  officers.  No  member  of 
this  Lodge  shall  be  installed  as  Noble  Grand  unless  he  have 
served  a  term  as  Vice-Grand,  or  a  majority  of  the  nights  of 
the  last  of  a  term  to  fill  a  vacancy ;  or  as  Vice-Grand,  unless 
he  have  served  twenty-six  weeks  in  an  inferior  office,  other 
than  Trustee.  Service  in  office,  whether  elected  or 
appointed,  is  qualifying  in  any  other  Lodge  as  well  as  in 
this  Lodge,  providing  a  brother  has  a  certificate  to  that 
effect,  under  seal  of  a  Lodge  in  good  standing:  provided, 
that  any  member  of  the  Degree  of  Truth  may  be  elected  if 
all  qualified  brothers  refuse  to  serve,  and  a  dispensation  be 
granted  by  the  Grand  Master  or  Deputy  of  the  District 
previous  to  the  election. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art. 
VI,  Sec.  3. 

2263.  Ritualistic  work  and  proficiency  of  officers.  A 
Subordinate  Lodge  may  adopt  such  rules  as  it  deems  proper 
governing  the  exemplification  of  the  ritualistic  work  and 
the  proficiency  of  its  officers,  so  far  as  the  same  do  not  con- 
flict with  the  legal  qualifications  provided  in  Article  VI, 
Section  3  and  4,  Constitution  of  Subordinates. — 1898  Jour- 
nal, 10,  221,  240. 

2264.  Eligible  to  Noble  Grand.  A  member  is  not  eligible 
to  the  office  of  Noble  Grand  unless  ho  has  served  a  term  as 
Vice-Grand,  or  a  majority  of  the  nightp  of  the  last  of  a 


Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  591 

term  to  fill  a  vacancy,  and  until  the  end  of  the  term. — 1898 
Journal,  10.  231,  277. 

2265.  Vice-Grand  absent  fourteen  meetings.  A  Vice- 
Grand  who  is  absent  fourteen  meetings  of  his  term  is  not 
eligible  to  the  office  of  Noble  Grand,  unless  he  have  been 
excused  on  account  of  personal  sickness. — 1884  Journal,  17, 
116,  153;  1887  Journal,  770,  875,  888;  1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
504.  827,  873. 

2266.  Service  in  office  of  Vice-Grand.  A  brother  who 
has  been  elected  to  fill  the  chair  of  Vice-Grand  for  a  full 
term,  and  serves  less  than  a  majority  of  the  nights  of  said 
term,  is  not  eligible  for  election  as  Noble  Grand. — 1892 
Journal,  14,  112,  127. 

2267.  The  same.  A  brother  is  elected  to  fill  the  chair  of 
Vice-(irand  for  two  consecutive  terms,  the  first  term  he  fills 
the  chair  a  majority  of  the  nights,  the  second  term  less  than 
a  majority  of  the  nights.  He  is,  at  the  end  of  said  two 
consecutive  terms,  eligible  for  election  as  Noble  Grand,  by 
virtue  of  having  served  a  majority  of  nights  of  the  first 
tenn.— 1892  Journal,  14,  112,  127. 

2268.  The  same.  A  brother  is  elected  to  fill  the  chair  of 
Vice-(tnmd  for  two  consecutive  terms,  computing  actual 
serving  for  both  terms,  he  has  served  thirteen  nights;  he  is 
not  eligible  for  election  as  Noble  Grand.  He  must  serve  a 
majority  of  nights  of  a  term.  Even  if  he  had  served  thir- 
teen nights  of  each  term,  he  would  not  be  eligible.  Four- 
teen nights  is  a  majority. — 1892  Journal,  14,  112,  127. 

2269.  The  same — Special  terms — Vice-Grand — Honors  of 
office.  Where  a  Lodge  is  instituted  on  April  24th,  the  term 
commences  on  that  date  and  continues  until  the  31st  of 
December.  The  Vice-Grand,  to  be  entitled  to  the  honors  of 
the  office,  must  serve  a  majority  of  the  meeting  nights,  com- 
puting from  April  24th,  and  not  from  July  1st.  This  is 
called  a  special  term.— 1902  Journal,  749   903,  939. 

2270.  Present  at  roll-calls,  but  retires  immediately  there- 
after.   A  Vice-Grand  who  has  only  been  present  in  a  Lodge 


592  Officers  of  Subordinaie  Lodge. 

at  roll-call  at  thirteen  meetings  during  the  term,  and  has 
retired  from  the  Lodge-room  immediately  after  roll-call,  is 
not  entitled  to  the  honors  of  his  office. — 3904  Journal,  368. 
547,  562. 

2271.  Vice-Grand  and  election  of  Noble  Grand  for  re- 
mainder of  term.  The  sitting  Vice-Grand  cannot  be  elected 
as  Noble  Grand  for  remainder  of  term  unless  he  be  already 
a  Past  Vice-Grand.— 1894  Journal,  605,  332,  771. 

2272.  Rebekah  Degree.  Under  existing  laws  of  the 
Order,  the  candidate  for  Noble  Grand  of  a  Subordinate 
Lodge  is  not  required  to  be  in  possession  of  the  Rebekah 
Degree  before  being  installed.— 1889  Journal,  119,  123,  166. 

2273.  Previous  service  in  office  in  any  Lodge.  It  is  law- 
ful for  a  Lodge  to  elect  any  member  thereof  to  the  office  of 
Noble  Grand,  who  can  produce  satisfactory  evidence  that  he 
has  rendered  sufficient  previous  service  in  office,  whether 
that  service  was  rendered  in  the  same  or  some  other  Lodge. 
—1868  Journal,  413,  527 ;  1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  279,  313. 

'  2274.  Institution  of  new  Lodge.  At  the  institution  of  a 
Subordinate  Lodge  all  of  the  charter  members  are  eligible 
to  any  office  therein,  previous  service  in  office  not  being 
a  necessary  qualification  in  such  cases. — 1889  Journal,  33, 
122,  163. 

2275.  Amputation  of  right  hand.  A  brother  having  his 
right  hand  amputated,  or  who  is  crippled  in  his  right  hand 
or  arm,  is  eligible  to  the  chair  of  Noble  Grand. — 1867  Jour- 
nal, 292,  338,  349 ;  1879  Journal,  24,  101,  110. 

2276.  Dispensation  to  elect  Scarlet  Degree  member.  All 
qualified  brothers  must  refuse  to  serve  before  a  dispensa- 
tion can  be  granted  to  elect  a  Scarlet  Degree  member  as 
Noble  Grand.  It  is  not  necessary  for  every  qualified  brother 
belonging  to  the  Lodge  to  decline  to  accept  after  they  are 
elected.    It  is  sufficient  if  on  the  night  of  election  all  quali- 


Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  593 

fied  brothers  present  decline  an  election.  Absence  from  the 
place  where  the  Lodge  is  located,  or  physical  disability  so  as 
to  make  it  impossible  to  attend  Lodge  business,  is  a  dis- 
qualification.—1856  Journal,  179;  1866  Journal,  134,  219; 
1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15213,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

2277.  Qualification  for  office  of  Vice-Grand.  A  brother 
is  eligible  to  the  office  of  Vice-Grand  who  has  served  one 
term  of  twenty-six  weeks  in  an  appointed  office,  such  as 
a  Supporter  of  the  Vice-Grand,  or  in  any  inferior  office,  other 
than  Trustee.  Actual  service  in  office  at  least  a  majority 
of  the  nights  of  the  term,  whether  the  officer  is  absent  with 
or  without  leave  of  the  Lodge  (except  in  cases  of  sickness), 
is  required  to  qualify  a  member  by  service  for  the  office  of 
Vice-Grand.— 1884  Journal,  17,  116,  153.  (See,  also,  1875 
Journal,  199,  275;  Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VI,  Sec. 
3:  1898  Journal,  11,  231,  277;  1900  Journal,  28,  224,  244. 

2278.  The  same — Served  part  of  a  term.  A  brother  who 
has  not  served  in  any  appointed  office  in  the  Lodge,  and 
only  for  a  part  of  the  term  as  Recording  Secretary,  is  not 
eligible  to  the  office  of  Vice-Grand,  except  under  a  dispensa- 
tion authorizing  the  election  of  a  Scarlet  Degree  member 
when  all  qualified  brothers  decline. — 1868  Journal,  490,  503 ; 
1872  Journal,  577,  666,  684. 

2279.  Meetings  twice  a  month — Honors  of  office.  There 
are  two  regular  terms  in  a  year,  of  six  months  each,  com- 
mencing January  1st  and  July  1st.  A  Lodge  meeting  but 
twice  a  month  has  twelve  meeting  nights  in  a  term.  An 
officer  serving  the  majority  of  meeting  nights  of  a  term  and 
to  the  end  of  the  term,  is  entitled  to  the  honors  of  the  office. 
—1901  Journal,  408,  557,  562. 

2280.  Service  as  Warden  balance  of  term.  A  brother 
having  .served  the  latter  part  of  a  term  as  Warden,  ap- 
pointed to  fill  a  vacancy,  is  eligible  to  the  office  of  Vice- 
Grand.— 1891  Journal,  585,  686,  715. 


594  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

2281.  Service  as  Chaplain.  Service  in  the  office  of  Chap- 
lain is  qualifying  for  election  to  the  office  of  Vice-Grand. — 
1895  Journal,  21,  195,  196,  236 ;  1898  Journal,  11,  231,  277. 

Note. — Service     for     a    regular  applies   only   to   those   who   shall 
term    as    Chaplain,    makes    such  serve  in  that  office  after  its  pas 
officer  eligible  for  election  to  the  sage — ^^(1894-1897    S.    G.    L.   Jour- 
office    of    Vice-Grand.       But     this  nal,  14169,  14687,  14949,  15019). 
law  of  1894   is  not  retroactive  and 

2282.  Chaplain.  A  member  of  a  Lodge  cannot  be  in- 
stalled as  Chaplain  of  another  Lodge. — 1896  Journal,  439, 
607,  636. 

2283.  Appointed  officer  must  be  installed.  An  appointed 
officer  must  be  installed,  to  entitle  him  to  hold  office. — 1860 
Journal,  46. 

2284.  Right  Supporter  to  Vice-Grand  not  installed.    A 

brother  appointed  Right  Supporter  to  the  Vice-Grand,  and 
serving  as  such  officer  through  an  entire  term  except  four 
evenings,  if  not  installed  is  not  thereby  eligible  to  the  office 
of  Vice-Grand.— 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  32,  360,  371,  372. 

2285.  Must  have  the  Third  Degree.  Under  the  law  re- 
quiring the  business  of  a  Lodge  to  be  transacted  in  the  Third 
Degree,  no  brother  should  be  elected  an  officer  who  is  not 
a  member  of  the  Third  Degree.— 1883  Journal,  1001,  1150, 
1175. 

2286.  Shall  be  clear  of  charges  on  the  books.  The  con- 
stitutional provision  that  ''all  officers  shall  be  clear  of  all 
pecuniary  charges  on  the  books  at  the  time  of  installation," 
includes  appointed  and  elective  officers. — 1857  Journal,  272, 
273. 

2287.  Officers  relating  to  Lodge  funds.  No  member  hold- 
ing an  office  relating  to  the  management  or  disbursement  of 
Lodge  funds  shall  be  eligible  to  any  other  office  of  similar 
character  in  the  same  Lodge  during  the  term  of  office  to 


Officeks  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  595 

which  he  was  first  elected.  —  Constitution  Subordinate 
Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  12 ;  1877  Journal,  581,  675,  697. 

Note. — A    brother    cannot    hold      same  time — (1882  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
the  office  of  Recording    Secretary       nal,  8839,  9025,  9101). 
and    Treasurer     at     one    and    the 

2288.  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  and  eligibility  to 
office.  As  to  what  offices  in  his  Subordinate  Lodge  a  Dis- 
trict Deputy  Grand  Master  is  eligible,  see  Sections  2256, 
2257  and  2258. 

2289.  Under  sentence  of  reprimand.  Under  the  pro- 
visions of  Section  7,  Article  VIII,  of  Constitution  of  Subor- 
dinates, a  brother  under  sentence  of  reprimand  is  not  eligible 
to  office  until  he  has  paid  the  penalty  imposed  by  the  Lodge. 
—1889  Journal,  33,  122,  163. 

2290.  Where  brother  owes  Lodge  borrowed  money.  The 
mere  fact  that  a  brother  owes  the  Lodge  for  borrowed 
money  does  not  disqualify  him  from  election  to  office  in  the 
Lodge.     The  provision  of  the  law  which  requires  freedom 

'f  indebtedness  to  the  Lodge  as  a  requisite  qualification  for 
•ffice  applies  only  to  dues,  assessments  and  fines,  and' does 
not  apply  to  loans.— 1881  Journal,  502,  601,  627. 

2291.  Members  indebted  to  the  Lodge,  or  held  as  security. 
Xo  member  shall  be  eligible  for  election  as  Treasurer  of  a 
Lodge  who  is  indebted  to  the  Lodge  for  any  borrowed 
money,  or  held  as  security  to  the  Lodge  for  any  indebtedness 
'lue  the  Lodge. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  14. 

2292.  Scarlet  Degree  member,  when  eligible.  Any  Scar- 
let Degree  member  is  eligible  to  any  office  m  the  Lodge  ex- 

ept  that  of  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand,  which  require 
I»revious  service  in  an  inferior  office. — 1896  Journal,  409, 
:)88,  629. 

2293.  Member  liable  to  suspension  for  arrears.  A  mem- 
ber more  than  twelve  months  in  arrears  for  dues,  and  liable 
to  suspension  therefor,  is  not  eligible  to  be  elected  to  any 
office  in  the  Lodge.— 1896  Journal,  440,  607,  636. 


696  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

2294.  Must  know  the  work.  An  officer-elect  should  not 
be  installed  into  his  office  until  entirely  familiar  with  the 
work  he  assumes  to  perform. — 1884  Journal,  17,  116,  153. 

(See  Installation.) 

2295.  Non-beneficial  members.  Non-beneficial  members 
may  hold  office.— 1896  Journal,  415,  588,  629. 

2296.  Certain  Grand  Marshal  need  not  be  Past  Grand. 
It  is  not  necessary  that  the  brother  who  acts  as  Grand 
Marshal  for  an  Odd  Fellows'  celebration  should  be  a  Past 
Grand.— 1887  Journal,  771,  875,  888. 

2297.  Only  members  can  be  elected  or  appointed.  Only 
members  of  a  Lodge  are  eligible  as  officers  therein.  This 
rule  is  the  same  as  to  officers  pro  tern  as  to  regular  officers. 
—1878  Journal,  818,  928,-  965 ;  1879  Journal,  32,  107.  It  is 
applicable  to  appointed  as  well  as  elective  officers. — 1892 
Journal,  393,  421. 

2298.  By-Laws  of  Lodge  cannot  prescribe  additional 
qualifications.  The  qualifications  for  office  are  specified  in 
Article  VI,  Sections  3  and  4,  Constitution  of  Subordinates, 
and  no  other  things  are  necessary  than  to  bring  the  officer, 
or  candidate  for  office,  respectively,  within  the  terms  of 
those  two  Sections.  No  other  things  as  qualifications  for 
office  can  be  attached  by  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge. — 1878 
Journal,  820,  928,  965. 

2299.  Election.  Officers  shall  be  elected  by  ballot  at  the 
first  regular  meeting  in  June  and  December  of  each  year, 
unless  otherwise  provided  in  the  By-Laws:  provided,  that  if 
any  officer  so  elected  declines  to  serve,  then  the  Lodge  may 
proceed  to  nominate  and  elect  to  fill  such  vacancy  at  any 
regular  meeting  prior  to  installation,  and  be  installed  at  the 
first  regular  meeting  in  January  and  July  of  each  year,  un- 
less a  term  of  one  year  is  provided  in  the  By-Laws,  when  such 
installation  shall  be  held  on  the  first  regular  meeting  in 
January  of  each  year,  providing  the  installing  officers  be 
present ;  if  absent,  the  Lodge  may,  by  vote,  defer  it  for  one 


i 


Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge  597 

week,  or  call  a  special  meeting  for  that  purpose  at  the 
request  of  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  6. 

2300.  Election  prior  to  time  fixed  by  Constitution.    The 

election  of  officei*s,  held  prior  to  the  time  fixed  by  the  Con- 
stitution for  nomination  or  election  of  officers,  is  illegal  and 
void.— 1902  Journal,  750,  900,  917;  1889  Journal,  33,  122, 
163. 

2301.  Re-election  of  officers.  The  Constitution  af  Subor- 
dinates does  not  prohibit  the  re-election  of  the  officers  of  a 
Lodge.— 1871  Journal,  450,  471,  473. 

2302.  Election  by  acclamation.  At  all  elections  pro- 
vided for  by  Sections  6  and  8  of  this  Article,  if  there  be  but 
one  candidate  for  an  office,  such  candidate  may  be  elected 
by  acclamation. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  13. 

2303.  Lodge  fails  to  hold  several  regular  meetings.    If 

from  any  cause  a  Lodge  should  not  hold  its  regular  meet- 
ings for  the  last  three  meeting  nights  of  a  term,  it  would  be 
legal,  at  the  next  regular  meeting  in  the  new  term,  to  nom- 
inate and  elect  officers. — 1862  Journal,  310,  311. 

2304.  Legal  election  where  Past  Grand  presided.  On 
the  regular  night  for  election  of  officers,  the  Noble  Grand, 
Vice-Grand  and  some  of  the  nominees  were  absent  on 
account  of  high  water.  The  Past  Grands  present  took  the 
principal  chairs,  opened  the  Lodge,  and  proceeded  with  the 
regular  business,  and,  among  other  things,  with  the  election 
of  officers.  An  election  by  a  Lodge,  so  constituted  and  pre- 
sided over,  is  legal. — 1868  Journal,  414,  524. 

2305.  Election  of  Treasurer,  and  bonds.  A  Lodge,  wish- 
ing to  raise  the  bonds  of  the  Treasurer,  is  not  required  to 
postpone  the  election  of  the  Treasurer  on  account  of  his 
absence.  It  should  proceed  with  the  election  and  the  bonds 
can  be  adjusted  afterwards. — 1904  Journal,  393,  541,  543. 

2306.  Officers  must  be  elected  and  installed  semi-annual- 
ly, unless.     A  Lodge  must  nominate,  elect  and  install  its 


598  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

officers  semi-annually,  according  to  the  provisions  of  Article 
VI,  Section  6,  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution,  unless  other- 
wise provided  in  its  By-Laws  as  prescribed  in  said  Section 
6.  The  refusal  of  a  Lodge  to  comply  with  the  foregoing 
provisions  of  the  Constitution  would  subject  the  Lodge  to 
forfeiture  of  charter.— 1898  Journal,  11,  ^31,  277. 

2307.  Roll  call  at  elections.  It  is  not  necessary  to  call 
the  roll  of  those  entitled  to  vote  at  an  election,  unless  so 
directed  by  the  Noble  Grand  or  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge. 
—1901  Journal,  410,  557,  562. 

2308.  Casting  the  vote  of  the  Lodge.  In  an  election  for 
officers  of  a  Lodge  it  is  not  legal  to  insti'uct  the  Secretary 
to  cast  the  vote  of  the  Lodge  for  any  particular  person  if 
any  member  object.— 1888  Journal,  1019,  1111,  1130. 

2309.  Noble  Grand  and  casting  vote.  In  cases  of  elec- 
tion of  officers  in  Subordinate  Lodges,  the  Noble  Grand  has 
not  the  casting  vote  in  case  of  a  tie,  unless  the  Lodge  have 
some  clearly-expressed  By-Law  conferring  the  power  in  such 
cases.— 1882  Journal,  739,  844,  879. 

2310.  Where  blank  ballots  appear.  Where  there  is  but 
one  candidate  in  nomination  for  an  office,  and  on  successive 
ballots  a  majority  of  blank  votes  are  cast,  it  is  not  com- 
petent for  the  Noble  Grand  to  declare  the  Lodge  open  for 
new  nominations,  and  then  proceed  to  an  election  on  the 
same  evening.  He  can  receive  such  nominations  after  all 
the  other  officers  are  elected,  but  the  ballot  cannot  be  had 
until  the  next  regular  meeting  of  the  Lodge,  without  a  dis- 
pensation. Blank  votes  are  to  be  counted  when  there  is 
but  one  candidate  in  nomination,  the  same  as  if  there  were 
several  candidates.— 1882  Journal,  737,  844,  879. 

2311.  Provisions    of    election  laws  are  directory.     The 

failure  to  observe  strictly  all  the  formal  provisions  of  elec- 
tion laws,  for  that  cause  alone,  never  invalidates  the  election. 
The  provisions  of  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  to  the  effect  that 
the  Warden  shall  distribute  blank  ballot?  to  each  member 
entitled  to  vote  and  shall  receive  the  vote  of  each  member, 


Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  599 

and  shall  assist  the  two  tellers  in  canvassing  the  vote,  and 
declaring  the  result  to  the  Noble  Grand,  are  directory  mere- 
ly, and  not  mandatory. — Thorn  vs.  Santa  Clara  Lodge,  1876 
Journal,  397,  398,  483,  503. 

2312.  Proceedings  in  case  of  invalid  election.  An  elec- 
tion, which  results  in  the  election  of  certain  officers  of  a 
Lodge  by  the  vote  of  members  who  are  not  entitled  to  vote, 
is  invalid.  Where  in  such  a  case  the  facts  do  not  become 
known  until  the  meeting  after  the  election,  the  Noble  Grand 
should  immediately  order  an  investigation,  and  if  the  error 
be  not  corrected  by  the  Lodge,  an  appeal  would  lie  to  the 
Grand  Lodge.— 1876  Journal,  499,  510. 

2313.  Illegal  voting  at  election.  Where  an  illegal  vote  is 
cast  at  the  election  of  an  officer,  it  not  appearing  that  the 
illegal  vote  was  cast  for  the  brother  declared  elected,  the 
election  cannot  be  set  aside  on  the  ground  of  such  illegal 
vote.— 1878  Journal,  829,  946,  974;  1893  Journal,  358. 

2314.  Candidates  on  second  ballot.  A  limitation  of  can- 
didates on  the  second  ballot,  by  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge,  to 
the  two  candidates  having  the  highest  vote  on  the  first  bal- 
lot, renders  all  votes  cast  for  other  candidates  void. — 1860 
Journal,  26. 

2315.  Election  to  fill  vacancies.  Vacancies  in  any 
elective  office  may  be  filled  by  the  Lodge  by  nomination  and 
election,  by  ballot,  at  the  next  regular  meeting  after  nomi- 
nating, and,  until  so  filled,  the  Noble  Grand  shall  appoint  a 
member  to  the  office  pro  tern. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  VI,  Sec.  8. 

2316.  Must  be  an  election  to  fill  vacancy.  The  Noble 
Grand  having  resigned  his  position,  the  Vice-Grand  does  not 
take  the  office  by  virtue  of  his  being  Vice-Grand.  There 
must  be  an  election  to  fill  the  vacancy.  The  Vice-Grand  is 
not  qualified  unless  he  have  previously  served  a  term  as 
Vice-Grand  or  the  required  part  of  a  term,  or  unless  all 
qualified  brothers  refuse  to  serve  and  a  dispensation  be 
granted.— 1882  Journal,  736,  844,  879. 


600  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.      - 

2317.  Nomination  and  election  to  fill  vacancy.  The  nom- 
ination and  election  to  fill  a  vacancy  in  an  elective  office 
under  Section  8,  Article  VI,  Constitution  of  Subordinates. 
cannot,  of  course,  be  had  at  the  ^ame  meeting. — 1896  Jour- 
nal, 410,  588,  629. 

2318.  Nominations.  Nominations  for  elective  officers 
shall  be  made  only  on  the  two  meetings  immediately  preced- 
ing that  of  a  regular  election,  except  when  the  nominees  for 
an  office  all  decline. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VI, 
Sec.  5. 

2319.  Nomination  on  night  of  election.  It  is  contrary  to 
law  to  open  under  nominations  or  to  place  additional 
names  in  nomination  for  office  on  the  regular  night  of  elec- 
tion, except  when  the  nominees  for  the  office  all  decline. — 
1896  Journal,  408,  588,  629;  1886  Journal,  524;  1897  Journal, 
1031,  1055 ;  1892  Journal,  14,  112,  127. 

2320.  Election  when  nominees  all  decline.    If,   on  the 

night  of  election,  the  nominees  for  an  office  all  decline,  it  is 
proper  and  legal  to  nominate  and  elect  on  that  evening. — 
1905  Journal,  743,  932,  948 ;  1903  Journal,  23,  155,  180. 

2321.  Illegal  election  unless  nominated.  A  brother  can- 
not be  legally  elected  to  an  office  in  a  Lodge  unless  previous- 
ly nominated,  even  though  he  should  receive  a  majority  of 
all  the  votes  cast,  when  other  brothers  are  eligible,  in 
accordance  with  Article  VI  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nates.—1861  Journal,  202,  203. 

2322.  Nomination  or  election  of  absent  brother.     It  is 

right  to  nominate  or  elect  a  member  not  present  at  a  meeting 
unless  there  be  a  provision  in  the  By-Laws  to  the  contrary. 
—1894  Journal,  603,  732,  771;  1899  Journal,  466,  467,  628, 
675. 

2323.  The  same — Vice-Grand.  A  brother  may  be  elected 
to  the  office  of  Vice-Grand  although  absent  at  the  time  of 
election,  provided  he  be  otherwise  qualified. — 1897  Journal, 
839,  994,  1034. 


Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  601 

2324.  Nomination  for  two  ofl&ces — Election.  A  brother 
may  be  nominated  for  more  than  one  office,  but  he  cannot 
be  elected  to  more  than  one  office. — Molyneux  vs.  Pomona 
Lod?e,  1897  Journal,  968,  979 ;  1896  Journal,  415,  588,  629. 

2325.  The  same.  A  nominee  elected  to  an  office  thereby 
ceases  to  be  a  nominee  for  another  office.  A  brother  being 
present  was  nominated  for  Vice-Grand  and  also  Financial 
Secretary'.  He  expressed  no  preference,  but  allowed  his 
name  to  stand  for  both  offices,  and  at  the  regular  election 
for  the  term  he  was  duly  elected  Vice-Grand.  There  was 
but  one  name  for  Financial  Secretary,  the  name  of  the 
brother  elected  Vice-Grand.  It  was  proper  and  lawful  for 
the  Noble  Grand  to  declare  that,  as  the  brother  had  been 
elected  Vice-Grand,  there  was  therefore  no  nominee  for 
Financial  Secretary,  and  for  the  Lodge  to  make  nominations 
and  elect  a  Financial  Secretary  at  said  regular  election. — 
:\rolyneux  vs.  Pomona  Lodge,  189f  Journal,  968,  979. 

2326.  Cannot  be  Trustee  and  Vice-Grand  at  one  time.  A 
brother  cannot  serve  as  Vice-Grand  and  Trustee  of  a  Lodge 
at  one  and  the  same  time. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art. 
VI,  Sec.  1 :  1886  Journal,  534,  620,  646. 

2327.  Cannot  be  Trustee  and  Recording  Secretary  at  one 
time.  A  brother  cannot  legally  hold  the  office  of  Trustee 
and  Recording  Secretary  at  the  same  time. — 1883  Journal, 
1002,  1150,  1175 ;  1896  Journal,  408,  588,  629. 

2328.  Cannot  be  Secretary  and  Treasurer  together.  A 
brother  installed  as  Recording  Secretary  cannot  at  the  same 
time  be  installed  as  Treasurer.— 1868  Journal,  414,  524;  1882 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8839,  9025,  9101. 

Note. — A  brother  cannot  be  in-  for  in  the  Ritual  and  general  law 

Htalled   in   and   hold   at   the   same  —(1804  S.  G.   L.  Journal,   13783, 

time  more  than  one  of  the  offices  1403G,  14070). 
in  a   Subordinate   Lodge,  provided 

2329.  Junior  or  Sitting  Past  Grand.  The  Junior  Past 
(Jrand  of  a  Lodge,  at  the  expiration  of  his  term  as  such,  is 
eligible  to  election  to  any  other  office.— 1885  Journal,  286, 
403,  432. 


602  Officers  OF  Subordinate  Lodgk. 

2330.  Sitting  Past  Grand.  A  sitting  Past  Grand  can  fill 
any  other  office,  provided  the  duties  of  the  office  to  which 
he  is  elected  do  not  interfere  with  his  duties  as  sitting  Past 
Grand.— 1897  Journal,  994,  1034. 

2331.  Junior  Past  Grand  and  oflace  of  Secretary.  It  is 
legal  for  a  Lodge  to  elect  a  Junior  Past  Grand  to  the  office 
of  Recording  Secretary,  but  the  installation  into  such  office 
does  not  vacate  his  chair  as  sitting  Past  Grand.  There  is 
no  conflict  between  tjie  duties  of  the  two  offices. — 1891 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  12569,  12649. 

2332.  When  Recording  and  Financial  Secretary  is  one 
oflScer.  Where  a  Lodge  provides  in  its  By-Laws  that  the 
duties  of  the  Recording  and  Financial  Secretary  shall  be 
performed  by  one  officer,  then  there  is  only  one  officer  to  be 
elected,  and  he  is  called  the  ''Secretary."  In  such  case  it 
is  in  order  to  nominate  and  elect  but  the  one  officer. — 1895 
Journal,  18,  19,  185,  235.  ♦ 

2333.  Recording  and  Financial  Secretaries.  Lodges  are 
not  compelled  to  elect  both  Recording  and  Financial  Secre- 
taries, but  if  they  do,  the  offices  must  be  filled  by  different 
persons.— 1888  Journal,  1019,  1111,  1130. 

2334.  Objections  to  officer.  Objections  to  an  officer  of 
the  Lodge  acting  as  such,  on  the  ground  of  illegal  votes  being 
cast,  should  be  made  at  the  time  of  installation  and  not 
afterwards.— 1877  Journal,  581,  675,  697. 

2335.  Tenure  of  office  of  appointed  officer.  Where  a 
Noble  Grand  is  legally  removed  from  office  and  another 
brother  is  legally  elected  and  installed  as  Noble  Grand,  the 
new  Noble  Grand  has  not  the  right  to  appoint  any  appoint- 
ive officers  unless  a  vacancy  occur.  The  tenure  of  office  of 
an  appointed  officer  does  not  depend  upon  the  tenure  of 
office  of  the  Noble  Grand  who  appoints  him. — 1888  Journal, 
1025,  1111,  1131. 

2336.  Acting  Noble  Grand  may  fill  vacancy  in  appointive 
office.     It  is  lawful  for  the  acting  Noble  Grand  to  fill  a 


Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  603 

vacancy  in  an  appointive  office  occurring  while  he  is  in  the 
chair.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31,  284,  314. 

2337.  Warden.  The  Noble  Grand  has  not  the  right  in 
the  absence  of  the  Warden  to  appoint  as  temporary  Warden 
a  member  of  another  Lodge,  unless  at  initiation  or  all  quali- 
fied members  present  decline.— 1877  Journal,  771,  875,  888. 

'2338.  Visiting  Card  and  office.  The  granting  of  a  Visit- 
ing Card  to  an  officer  of  the  Lodge  does  not  vacate  his  office 
nor  involve  the  question  of  leave  of  absence. — 1894  Journal, 
721,  739. 

2339.  Duties.  The  duties  of  the  various  officers  shall  be 
as  laid  down  in  the  charges  of  office,  and  as  specified  by  this 
Constitution  and  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  9. 

2340.  Removal  for  absence,  misconduct  or  neglect.    An 

officer  absenting  himself  from  the  Lodge  for  three  consecu- 
tive meetings,  except  in  case  of  sickness,  or  any  officer  for 
misconduct  or  neglect  as  such,  may  be  removed  by  a  vote  of 
two-thirds  of  the  members  voting  at  the  next  regular  meet- 
ing after  a  resolution  therefor  has  been  offered  in  the  Lodge 
at  a  regular  meeting. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VI, 
Sec.  7. 

2341.  What  resolution  of  removal  must  contain.  A  reso- 
lution under  Article  VI,  Section  7,  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nates, removing  an  officer  from  office,  for  misconduct  in 
office,  must  specify  in  what  the  misconduct  consists,  and  a 
copy  or  notice  thereof  be  served  on  him,  unless  he  be  present 
and  have  actual  knowledge  thereof. — 1870  Journal,  269,  294, 
187. 

2342.  Lodge  may  remove  officer,  when.  The  fact  that 
the  Lodge  excused  a  Noble  Grand  would  not  deprive  the 
Lodge  of  the  power  conferred  by  Section  7,  Article  VI,  of 
the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  to  remove  an  officer  ab- 
senting himself  from  the  Lodge  for  three  successive  meet- 
ings, except  in  case  of  sickness,  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of 


604  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

the  members  voting  at  the  next  regular  meeting  after  a 
resolution  therefor  has  been  offered  in  the  Lodge  at  a 
regular  meeting.  After  the  Lodge  excuses  an  officer,  it 
might  ascertain  that  the  excuse  he  offered  was  not  true. — 
Armstrong  vs.  Fidelity  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  76,  91. 

2343.  Installed  officer  becomes  in  arrears  for  dues.    An 

elective  officer,  who  after  installation  becomes  more  than 
thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  dues,  cannot  be  removed  from 
office  on  that  account.— 1900  Journal,  25,  212,  231. 

2344.  Charges  pending.  An  officer,  during  the  pendency 
of  charges  against  him,  has  the  right  to  discharge  the  duties 
of  his  office  at  all  times,  when,  if  Noble  Grand,  his  case  be 
not  under  action. — 1858  Journal,  394,  395. 

2345.  Lodge  may, pass  resolutions  prescribing  duties.    A 

Subordinate  Lodge  has  the-  right  to  pass  resolutions  (com- 
monly called  standing  resolutions)  defining  and  imposing 
new  duties  on  the  elective  and  appointed  officers  of  the 
Lodge,  and  to  be  enforced  as  law,  without  submitting  the 
same  to  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates;  provided, 
they  do  not  in  any  way  contravene  the  Constitution  or  By- 
Laws  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge,  or  the  Constitution,  By- 
Laws  or  Regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  of  the  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge.— 1878  Journal,  934,  936,  970. 

2346.  Officers  are  merely  executive  agents.  The  officers 
of  a  Lodge  are  not  the  Lodge,  but  are  its  executive  agents. — 
1877  Journal,  711,  712,  713,  714,  715;  1883  Journal,  1130, 
1173. 

2347.  Resignation.  A  Noble  Grand  cannot  accept  the 
resignation  of  an  elected  officer  after  the  Lodge  has  refused 
to  accept  the  same.— 1858  Journal,  383,  384. 

Note. — The    resignation    of    an  forfeit  his  right  to  his  portion  of 

officer  after  serving  but  a  portion  the  salary — (1848  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 

of  his  term,  has  the  effect  of  for-  nal,     1198,     1245;    1854    S.   G.   L. 

feiting  that  officer's  honors  of  the  Journal,  2268,  2328;  1873  S.  G.  L. 

term;  but  if  there  be  a  salary  at-  Journal,  5834,  5877). 
tached   to   the   office,   he  does   not 


i 


Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  605 

2348.  Resignation.  An  officer  or  officer-elect  may  tender 
his  resignation  as  such  at  any  time. — 1897  Journal,  1034, 
1055. 

2349.  Resignation  may  be  verbal.  A  tender  of  resigna- 
tion by  an  officer,  verbally,  if  accepted  by  the  Lodge,  is  a 
legal  resignation.— 1889  Journal,  33,  122,  163. 

2.     NOBLE  GRAND. 

2350.  Duties  and  powers.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Noble  Grand  to  preside  at  all  sessions  of  the  Lodge  and 
enforce  a  due  observance  of  the  Constitution  and  By- 
Laws;  to  see  that  all  officers,  members  and  committees  of 
the  Lodge  perform  their  respective  duties,  as  enjoined  by 
the  several  charges  and  laws ;  to  appoint  all  officers  and 
committees  not  otherwise  provided  for;  to  see  that  brothers 
are  instructed,  to  enable  them  to  meet  the  requirements  of 
Article  V  of  this  Constitution;  he  shall  not  be  entitled  to 
vote,  except  at  the  election  of  officers  and  when  balloting 
for  candidates;  when  the  members  are  equally  divided  on 
other  questions  he  shall  give  the  casting  vote,  excepting  in 
cases  of  appeal  from  his  decision ;  he  shall  inspect  and 
announce  the  result  of  all  ballotings,  or  other  votes  by  the 
Lodge;  sign  all  orders  drawn  by  the  Recording  Secretary 
on  the  Treasury  for  moneys  legally  voted,  and  previous  to 
closing  require  the  Financial  Secretary  to  read  the  receipts 
of  the  evening,  and  ask  the  Treasurer  if  he  has  received  the 
same.  He  shall,  also,  on  the  evening  of  installation,  appoint 
a  Finance  Committee  to  serve  for  the  term,  consisting  of 
three  members  not  having  charge  of  the  Lodge  funds. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  1. 

2351.  May  remove  suspended  member  by  force.  The 
Noble  Grand  has  a  right  to  cause  a  member  under  sus- 
pension, who  at  the  hour  of  opening  the  Lodge  refuses  to 
retire  and  remains  in  the  Lodge  room,  to  be  removed  there- 
from by  force.— 1870  Journal,  256,  282. 

2352.  Removing  brother  for  disregarding  authority.  The 
Noble  Grand  has  the  right  to  order  a  brother  to  be  removed 


606  Officers  of  Surordinate  Lodge. 

from  the  Lodge  room  for  disregarding  his  authority  upon  a 
point  of  order,  but  such  power  should  be  exercised  only  in 
extreme  cases.— 1872  Journal,  682,  690. 

2353.  Key  to  Secretary's  desk.  The  Noble  Grand  of  a 
Lodge  should  have  a  key  to  the  Secretary's  desk,  in  order 
that  the  business  of  the  Lodge  may  be  carried  on  in  the 
absence  of  the  Secretary. 

2354.  Committee  to  correct  misconduct,  etc.,  of  brother. 

The  Noble  Grand  of  a  Lodge  has  no  right  to  appoint  a  Com- 
mittee on  the  Good  of  the  Order,  whose  province  it  is  to 
look  after  the  welfare  of  the  Lodge,  and,  with  kindly  advice, 
correct  any  misconduct  of  the  members  of  the  Order. — 1896 
Journal,  410,  581,  628. 

2355.  Power  to  excuse  Noble  Grand  for  absence  is  in 
Lodge.  The  authority  to  excuse  a  Noble  Grand  for  absence 
lies  in  the  Lodge,  unless  the  By-Laws  otherwise  direct. — 
1867  Journal,  339,  350. 

2356.  Noble  Grand's  duty  to  sign  warrants  on  Treasurer. 
Under  the  provisions  of  Section  1,  Article  VII,  Constitution 
of  Subordinate  Lodges,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Noble  Grand  to 
sign  all  warrants  drawn  on  the  Treasurer  of  a  Lodge,  and  a 
Lodge  has  no  power  to  appoint  a  committee  to  sign  war- 
rants should  the  Noble  Grand  refuse  to  do  so. — 1898  Journal, 
13,  231,  277. 

2357.  Illegal  order  for  donation.  Where  the  Noble  Grand 
of  a  Lodge  ruled  correctly  that  a  donation  must  be  made 
under  a  certain  section  of  the  By-Laws  of  his  Lodge,  and 
that  no  more  than  ten  dollars  could  be  given  until  a  Com- 
mittee of  Investigation  had  reported  to  the  Lodge,  and  on 
appeal  from  his  decision,  the  Lodge  overruled  the  same,  and 
a  donation  of  thirty  dollars  was  ordered,  and  an  order  there- 
for ordered  drawn  on  the  Treasurer,  the  Noble  Grand  is 
justified  in  refusing  to  sign  the  order,  as  the  donation  was 
in  direct  violation  of  the  Lodge's  By-Laws. — 1889  Journal, 
29,  30,  144,  145,  167. 


i 


Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  607 

2358.  When    may    refuse    to    sign    order    for  money. 

AYhere  a  Lodge  directs  au  order  to  be  drawn  upon  its  Treas- 
ury in  clear  violation  of  its  laws,  the  Noble  Grand  has  the 
right  to  refuse  to  sign  the  order  therefor,  although  there 
was  no  intention  on  the  part  of  the  Lodge  to  do  a  wrong.  It 
is  only  in  eases  where  action  taken  by  a  Lodge  is  clearly 
illegal  that  the  Noble  Grand  of  such  Lodge  is  justified,  by 
reason  of  his  obligations  as  such  officer,  in  refusing  to  carry 
out  its  mandates,  and  in  case  of  such  refusal  it  is  at  his  risk 
and  peril  of  being  legally  justified,  for  he  cannot  arbitrarily 
nullify  the  action  and  will  of  his  Lodge.  He  cannot  assume 
to  perform  functions  legally  belonging  to  the  Lodge  as  such, 
and  yet,  because  of  his  position  and  obligation,  he  is  vested 
with  certain  rights,  which  in  proper  cases  only  he  may  ex- 
ercise, under  the  limitations  and  conditions  herein  set  forth. 
—Lyons'  appeal  1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11667,  11681. 

2359.  Constitution  of  Subordinates.  He  has  no  power  to 
set  aside  any  part  of  the  Constitution  of  his  Lodge.  It  is 
binding  on  him  and  the  Lodge  until  repealed  or  amended. 
—1867  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4069,  4187,  4201. 

2360.  Duty  to  preside.  At  all  meetings  of  the  Lodge  the 
Noble  Grand,  or,  in  his  absence,  the  Vice-Grand,  must  pre- 
side; but  the  presiding  officer  may  call  some  experienced 
Past  Grand  to  the  chair  for  the  purpose  of  conferring  the 
Degrees.  In  the  absence  of  both  Noble  Grand  and  Vice- 
Grand,  a  Past  Grand  may  preside,  the  senior  Past  Grand 
present  being  entitled  to  the  preference. — 1868  Journal,  413, 
527. 

Note. — The     Xoble     Grand,     or  chair  must  he  filled  aa  provided  in 

Vice-Grand       acting       as       Noble  the  charge   book — (1850   S.   G.   L. 

(Jrand,  has  no  power  to  waive  his  Journal,  2076).     The  Noble  Grand 

right  to  preside,  and  place  a  Past  has  the  right  also  to  invite  a  Past 

Grand  in  the  Noble  Grand's  chair  Grand  to  occupy  the  chair  during 

<hiring  the  presence  in  the  Lodge  initiation    or     the    conferring    of 

room  of  either  the  Noble  or  Vice-  degrees,     or     upon     occasion     of 

Grand,      This,   however,    does   not  Grand  Visitations — (1803  S.  G.  L. 

apply  to  a  temporary  absence  dur-  Journal,  3540;  1807  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 

ing  a  portion  of  a  Ixxlge  meeting,  nal,  4070,  4187,  4201). 
of  these  officers,  in  which  case  the 


608  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

2361.  Who  to  preside.  At  the  installation  of  officers,  all 
the  officers  were  installed  except  the  Noble  Grand  elect.  At 
the  next  meeting  the  retiring  Noble  Grand  should  preside, 
for  he  holds  office  until  the  installation  of  his  successor. — 
1897  Journal,  845,  994,  1034. 

2362.  To  acknowledge  a  brother.  A  Noble  Grand  may, 
if  he  so  choose,  arise  to  acknowledge  a  brother. — 1875  Jour- 
nal, 291,  295. 

2363.  Two  or  more  addressing  the  chairs.  Brothers,  on 
entering  a  Lodge  room,  may  wait  for  others  to  enter,  and 
proceed  with  them  to  address  the  chairs,  or  they  may  ad- 
vance and  address  the  chairs  individually.  Whether  brothers 
may  thus  wait  is  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  presiding  officer. 
There  must  be  reasonable  dispatch  by  the  members  in  ad- 
dressing the  chairs. — Ritual;  1896  Journal,  412,  581,  628. 

2364.  Addressing  the  chair — Retiring.  A  brother  on 
retiring  should  advance  to  the  center  of  the  room  to  give  the 
sign.— 1904  Journal,  392,  541,  553. 

2365.  Initiation  and  conferring  Degrees — Addressing 
the  chairs.  The  officers  of  a  Lodge,  retiring  to  prepare  for 
initiation  or  for  conferring  of  the  degrees  in  a  Subordinate 
or  Degree  Lodge,  should  address  the  Noble  Grand,  and  the 
Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand,  on  re-entering,  when  the 
Lodge  is  in  regular  session,  the  same  as  at  any  other  time. 
The  Ritual  provides  the  form  for  retiring  and  entering  the 
Lodge  room  and  should  be  followed  explicitly.  The  excep- 
tions to  this  rule  are  also  laid  down  in  the  Ritual. — 1898 
Journal,  11,  221,  240 ;  1893  Journal,  276,  391,  421. 

2366.  Should  address  the  chair.  The  officers  of  a  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge,  when  retiring,  either  for  initiation  or  for 
conferring  degrees,  should  address  the  chair. — 1893  Jour- 
nal, 276,  391,  421. 

2367.  When  may  retire  without  addressing  chair.  When 
a  Lodge  has  been  closed  in  one  degree  and  not  yet  opened 
in  another  degree,  brothers  may  retire  without  addressing 
the  chair.— 1896  Journal,  411,  581,  628. 


.^JSa 


Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  609 

2368.  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand  addressing  brothers. 
There  is  no  law  compelling  the  Noble  Grand  or  the  Vice- 
Grand  to  arise  and  address  brothers  as  they  enter  the  Lodge 
room.  It  is  a  matter  of  courtesy  and  custom,  and  Lodges 
are  recommended  to  observe  it. — 1896  Journal,  407,  581,  628. 

2369.  Action  or  decision  of  Noble  Grand  acquiesced  in. 
The  action  of  a  Noble  Grand  rescinding  and  annulling  the 
action  of  a  Lodge  and  declaring  a  candidate  elected,  if 
acquiesced  in  by  the  Lodge,  becomes  the  action  of  the  Lodge. 
If  the  opinion  or  decision  of  the  presiding  officer  be  ac- 
quiesced in,  it  stands  as  the  judgment  of  the  Lodge  and  is 
to  be  enforced  and  executed  accordingly.  The  opinion  of 
the  presiding  officer  is  considered  as  acquiesced  in  and  an 
appeal  therefrom  not  reasonably  taken  Avhen  any  parlia- 
mentary proceedings  are  allowed  to  take  place  afterward. 
When  this  takes  place  the  presiding  officer  has  not  the  right 
to  annul  or  rescind  its  action.  The  Lodge  only  possesses  the 
power  to  annul  or  rescind. — 1877  Journal,  711,  715 ;  Barnet 
vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1129,  1173. 

2370.  When  appeal  should  be  taken  from  action  of  Noble 
Grand.  Each  regular  meeting  of  a  Lodge  is  a  session.  At 
a  subsequent  session  of  the  Lodge  it  is  not  in  order  to  take 
an  appeal  from  the  previous  decision  or  announcement  of 
the  Noble  Grand  to  the  Lodge  and  reverse  the  Lodge's 
action  and  declare  the  brother  reinstated.  The  decision  or 
announcement  of  the  Noble  Grand  acquiesced  in  by  the 
Lodge  at  the  session  in  which  it  was  made,  becomes  the  de- 
cision, announcement  and  action  of  the  Lodge. — In  the 
matter  of  the  appeal  of  John  Gouldson,  East  Grand,  1892 
Journal,  73,  91.  ' 

2371.  May  call  Past  Grand  to  chair.  A  Noble  Grand 
may  call  a  Past  Grand  to  his  chair  during  initiation  while 
the  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand  remain  present. — 1858 
Journal,  393;  1864  Journal,  515. 

2372.  Duty  of  Noble  Grand  where  Vice-Grand  is  absent. 
In  the  absence  of  the  Vice-Grand  of  a  Lodge,  the  Noble 


610  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

Grand  has  no  right  to  call  the  Vice-Grand  of  another  Lodge 
to  the  chair  of  that  office  when  there  are  qualified  members 
of  his  own  Lodge  present. — 1864  Journal.  536,  562. 

2373.  When  Right  Supporter  in  chair,  how  addressed. 

"When  a  Noble  Grand  vacates  his  chair,  and  his  Right  Sup- 
porter takes  it  temporarily,  the  Right  Supporter  should  be 
addressed  as  Noble  Grand  and  the  Noble  Grand  as  Brother 
A.— 1893  Journal,  277,  391,  421. 

2374.  Must  put  all  questions  of  appeal.  The  Noble  Grand 
must  put  all  questions  of  appeal  from  his  decisions  the  same 
as  other  questions.  "When  an  appeal  is  taken  from  a 
decision  of  the  Noble  Grand  of  a  Lodge,  the  Lodge  has  not  a 
right  to  require  the  Vice-Grand  to  state  the  question  on 
appeal.— 1873  Journal,  894,  901. 

XoTE. — A  Noble   Grand  has  no  ing  to  do  with  the  matter — (1871 

right  to  refuse  to  put  any  legiti-  S.     G.     L.    Journal,    4992,    5194, 

mate  question  to  his  Lodge.     His  5245). 
differing  with  the  Lodge  has  noth- 

2375.  No  right  to  refuse  to  put  certain  question.     The 

Noble  Grand  has  no  right  to  refuse  to  put  a  question  to 
grant  a  brother  sick  benefits,  when  such  brother  has  been 
regularly  reported  and  a  member  of  the  Visiting  Committee 
has  in  open  Lodge  recommended  the  payment  of  the  same, 
unless  the  By-Laws  provide  otherwise. — 1873  Journal,  894, 
901. 

2376.  Duty  to  instruct  Secretary  to  record  appeals.  It 
is  the  duty  of  the  Noble  Grand  to  instruct  the  Recording 
Secretary  to  entef  all  appeals  in  full  upon  the  record. — 1861 
Journal,  195,  196. 

2377.  No  power  to  order  Secretary  to  aflax  seal.  The 
Noble  Grand  has  no  power  to  order  the  Recording  Secretary 
to  affix  his  seal  to  any  paper.  He  may  advise  him,  but  the 
Recording  Secretary  is  the  sole  custodian  of  the  seal  and  he 
is  only  bound  to  obey  the  orders  of  the  Lodge. — 1872  Jour- 
nal, 576,  665,  684. 


F 


Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  611 

2378.  Noble  Grand  must  perform  his  duty  or  suffer  pen- 
alty. When  the  Visiting  Committee  report  a  brother  sick  a 
full  week,  and  unable  to  follow  his  usual  occupation,  and  he 
is  in  good  standing,  a  motion  to  allow  the  benefit  prescribed 
is  in  order,  and  must  be  entertained  by  the  chair.  The  sick 
brother  cannot  be  made  to  suffer  for  the  non-performance  of 
a  duty  imposed  on  the  Noble  Grand,  but  the  Lodge  may 
enforce  the  penalty  against  the  Noble  Grand  for  such  failure. 
—Fox  vs.  lone  Lodge,  1879  Journal,  25,  106,  128. 

2379.  Power  to  compel  members  to  vote.  When  a  motion 
is  pending  before  the  Lodge,  all  members  entitled  to  vote 
must  do  so,  unless  excused  by  the  Lodge,  and  the  Noble 
Grand  has  the  authority  to  compel  the  brothers  to  vote, 
unless  so  excused.— 1881  Journal,  502,  601,  627. 

2380.  Conferring  degrees.  Neither  the  Noble  Grand  of 
a  Lodge  nor  the  Degree  Master  of  a  Degree  Lodge  has  the 
right  or  power  to  confer  a  higher  degree  upon  a  brother  who 
has  not  received  the  lower  degree. — 1881  Journal,  612,  628. 

2380a.  Not  to  show  result  of  ballot.  It  is  improper  for  the 
Noble  Grand  to  show  his  Supporters  the  result  of  the  ballot. 
—1882  Journal,  736,  844,  879. 

Note.— It  is  lawful  for  a  Grand  lot.  The  Noble  Grand,  however, 
Lodge .  to  provide  that  the  sup-  alone  has  the  prerogative  to  de- 
porters  of  the  Noble  Grand  shall  clare  the  result— (1899  S.  G.  L. 
inspect  the  ballot  box  upon  a  bal-  Journal,  16,  365,  394). 

2381.  Order  for  password.  The  Noble  Grand  cannot 
issue  an  order  for  the  password  for  a  brother,  except  for  the 
members  of  his  own  Lodge,  although  he  know  the  brother  to 
be  entitled  to  the  same  by  having  already  imparted  it  to 
him  upon  an  order.— 1882  Journal,  741,  844,  879. 

2382.  No  power  to  send  order  for  Semi-Annual  Password 
by  telegraph.  The  Noble  Grand  has  no  power  to  send  an 
order  for  the  Semi-Annual  Password  by  telegraph,  to  be 
communicated  to  a  brother,  and  the  Noble  Grand  addressed 
would  not  be  justified  in  communicating  it  upon  such  order, 


612  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

even  if  the  brother  could  pass  the  necessary  examination. — 
1879  Journal,  100,  110. 

2383.  No  power  to  admit  Encampment,  when.  The  Noble 
Grand  of  a  Lod^e  has  no  right  to  admit  to  the  Lodge-room, 
Encampment  members  visiting  as  an  Encampment  and  wear- 
ing Encampment  regalia. — 1877  Journal,  581,  675,  697. 

2384.  Committees  on  charges,  candidate  and  benefit  in- 
vestigation. The  Noble  Grand  or  officer  acting  as  such  ap- 
points the  majority  of  such  committees. — Constitution  Sub- 
ordinates, Art.  VI,  Sec.  10,  and  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5. 

2385.  Manner  of  taking  vote.  Although  in  the  dispatch 
of  business  a  vote  need  not  be  taken  upon  every  question, 
the  presiding  officer  may  announce  the  decision  *'if  there  be 
no  objections."  And  if  no  objections  appear  it  is  acquiesced 
in  by  the  Lodge  and  becomes  its  judgment,  otherwise,  the 
question  must  be  submitted  to  a  vote  of  the  Lodge. — 1862 
Journal,  305 ;  1883  Journal,  1130,  1173. 

3.     VICE-GRAND. 

2386.  Duties.  The  Vice-Grand  shall  assist  the  Noble 
Grand  in  the  performance  of  his  duties ;  under  his  direction 
have  charge  of  the  door;  preside  over  the  Lodge  in  the 
absence  of  the  Noble  Grand;  shall  examine  and  ascertain 
the  condition  of  the  ballot  in  all  cases  where  the  vote  is  re- 
quired to  be  taken  by  ball  ballot;  and  perform  all  other 
duties  required  by  the  charges  and  usages  of  the  Order. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  2. 

2387.  Duty  of  Vice-Grand  to  appoint  Supporters.  It  is 
the  duty  of  the  Vice-Grand  to,  and  he  must,  appoint  his 
Supporters  on  the  night  of  installation,  and  he  has  no  right 
to  refuse  to  appoint  Supporters  because  he  cannot  get  any 
of  the  brothers  who  will  promise  to  attend  every  meeting. — 
1902  Journal,  749,  903,  939. 

Note. — The       Vice-Grand       ap-  their   installation   on   the   ground 

points  his  own  supporters — (1852  that    they   are    not   acceptable    to 

S.    G.    L.    Journal,     1887,     1949).  him— (1899  S.  G."  L.  Journal,  24, 

The  Xoble  Grand  cannot  prevent  365,  395). 


Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  613 

2388.  Vice-Grand  and  charge  of  the  door.  The  Vice- 
Grand  is  directed  by  the  Noble  Grand  to  take  charge  of 
the  door  at  the  opening  of  each  session  of  the  Lodge ;  or,  at 
the  beginning  of  the  term,  to  have  charge  of  it  during  the 
term,  if  the  Noble  Grand  should  so  direct  and  the  usage  of 
the  Lodge  should  so  warrant.— 1896  Journal,  407,  588,  629. 

2389.  Must  take  Noble  Grand's  chair  in  his  absence.  In 
the  absence  of  the  Noble  Grand  the  Vice-Grand  has  no  right 
to  invite  a  Past  Grand  to  take  the  Noble  Grand's  chair,  ex- 
cept in  case  of  initiation  or  conferring  degrees,  or  upon 
occasions  of  Grand  visitation,  but  must  do  so  himself. — 1861 
Journal,  187,  188 ;  1864  Journal,  515 ;  1867  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
4070,  4187,  4201.. 

2390.  Noble  Grand's  charge.  The  Vice-Grand  can  give 
the  Noble  Grand's  charge  at  initiation. — 1894  Journal,  603, 
731,  771. 

2391.  When  may  communicate  password.  The  Vice- 
Grand,  when  authorized  by  the  Noble  Grand,  may  communi- 
cate the  password,  or  during  the  Lodge  meetings  when 
officiating  as  Noble  Grand,  but  not  otherwise. — 1878  Jour- 
nal, 822,  928,  965. 

2392.  Passwords.  It  is  legal  for  the  Vice-Grand  acting 
as  Noble  Grand  of  a  Lodge  to  give  the  term  password  to 
initiates  or  the  traveling  password  to  a  brother  in   good 

mding  when  required.— 1883  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  9159,  9324, 

12. 

4.     RECORDING  SECRETARY. 

2393.  Duties.  The  Recording  Secretary  shall  keep  ac- 
curate minutes  of  Lodge  proceedings;  endorse  and  file  all 
papers  and  documents  pertaining  to  Lodge  transactions; 
issue,  sign  and  attest,  when  required  by  the  Lodge  or  the 
laws  and  usages  of  the  Order,  all  cards,  certificates,  drafts 

md  other  official  documents,  and  affix  thereto  the  Lodge 
which  shall  be  in    his  charge    and    keeping;    number 
illy  and  file  all  communications  from  the  Grand  Master 


614  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

or  Grand  Secretary,  and  enter  an  abstract  thereof,  and  the 
number,  on  the  minutes ;  make  out,  with  the  assistance  of  the 
Financial  Secretary  (if  any),  the  term  and  relief  reports; 
give  without  vote,  to  any  qualified  brother,  a  certificate  of 
his  standing  in  the  Lodge  to  enable  him  to  join  an  Encamp- 
ment or  a  Rebekah  Lodge ;  give  the  notice  required  by  Sec- 
tion 8  of  Article  VIII  of  this  Constitution ;  endorse  on  propo- 
sition for  membership  the  names  of  the  Committee  of  In- 
vestigation and  notify  them  of  their  appointment;  notify 
persons  elected  to  membership  when  to  appear  for  initiation 
or  admission;  keep  a  roll  of  the  members,  with  a  record  of 
the  degrees  and  rank  they  have  attained ;  and  perform  such 
other  duties  as  are  or  may  be  required  by  the  laws,  charges 
and  usages  of  the  Order.  He  shall,  immediately  after  the 
installation  of  officers  of  his  Lodge  at  the  commencement  of 
each  term,  forward  an  order  for  the  Semi-Annual  Password 
to  each  member  of  his  Lodge  who  is  an  inmate  of  the  Odd 
Fellows'  Home.  He  may  receive  such  compensation  for  his 
services  as  the  Lodge  may  determine. 

2394.  To  inform  Secretaries  of  Rebekah  Lodges.  It  shall 
be  the  duty  of  each  Secretary  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  who 
has  been  notified  by  the  Secretary  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  that 
a  member  or  members  of  his  Lodge  are  members  of  such 
Rebekah  Lodge,  to  inform  the  Secretary  of  said  Rebekah 
Lodge  without  unnecessary  delay  of  the  withdrawal  by 
card,  dropping,  suspension,  expulsion  or  reinstatement  of 
any  such  member. — 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15555,  15616. 

2395.  Secretary's  term  of  oflBce.  Subordinate  Lodges  are 
authorized  to  make  the  Secretary's  term  of  office  one  year 
instead  of  six  months. — 1891  Journal,  693,  694,  716. 

2396.  Warrant  book.  The  Recording  Secretary  is  the 
officer  entitled  to  the  custody  of  the  warrant  book. — 1894 
Journal,  720,  721,  739. 

2397.  Absence  and  roll  call.  The  Secretary  should  not 
note  a  brother  present  who  enters  the  Lodge-room  after  roll 
call.— 1894  Journal,  605,  731,  771. 


I 


Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  615 

2398.  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  and  elections  of 
officers.  There  is  no  law  requiring  the  Secretary  to  notify 
the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  that  the  officers  of  the 
Lodge  have  been  elected.  A  verbal  notice  is  as  good  as  a 
written  one.— 1893  Journal,  277,  391,  421. 

5.     FINANCIAL  SECRETARY. 

2399.  Permanent  Secretary.  This  officer  is  hereafter  to 
be  designated  Financial  Secretary. — 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
15594,  15631. 

2400.  Duties.  The  Financial  Secretary  (or  Secretary, 
should  there  be  ho  Financial  Secretary)  shall  keep  just  and 
true  accounts  between  the  Lodge  and  its  members,  or  others, 
in  a  regular  set  of  books,  including  ledger,  journal,  receipt 
and  cash  books,  and  such  others  as  may  be  required  by  the 
Lodge  and  the  laws  and  usages  of  the  Order.  And  he  shall 
give  each  member  credit  for  money  when  paid  to  him,  and 
the  brother's  credit  and  standing  shall  date  from  such  pay- 
ment. He  shall  also  keep  a  book  in  which  the  residence  of 
each  member  is  recorded  and  in  which  he  shall  note  any 
change  of  the  same.  He  shall  receive  and  receipt  for  all 
money  due  the  Lodge.  He  shall  pay  the  same  to  the  Treas- 
urer at  each  meeting.  He  shall  give  the  notices  required  by 
Section  1  of  Article  VIII  of  this  Constitution,  and  shall  keep 
a  copy  of  the  same,  or  the  substance  thereof,  with  the  date, 
on  a  stub  to  be  retained  by  him  in  a  book  prepared  for  that 
purpose ;  indorse  cards  of  visitors ;  during  the  months  of  June 
and  December  of  each  year,  and  previous  to  the  last  meeting 
of  said  months,  notify  each  member  who  is  in  any  way  in- 
debted to  the  Lodge,  of  the  state  of  his  account ;  assist  the  Re- 
cording Secretary  in  making  his  term  reports  and  render  to 
the  Lodge  at  the  closing  of  each  term  an  abstract  of  all  ac- 
counts on  the  Lodge  books,  together  with  the  receipts  and  ex- 
penditures of  the  term.  He  shall  also  furnish  at  each  elec- 
tion a  list  of  members  entitled  to  vote  to  the  Noble  Grand ; 
under  his  direction  call  the  same,  and  perform  such  other 
duties  as  may  be  required  by  the  Lodge  and  the  laws  and 
usages  of  the  Order.    The  Financial  Secretary  may  receive 


616  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

such  compensation  for  his  services  as  the  Lodge  may  de- 
termine.— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  4. 

2401.  Rents  due  to  a  Lodge.  The  Financial  Secretary  or 
Secretary  should  collect  the  rents  for  a  Lodge,  unless  the 
By-Laws  provide  differently.— 1894  Journal,  731,  732,  771. 

2402.  An  account  of  moneys  sent  to  Grand  Lodge.  Finan- 
cial Secretaries  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  or  the  Secretaries  of 
Lodges  which  have  no  Financial  Secretaries,  are  required  to 
have  an  account  in  their  ledgers  in  which  shall  be  kept 
entered  all  sums  sent  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  either  through  the 
District  Deputies  or  to  the  Grand  Lodge  direct. — 1896  Jour- 
nal, 566. 

2403.  Duty  to  charge  up  funeral  assessments.  When  the 
By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  a  "funeral  assessment"  of  a 
certain  amount  on  the  death  of  a  member,  the  same  must  be 
assessed  against  each  member  in  proper  cases,  and  it  is  the 
duty  of  the  Financial  Secretary  to  charge  it  to  the  account 
of  each  member.  An  order  to  that  effect  may  be  made  by 
the  Noble  Grand,  but  it  is  unnecessary.  The  amount  must 
be  assessed  in  such  cases  whether  there  be  funds  or  not  in 
the  ''Funeral  Benefit  Fund"  of  a  Lodge.— 1883  Journal, 
1002,  1150,  1175. 

6.     TREASURER. 

2404.  Duties.  The  Treasurer,  prior  to  installation,  shall 
give  a  joint  and  several  bond,  payable  to  the  Trustees,  in 
trust  for  the  Lodge,  in  the  sum  of  not  less  than  one  thou- 
sand dollars,  with  two  or  more  sureties,  for  the  faithful 
performance  of  his  duty;  receive  from  the  Financial  Secre- 
tary, each  Lodge  night,  the  money  in  his  hands;  pay  all 
orders  drawn  on  him  by  the  Noble  Grand  by  authority  of 
the  Lodge,  and  attested  by  the  Recording  Secretary  under 
the  seal  thereof;  give,  when  requested  by  the  Noble  Grand, 
a  statement,  in  writing,  of  money  on  hand;  report  at  the 
first  meeting  in  each  month  the  receipts  and  Expenditures 
of  the  preceding  month,  with  balance  on  hand;  at  the  last 
meeting  of  each  term  report  the  term  receipts  and  expendi- 


Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  617 

tures,  and  exhibit  vouchers,  and  have  his  books  written  up 
for  examination  by  the  Finance  Committee  within  twenty- 
four  hours  thereafter. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII, 
Sec.  5. 

2405.  Cannot  borrow  or  use  Lodge  funds  or  be  surety. 
A  Treasurer  shall  not  be  permitted  to  borrow  or  use  any 
funds  of  the  Lodge,  or  become  surety  for  the  same. — Consti- 
tution Subordinates,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  14. 

2406.  Monthly  reports.  The  Treasurer  of  a  Subordinate 
Lodge  is  required  to  make  monthly  reports  in  writing  as 
provided  in  Section  5,  Article  VII,  Constitution  of  Subor- 
dinates. They  need  not  be  itemized  reports,  as  there  is  no 
uniform  method  prescribed  for  bookkeeping.  The  reports 
may  be  disposed  of  by  motion,  or,  when  not  objected  to,  by 
order  of  the  Noble  Grand.— 1890  Journal,  316,  407,  417,  436. 

7.     OTHER  OFFICERS. 

2407.  Acting  Past  Grand.  The  acting  Past  Grand  shall 
attend  all  regular  meetings,  deliver  the  charge  of  his  office 
and  act  as  Outside  Conductor  when  required  by  the  Noble 
Grand,  and  prefer  charges  when  violations  of  the  law  are 
called  to  his  attention  by  brothers  of  the  Lodge. — Constitu- 
tion Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  10. 

2408.  Need  not  perform  duties  of  Chaplain.  A  Lodge 
has  no  right  to  make  it  obligatory  upon  the  Junior  Past 
Grand  to  perform  the  duty  of  Chaplain  of  his  Lodge. — 1855 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2490,  2508  •  1856  Journal,  179. 

2409.  He  is  not  strictly  an  oflacer  and  cannot  be  fined. 
Tlie  fJunior  Past  Grand  is  not  strictly  an  officer  of  the  Lodge 
and  he  cannot  be  fined  for  non-attendance,  but  it  is  his  duty 
to  occupy  the  chair  of  the  Past  Grand  for  one  term  and 
deliver  the  Past  Grand's  charge  to  candidates  at  initiation. 
—1864  Journal,  487,  504,  536,  565;  1902  Journal,  749",  900, 
917. 

(See  Representatives.) 


618  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

2410.  Chaplain.  The  Noble  Grand  may  appoint  a  Chap- 
Iain,  who  shall  open  and  close  regular  meetings  with  prayer, 
and  perform  such  other  appropriate  duties  as  the  Lodge 
may  direct. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  9. 

2411.  Outside  Guardian.  The  Outside  Guardian,  in  ad- 
dition to  the  duties  of  his  office,  shall,  under  the  Warden, 
take  care  of  the  regalia  and  Lodge-room,  and  may  receive 
such  compensation  for  his  services  as  the  Lodge  may  deter- 
mine.— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  8. 

2412.  Outside  Guardian  and  member  without  password. 
A  member  applying  at  the  outer  door  for  admission,  without 
the  Semi-Annual  Password,  should  not  be  admitted  by  the 
Outside  Guardian  without  first  reporting  the  name  of  the 
member  to  the  Noble  Grand.— 1886  Journal,  535,  620,  646. 

2413.  The  same — Visitor  with  card.  The  Outside  Guar- 
dian has  no  right  to  admit  a  member  who  is  without  the 
Semi-Annual  Password  until  instructed  to  do  so  by  the  Noble 
Grand,  except  he  be  a  visiting  brother  with  a  card. — 1889 
Journal,  35,  122,  163. 

2414.  Past  Grand  occupying  chair  and  motions.  A  Past 
Grand  occupying  the  chair  of  the  Noble  Grand  during  that 
officer's  temporary  absence,  can  receive  and  put  a  motion 
when  the  Vice-Grand  is  present. — 1877  Journal,  581,  675, 
697. 

2415.  Scarlet  Degree  member  may  act  as  Vice-Grand.  In 

a  Vice-Grand's  absence,  or  his  serving  as  Noble  Grand  for 
the  night,  a  Scarlet  Degree  member  may  be  appointed  to  fill 
the  Vice-Grand's  chair,  provided  there  be  no  qualified  Past 
Grand  or  Past  Vice-Grand  present,  but  no  initiation  can 
occur. — 1860  Journal,  50,  51. 

2416.  Right  Supporter  to  Noble  Grand  presiding.  The 
Right  Supporter  to  the  Noble  Grand,  while  occupying  the 
chair  of  the  Noble  Grand  during  his  temporary  absence,  has 
the  power  to  decide  points  of  order,  to  entertain  motions,  to 
put  questions  and  declare  the  result. — 1881  Journal,  575,  600, 
625. 


F 


Official  Certificates.  619 

2417.  "Temporary  absence"  of  Noble  Grand.  The  words 
"temporary  absence,"  as  used  in  the  charge  to  the  Right 
Supporter  of  the  Noble  Grand  in  the  ceremony  of  installa- 
tion of  the  officers  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  must  be  taken  to 
mean  the  absence  of  the  Noble  Grand  from  his  chair  merely 
while  he  still  remains  in  the  Lodge  room  or  ante  room,  which 
under  the  law  constitutes  a  component  part  of  the  Lodge 
room.  Whenever  the  Noble  Grand  leaves  the  Lodge  room, 
then  the  duty  of  occupying  his  chair  devolves  upon  the  Vice- 
Grand.  And  a  like  construction  of  the  words  "temporary 
absence"  applies  to  the  language  of  the  charge  to  the  Right 
Supporter  of  the  Vice-Grand.— 1879  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8092, 
8177. 

2418.  Right  Supporter  to  the  Vice-Grand.  In  the  absence 
of  all  Past  Grands  and  Past  Vice-Grands  who  are  members 
of  the  Lodge,  the  Right  Supporter  to  the  Vice-Grand  may 
fill  the  Vice-Grand's  chair  when  that  officer  is  called  to  the 
chair  of  the  Noble  Grand,  notwithstanding  there  are  visiting 
Past  Grands  present;  but  he  cannot  act  as  Vice-Grand 
during  an  initiation. — 1881  Journal,  503,  601,  627. 

2419.  When  Conductor  may  take  up  password.  The  Con- 
ductor by  direction  of  the  Noble  Grand  may  assist  the  War- 
den in  taking  up  the  password. — 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31, 
365,  394. 

2420.  Warden.  The  Warden  shall  canvass  all  votes, 
when  directed  by  the  Noble  Grand,  and  perform  the  other 
duties  of  his  office. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII, 
Sec.  7. 

(See  Trustees.) 

OFFICIAL  CERTIFICATES. 

2421.  How  designated.  Hereafter  the  official  receipt, 
which  has  sometimes  been  called  the  universal  receipt  and 
sometimes  the  visiting  certificate,  shall  be  designated  the 
official  certificate,  and  shall  be  issued  in  all  cases  where 
members  pay  moneys  (dues  and  assessments,  etc.)  to  Sub- 
ordinate Bodies,  and  shall  request  a  receipt. — 1897  S.  G.  L. 


620  Official  Certificates. 

Journal,  15561,  15563,  15616,  15620;  1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
14953,  15067. 

2422.  The  official  certificate.  Such  certificate  is  uni- 
versal throughout  all  the  jurisdictions  on  this  continent, 
and  is  to  be  used  as  the  only  legal  receipt  for  dues,  assess- 
ments, fees,  etc.,  by  all  Lodges  and  Rebekah  Lodges.  The 
privilege  of  visiting  in  another  jurisdiction  will  be  accorded 
the  holder  of  such  certificate  to  the  date  to  which  dues  are 
paid,  upon  proving  the  genuineness  of  his  signature  there- 
on, upon  examination  and  giving  the  proper  password.  Sick 
or  funeral  benefits  or  pecuniary  aid  are  not  authorized  by 
such  certificate.  It,  when  dues  are  paid  to  a  date  later  than 
when  the  same  is  presented,  is  to  be  recognized  as  evidence 
of  good  standing,  to  be  used  in  lieu  of  a  Visiting  Card,  but 
the  present  use  or  purposes  of  a  Visiting  Card  are  not  to  be 
abolished  or  restricted. — 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15561,  15165, 
15174,  15534,  15584,  15613,  15616,  15663 ;  1896  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 14953,  15067. 

2423.  How  issued  and  signed.  The  official  certificate 
shall  be  issued  by  and  signed  by  the  Financial  Secretary  of 
Subordinate  Lodges  or  of  Rebekah  Lodges,  attested  by  the 
seal  of  the  Body  issuing  the  same.  If  the  Subordinate  Lodge 
or  Rebekah  Lodge  have  no  Financial  Secretary  the  certifi- 
cate shall  be  signed  by  the  Secretary. — 1897  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 15165,  15534,  15584,  15613 ;  1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15753, 
16071,  16116. 

2424.  Official  certificate  like  a  card.  The  holder  of  an 
official  certificate  shall  be  considered  to  hold  a  proper  card, 
as  required  under  Article  XVI,  Section  1,  of  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  Constitution.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15067, 
15068,  14951. 

2425.  Should  be  signed  in  presence  of  officer.  Official 
certificates  should  be  signed  by  the  holder  thereof  on  the 
margin  in  his  own  handwriting  in  presence  of  the  officer  by 
whom  the  Annual  Traveling  Password  or  Annual  Password 
is  communicated. — 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15561,  15616. 


» 


Official  Certificates.  621 

2426.  The  officer  to  affix  the  seal.  The  Financial  Secre- 
tary has  not  the  right  to  use  the  seal  of  the  Lodge  for  the 
purpose  of  affixing  same  to  the  official  certificate.  The 
seal  of  the  Lodge  having  been  placed  in  charge  of  the 
Recording  Secretary,  cannot  be  removed  from  his  custody, 
but  it  is  his  duty  to  affix  same  to  the  official  certificates 
whenever  same  are  presented  by  the  Financial  Secretary. — 
1900  Journal,  26,  191,  231. 

2427.  Must  be  used  as  receipt  for  dues  and  assessments. 
It  is  unlawful  for  any  officer  to  issue  any  receipt,  statement 
or  other  paper  evidencing  the  payment  of  money  on  ac- 
count of  dues  or  assessments,  except  an  official  certificate 
—1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  870,  947,  962;  1898  Journal,  10,  221, 
240.  A  member  cannot  accept  any  other  than  the  official 
certificate  for  dues,  even  though  he  does  not  desire  to  visit 
in  another  jurisdiction. — 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15174,  15175, 
15534,  15584. 

2428.  Order  for  receipt.  A  written  order  for  a  receipt 
issued  to  a  brother  upon  payment  of  dues  is  a  clear  evasion 
of  the  law  requiring  the  use  of  an  official  certificate. — 1899 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  23,  365,  394. 

2429.  Official  certificates  must  be  used  and  no  other. 

All  officers  of  Subordinate  Lodges  are  instructed  by  the 
Grand  Lodge  to  issue  no  receipts  to  members  for  dues  ex- 
cept the  official  certificate  authorized  by  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge,  and  all  members  of  the  Order  in  this  juris- 
diction are  requested  by  the  Grand  Lodge  to  refuse  to 
receive  from  their  officers  any  other  receipt  than  the  official 
certificate.— 1900  Journal,  210,  231. 

2430.  Duties  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters  and 
Noble  Grands.  Resolved,  That  all  District  Deputy  Grand 
Ma.sters  and  all  Noble  Grands  are  hereby  positively  in- 
strncted,  so  far  as  in  their  power  lies,  to  suppress  and  pre- 
vent the  using  of  any  substitute  for  the  official  certificate, 
and  they  are  hereby  instructed  to  take  possession  of  and 
destroy  any  such  substitutes  that  they  may  find  among  the 


622  Official  Certificates. 

papers  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  which  have  been  printed 
for  the  purposes  of  avoiding  the  present  law  upon  the  sub- 
ject.—1900  Journal,  210,  213. 

2431.  Annual  Traveling  Password — Right  to  visit.  A 
brother  must  pay  dues  in  advance  in  order  to  visit  on  an 
official  certificate,  and  when  a  brother  pays  dues  in  ad- 
vance and  receives  an  official  certificate  he  is  entitled  to 
receive  the  Annual  Traveling  Password. — 1897  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  15165,  15174,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

2432.  When  official  certificate  to  be  given.  When  a 
brother  pays  his  dues  and  does  not  desire  a  receipt,  the 
Secretary  is  not  required  to  issue  the  certificate.  If  a 
brother  pays  his  dues  every  meeting  night  in  the  year  he 
can  demand  an  official  certificate  each  time.  An  ordinary 
receipt  is  illegal.  No  other  form  of  receipt  for  dues  can  be 
used  than  the  official  certificate. — 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
15165,  15666,  15174,  .15534,  15984,  15613. 

2433.  No    fee    or    charge   for    official    certificate.      The 

Lodge  must  furnish  official  certificates  to  members  free  of 
charge  when  dues  are  paid.  A  Lodge  cannot  prescribe  by 
By-Law  that  a  small  fee  shall  be  paid  by  the  brother  on 
the  issuance  of  an  official  certificate  for  dues  paid. — 1897 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15174,  15175,  15534,  15584. 

2434.  Paying  part  of  arrearages  or  nothing  in  advance. 

If  a  member  is  in  arrears  for  dues  and  pays  part  or  all  of 
such  arrearages,  or  pays  to  date,  and  nothing  in  advance, 
he  can  demand  as  a  receipt  the  official  certificate,  but  can- 
not demand  or  is  not  entitled  to  the  Annual  Traveling  Pass- 
word.—1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15175,  15534,  15584. 

2435.  Charges  pending.  A  brother  against  whom 
charges  are  pending  is  entitled  to  receive  the  official  certifi- 
cate.—1900  Journal,  25,  212,  231. 

2436.  Official  certificate  to  member  suspended  for  cause. 
When  a  member  suspended  for  cause  pays  his  dues,  the 
Secretary  of  the  Lodge  shall  endorse  on  the  face  of  the 


Order,  Rules  and  Questions  of  623 

official  certificate  issued  to  such  member,  ''The  holder  of 

this  certificate  is  under  suspension  for  cause  until  the 

day  of  ,  19 .—1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  25,  283,  314, 

323,  370,  391. 

2437.  Passwords.  As  to  when  holders  of  official  certifi- 
cates are  entitled  to  the  Semi-Annual  Password  or  the  An- 
nual Traveling  Password,  see  Passwords. 

2438.  Printing  official  certificates.  A  Grand  Lodge  has 
no  right  to  print  such  certificates;  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  has  the  exclusive  right. — 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15166, 
15534,  15584,  15613. 

(See  Passwords;  Receipt;  Visitors  and  Visiting;  Mem- 
bership.) 

ORDER,  RULES  AND  QUESTIONS  OF. 

1.  Grand  Lodge,  page  623. 

2.  Subordinate  Lodge,  page  625. 

1.     GRAND  LODGE. 

2439.  May  establish  rules  of  order  and  suspend  the  same, 
^he  Grand  Lodge  may,  in  like  manner,  make  such  rules  of 
►rder  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  regulation  of  its  sessions, 
ind  for  securing  good  order  and  the  dispatch  of  business. 
Juch  rules  of  order  may  be  suspended  at  any  meeting  by  a 

[two-thirds  vote;  provided,  that  such  suspension  shall  not 
extend  beyond  the  meeting  which  voted  therefor. — Consti- 
tution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  XIII,  Sec.  2. 

2440.  Grand  Master  to  preserve  order.  The  Grand  ]\Ias- 
[ter  shall  preside  at  all  sessions  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and 

^reserve  order  therein,  and  enforce  a  due  observance  of 
the  Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
>dge  and  of  this  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution  Grand 
Ige,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

2441.  Questions  and  decisions  of  order  and  appeal  from 
|Grand  Master.     All  questions  of  order,  and  all  decisions 

lade  by  him  on  any  point  growing  out  of  the  Constitution 


624  Order.  Rules  and  Questions  of 

or  By-Laws  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  shall  be  subject  to  appeal 
from  his  decision  to  the  Grand  Lodge;  and  it  shall  be  his 
duty  to  put  the  question  on  all  such  appeals  to  the  Grand 
Lodge. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

2442.  Appeals  debatable.  On  an  appeal  from  the  de- 
cision of  the  chair  (the  Grand  Master),  the  question  is  de- 
batable.—1856  Journal,  187. 

2443.  Vote  by  yeas  and  nays.  When  five  of  the  mem- 
bers call  for  a  vote  by  yeas  and  nays,  or  when  the  same 
are  in  this  Constitution  required  to  be  taken,  they  shall  be 
so  taken  and  recorded  on  the  journal. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  1. 

2444.  When  ayes  and  nays  are  called,  no  motion  is  in 

order.  A  motion  to  p<ermit  a  Representative  to  address  the 
Grand  Lodge  on  the  subject  then  pending  is  not  in  order 
when  the  ayes  and  nays  are  called.  When  the  ayes  and 
nays  are  called,  no  motion  is  in  order. — 1863  Journal,  423. 

2445.  Amendments  to    Subordinate    Constitution.      All 

proposed  amendments  to  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates 
shall  contain  the  section  or  sections  which  it  is  proposed 
to  amend,  written  out  in  full,  as  proposed  to  be  amended. — 
1862  Journal,  293. 

2446.  Reports  on  proposed  amendments  to  Constitutions. 
When  amendments  to  the  Constitutions  of  either  this  Grand 
Lodge  or  Subordinate  Lodges  are  referred  to  a  committee 
for  its  consideration,  said  committee  shall  set  out  in  full 
the  proposed  amendment,  as  well  as  the  original,  in  their 
report  to  the  Grand  Lodge.  Adopted  as  a  standing  resolu- 
tion of  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1905  Journal,  950,  965. 

2447.  Certain  resolutions  expire  with  the  session.  All 
resolutions  laid  on  the  table  and  not  acted  upon  before  the 
close  of  the  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge  at  which  they  are 
presented,  expire  with  the  session,  and  would  have  to  be 
renewed  at  a  subsequent  session  before  any  action  could  be 
had  thereon. — 1864  Journal,  561,  562. 


Order,  Rules  and  Questions  of  625 

2448.  Acceptance  of  substitute.  After  a  substitute  has 
been  accepted  by  the  Graucl  Lodge,  in  place  of  a  report  of 
a  committee,  further  action  on  the  report  would  be  out  of 
order,  without  first  reconsidering  the  vote  by  which  the 
substitute  was  adopted. — 1861  Journal,  202. 

2449.  The  same.  When  a  substitute  is  adopted  in  place 
of  an  amendment  it  is  not  necessary  to  take  action  on  the 
amendment.— 1862  Journal,  287. 

2450.  Rules  of  Order  of  Grand  Lodge.  The  Rules  of 
Order  established  by  the  Grand  Lodge  are  prefixed  to  this 
Digest,  page  57. 

(See  Regalia;  Ballot  and  Voting.) 

2.     SUBORDINATE  LODGE. 

2451.  Motions  from  chair  of  Noble  Grand.  No  member 
shall  receive  or  put  any  motion  from  the  chair  of  the  Noble 
Grand,  unless  he  be  a  present  or  past  Noble  Grand  or  Vice- 
Grand,  except  that  the  Right  Supporter  to  the  Noble  Grand, 
when  occupying  the  chair  of  the  Noble  Grand  temporarily, 
may  entertain  a  motion,  put  the  question  and  declare  the 
result. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  X,  Sec.  1. 

2452.  Question  and  vote.  No  question  can  be  stated  or 
put  to  vote  except  from  the  chair  of  the  Noble  Grand. — 
1869  Journal,  14,  125,  126,  127. 

2453.  Motion  put  by  Vice-Grand.  A  Vice-Grand  cannot 
put  a  motion  while  occupying  his  chair.  All  motions  must 
be  put  from  the  chair  of  the  Noble  Grand. — 1892  Jounial, 
13,  112,  127. 

2454.  Appeals.  The  Noble  Grand  must  put  all  questions 
of  appeal  from  his  decision  the  same  as  other  questions. — 
1873  Journal,  894,  901. 

2456.  Point  of  order  against  a  Noble  Grand.  Where  a 
point  of  order  is  raised  against  a  Noble  Grand,  the  Noble 
Grand  should  decide  it.— 1875  Journal,  291,  295. 

40 


626  Order,  Rules  and  Questions  of 

2456.  Presiding  officer  must  be  obeyed.  The  presiding 
officer  must  always  be  obeyed.  If  his  decision  should  be 
considered  arbitrary  or  erroneous,  the  legitimate  way  of 
obtaining  redress  is  by  appeal. — 1860  Journal,  38,  39. 

2457.  Noble  Grand  and  debate.  The  Noble  Grand  can- 
not put  his  Right  Supporter  in  the  chair  to  enable  him  to 
take  part  in  the  debate.  The  Noble  Grand  may  put  the 
question  after  he  has  taken  part  in  the  debate. — 1870  Jour- 
nal, 188,  255,  287. 

2458.  Appeal  from  decision  of  the  chair.  All  rules  of 
order  of  Subordinate  Lodges  within  this  jurisdiction,  im- 
pairing the  right  of  any  brother  to  appeal  from  the  decision 
of  the  Noble  Grand  to  the  Lodge,  by  requiring  the  concur- 
rence of  two  or  more  brothers  in  taking  an  appeal  or  other- 
wise, are  null  and  void.  The  right  of  appeal  from  the  ruling 
of  the  Noble  Grand  to  the  Lodge  is  essential  to  the  mainte- 
nance of  the  privileges  of  the  brother  aggrieved  by  such 
ruling.— 1866  Journal,  198,  214. 

2459.  Governed  by  parliamentary  rules.  Lodges  are 
to  be  governed  by  parliamentary  rules  in  all  actions  not 
provided  for  in  the  written  work  or  laws  of  the  Order,  or 
not  regulated  by  some  law  or  rule  of  order. — 1861  Journal, 
127,  176,  177. 

2460.  Improper  motions.  Brothers  should  have  suffi- 
cient respect  for  the  Order,  for  their  Lodge  and  for  them- 
selves not  to  offer  or  adopt  an  undignified  and  unparlia- 
mentary motion. — St.  Helena  Lodge  vs.  Kester,  1878  Jour- 
nal, 885,  913. 

2461.  Motion  during  reading  of  minutes.  A  motion 
made  during  the  reading  of  the  minutes  to  reconsider  a 
motion  passed  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Lodge  is  out  of 
order,  unless  the  Lodge  shall  have  suspended  the  reading 
of  the  minutes  by  a  motion  regularly  made  and  carried. — 
1884  Journal,  19,  116,  153. 

2462.  Brother's  name 'Stricken  from  sick  list — Benefits. 
The  fact  that  a  Lodge  had  on  motion  stricken  a  brother's 


Order,  Rules  and  Questions  of  627 

name  off  its  sick  list  does  not  render  a  motion  to  pay  the 
brother  two  weeks'  benefits,  that  had  already  accrued,  out  of 
order.— 1900  Journal,  33,  34,  224,  244. 

2463.  Motion  to  reconsider.  Where  there  is  no  special 
rule  on  the  subject,  a  motion  to  reconsider  may  be  made  at 
any  time  or  by  any  member  precisely  like  any  other  motion 
and  subject  to  no  other  rules. — 1884  Journal,  23,  116,  153. 

2464.  The  same.  Where  there  is  a  rule  of  order  to  this 
effect,  that  ''after  any  question,  except  one  of  indefinite 
postponement,  has  been  decided,  any  brother  who  voted  in 
the  majority  may  at  the  same  time  or  next  regular  meeting 
move  for  a  reconsideration  thereof,"  and  a  motion  which 
requires  a  two-thirds  vote  is  put  and  lost,  a  majority,  how- 
ever, voting  for  the  motion,  any  one  of  said  majority  may 
move  a  reconsideration  under  the  rule,  although  in  this 
case  the  majority  is  not  the  prevailing  side. — Osgood  vs. 
Sierra  Lodge,  1884  Journal,  23,  128,  154. 

2465.  Two  resolutions  adopted  at  one  time.  If  two  reso- 
lutions be  adopted  at  one  and  the  same  time,  no  objection 
being  made,  the  adoption  is  valid. — ^Armstrong  vs.  Fidelity 
Lodge,  1892  Journal,  75,  91. 

2466.  Vote  upon  amended  motion.  Where  a  motion  is 
pending  before  a  Lodge  to  appropriate  $50,  and  it  is  moved 
to  amend  by  inserting  $100,  and  the  amendment  is  adopted, 
it  is  then  necessary  to  vote  upon  the  motion  as  amended. — 
Briprps  vs.  Oilroy  Lodge,  1873  Journal,  563,  653. 

2467.  Noble  Grand  can  declare  motion  out  of  order.  The 
Noble  Grand  is  justified  in  declaring  a  motion  out  of  order 
when  the  Constitution  strictly  forbids  the  proceeding  pro- 
posed by  such  motion,  even  though  a  dispensation  had  been 
granted  therefor,  but  he  cannot  refuse  to  entertain  an 
appeal  to  the  Lodge  from  his  decision. — 1857  Journal,  270, 
274. 

2468.  A  motion  to  draw  a  draft  for  benefits.  A  motion 
to  draw  a  draft  for  two  weeks'  benefits  involves  questions 
of  law  and  fact  and  not  of  order,  especially  the  question  of 


628  Order,  Rules  and  Questions  of 

fact  whether  the  brother  has  been  sick  two  weeks.  It  does 
not  fall  within  the  questions  of  order  to  be  decided  by  the 
Noble  Grand.  Its  determination  appertains  to  the  Lodge. — 
1898  Journal,  163,  164,  197. 

2469.  Rule  of  order  fixing  fine — Void,  when.  A  rule  of 
order  authorizing  the  Noble  Grand,  for  the  purpose  of  pre- 
serving order,  to  impose  a  fine,  is  unconstitutional  and  void. 
Fines  and  penalties  must  be  prescribed  by  the  By-Laws. — 
1886  Journal,  609. 

2470.  Committee  out  examining  candidates.  Lodges 
may  open  under  another  order  of  business  when  a  com- 
mittee is  out  examining  candidates  for  initiation  or  admis- 
sion, if  the  By-Laws  do  not  prohibit  it. — 1871  Journal,  525, 
545. 

2471.  Offending  against  rules  of  order — Charges.  Any 
member  who  offends  against  the  rules  of  order  of  the  Lodge 
is  liable  to  charges  and  punishment. — Constitution  Subor- 
dinates, Art.  VIII,  Sec.  2. 

2472.  The  right  of  debate,  etc.,  and  Noble  Grand.     The 

presiding  officer  of  a  Lodge  has  no  right,  unless  asked  by 
the  members,  to  take  any  part  in  the  debate,  or  express  his 
opinion,  or  use  his  influence  in  any  way  when  a  motion  is 
before  the  Lodge,  unless  he  call  to  the  chair  some  competent 
and  qualified  brother  and  take  the  floor  to  speak  upon  the 
question  the  same  as  any  other  brother. — 1857  Journal,  264; 
1858  Journal,  394. 

2473.  Noble  Grand  vacating  chair  to  address  Lodge.    A 

Noble  Grand  has  the  right  to  vacate  his  chair  for  the  pur- 
pose of  addressing  the  Lodge,  and  it  is  lawful  for  him  to 
take  part  in  debate,  whether  requested  by  the  Lodge  or  not, 
provided,  he  vacate  the  chair;  unless  prohibited  by  the  By- 
Laws  or  Rules  of  Order  of  his  Lodge. — 1881  Journal,  575, 
600,  625. 

2474.  Action  on  resolution  making  donation.  Under  a 
By-Law  which  reads:  "Benefits  due,  relief  granted,  or  the 
current  expenses  of  the  Lodge,  may  be  paid  at  any  regular 


I 


Orphans.  629 

meeting  by  a  vote  of  a  majority  of  all  the  members  present, 
but  the  stocks,  investments,  securities  and  funds  of  this 
Lodge  shall  not  be  disposed  of  or  transferred,  in  whole  or  in 
part,  unless  by  a  resolution  to  that  effect  offered  at  a  regular 
meeting,  which  shall  not  be  acted  upon  until  the  next  regu- 
lar meeting,  when,  if  two-thirds  of  all  the  members  present 
entitled  to  vote  concur  therein,  it  shall  be  adopted, "  *  *  * 
a  resolution  making  a  donation  to  a  Canton  to  assist  in  its 
institution  must  be  laid  over  until  the  next  regular  meeting 
after  its  presentation  for  action. — Hottell  vs.  Napa  Lodge, 
1903  Journal,  141,  155. 

(See  Good  of  the  Order;  Committee  of  the  Whole;  Re- 
galia; Ballot,  and  Voting.) 

ORDER  FOR  PASSWORD. 

(See  Password.) 

ORDER  ON  TREASURER. 

(See  Draft.) 

ORPHANS. 

2475.  Orphans'  fund.  The  Lodge  may  provide  by  its  By- 
Laws  for  a  widows',  orphans'  and  educational  fund. — Con- 
stitution Subordinates,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

2476.  Orphans  of  brothers  in  arrears.  The  rights  of 
orphans  of  deceased  brothers  survive  or  perish  with  the 
brother's  rights,  as  they  derive  their  benefits* through  the 
membership  and  good  standing  of  the  father.  So  must  the 
benefits  end  with  his  ceasing  to  be  a  member  of  the  Order, 
or  of  his  ceasing  to  be  a  member  in  good  standing. — Bohn 
vs.  Harmony  Lodge,  1872  Journal,  560,  652;  Appeal  of  J. 
Levy,  1874  Journal,  115,  116,  16. 

2477.  The  same.  The  children  of  a  deceased  brother 
who,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  was  in  arrears  for  dues  more 
than  twelve  months,  are  not  entitled  to  any  consideration 
as  a  right,  but  the  Lodge  may  extend  its  aid  by  donation  or 
otherwise,  if  the  circumstances,  in  the  judgment  of  the 
Lodge,  justify  such  action.— 1872  Journal,  657,  677. 


630  Orphans*  Home. 

2478.  Marriage  of  widow.  When  the  widow  of  an  Odd 
Fellow  marries,  the  relation  of  the  Lodge  towards  her 
children  by  her  former  husband  is  not  changed;  and  the 
Lodge  must  take  care  of  them  if  they  be  in  need. — 1866 
Journal,  134,  219,  230. 

2479.  Care  of  orphans.  A  Lodge  is  not  relieved  from 
responsibility  to  care  for  the  orphan  children  of  a  deceased 
member  of  the  Lodge  for  the  reason  that  they  are  removed 
to  a  distance  from  the  Lodge  by  their  mother,  an  unworthy 
woman.— 1876  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7059,  7083. 

2480.  Orphans'  fund  cannot  be  diverted.  A  Subordi- 
nate Lodge  has  no  right  to  merge  its  orphan  fund  into  the 
general  fund,  as  they  are  trust  funds  donated  for  a  specific 
purpose,  and  cannot  be  thus  diverted  from  the  purpose  for 
which  they  were  created.  A  State  Grand  Body  cannot 
authorize  this  to  be  done.  Such  fund  may  be  appropriated 
for  an  Orphans'  Home  for  children  of  Odd  Fellows. — 1870- 
1885  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4875,  4897,  9976,  10071,  10054,  10168. 

(See  Funds;  Relief  Committee.) 

ORPHANS'  HOME. 

2481.  Establishment  and  maintenance  authorized.     The 

Grand  Lodge  has  authorized  and  invested  the  Rebekah 
Assembly,  I.  0.  O.  F.,  of  California,  with  full  power  to  pro- 
vide for,  and  elect  Trustees  for  an  Orphans'  Home;  to 
acquire,  establish  and  maintain  and  control  and  manage 
such  a  Home,  to  receive  contributions  and  donations  and 
to  levy  annually  a  per  capita  tax  on  the  membership  of 
Rebekah  Lodges  for  its  maintenance. — 1896  Journal,  583, 
584,  630,  631,  652. 

Note. — ^This  proposition  to  es-  and  authority  was  granted  by  the 
tablish  and  maintain  an  Orphans'  Grand  Lodge,  the  Rebekah  As- 
Home  for  orphans  of  Odd  Fellows,  sembly  in  1896,  elected  a  Board  of 
was  originated  by  the  Rebekah  five  trustees  for  such  Home — 
Assembly,  I.  0.  O.  F.,  of  Califor-  (1896  Journal,  683,  584,  630,  631, 
nia,  and  it  petitioned  the  Grand  652;  Proceedings  of  Rebekah  As- 
Lodge  in  1896  for  full  power  and  sembly,  for  1896,  p.  426,  427, 
authority  to  establish  and  main-  428). 
tain  the  same.     When  said  power 


Orphans'  Home.  631 

2482.  Deed  of  endowment.  The  corner  stone  of  the 
I.  0.  0.  F.  Orphans'  Home  was  laid  May  8,  1897,  and  the 
Home  was  dedicated  October  27,  1897,  and  its  deed  of  en- 
dowment dated  July  24,  1896,  is  printed  in  full  in  the  Pro- 
ceedings of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  of  1897. — 1897  Journal, 
of  Rebekah  Assembly,  547,  548,  549. 

2483.  Rules  and  regulations  for  its  management.  The 
following  rules  and  regulations  for  the  management  of  the 
I.  0.  0.  F.  Orphans'  Home  of  California  have  been  adopted 
by  the  Trustees  and  approved  by  the  Rebekah  Assembly : 

1st.  Name.  The  corporate  name  of  this  Home  shall  be 
*^The  I.  0.  0.  F.  Orphans'  Home  of  California." 

2nd.  The  objects.  The  objects  of  the  Home  shall  be  to 
take  under  its  sheltering  care  homeless  and  otherwise  de- 
pendent orphan  and  half -orphan  children  of  the  Order  and 
provide  them  with  a  home,  maintenance  and  education  dur- 
ing the  period  of  their  dependence. 

3rd.  Establishment.  The  I.  O.  0.  F.  Orphans'  Home  of 
California  is  established  by  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  I.  O. 

0.  F.  of  the  State  of  California,  under  resolution  adopted 
by  the  said  Rebekah  Assembly  at  its  session  in  May,  1896 
(Journal,  page  405),  and  approved  by  the  Grand  Lodge, 

1.  0.  O.  F.  of  the  State  of  California,  at  its  session  in  May, 
1896  (Journal,  page  652). 

4th.  Board  of  Trustees.  The  Orphans'  Home  thereby 
created  and  established  shall  be  under  the  control  and  man- 
agement of  a  Board,  known  as  Trustees  of  the  I.  0.  0.  F. 
Orphans'  Home. 

The  said  Board  of  Trustees  shall  be  composed  of  five 
members,  who  shall  be  contributing  members,  and  Past 
Noble  Grands  or  Past  Grands,  in  good  standing,  of  Rebekah 
Lodges  in  this  jurisdiction. 

5th.  Election  of  Trustees — Vacancies.  The  Board  of 
Trustees  shall  be  elected  by  the  Rebekah  Assembly  of  Cali- 
fornia, and  shall  serve  for  the  full  term  of  three  years; 


632  Orphans'  Home. 

provided,  however,  that  commencing  with  May,  1900,  two 
Trustees  shall  be  elected  for  the  full  term  of  three  years, 
two  for  two  years,  and  one  for  one  year;  then  successors  to 
be  elected  and  serve  for  the  full  term.  Vacancies  in  said 
Board  shall  be  filled  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  the 
Rebekah  Assembly,  to  serve  until  the  following  session  of 
said  body,  when  said  body  shall  elect  to  fill  the  vacancy. 

6th.  Powers  of  Trustees — Traveling  expenses.  The 
Board  of  Trustees,  elected  by  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  shall 
have  full  power  to  regulate  the  affairs  of  the  Home,  to  make 
such  rules  for  the  same  (subject  to  the  approval  of  the 
Rebekah  Assembly),  and  to  elect  or  appoint  such  persons 
as  officers  and  assistants  as  shall  be  required. 

To  the  Board  of  Trustees  shall  belong  the  right  of  pro- 
viding means  for  the  support  of  the  Home,  outside  of  the 
support  afforded  by  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  and  may,  if 
necessity  require,  solicit  donations  or  State  aid. 

No  Trustee  shall  receive  any  compensation  for  his  or  her 
services;  but  actual  traveling  expenses  and  other  necessary 
expenditures  shall  be  allowed. 

7th.    I.  0.  0.  F.  Orphans'  Horae  Fund— Report.     The 

property  shall  be  under  the  control  of,  and  the  funds  sub- 
ject to  the  order  of  the  Trustees;  and  shall  be  held  and 
known  as  the  I.  0.  O.  F.  Orphans'  Home  Fund. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Trustees  to  report  annually  to 
the  Rebekah  Assembly  the  condition  of  the  Home,  and  the 
property  under  their  charge. 

8th.  Officers.  The  officers  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  shall 
be  a  President,  a  Vice-President,  a  Secretary  and  a  Treas- 
urer. 

The  Board  shall  annually  elect  one  of  its  own  members  as 
President  and  one  as  Vice-President;  and  may  from  time 
to  time  appoint  such  committees  to  attend  to  any  part  of 
the  business  of  the  Board,  subject  to  its  direction  and  con- 
trol, as  it  may  deem  advisable. 


Orphans'  Home.  633 

The  Secretary  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  shall  be  cx-oMcio 
Secretary  of  the  Board,  and  the  Treasurer  ex-officio  Treas- 
urer thereof. 

9th.  Duties  of  President  and  Vice-President.  The  Presi- 
dent shall  preside  over  all  meetings  of  the  Board,  and  per- 
form all  other  duties  that  usually  pertain  to  such  office ;  and 
sigm  all  warrants  drawn  upon  the  Treasurer, 

In  the  absence  of  the  President,  the  Vice-President  shall 
perform  all  the  duties  of  the  President. 

10th.  Duties  of  Secretary.  The  Secretary  shall  keep  a 
complete  and  accurate  record  of  all  meetings  of  the  Board 
of  Trustees,  keep  a  correct  account  of  all  receipts  and  dis- 
bursements of  moneys  belonging  to  the  Orphans'  Home 
Fund;  and  at  the  end  of  each  month,  and  oftener  when 
practicable,  pay  the  same  over  to  the  Treasurer,  taking  her 
receipt  therefor. 

At  each  annual  meeting  of  the  Board,  and  oftener  when 
required,  she  shall  make  a  full  report  of  the  financial  con- 
dition of  the  Home,  and  perform  such  other  duties  apper- 
taining to  her  office,  as  the  Board  of  Trustees  or  the  Re- 
bekah Assembly  may  require. 

11th.  Duties  of  Treasurer — Warrants  —  Bond.  The 
Treasurer  shall  receive  from  the  Secretary  all  moneys  be- 
longing or  pertaining  to  the  I.  0.  0.  F.  Orphans'  Home  Fund ; 
and  pay  the  same  out  only  upon  warrants  drawn  upon  her, 
duly  signed  by  the  President  (or  in  her  absence  or  inability 
to  serve,  by  the  Vice-President),  and  countersigned  by  the 
Secretary.  She  shall  be  the  custodian  of  all  books  and 
papers  belonging  to  her  office,  and  shall  keep  true  and  cor- 
rect accounts  of  all  moneys  received  and  paid  out.  She 
Bhall  give  bond  in  an  amount  to  be  determined  by  the  Board 
of  Tnistees,  and  with  at  least  two  good  and  sufficient  sure- 
ties, to  be  approved  by  the  Board, 

12th.  Meetings.  Regular  meetings  of  the  Board  shall 
be  held  at  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  San  Francisco,  on  the  second 


634  Orphans'  Home. 

Friday  of  January,  March,  May,  July,  September  and  No- 
vember, when  not  a  legal  holiday,  then  upon  the  next  suc- 
ceeding business  day,  at  1  o'clock  P.  M. 

Special  meetings  may  be  called  by  the  President,  or  by 
any  three  members  of  the  Board,  at  such  time  and  place  as 
may  be  deemed  advisable. 

13th.  Quorum.  At  all  meetings  of  the  Board  the  pres- 
ence of  at  least  three  members  shall  be  required  for  the 
transaction  of  any  business;  and  the  concurrence  of  a  major- 
ity of  those  present  shall  at  all  times  be  required  for  the 
approval  or  adoption  of  any  measure  or  claim  requiring  the 
action  of  the  Board. 

14th.  Order  of  business.  The  order  of  business,  or  pro- 
ceeding of  the  meetings  of  the  Board,  shall  be: 

1st.       Roll  call. 

2nd.     Reading  minutes  of  last  regular  and  all  interven- 
ing meetings. 

3rd.  Reports  of  Officers. 

4th.  Reports  of  Committees. 

5th.  Receiving  bills  and  action  thereon. 

6th.  Communications. 

7th.  Unfinished  business. 

8th.  New  Business. 

9th.  Miscellaneous. 

10th.  Adjournment. 

15th.  Superintendent  or  Matron.  The  Home  shall  be 
under  the  direct  supervision  and  charge  of  a  Superintendent 
or  Matron,  who  shall  be  elected  by  the  Board  of  Trustees 
at  the  meeting  to  be  held  on  the  second  Friday  in  July  of 
each  year,  and  hold  office  for  a  period  of  one  year,  and  until 
her  successor  shall  be  duly  elected;  provided,  always,  that 
the  Board,  in  its  judgment  and  discretion,  may  at  any  time 
terminate  the  period  of  service. 


Orphans'  Home.  635 

16th.  Duties  of  Superintendent  or  Matron.  The  Super- 
intendent or  ^Matron  shall  reside  at  the  Home,  and  have  the 
general  charge  and  supervision  of  all  the  domestic  affairs 
thereof;  she  shall  see  that  cleanliness,  order  and  propriety 
are  uniformly  maintained,  and  that  the  orders  of  the  Board 
of  Trustees  are  carefully  observed  and  promptly  executed; 
she  shall  at  all  times  be  respectful  and  kind  to  the  children 
and  her  assistants,  and  act  impartially  toward  all ;  she  shall 
give  personal  and  especial  care  to  children  who  are  sick, 
and  administer  to  the  wants  and  comforts  of  all  patients, 
in  accordance  with  the  directions  of  the  attending  physi- 
cian; she  shall  keep  a  register  of  all  the  children  in  the 
Home,  and  report  to  the  Trustees  monthly,  giving  the  num- 
ber, name,  and  deportment  of  all  children  under  her  charge ; 
she  shall  keep  full  and  correct  entries,  in  a  book  provided 
for  that  purpose,  of  all  orders  for  supplies,  duly  reporting 
the  same  to  the  Trustees,  and  otherwise  make  in  detail  and 
in  full  monthly  reports  to  the  Trustees  of  all  her  work  and 
business  transactions  in  connection  with  the  Home ;  she  shall 
receive  such  compensation  for  her  services  as  the  Board  of 
Trustees  shall  determine. 

17th.  Who  admitted  to  the  Home.  Any  orphan  or  half- 
orphan  of  deceased  Odd  Fellows  or  deceased  Rebekahs  who 
at  the  time  of  their  death  were  members  in  good  standing  of 
some  Subordinate  or  Rebekah  Lodge,  I.  0.  O.  F.,  in  this 
jurisdiction,  such  children  being  under  fourteen  years  of 
age,  and  without  other  suitable  homes  or  means  of  support, 
may  be  admitted  and  cared  for  in  the  I.  0.  O.  F.  Orphans* 
Home  of  California;  provided,  always,  that  no  child  of  un- 
sound mind,  or  suffering  from  any  contagious  or  infectious 
disease,  shall  in  any  case  be  admitted  or  allowed  to  remain 
an  inmate  of  the  Home. 

18th.  Odd  Fellows  of  other  jurisdictions.  Orphans  and 
half-orphans  of  deceased  Odd  Fellows  and  deceased  Re- 
bekahs of  Subordinate  and  Rebekah  Lodges  of  other  juris- 
dictions, whenever,  and  as  long  as  there  is  room  and  accom- 
modation therefor,  without  exclusion  of  those  of  our  own 
jurisdiction,  may  be  admitted  and  cared  for  at  the  Home, 


6o6  Orphans*  Home. 

upon  such  terms  as  may  be  prescribed  by  the  Board  of 
Trustees,  and  as  shall,  in  all  cases,  protect  the  Home  fund 
from  expense  on  account  thereof.  But  in  all  cases  the  ex- 
ceptions found  in  Section  17  of  these  rules  and  regulations 
shall  be  observed. 

19th.    Applications  for  admission — Transportation.     All 

applications  for  admission  of  children  must  be  made  upon 
proper  blanks  prepared  by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  and  pro- 
cured from  the  Secretary;  and  when  properly  filled  out, 
shall  be  forwarded  to  the  Trustees,  who  shall  carefully  con- 
sider the  same,  and  if  it  appear  that  the  applicant  is  a 
proper  subject  for  admission,  and  that  the  rules  and  regu- 
lations and  requirements  of  admission  have  been  complied 
Avith,  then,  if  circumstances  permit,  such  applicant  shall  be 
admitted. 

In  all  cases  the  transportation  of  children  to  or  from  the 
Home  must  be  paid  by  the  Lodges  or  friends  sending  them. 

Each  child  admitted  to  the  Home  is  expected  to  come  with 
at  least  one  change  of  clothing. 

20th.  Duty  of  parent  or  guardian.  Whenever  a  sur- 
viving parent  or  guardian  is  able  to  pay  part  of  the  ex- 
penses of  a  child,  that  part  payment  will  be  invariably 
required,  the  exact  amount  to  be  determined  by  the 
Trustees,  and  agreed  upon  at  the  time  of  making  the  appli- 
cation. 

21st.  Marriage  of  parent.  Surviving  parents  marrying 
while  their  children  are  inmates  of  the  Home,  or  otherwise 
becoming  able  to  provide  for  such  children,  their  removal 
will  be  expected  and  required. 

22nd.  Control  and  education  of  children.  When  chil- 
dren shall  become  inmates  of  the  Home,  they  shall  be  re- 
garded as  belonging  to  the  Home ;  and  the  Board  of  Trustees 
shall  have  and  exercise  the  same  rights  and  privileges  that 
belong  to  a  parent  in  reference  to  the  maintenance,  educa- 
tion, control  and  general  welfare  of  the  children  until  they 


Orphans'  Home.  637 

become  of  age;  provided,  that  children  may  be  admitted 
temporarily  at  the  discretion  of  the  Board  of  Trustees. 

23rd.    Object  of  education — Work  of  the  Home.     The 

object  will  be  to  teach  every  child  to  be  industrious  and 
self-reliant,  and  to  place  within  his  or  her  reach  some  tangi- 
ble means  of  support;  and  from  the  beginning,  and  during 
the  entire  period  of  residence  at  the  Home,  each  child  will 
be  expected  and  required  to  perform  his  or  her  share  of  the 
work  of  the  Home,  the  part  or  share  to  be  determined  by 
the  age,  sex  and  ability  of  the  child. 

24th.  Placing  children  in  individual  homes.  If  desired 
by  friends  or  Lodges,  placing  children  in  the  I.  O.  0.  F. 
Orphans'  Home,  children  will  be  placed  in  individual  homes, 
as  such  are  found  to  admit  them ;  and  the  strictest  care  will 
be  exercised  in  the  selection  of  these  homes;  and  they  will, 
as  occasion  requires,  be  visited  by  some  one  designated  by 
the  Board  of  Trustees;  and  if  at  any  time,  such  individual 
homes  are  found  to  be  not  satisfactory,  then  the  Board  of 
Trustees  shall  have  power,  and  it  shall  be  its  duty,  to  re- 
claim the  children. 

In  all  cases  where  children  of  the  Home  are  by  mutual 
consent  placed  in  private  homes,  the  family  claiming  the 
child  or  children  must  pay  the  cost  of  transportation. 

25th.  Misrepresentation.  If  after  any  child  shall  have 
been  admitted  to  the  Orphans*  Home,  it  shall  be  established 
that  such  admission  was  obtained  through  misrepresenta- 
tion or  through  some  concealment  of  facts,  which  if  known 
would  have  rendered  him  or  her  inadmissible,  the  same 
shall  be  discharged  and  sent  back  by  the  Trustees. 

26th.  Rules  of  discipline.  Upon  the  opening  of  the  Home 
and  at  any  time  thereafter,  as  experience  shall  demonstrate 
the  necessity  therefor,  the  Board  of  Tnistees  shall  prescribe 
and  establish  such  rules  of  discipline  for  the  government  of 
the  officers,  servants  and  children  of  the  Home  as  in  the 
judgment  of  the  Board  may  be  required. 


638  Orphans'  Home. 

27th.  Amendment.  These  general  rules  and  regulations 
may  be  amended  or  added  to  at  any  meeting  of  the  Board, 
by  a  majority  vote  of  all  the  members  present,  provided  that 
such  amendment  or  addition  is  presented  in  writing  by  some 
member  of  the  Board. 

2484.    Additional  rules. 

1st.  Tobacco  and  intoxicating  liquors.  No  child  inmate 
of  the  Home  shall  be  allowed  to  use  tobacco  or  intoxicating 
liquors  in  any  form. 

2nd.  Sabbath.  Each  and  every  child  shall  be  required 
to  observe  the  Sabbath,  to  attend  Sabbath  School  and  to 
learn  some  form  of  prayer. 

3rd.    Staying  away  from  Home  or  leaving  premises.    No 

child  shall  be  permitted  to  stay  away  from  the  Home  over 
night,  or  to  leave  the  premises  without  the  knowledge  or 
consent  of  the  Matron. 

4th.  Places  of  public  amusement.  Children  will  be  per- 
mitted to  attend  places  of  public  amusement,  only  with  the 
consent  of  the  Matron,  and  in  care  of  a  proper  attendant. 

5th.  Gifts  or  presents.  All  gifts  or  presents  to  the  in- 
mates— including  confectionery,  money  or  any  articles  of 
whatsoever  kind — must  be  presented  through  the  office  and 
hands  of  the  Matron. 

6th.  Cooking.  No  cooking  shall  be  allowed  in  any  of  the 
rooms  excepting  the  kitchen  and  nursery. 

7th.  Service  of  meals.  No  meals  shall  be  served  else- 
where than  in  the  dining  room,  excepting  to  inmates  who 
are  unable  by  reason  of  sickness,  or  other  unavoidable  cir- 
cumstance, to  attend  at  regular  meals. 

8th.  Employes  using  intoxicating  liquors.  No  employe, 
or  other  person,  will  be  permitted  to  remain  at  the  Home 
who  uses  alcoholic  or  intoxicating  liquors  of  any  kind. 

9th.  Employes  leaving  premises.  No  regular  employe 
of  the  Home  shall  be  permitted  to  leave  the  premises  with- 
out the  knowledge  and  consent  of  the  Matron. 


Pardon— Parties.  639 

10th.  Extra  services.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  all  em- 
ployed, regularly,  at  the  Home,  to  render  ready  assistance 
and  support  to  any  extra  service  that  may  from  time  to 
time  be  required. 

11th.  American  flag.  Our  country's  flag  shall  float  over 
our  Orphans'  Home  on  all  fair  days. 

2485.  Application  for  admission  and  certificates.  The 
Board  of  Trustees  have  prescribed  a  form  of  application  for 
admission  to  the  I.  0.  O.  F.  Orphans'  Home,  and  forms  of 
certificate  of  deceased  father's  and  deceased  mother's 
standing  in  Lodge,  and  of  examining  physician's  certificate. 
(See  Form  No.  11  and  Form  No.  12  and  Form  No.  13  of  the 
Forms  affixed  to  this  Digest.) 

PARLIAMENTARY  LAW  AND  RULES. 

(See  Order,  Rules  and  Questions  of.) 

PARAPHERNALIA. 

(See  Work  of  the  Order.) 

PARDON. 

2486.  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Lodge.  There  is  no  pro- 
vision of  law  investing  the  Grand  Master  or  the  Grand 
Lodge  with  pardoning  power. — 1889  Journal,  32,  122,  163. 

PARTIES. 

2487.  When  not  held  without  permission.  Lodges  are 
prohibited  from  giving  parties  where  regalia,  emblems,  or 
name  of  the  Order  will  be  worn,  assumed,  or  used,  without 
first  obtaining  the  consent  of  the  Grand  Master,  and  upon 
direct  promise  that  no  intoxicating  beverages  shall  be 
offered  to  members  or  guests.— 1892  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13067, 
13156.  No  Lodge  shall  permit  the  use  of  any  spirituous  or 
malt  liquors  at  any  entertainment  given  by  the  Lodge  or 
held  in  the  name  of  the  Order. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  X,  Sec.  4. 

(See  Dispensations;  Liquors;  Anniversary;  Dancing; 
Funds.) 


640  Passwords. 

PASSWORDS. 

1.  Language  of  Passwords,  page  64:0. 

2.  Annual  Traveling  Password,  page  640. 

3.  Semi-Annual  Password,  page  646. 

1.     LANGUAGE  OF  PASSWORDS. 

2488.  Must  be  written,  spelled,  spoken  and  pronounced  in 
English.  The  signs,  grips  and  passwords  of  the  Order  are 
designed  to  speak  one  universal  language  to  the  initiated 
of  every  nationality  the  world  over.  Therefore  the  Annual 
Traveling  Password  and  all  other  passwords  are  not  to  be 
translated  into  any  other  language,  or  written,  spoken  or 
spelled  other  than  as  they  are  written,  spelled  and  pro- 
nounced in  the  English  language.  The  different  nations  must 
learn*  to  give  them  the  one  universal  sound  as  nearly  as  pos- 
sible, so  that  the  sound  of  the  word  will  be  as  familiar  to  the 
ear  as  the  signs  are  to  the  eye,  or  the  grip  to  the  touch  of  the 
hand,  to  the  end  that  an  Odd  Fellow  of  any  country  may 
be  known  and  recognized  in  any  part  of  the  habitable  globe 
as  a  brother.  The  language  used  in  describing  and  ex- 
plaining the  use,  meaning  and  manner  of  performing  the 
signs,  grips,  etc.,  may  be  in  the  tongue  of  the  peoples  in 
which  the  Lodges  are  working. — 1878  Journal,  7532,  7759, 
7831 ;  1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  24,  365,  394. 

2489.  Initiation  in  language  of  applicant — Passwords. 
When  the  Ritual  has  been  translated  from  the  English  into 
another  language,  a  Lodge  working  in  that  language,  in 
initiating  a  candidate  in  that  language,  must,  however,  com- 
municate the  passwords  in  English,  the  universal  language 
for  expressing  the  sounds  of  such  symbolical  words. — 1890 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11895,  12217,  12281. 

2.     ANNUAL  TRAVELING  PASSWORD. 

2490.  When  Lodge  entitled  to.  It  shall  be  the  duty  ol 
the  Grand  Master  or  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  to  with- 
hold the  Annual  Traveling  Password  and  Semi-Annual 
Password   until   such   returns    (Semi-Annual    and    Annual 


Passwords. 


641 


Reports)  are  made  and  the  amount  due  the  Grand  Lodge 
paid. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  XI,  Sec.  4. 

Secretary  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  to  communicate  in  cipher 
on  or  before  the  first  day  of  De- 
cember of  each  year  to  the  Grand 
Secretaries,  to  all  District  Grand 


XoTE. — The  Annual  Traveling 
Password  is  for  the  protection  of 
the  Order,  and  is  one  of  the  tests 
by  which  traveling  brothers  are 
tried.  It  is  selected  by  the  Grand 
Sire,  is  changed  annually,  and 
goes  into  use  on  the  first  day  of 
January  in  each  year — (S.  G.  L. 
Digest,  1847,  pages  34,  25).  It 
shall  be  the  dutv  of    the    Grand 


Sires,  and  to  the  Grand  Secre- 
taries of  all  foreign  jurisdictions, 
the  Annual  Traveling  Password 
and  the  Annual  Password — (1902 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  931,  980,  1002). 


2491.  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand.  The  Noble  Grand 
and  Vice-Grand  are  to  be  privately  put  in  possession  of  it 
at  the  time  of  their  installation. — By-Laws  of  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  XXV. 

2492.  When  Visiting  Card  and  oflacial  certificate  are 
authority  for  communicating  passwords.  The  possession  of 
a  Visiting  Card,  the  date  of  which  extends  to  a  date  later 
than  when  the  same  is  presented,  or  an  official  certificate 
for  dues  paid  to  a  date  later  than  that  when  the  same  is 
presented,  properly  signed  and  sealed,  is  sufficient,  proper 
and  legal  authority  for  any  Noble  Grand  or  Noble  Grand  of 
a  Rebekah  Lodge,  upon  proper  identification,  to  communi- 
r'Ete  to  the  holder  thereof  the  Annual  Traveling  Password 
or  the  Annual  Password  of  the  Rebekah  Degree  (as  the 
case  may  be).  All  laws  in  conflict  therewith  are  repealed. 
--1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  344,  374. 

Note. — The  Grand  Sire,  in  No- 
vember, 1905,  rendered  decision 
that  a  member  of  a  Lodge  in  Cali- 
fornia who  in  sojourning  in  Ger- 
many  and   who  desires   to  obtain 


i   Visiting  Card   and  the   Annual 

Traveling    Password    so    that    he 

mar    visit    Lodges    in    Germany, 

obtain  an  order  for  the  An- 

Traveling  Password  as   well 

'    Visiting    Card,    from    his 

1 '-ii^e,  to  obtain  in  Germany  such 

41 


Annual  Traveling  Password,  and 
that  in  view  of  the  charters 
granted  by  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  to  Independent  or  quasi 
Independent  Grand  Lodges  and 
the  international  relations  exist- 
ing between  these  Independent  or 
quasi  Independent  Grand  Lodges 
and  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge — 
(1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  855  to 
864,  884,  and  1900  8.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 025  to  940),  the  Visiting  Card 


642  Passwords. 

and    the    order    for    the    Annual  circumstances.       TheSe     decisions 

Traveling      Password      are      the  are  subject  to  the  approval  of  the 

proper    and    only    means    required  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  at  its  ses- 

and  permitted  by  such  relations  to  sion  in  September,  1906.     See  also 

obtain    such    password    under    the  Section  1675  of  this  Digest. 

2493.  Brother  from  another  jurisdiction.  A  Visiting 
Card  or  official  certificate  paid  to  a  date  later  than  when 
presented  and  properly  executed  is  authority  for  communi- 
cating to  the  holder  from  another  jurisdiction  the  Annual 
Traveling  Password,  if  he  passes  a  satisfactory  examination. 
—1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  534,  752,  820. 

2494.  Brother  of  this  jurisdiction.  The  Noble  Grand 
has  the  right  to  give  the  current  Traveling  Password  to  a 
brother  in  this  jurisdiction  on  an  official  certificate,  if  the 
official  certificate  shows  that  the  dues  are  paid  to  a  date 
later  than  that  at  which  it  is  presented. — 1900  Journal,  26, 
226,  237. 

2495.  Must  pay  dues  in  advance.  Only  brothers  who 
pay  dues  in  advance  are  entitled  to  the  Annual  Traveling 
Password  upon  obtaining  official  certificate. — 1899  S.  G.  L, 
Journal,  17,  365,  394. 

'2496.    Visiting   Card   or   oflacial   certificate   signed.      A 

Noble  Grand  has  authority  to  communicate  the  Annual 
Traveling  Password  to  the  holder  of  an  official  certificate 
or  Visiting  Card  showing  dues  paid  in  advance,  though  the 
holder  may  have  signed  the  same  prior  to  its  presentation 
to  the  Noble  Grand.— 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  28,  360,  371, 
372. 

2497.  Proper  password  to  communicate.  A  Noble  Grand 
should  give  to  a  brother  with  a  card  or  official  certificate 
the  Annual  Traveling  Password  current  at  the  time  of  pre- 
sentation; provided,  the  card  or  certificate,  as  the  case  may 
be,  covers  a  period  which  extends  to  a  later  date. — 1901 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  28,  404,  416. 

2498.  An  expired  official  certificate.  A  brother  pre- 
senting an  official  certificate  showing  his  dues  paid  to  a  day 


i 


\ 


Passwords.  643 

prior  to  the  date  of  such  presentation  is  not  qualified  to 
receive,  and  the  Noble  Grand  of  the  Lodge  he  desires  to 
visit  has  no  right  to  communicate,  any  password  to  him. — 
1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  25,  284,  314. 

2499.  Withdrawal  Card  and  proper  password.  A 
brother  holding  a  Withdrawal  Card  is  entitled  to  the  An- 
nual Traveling  Password  in  use  at  the  time  the  card  was 
granted,  and  retains  the  right  to  visit  on  that  word  for  one 
year,  and  cannot  visit  on  any  other  word. — 1857  Journal, 
249,  273 ;  1860  Journal,  10,  86 ;  1861  Journal,  127,  177. 

Note. — If  a  brother,  applying  ing  of  such  card,  to  transmit  the 
for  a  final  card,  be  absent  from  same  to  the  brother,  and  also  send 
the  location  of  his  Lodge,  so  that  therewith  an  order  for  the  pass- 
he  cannot  obtain  the  Annual  word — (1847  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
Traveling  Password  with  his  card  1029,  1058;  18G3  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
in  person,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  3560). 
the  proper  officers  upon  the  grant- 

2500.  The  same.  A  brother  granted  a  Withdrawal  Card 
October  28,  1893,  is  entitled  to  the  Traveling  Password 
which  was  in  force  on  the  date  at  which  he  was  granted 
the  card.  He  is  not  entitled  to  the  password  for  1894. — 
1895  Journal,  23,  195,  196,  236. 

2501.  When  Noble  Grand  must  communicate.  A  Noble 
Grand  cannot  refuse  to  communicate  the  Annual  Traveling 
Password  to  a  brother  presenting  a  duly  authenticated 
order  therefor  from  a  Lodge  in  some  other  jurisdiction, 
when  he  knows,  or  it  is  shown  by  allegation  of  a  member, 
that  the  brother  presenting  the  order  has  ceased  to  be 
worthy.— 1857  Journal,  262,  266,  278. 

Note. — A  Noble  Grand  cannot  re-  a    brother    committing    a    felony 

fuse  to  confer  the  Annual  Travel-  after  date  of  the  letter  of  request 

ing  Password  upon  a  brother  who  and  before  presentation,  in  which 

presents  his  traveling  card,  with  a  Noble  Grand  would  feel  himself 

a  letter  of  request  to  that  effect  justified    in    declining    to    comply 

from  hiH   Lodge,   both    under  seal  with  the  request — (1853  S.  G.  L. 

and   in   due   form   of   law,   except  Journal,  2140,  2177). 
there  might  be  an  extreme  case  of 

2502.  Degree  Masters  an(J  certain  Noble  Grands  have  no 
right  to  it.    The  Degree  Master  of  a  Degree  Lodge  and  the 


644  Passwords. 

Noble  Grand  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  have  no  right  to  receive 
the  Annual  Traveling  Password.  This  word  should  never 
be  used  in  Rebekah  Lodges.— 1874  Journal,  21,  104,  117; 
1880  Journal,  258,  359,  375. 

2503.  Insane  brother.  An  insane  brother  is  not  entitled 
to  the  Annual  Traveling  Password. — 1885  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
9853,  10105,  10176. 

2504.  Past  Grands.  Past  Grands  are  not  entitled  to  the 
Annual  Traveling  Password. — 1856  Journal,  222. 

2505.  To  examine  a  visiting  brother.  The  Noble  Grand 
has  no  authority  to  communicate  the  Annual  Traveling 
Password  to  a  Past  Grand  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  him 
to  make  the  necessary  examination  of  a  visiting  brother. — 
1884  Journal,  20,  116,  153. 

2506.  What  officer  may  communicate  it.  The  Noble 
Grand  or  presiding  officer  (other  than  the  Right  Supporter 
to  the  Noble  Grand,  temporarily  occupying  the  chair) 
should  communicate  the  Annual  Traveling  Password. — 1899 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  23,  365,  394. 

2507.  Noble  Grand  cannot    delegate    his    power.      The 

Noble  Grand  must  communicate  the  Annual  Traveling  Pass- 
word personally  to  a  visitor  who  he  is  satisfied  is  entitled 
to  it.  He  cannot  direct  a  member  of  the  Examining  Com- 
mittee to  communicate  it  to  the  visitor.  Such  power  cannot 
be  delegated.— 1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  531,  978,  1002;  1899 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  23,  365,  394. 

2508.  Holder  of  Withdrawal  Card  from  extinct  Lodge. 
Where  a  Withdrawal  Card  is  sent  to  a  brother,  and  not 
accompanied  with  an  order  for  the  Annual  Traveling  Pass- 
word, and  the  Lodge  thereafter  surrenders  its  charter,  the 
Grand  Master  can  give  the  brother  the  Annual  Traveling 
Password.— 1880  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8211,  8337,  8440. 

2509.  Defunct  Lodges — Withdrawal  Cards — Certificates. 
A  member  of  a  defunct  Lodge  who  was  entitled  to  a  With- 
drawal Card  at  the  time  of  the  surrender  of  its  charter,  is 


) 


Passwords.  645 

entitled  to  a  Withdrawal  Card  from  the  Grand  Lodge 
through  its  proper  oflScers  if  he  applies  therefor  within  one 
year  after  the  surrender  of  its  charter.  If  he  applies  after 
one  year  from  the  date  of  such  surrender  a  defunct  certifi- 
cate may  be  issued  to  him.  The  holder  of  such  certificate  is 
not  entitled  to  the  Annual  Traveling  Password. — 1900 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  514,  827.  828,  873;  1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
513,  827,  873:  1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal.  514,  827,  873:  1899 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  251,  319,  320,  353;  1885-1890  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 9853,  10105,  12177,  12273. 

(See  Sections  806  and  807.) 

2510.  What  ATiTinal  Traveling  Password  used  with  With- 
drawal Card.  A  brother  visiting  a  Lodge  on  a  Withdrawal 
Card  can  only  uSe  the  Annual  Traveling  Password  in  use  at 
the  time  his  card  was  granted. — 1860  Journal,  10,  86;  1862 
Journal,  290:  1863  Journal.  432,  433. 

Xaic — If  a   brother  holding  a  again   communicate   the   word   to 

Withdrawal  Card  forget   the   An-  the   brother   on    the    presentation 

nual     Traveling     Password,     the  of  the  card  within  one  rear  from 

Xoble  Grand   of   the   Lodge   from  its  date — (1875  S.  G.  L.  Joomal, 

which    he   withdrew   has    the    au-  6558,  6591). 
thority,    and    it    is   his    duty    to 

2511.  Order  for  Annual  Traveling  Password  and  With- 
drawal Card.  A  brother  who  takes  a  Withdrawal  Card  and 
asks  for  an  order  for  the  Annual  Traveling  Password,  is 
entitled  to  it.— 1894  Journal,  604,  731,  771. 

2512.  Order  for  ATmna.1  Traveling  Password.  An  order 
for  the  Annual  Traveling  Password  must  be  properly  at- 
tested and  under  seal  of  the  Lodge  giving  the  order. — 1857 
Journal,  262,  270.  291 ;  1858  Journal,  333 :  1861  Journal,  180. 

2513.  Order  for  Aimual  Traveling  Password.  (See  Form 
No.  16  of  the  Forms  affixed  to  this  Digest.) 

2514.  Cards  and  order  for  passwords.  Orders  for  the 
Annual  Traveling  Password  should  not  be  endorsed  on  cards. 
—1855  Journal.  103.  119.  136. 


I 


646  Passwords. 

2515.  OflBcial  certificate  as  order  for  password.  Official 
certificate  showing  dues  paid  to  a  date  later  than  when 
presented,  signed  by  Noble  Grand  and  attested  by  Secretary, 
with  seal  of  Lodge  is,  per  se,  an  order  for  the  Annual 
Traveling  Password  on  continent  of  North  Amet-ica 
upon  identification.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  20,  365,  394. 

3.     SEMI-ANNUAL  PASSWORD. 

2516.  When  Lodge  not  entitled  to  password.  It  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  Grand  Master  or  District  Deputy  Grand  Mas- 
ter to  withhold  the  Annual  Traveling  Password  and  Semi- 
Annual  Password  until  such  returns  (Semi-Annual  and 
Annual  Reports)  are  made  and  the  amount  due  the  Grand 
Lodge  paid. 

Note.— The    Semi-Annual    Pass-  S.    G.   L.    Journal,     2144,    2175). 

word   is   determined  upon  by   the  The  officers  of  Subordinate  Lodges 

Grand  Master,  who  communicates  shall    not   be    furnished   with   the 

it  to  the   District  Deputy   Grand  Semi-Annual  Password,  unless  the 

Master,   who   in  turn   gives   it   to  reports    and   returns    and   moneys 

the  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand  due  from  the  Lodge  to  the  Grand 

of   the    Lodge.      A   brother    must  Lodge  be  actually  made  and  placed 

give   the    term    password   to    the  in  the  hands  of  the  proper  officer, 

acting     Warden,     although     that  or  be   actually   in   transit   to   the 

officer  is  not  in  his  regalia.     It  is  proper  destination — (1856  S.  G.  L. 

sufficient    if    the    presiding    officer  Journal,  2643,  2677). 
recognize    him    as  Warden — (1853 

2517.  Reports,  assessments,  taxes — Oflacers  not  elected. 
If  a  Lodge  have  made  out  its  reports  and  paid  its  assess- 
ments and  per  capita  tax,  it  is  entitled  to  the  passwords, 
although  it  has  failed  to  elect  officers  for  the  ensuing  term. — 
1896  Journal,  408,  588,  629. 

2518.  When  a  Visiting  Card  or  official  certificate  is 
authority  for  communicating  password.  When  the  holder  of 
a  Visiting  Card,  the  date  of  which  extends  to  a  date  later 
than  when  the  same  is  presented  or  of  an  official  certificate 
for  dues  paid  to  a  date  later  than  that  when  the  same  is 
presented,  properly  signed  and  sealed,  is  a  member  of  a 
Lodge  or  Rebekah  Lodge  in  the  same  jurisdiction  as  the 
Lodge  or  Rebekah  Lodge,  to  which  the  said  Visiting  Card 


Passwords.  647 

or  official  certificate  is  presented,  then  and  in  that  event 
the  Noble  Grand  or  Noble  Grand  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  upon 
proper  identification,  is  authorized  to  communicate  to  the 
holder  of  said  Visiting  Card  or  official  certificate  the  Semi- 
Annual  Password  (as  the  case  may  require).  All  laws  in 
conflict  therewith  are  repealed.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  344, 
374;  1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  24,  365,  394;  1904  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 534,  752,  820. 

Note. — Special     Visiting     Card      members.     See  Section  795. 
provided     for     non  -  contributing 

2519.  Visiting  Card  — Official  Certificate  —  Semi- Annual 
Password.  An  official  certificate  or  Visiting  Card  paid  to 
a  date  later  than  when  presented  and  properly  executed  is 
authority  for  the  Noble  Grand  of  any  jurisdiction  to  commu- 
nicate to  the  holder  thereof  of  the  same  jurisdiction  the 
Semi-Annual  Password  if  he  passes  a  satisfactory  examina- 
tion and  does  not  authorize  the  communication  of  the  same 
to  a  brother  of  a  different  jurisdiction. — 1904  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 534,  752,  820;  1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  16,  365,  394. 

2520.  Semi-Annual   Password — Official   certificate.     The 

Noble  Grand  has  the  right  to  give  the  Semi-Annual  Password 
to  a  brother  in  this  jurisdiction  on  an  official  certificate  for 
dues  without  an  order  for  the  same,  if  the  official  certificate 
shows  that  the  dues  are  paid  to  a"  date  later  than  that  at 
which  it  is  presented.— 1900  Journal,  26,  221,  237. 

2521.  Admission  to  Lodge  on  official  certificate.  A 
brother  in  this  jurisdiction  is  not  entitled  to  sit  in  the  Lodge, 
not  his  own,  without  the  Semi-Annual  Password,  though  pre- 
senting an  official  certificate  for  dues  paid  in  advance. — 
1900  Journal,  26,  27,  221,  237. 

2522.  The  same.  The  Noble  Grand  has  not  the  right  to 
admit  a  brother  not  a  member  of  his  Lodge  on  an  official 
certificate  paid  in  advance,  without  giving  him  the  pass- 
word.—1900  Journal,  27,  221,  237. 

2523.  An  expired  official  certificate.  A  brother  pre- 
senting an  official  certificate  showing  dues  paid  to  a  date 


648  Passwords. 

prior  to  the  date  when  presented  is  not  entitled  to  receive 
the  Semi-Anniial  Password  from  the  Noble  Grand  of  the 
Lodge  he  visits.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31,  284,  314. 

2524.  Who  entitled  to  use.  No  brother  is  entitled  to  use 
the  Semi-Annual  Password,  except  a  contributing  member 
of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  in  his  own  State  jurisdiction. — 1857 
Journal,  10,  86. 

2525.  When  brother  not  entitled  to  word.  A  Lodge  can- 
not provide  in  its  By-Laws  that  a  member  shall  be  entitled 
to  the  Semi-Annual  Password,  and  to  vote  in  the  Lodge  until 
he  is  twenty-six  weeks  in  arrears  for  dues.  The  limit  is  thir- 
teen weeks  by  law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  and  the 
Lodge  cannot  change  it. — 1888  Journal,  1026,  1111,  1130. 

Note. — A  member  of  a  Subordi-  thirteen  weeks  is  not  entitled  to 
nate  Lodge  who  is  in  arrears  for  the  term  password — ( 1877  S.  G.  L. 
weekly  or  funeral  dues  more  than      Journal,  7505 ) . 

2526.  Password  forgotten  and  arrears.  A  brother  had 
the  password  communicated  to  him;  he  forgot  it.  After  he 
was  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears,  he  applied  tc  the  Noble  Grand 
to  have  it  re-communicated,  which  the  Noble  Grand  declined 
to  do.  Held,  he  was  right  in  refusing. — 1889  Journal,  28, 
122,  163. 

2527.  More  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears.  The  Noble 
Grand  should  not  communicate  the  password  to  any  member 
who  is  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  dues  at  the 
time  he  asks  for  the  word.— 1897  Journal,  808,  994,  1034. 

2528.  In  good  standing  and  then  in  arrears.  A  brother 
who  is  in  good  standing  on  January  1st,  and  does  not  obtain 
the  password,  and  afterwards,  during  the  term,  becomes 
more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  weekly  dues,  is  not 
entitled  to  the  password,  and  will  not  be  so  long  as  he  re- 
mains over  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears. — 1895  Journal,  22,  195, 
196,  236. 

2529.  Thirteen  weeks  in  arrears.  A  brother  who  owes 
thirteen  weeks'  dues  at  the  end  of  the  term,  is  not  entitled 


Passwords.  649 

to  the  password  at  the  beginning  of  the  new  term,  because  he 
would  be  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  when  the 
officers  are  installed.— 1885  Journal,  288,  403,  432. 

2530.  The  same.  The  length  of  time  for  which  a  brother 
shall  be  in  arrears  for  weekly  or  funeral  dues,  before  he  can 
be  deprived  of  the  Semi-Annual  Password,  is  clearly  fixed 
by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  at  more  than  thirteen  weeks, 
and  provisions  to  that  effect  are  inserted  in  nearly  all  the 
By-Laws  in  this  jurisdiction.  Hence,  a  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  who  pays  his  dues  up  to  October  15th,  is  enti- 
tled to  receive  the  Semi-Annual  Password  from  the  Grand 
Master  for  the  term  commencing  the  following  January. — 
1886  Journal,  653,  662. 

2531.  More  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears.  The  phrase, 
**who  is  in  arrears  for  weekly  or  funeral  dues  more  than 
thirteen  weeks,''  means  ''who  owes  more  than  thirteen 
weeks'  weekly  or  funeral  dues."  Hence,  a  brother  who  had 
paid  his  dues  to  December  31,  1878,  was  more  than  thirteen 
weeks  in  arrears  after  the  1st  day  of  April,  1879,  if  he  had 
made  no  further  payment,  and  therefore  not  entitled  to  the 
term  password.— 1879  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7909,  8072,  8173 ;  1877 
Journal,  7505. 

2532.  Old  word  used  until  after  installation.  The  old 
Semi-Annual  Password  should  be  used  in  the  Lodge  until  the 
new  officers  are  installed. — 1884  Journal,  18,  116,  153. 

2533.  When  visitors  use  old  term  word.  If  the  officers  of 
a  Subordinate  Lodge  be  installed  at  the  commencement  of 
a  regular  term  by  a  Past  Grand  or  Noble  Grand,  and  do  not 
receive  the  password  of  the  term,  said  Lodge  can  permit 
members  of  a  Lodge,  whose  officers  have  been  installed  and 
received  the  current  term  word,  to  visit  it,  but  the  old  term 
word  must  be  given  by  the  visiting  brother. — 1860  Journal, 
84,  86. 

2534.  Cannot  compel  a  brother  to  receive  it.  It  is  a  vol- 
untary matter  with  a  brother,  after  his  initiation,  to  be  or 
not  to  be  invested  with  the  password,  and  the  Noble  Grand 


650  Passwords. 

has  no  authority  to  compel  a  brother  in  good  standing  to 
receive  the  password  previous  to  opening.  Neither  can  the 
Noble  Grand  deny  a  brother  the  privilege  of  retiring  from 
the  Lodge-room  after  declining  to  obtain  the  password  prior 
to  opening.  However,  should  any  proceedings  to  attempt  to 
compel  a  brother  to  receive  the  password,  or  to  deny  him  the 
privilege  of  retiring  from  the  Lodge-room,  take  place,  while 
they  would  be  irregular,  they  should  appear  in  the  minutes 
as  part  of  the  transactions  of  the  Lodge. — 1876  Journal,  392, 
474,  508. 

2535.  Warden  and  ante-room.  The  Warden  should  go 
into  the  ante-room,  at  opening  of  the  Lodge,  and  take  up  the 
Semi-Annual  Password  from  the  brothers  in  the  ante-room. — 
1893  Journal,  422,  424;  1894  Journal,  604,  731,  771. 

2536.  Conductor  may  assist  Warden.  By  direction  of  the 
Noble  Grand,  the  Conductor  may  assist  the  Warden  in  taking 
up  the  password.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31,  365,  394. 

2537.  Warden  communicating  password.  The  Noble 
Grand  can  authorize  the  Warden  to  communicate  the  pass- 
word to  a  brother  in  the  Lodge-room  entitled  to  it. — 1903 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  27,  284,  314. 

2538.  Noble  Grand  and  Warden.  In  examination  prior 
to  opening,  the  Warden  should  receive  the  password  from 
the  Noble  Grand.— 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  371,  372. 

2539.  Past  Grand  or  Vice-Grand  acting  as  Noble  Grand. 
A  Past  Grand  while  acting  as  Noble  Grand  in  the  absence 
of  that  officer,  and  the  Vice-Grand  while  so  acting  in  Noble 
Grand's  absence,  can  communicate  the  Semi-Annual  Pass- 
word to  members.— 1897  Journal,  845,  994,  1034. 

2540.  Vice-Grand  imparting  password.  The  Vice-Grand, 
as  such,  has  no  right  under  any  circumstances  to 
communicate  the  password ;  but  if  for  any  reason  he  be  act- 
ing as  Noble  Grand,  he  has  the  same  power  as  the  Noble 
Grand.  The  Noble  Grand  may  empower  the  Vice-Grand  to 
do  so,  but  it  must  be  communicated  in  the  room  and  only  on 


r 


Passwords.  651 

the  evening  on  which  the  power  is  given. — 1888  Journal, 
1022,  1111,  1130. 

2541.  Right  Supporter  of  Noble  Grand.  The  Right  Sup- 
porter of  the  Noble  Grand  temporarily  occupying  the  Noble 
Grand's  chair,  has  no  right  to  authorize  a  brother  to  confer 
the  term  password  upon  another  brother  of  the  same  Lodge 
to  enable  him  to  visit  other  Lodges. — 1868  Journal,  4240, 
4374,  4404,  4414,  4430. 

2542.  Financial  Secretary  may  communicate.  A  Finan- 
cial Secretary  has  the  right  to  communicate  the  Semi-Annual 
Password  to  a  brother  in  good  standing  when  requested  to 
do  so  by  the  Noble  Grand ;  but  only  at  the  meeting  at  which 
that  request  is  made. — 1863  Journal,  422. 

2543.  Noble  Grand-elect  not  installed.  Where  the  Dis- 
trict Deputy  Grand  Master  installs  all  the  officers  except  the 
Noble  Grand-elect,  who  is  absent,  he  should  give  the  pass- 
words to  the  Noble  Grand  and  to  the  installed  Vice-Grand, 
and  install  the  Noble  Grand-elect  later,  for  the  Noble  Grand 
holds  until  the  installation  of  his  successor.  The  Noble  Grand 
having  the  password,  may  give  it  to  members. — 1897  Journal, 
845,  994,  1034. 

2544.  District  Deputy  Grand  Master.  A  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  has  no  right  to  give  the  passwords  to  members 
as  a  District  Deputy  Grand  Master.  He  can  only  give  them 
to  the  Noble  Grand  and  the  Vice-Grand  who  are  installed. — 
1897  Journal,  809,  994,  1034. 

2545.  The  same.  A  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  has  no 
right  to  give  the  new  Semi-Annual  Password  to  the  retiring 
Noble  Grand  before  or  after  installation,  unless  it  be  for  the 
purpose  of  allowing  him  to  install  the  officers  of  the  Lodge, 
in  the  absence  of  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master. — 1897 
Journal,  809,  994,  1034. 

2546.  Non-contributing  member  entitled  to  password.  A 
member  over  sixty  years  of  age,  who  has  been  a  contributing 
member  for  twenty-five  consecutive  years,  cannot  be  sus- 


652  Passwords. 

pended  for  non-payemnt  of  dues,  but  shall  be  retained  as  a 
non-beneficial  member,  and  as  such  is  entitled  to  the  pass- 
word and  fellowship  of  the  Lodge. — 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
294,  392,  414 ;  1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1012 ;  Constitution  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  1,  Clause  1. 

2547.  Inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home.  A  brother  an  in- 
mate, while  at  the  Home  is  entitled  to  the  Semi-Annual  Pass- 
word.—1897  Journal,  807,  994,  1034. 

2548.  Inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home — Order  for  pass- 
word. The  Kecording  Secretary  shall,  immediately  after  the 
installation  of  officers  of  his  Lodge  at  the  commencement  of 
each  term,  forward  an  order  for  the  Semi-Annual  Password 
to  each  member  of  his  Lodge  who  is  an  inmate  of  the  Odd 
Fellows'  Home. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  3. 

2549.  Noble  Grands  who  may  give  passwords  upon  orders 
for  same.  The  law  that  a  Noble  Grand  of  a  Lodge  may  give 
the  Semi-Annual  Password  to  a  brother  of  another  Lodge 
upon  the  written  request  of  the  Noble  Grand,  under  seal  of 
the  Lodge  of  which  said  brother  is  a  member,  applies  only 
to  the  Noble  Grands  in  the  same  jurisdiction,  and  not  to 
those  in  different  jurisdictions. — 1875  S.  G  L.  Journal,  6350, 
6619,  6692 ;  1857  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2826,  2832. 

2550.  Noble  Grand  gives  order  for  Semi-Annual  Password 
without  vote.  It  is  not  necessary  that  a  vote  should  be  taken 
by  the  Lodge  and  entered  upon  the  journal  before  the  Noble 
Grand  can  authorize  any  Noble  Grand  of  this  jurisdiction  to 
invest  a  brother  of  his  Lodge  with  the  Semi-Annual  Password 
while  the  brother  is  absent  from  his  own  Lodge;  provided, 
he  be  entitled  to  the  same. — 1866  Journal,  199,  216. 

2551.  When  order  for  password  must  be  used.  The  Semi- 
Annual  Password  cannot  legally  be  communicated  by  the 
Noble  Grand  of  the  Lodge  to  a  brother  at  a  distance  by  an- 
other brother.  It  must  be  communicated  by  order  for  the 
password,  and  the  official  certificates  and  Visiting  Cards  are 
per  se  orders  for  the  password  in  the  cases  provided  or  pre- 


Passwords.  653 

scribed  in  Sections  2492,  2493,  2494  and  2515  of  this  Digest. 
—1887  Journal,  770,  875,  888. 

2552.  Order  for,  under  seal  and  attested.  All  orders  for 
passwords  must  be  properly  attested  and  under  seal  of  the 
Lodge  giving  the  order.— 1893  Journal,  357,  384,  420. 

2553.  Who  entitled  to  order  for.  Only  those  members  in 
good  standing  in  the  Lodge,  who  may  be  at  a  distance  or 
inmates  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  are  entitled  to  orders 
for  the  Semi-Annual  Password.— 1893  Journal,  357,  384,  420 ; 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  3. 

2554.  Order  for  password  beyond  term.  The  Noble 
Grand  and  Secretary  can  issue  an  order  for  the  Semi-Annual 
Password  which  will  extend  beyond  their  term  of  office  and 
be  good  up  to  the  time  the  brother  pays  his  dues. — 1897 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15213,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

2555.  Dues  paid  to  a  particular  date  and  order  for  pass- 
word. A  brother  presenting  an  order  for  the  Semi-Annual 
Password,  showing  dues  paid  to  a  particular  date,  is  entitled 
to  receive  said  password  from  the  Noble  Grand  of  any  Lodge 
at  any  time  within  thirteen  weeks  from  date  to  which  dues 
are  paid.— 1902  Journal,  750,  900,  917. 

2556.  Sending  passwords  by  District  Deputy  Grand  Mas- 
ter. A  District  Deputy  sending  the  password  to  a  Lodge 
that  could  not  afford  to  pay  his  expenses  of  visiting  the 
Lodge  personally  disapproved. — 1896  Journal,  437,  608,  636. 

2557.  Telegraph.  The  Noble  Grand  should  not  commu- 
nicate the  Semi-Annual  Password  to  a  brother  of  another 
Lodge  on  a  telegram  from  the  Noble  Grand  of  the  brother's 
Lodge  stating  he  is  entitled  to  it. — 1897  Journal,  839,  994, 
1034. 

2558.  Grand  Lodge's  power.  State  Grand  Lodges  have 
the  option  to  change  the  password  quarterly,  instead  of  semi- 
annually, when  in  their  opinion  it  shall  be  for  the  interest 
of  the  Order  in  their  respective  jurisdictions. — 1849  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  1518. 


654  Past  Grands. 


When  not  entitled  to  password  may  visit  his  own 
Lodge.  Although  a  member  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  who  is 
in  arrears  for  weekly  or  funeral  dues  more  than  thirteen 
weeks  is  not  entitled  to  the  term  password,  yet  he  is  en- 
titled to  visit  his  own  Lodge  until  dropped,  suspended  or 
expelled.— 1877  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7505. 

2560.  Order  for  Semi- Annual  Password  (See  Form  No. 
15  of  the  Forms  affixed  to  this  Digest.) 

(See  Relief  Committee.) 

PAST  GRANDS. 

2561.  The  rights  of.  State  Grand  Bodies  cannot  deprive 
Past  Grands  of  certain  rights  guaranteed  to  them  by  virtue 
of  their  services  as  officers  of  Subordinates.  Those  rights 
are  to  seats  in  their  Grand  Lodges,  to  vote  for  Grand  Officers, 
and  an  eligibility  to  office;  hence,  a  Grand  Lodge  cannot 
provide  in  its  laws  that  no  person  shall  be  eligible  to  office 
therein  until  he  shall  have  been  a  member  one  year. — 1847- 
1879-1880  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1084,  1119,  8090,  8176-8369, 
8469. 

2562.  Representative  system.  Grand  Lodges  may  adopt 
the  Representative  system,  as  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Cali- 
fornia has,  and  provide  that  Past  Grands  who  are  not  Rep- 
resentatives shall  not  be  entitled  to  or  allowed  to  vote  there- 
on, except  for  the  election  of  officers. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  II,  Sec.  2;  1848-1851  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1321,  1339- 
1756,  1803. 

2563.  Cannot  vote  by  proxy.  Past  Grands,  as  Past 
Grands,  can  have  no  right  to  vote  by  proxy. — 1859  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  3133,  3134. 

(See  Grand  Lodge;  Degrees;  Representatives;  Officers.) 

PAST  GRAND'S  CHARGE. 

(See  Initiation;  Charges  and  Lectures.) 


Petitions— Physician.  655 

PAST  GRAND  MASTERS. 

2564.  Rights  in  Grand  Lodge.  Past  Grand  Masters  of 
this  Grand  Lodge  have  the  right  to  serve  on  committees, 
to  vote  and  to  speak  in  the  Grand  Lodge  and  to  take  part, 
the  same  as  Representatives,  in  the  transaction  of  the  busi- 
ness thereof. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  II,  Sec.  2. 

PENALTIES. 

(See  Trials;  Fines;  Contempt;  Officer.) 

PETITIONS. 

2565.  Committee  on  Petitions  is  a  regular  committee.  It 
is  a  regular  committee  required  to  be  appointed  at  each 
annual  session  from  among  the  members  present. — Consti- 
tution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  2. 

2566.  Duties  of  committee.  The  Committee  on  Petitions 
shall  consist  of  five  members,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  ex- 
amine all  petitions  referred  to  them,  and  report  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  such  action  thereon  as  may  be  proper. — Con- 
stitution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  8. 

2567.  Rights  of  Lodges.  Matters  involving  rights  of 
Lodges  are  not  passed  upon  or  reviewed  by  the  Grand 
Lodge  upon  ex-parte  petitions.  An  appeal  must  be  taken. 
— Memorial  to  Mary  Newman,  1886  Journal,  659,  662 ;  Peti- 
tion of  Chenhall,  1879  Journal,  116. 

(See  Appeals.) 

PHYSICIAN. 

2568.  Engaging  one  for  a  specified  time.  A  Lodge  has 
not  the  right  to  engage  a  physician  for  a  specific  sum  and 
time  to  take  care  of  its  members  during  their  sickness,  un- 
less authorized  by  local  law. — 1895  Journal,  20,  185,  235; 
1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15003,  15087. 

2569.  Election  or  selection  of  one.  Under  the  broad 
authority  delegated  to  Grand  Bodies,  a  State  Grand  Lodge 
can,  by  uniform  constitutional  provisions  for  its  Subordi- 
nates, make  a  physician  an  elective  officer  of  a  Lodge,  or  may 


k 


656  Physician. 

authorize  a  Lodge  to  determine  by  By-Laws  the  manner  in 
which  he  shall  be  selected.  There  certainly  can  be  no  harm 
in  the  election  of  a  physician  by  the  Lodge  or  in  his  selection 
by  the  Relief  Committee,  or  otherwise,  as  the  Constitution 
or  By-Laws  may  determine.  The  object  of  securing  a  physi- 
cian being  for  the  purpose  of  insuring  medical  attention  to 
members  during  sickness,  the  manner  of  choosing  him  is  of 
little  consequence.— 1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11483,  11728, 
11786. 

2570.  Employing  one  for  a  year.  A  Lodge  cannot  legally 
employ  a  physician  to  attend  members  in  good  standing 
and  pay  a  certain  sum  per  member  per  year  out  of  the 
general  fund,  unless  lawfully  authorized  by  local  law. — 
1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15003,  15087. 

2571.  The  same.  It  is  illegal  for  Subordinate  Lodges  to 
pay  out  of  their  funds  to  a  physician  hired  by  the  year, 
unless  authorized  by  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  en- 
acted by  a  Grand  Lodge,  or  by  the  law  of  a  Grand  Lodge. 
—1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15003,  15087,  15046. 

2572.  Epidemic.  Whenever  the  Board  of  Health  of  any 
State,  city,  town  or  village  declares  a  contagious  disease 
to  be  epidemic.  Subordinate  Lodges  and  Encampments, 
either  separately  or  in  conjunction,  may  hire  physicians  to 
attend  such  Odd  Fellows  and  their  families  as  may  be  taken 
sick  during  the  prevalence  of  such  epidemic. — 1897  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  15456,  15529,  15583. 

2573.  Lodge  physician.  A  Grand  Lodge  can,  by  legisla- 
tion, give  its  Subordinates  the  right  to  use  their  funds  to  pay 
a  physician,  who  shall  be  at  the  service  of  all  the  members 
of  his  Lodge.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  18,  284,  314. 

2574.  Fee  for    medical    examination    of    applicant.     A 

Lodge  has  a  right  to  charge  a  fee  for  medical  examination 
of  applicants  for  membership,  and  to  claim  its  forfeiture  in 
case  of  rejection  or  failure  to  be  initiated;  but  this  fee 
should  not  be  a  part  of  the  initiation  fee. — 1879  Journal,  85, 
100. 


Portraits — Prayer. 


657 


2575.  Medical  certificate  of  examination  of  applicant  for 
membership.  (See  Form  No.  19  of  the  Forms  affixed  to  this 
Digest.) 

(See,  also,  Membership.) 

PICNICS. 
(See  Liquors;  Funds;  Sunday;  Anniversary.) 

PORTRAITS. 

2576.  Portraits  of  Grand  Masters.  The  portraits  of 
Grand  Masters  shall  be  made  in  one  style  and  size  and 
placed  in  the  special  keeping  of  the  Grand  Secretary. — 
1876  Journal,  460,  468. 

PRAYER. 

2577.  In  opening  and  closing  Lodge.  It  is  highly  de- 
sirable and  eminently  proper  that  all  Lodges  should  open 
and  close  with  prayer,  but  it  is  not  competent  to  require 
the  performance  of  this  duty  under  penalties. — Collins  vs. 
Yerba  Buena  Lodge,  1856  Journal,  179,  205. 

2578.  Junior  Past  Grand.  A  Lodge  has  no  right  to  make 
it  obligatory  upon  the  Junior  Past  Grand  to  perform  the 
duty  of  Chaplain  to  his  Lodge. — 1856  Journal,  179. 

2579.  It  is  optional.  It  is  not  imperative  on  Subordinate 
Lodges  to  have  the  duties  of  Chaplain  regularly  performed 
in  the  opening  and  closing  ceremonies.  The  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  in  1882  Journal,  9147,  adopted  forms  of  prayer 
to  be  used  in  opening  and  closing,  but  left  the  use  of  them 
optional  with  Subordinate  Grand  Lodges. — 1888  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  11105,  11368,  11396. 

2580.  The  form  prescribed  to  be  used,  if  any.  Grand 
and  Subordinate  Lodges  in  opening  and  closing  must  use 
the  forms  of  prayer  found  on  page  9147,  Revised  Journal, 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  1882,  and  also  in  the  Book  of  Forms 
if  they  use  any.— 1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11772,  11811. 

2581.  Initiation.  Prayer  is  not  part  of  the  work  of  ini- 
tiation in  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  and  therefore  not  admiss- 

42 


658  Trinting— Procession. 

ible.— 1855-1880  S.   G.   L.   Journal,   2491,   2508-8209,   8337, 
8440. 

(See  Fines.) 

PRINTING. 

2582.  Committee  on  Printing  is  a  regular  committee.    A 

regular  Committee  on  Printing  is  required  to  be  appointed  J 
at  each  annual  session  from  among  the  members  present. —  1 
Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  2. 

2583.  Duties  of  committee.  The  Committee  on  Printing 
shall  consist  of  three  members,  consisting  of  the  Grand  Sec- 
retary and  two  members  to  be  appointed  at  each  annual 
session,  of  which  the  Grand  Secretary  shall  be  the  chair- 
man. The  Committee  on  Printing  shall  have  the  power  and 
authority  to  contract  for  all  the  necessary  printing  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  and  for  the  furnishing  of  all  needed  supplies 
for  the  office  of  the  Grand  Secretary,  and  for  all  materials 
and  work  which  may  be  required  in  said  office,  in  such  man- 
ner and  upon  such  terms  as  the  committee  shall  deem  for 
the  best  interest  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  12. 

PROCESSION. 

2584.  Permission  of  Grand  Master  necessary.  This  Lodge 
shall  not  have  a  public  procession  unless  to  attend  the 
funeral  of  a  member  *  *  *  without  permission  of  the 
Grand  Master. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  X,  Sec.  2. 

(See  Regalia;  Anniversary.) 

PROPERTY  OF  THE  LODGE. 

2585.  Deeds  and  mortgages.  Where  a  Lodge  desires  to 
purchase  a  lot  upon  which  to  build  a  hall  the  deed  may  be 
made  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Lodge,  or  a  Hall  Association 
may  be  formed,  or,  by  resolution,  the  Lodge  may  name  some 
one  to  take  the  property  in  trust.  So  where  a  mortgage  is 
taken  by  a  Lodge  to  secure  a  loan  of  Lodge  funds  it  should 
be  taken  in  the  names  of  the  Trustees,  or  some  one  duly 
named  by  the  Lodge  to  take  the  property  in  trust. — 1883 
Journal,  1000,  1150,  1175. 


Property  of  the  Lodge.  659 

2586.    Manner   of   Lodges   acquiring   and   holding  real 

estate.  The  safest,  simplest  and  most  feasible  method  for 
Lodges  to  acquire  and  hold  real  estate  for  Lodge  or  other 
purposes  is  by  and  through  the  intervention  of  a  corpora- 
tion. It  is  recommended  that  a  corporation  be  organized  by 
five  persons,  who  shall  be  members  of  the  Lodge.  The  pur- 
poses of  the  corporation:  (1)  to  buy,  sell  and  deal  in  lands; 
(2)  to  erect  and  manage  halls  and  buildings  for  meetings 
and  accommodations  of  Lodges,  societies  and  benevolent  and 
charitable  orders  or  organizations/ and  in  connection  there- 
with to  lease  halls,  offices  and  stores  in  such  building  or 
buildings  for  other  purposes;  (3)  to  borrow  money  and  for 
that  purpose  mortgage  its  realty.  The  capital  stock  of  the 
corporation,  fifty  shares ;  the  par  value  to  be  fixed  according 
to  the  contemplated  value  of  the  land  to  be  purchased  or 
the  hall  to  be  erected ;  the  duration  of  the  corporation,  fifty 
years.  The  stock  of  said  corporation  can  be  all  issued,  and 
all  of  it,  excepting  one  share  to  each  director,  transferred 
to  and  vested  in  the  Treasurer  or  Trustees  of  the  Lodge,  and 
the  directors  can  each  endorse  his  share  of  stock  and  deliver 
it  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Lodge,  so  that  in  fact  the  Lodge 
will  have  the  possession  and  control  of  all  the  stock  of  the 
corporation.  By-Laws  can  be  adopted  at  the  first  meeting 
of  the  stockholders,  and  amongst  those  By-Laws  shall  be 

(1)  That  none  of  the  property  of  the  corporation  can  be 
sold  without  the  assent  of  the  holder  of  three-fourths  of  the 
shares. 

(2)  No  debt  exceeding  fifty  dollars  can  be  contracted  by 
the  corporation  without  the  consent  of  the  holder  of  three- 
fourths  of  the  shares. 

(3)  No  lease  of  the  property  can  be  made  for  a  longer 
term  than  one  year  without  the  consent  of  the  holder  of 
three-fourths  of  the  shares. 

(4)  The  By-Laws  shall  not  be  altered  or  amended  with- 
x)ut  the  consent  of  the  holder  of  three-fourths  of  the  shares. 
—1899  Journal,  652,  679. 


660  Questions. 

2587.  Sale  of  Lodge  property  and  donation  of  cemetery 
plot.  A  Lodge  has  no  right  to  sell  its  property  and  divide 
its  proceeds  among  its  members,  but  nowhere  is  it  prohibited 
from  selling,  when  the  vote  authorizing  the  same  is  in  ac- 
cordance with  its  By-Laws,  when  by  doing  so  it  can  readily 
be  shown  that  the  interests  of  the  Lodge  and  of  the  Order 
will  be  advanced  by  the  sale.  Under  such  circumstances 
the  Lodge  may  give  or  donate  a  plot  of  ground  in  the  Odd 
Fellows'  Cemetery  belonging  to  the  Lodge  to  a  Post  of  the 
Grand  Army  of  the  Republic. — Holbrook  vs.  San  Lorenzo 
Lodge,  1885  Journal,  291,  388,  420. 

2588.  May  sell  property  to  pay  debts.  Where  a  Lodge  is 
about  to  surrender  its  charter  it  should  pay  off  all  its  debts 
before  surrendering  its  charter,  and  to  that  end  should,  if 
necessary  to  do  so  in  order  to  raise  the  funds,  sell  its  prop- 
erty.—1884  Journal,  21,  116,  153. 

2589.  Defective  mortgage.  Where  a  Lodge  takes  a  mort- 
gage to  secure  a  loan  made  by  it  in  the  name  of  the  Lodge, 
*'a  corporation  duly  organized  and  existing  under  and 
pursuant  to  the  laws  of  the  State  of  California,  and  having 
its  principal  place  of  business  at,"  etc.,  *'the  party  of  the 
second  part,"  and  the  Lodge  has  not  in  fact  incorporated, 
the  mortgage  was  not  properly  drawn  as  to  the  party  of  the 
second  part.  The  Trustees  or  some  one  named  by  the  Lodge 
should  have  been  made  ''party  of  the  second  part."  A 
court  of  equity,  upon  a  proper  showing,  in  an  action  to  fore- 
close the  mortgage  would  correct  the  mistake  and  grant 
proper  relief.— 1883  Journal,  1000,  1150,  1175. 

(See  Funds.) 

PUBLICATIONS. 

(See  Newspapers.) 

QUESTIONS. 

2590.  Grand  Master  not  to  answer  certain  questions. 
The  Grand  Master  shall  not  answer  in  an  official  manner 
questions  of  law  or  usage,  unless  submitted  to  him  by  a 


Questions.  661 

Subordinate  Lodge.    This  does  not  apply  to  the  work  of  the 
Order.— 1877  Journal,  699,  708. 

2591.  The  same — Abstract  questions  upon  hypothetical 
propositions.  Abstract  questions  upon  hypothetical  propo- 
sitions, when  propounded  by  a  member  or  a  Lodge,  without 
a  case  in  fact,  shall  not  be  answered  in  an  official  manner 
by  the  Grand  Master  or  any  of  his  District  Deputies.  All 
such  questions  shall  be  presented  to  the  Grand  Lodge  at 
its  annual  session,  and  shall  be  referred  to  an  appropriate 
committee,  under  the  rule. — 1869  Journal,  89,  115. 

2592.  Hypothetical  questions.  Resolved,  That  this 
Grand  Lodge  will  not  in  the  future,  through  its  Committee 
on  the  State  of  the  Order,  answer  mere  hypothetical  ques- 
tions; that  every  question  to  be  referred  to  said  committee 
shall  be  framed  to  meet  a  particular  case  and  shall  be  ac- 
companied by  a  full  statement  of  the  facts  of  the  case, 
certified  under  the  seal  of  the  Lodge  submitting  the  case, 
and  in  which  it  arose;  that  a  question  so  submitted  and  so 
certified  may  be  forwarded  to  the  Grand  Secretary  at  any 
time,  and  shall  be  by  him  handed  over  to  the  Committee 
on  the  State  of  the  Order,  who  shall  report  their  decision 
thereon  to  this  Grand  Lodge  at  the  first  opportunity  there- 
after.—1875  Journal,  298. 

2593.  Certain  questions  referred  to  Committee  on  State 
of  the  Order.  All  questions  presented  involving  explanation 
of  laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  immediately  referred 
to  the  Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Order,  and  said  com- 
mittee is  instructed  to  report  on  those  only  that  they  deem 
of  sufficient  importance. — 1861  Journal,  169. 

2594.  Questions  must  be  written  and  in  duplicate.  All 
questions  relating  to  the  State  of  the  Order  shall  be  sub- 
mitted in  writing  and  in  duplicate  to  the  Grand  Secretary, 
and  by  that  officer  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Committee 
on  the  State  of  the  Order  for  their  action. — 1864  Journal, 
519. 

2595.  Copy  of  By-Laws  must  accompany  question.  All 
questions  which   may   be   presented   to   this   Grand   Lodge 


6C2  Quorum— Rank. 

wherein  the  By-Laws  of  the  Subordinate,  from  which  such 
question  comes,  have  any  bearing  upon  the  question,  the 
By-Laws  of  such  Lodge  shall  be  presented  with  the  question. 
—1867  Journal,  361 ;  1876  Journal,  493,  508. 

2596.  Certain  questions  not  to  be  entered  on  Journal.  All 

questions  of  usage  and  law  propounded  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
to  be  referred  to  the  proper  committee,  without  being  en- 
tered on  the  Journal,  unless  otherwise  ordered  by  the  Grand 
Lodge.— 1859  Journal,  497. 

QUORUM. 

2597.  Grand  Lodge.  The  Grand  Lodge  cannot  be  opened 
unless  Representatives  from  ten  Lodges  are  present. — Con- 
stitution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  II,  Sec.  6. 

2598.  In  Subordinate  Lodge.  A  quorum  is  all  that  is 
necessary  for  a  Lodge's  action.  A  By-Law  of  a  Lodge 
requiring  more  than  five  members  to  constitute  a  quorum  is 
void,  as  it  is  in  violation  of  Article  I,  Section  1,  of  Constitu- 
tion of  Subordinates,  which  provides,  "This  Lodge  shall 
consist  of  at  least  five  members  of  the  Degree  of  Truth,  in- 
cluding one  qualified  to  preside." — 1856  Journal,  204;  Davis 
vs.  Lafayette  Lodge,  1885  Journal,  377,  412,  413. 

(See  Section  2794.) 

2599.  No  quorum — Must  close.  When  a  Lodge  during 
its  meeting  is  left  without  a  quorum  it  can  do  no  further 
business  and  the  Noble  Grand  should  declare  it  closed  with- 
out ceremony.— 1894  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13782,  14036,  14070. 

(See  Minutes  and  Records;  Fines.) 

RAFFLES. 

(See  Lottery.) 

RANK. 

2600.  Grade  or  title.  Rank  refers  to  the  highest  grade  or 
title  attained.  In  the  designation  of  the  name  and  rank  of 
brethren  of  the  Order,  the  title  or  rank  of  the  brother  shall 


1 


Rebekah  Branch — Receipts — Recess.  6C3 

be  placed  after  instead    of  before    the    name. — 1868-1871 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4372,  4993,  5185,  5223. 

(See  Cards;  Certificates;  Dismissal  Certificates.) 

REBEKAH  BRANCH. 

2601.  Rebekah  Degree  code — Rebekah  laws  and  de- 
cisions. Sections  3368  to  3917  of  this  Digest  contain  the 
Rebekah  Degree  code  and  Rebekah  laws  and  decisions 
digested. 

REBEKAH  LODGES,  COMMITTEE  ON. 

2602.  Committee  on  Rebekah  Lodges  a  regular  com- 
mittee. There  shall  be  appointed  at  each  annual  session  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  a  regular  committee  on  Rebekah  Lodges 
from  among  the  members  present. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  2. 

2603.  Committee  on  Rebekah  Lodges — Its  duties.  The 
Committee  on  Rebekah  Lodges  shall  consist  of  five  mem- 
bers, who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Grand  Master,  by  and 
with  the  consent  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  whose  duty  shall  be 
to  examine  into  and  report  upon  all  matters  relating  to  that 
degree,  and  to  Lodges  of  that  degree  in  this  jurisdiction, 
as  shall  be  referred  to  it. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art. 
VI,  Sec.  13. 

RECEIPTS. 

2604.  Oflacial  certificates.  The  .official  certificates  pre- 
scribed by  the  legislation  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
must  be  used  by  Lodges  as  receipts  for  dues,  etc. 

(See  Official  Certificates.) 

2605.  Receipts  should  be  given.  Upon  the  payment  of 
money  to  the  Secretary  of  a  Lodge  by  a  member,  a  receipt 
should  be  given  for  the  same.— 1889  Journal,  32,  122,  163. 

(See  Dues;  Fees;  Seal;  Officers.) 

RECESS. 

2606.  Entering  or  retiring  during.  The  Noble  Grand 
alone  has  the  power  to  admit  a  brother  or  permit  him  to 
retire  during  recess.— 1862  Journal,  310. 


664  Regalia. 

2607.  Visiting  brother.  Such  brother  cannot  be  passed 
into  a  Lodge  by  a  Past  Grand,  or  an  officer,  or  a  member, 
on  his  own  responsibility,  during  the  recess  for  the  purpose 
of  initiation. — 1858  Journal,  390. 

2608.  Admission  into  Lodge-room.  A  member  of  a  Lodge 
entering  a  Lodge-room  while  the  Lodge  is  in  recess,  should 
be  required  to  retire  and  work  his  way  in,  according  to 
law,  when  the  Lodge  resumes  its  regular  session. — 1895 
Journal,  21,  185,  235. 

2609.  Sisters  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah  and  others  ad- 
mitted to  Lodge-room.  During  a  recess  of  a  Subordinate 
Lodge,  sisters  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah  and  others  may  be 
admitted  to  the  Lodge-room,  but  the  Semi- Annual  Password 
should  be  taken  up  on  again  calling  the  Lodge  to  order. 
They  should  not  be  admitted  under  ''Good  of  the  Order." 
—1897  Journal,  808,  994,-1034. 

RECONSIDERATION. 

(See  Ballot  and  Voting;  Order,  Rules  and  Questions  of.) 

REGALIA. 

2610.  Must  wear  prescribed  regalia.  Officers  and  mem- 
bers of  Subordinate  Lodges  are  prohibited  from  wearing  any 
other  than  the  prescribed  regalia. — 1853  Journal,  38. 

Note. — The  regalia  of  the  Order  connection   with   the   other  colors 

shall  be  as  follows,  to- wit:  '  Col-  or    as    a    separate    rosette.      The 

lars   of   Subordinate  Lodges   shall  ^idhle  Orand,  Secretary  and  Treas- 

be   white,   trimmed   with   the   em-  urer  shall  each  wear  a  scarlet  col- 

blematic    color    of   the   degree    in-  lar  trimmed  with  white  or  silver; 

tended  to  be  represented,  namely:  the     Vice-Grand,     a     blue     collar 

First    Degree,    pink;     Second    De-  trimmed    in    like     manner.      8up- 

gree,  blue;  Third  Degree,  scarlet;  porters   of   the   Noble   Grand   and 

Initiatory   Degree,   a   plain   white  Vice-Grand   shall   wear    sashes   of 

collar.     Rosettes    of    the    appro-  the  color  of  those  officers  respeet- 

priate    color    may   be    worn    upon  ively.      Warden     and     Conductor, 

the     collar.       Among    those     who  black    sashes;    Scene    Supporters, 

may  have  attained  the  Royal  Pur-  white     sashes;      Chaplain,     white 

pie   Degree,   rosettes   composed   of  sash ;     Outside    Guardian,    scarlet 

black,  yellow  and  purple,  may  be  sash ;     Inside      Guardian,     scarlet 

worn    on    the    collars,   either    in  sash.     The  position  of  each  officer 


Regalia. 


665 


shall  be  indicated  by  the  jewel  of 
the  oflSce.  Past  Grands  shall  wear 
scarlet  collars  or  sashes  trimmed 
with  white.  The  collars  or  sashes 
may  be  trimmed  with  silver  lace 
or  fringe,  and  those  having  at- 
tained the  Royal  Purple  Degree 
may  have  trimmings  of  yellow 
metal.  The  Grand  Officers  and 
Pctat  Grand  Officers  of  Grand 
Lodges  shall  wear  the  regalia  of 
Past  Grands,  as  above  defined. 
High  Priests  who  are  Past  Grands 
and  members  of  a  Grand  Encamp- 
ment may  wear  the  combined  re- 
galia now  authorized  to  be  worn 
by  Past  Chief  Patriarchs.  The 
regalia  for  Grand  Representatives 
shall  be  a  collar  of  purple  velvet, 
not  more  than  four  inches  in 
width,  with  a  roll  of  scarlet  vel- 
vet, the  trimmings  to  be  of  white 
and  yellow  metal,  and  the  collar 
to  be  united  in  front  with  three 
links,  to  which  may  be  suspended 
such  medal  or  medals  as  the  mem- 
ber may  be  entitled  to  wear.  Past 
Grand  Representatives  and  the 
officers  and  past  officers  of  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  the  In- 
dependent Order  of  Odd  Fellows 
shall  wear  the  regalia  above  de- 
scribed for  Grand  Representatives. 


Grand  Representatives  and  Past 
Grand  Representatives  shall  be 
entitled  to  wear  medals  of  the 
size  and  style  of  those  of  the 
Grand  Sire,  with  the  coat  of  arms 
of  the  State  represented.  The  re- 
galia of  a  Past  Grand  who  is  also 
a  Past  Chief  Patriarch,  may,  in 
lieu  of  any  other  regalia  to  which 
he  may  be  entitled,  be  a  scarlet 
collar,  trimmed  with  white,  the 
collar  not  to  be  more  than  five- 
and-a-half  inches  wide,  with  a  roll 
of  purple  two  inches  wide,  trim- 
med with  yellow;  the  collar  to  be 
united  in  front  with  three  links. 
The  above  described  regalia  may 
be  worn  by  a  brother  who  has 
passed  the  chairs  in  a  Lodge  and 
in  an  Encampment,  in  any  Grand 
or  Subordinate  Lodge  or  any 
Grand  or  Subordinate  Encamp- 
ment. The  collar  may  be  of  scar- 
let velvet,  with  white  metal  trim- 
mings and  the  roll  of  purple  vel- 
vet, with  yellow  metal  trimmings 
—  (By-Laws  S.  G.  L.,  Art.  XXII 

1868  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4356,  4401 

1869  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4668,  4685 
1872  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  5518,  5547 

1880  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8466,  8488 

1881  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8763). 


2611.  Cannot  add  to  prescribed  regalia.  The  regalia  for 
Subordinate  Lodge  officers  is  prescribed  by  the  laws  of  the 

t  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  and  no  such  officer  can  wear  on  his 
regalia  the  sun  or  moon  worked  in  gold  or  silver. — 1856 
Journal,  203. 

2612.  Must  wear  regalia.  Every  member  of  a  Lodge  is 
bound  to  wear  the  regalia  for  the  degree  he  has  attained, 
and  no  brother  should  be  allowed  to  sit  in  a  Lodge  unless 
he  be  clothed  in  the  regalia  as  laid  down  in  the  rules,  regu- 


666  Regalia. 

lations  and  laws  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 1856  Jour- 
nal, 203. 

Note. — No  brother  is  entitled  to      S.     G.    L.    Journal,    2699,    2764, 
enter  or  leave  the  Lodge- room  un-      2810). 
less     clothed     in     regalia — (1857 

2613.  Highest  rank  attained.  A  member  is  entitled  to 
and  should  wear  the  regalia  designating  the  highest  rank 
to  which  he  has  attained. — 1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  537,  978, 
1002. 

2614.  Grand  Lodge  may  legislate.  A  Grand  Lodge  can 
legislate  to  permit  members  of  its  Subordinate  Lodges  to» 
wear  regalia  on  July  4th  or  on  any  stated  day;  providedy 
the  day  selected  was  a  proper  occasion  and  one  that  did  not 
involve  any  immorality  or  impropriety. — 1905  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 37,  219,  243. 

2615.  While  speaking  or  voting.  No  brother  has  the 
right  to  speak  or  vote  upon  any  proposition  in  any  Lodge, 
Grand  or  Subordinate,  without  being  clothed  in  proper 
regalia,  except  in  a  Grand  Lodge  which  uses  badges  or  rib- 
bons therein.— 1881  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8677;  1884  Journal, 
167. 

2616.  Officer  entering  a  Lodge.  An  officer  of  the  Lodge 
whose  regalia  is  in  his  chair  in  the  Lodge-room,  cannot  enter 
without  any  regalia  during  a  session  of  the  Lodge ;  he  must 
enter  in  the  regalia  appropriate  to  his  r^nk — in  scarlet  re- 
galia, if  a  Scarlet  Degree  member ;  in  a  Past  Grand 's  regalia, 
if  a  Past  Grand,  etc.,  and  then  exchange  it  for  his  official 
regalia  at  his  station. — 1897  Journal,  1030,  1054. 

2617.  Noble  Grand  retires  to  examine,  etc.,  visitor.  The 
Noble  Grand  shall  retain  his  regalia  while  vacating  his 
chair  for  the  purpose  of  retiring  to  the  ante-room  to  ex- 
amine or  communicate  the  Annual  Traveling  Password  to 
a  brother  visiting  on  a  card.  In  his  absence  the  Right  Sup- 
porter should  occupy  the  Noble  Grand's  station,  and  the 
brothers  must  recognize  the  occupant  of  the  Noble  Grand's 


Regalia.  667 

station,  even  though  he  be  not  clothed  in  the  regalia  of  that 
office.— 1878  Journal,  934,  936,  970. 

Note. — ^The  Vice-Grand,  while  temporarily,  a  subordinate  station 
occupying  the  chair  of  the  Noble  in  the  Lodge  should  wear  the  re- 
Grand,  must  wear  the  regalia  of  galia  of  the  office  he  thus  occu- 
the  Noble  Grand.  A  brother  oc-  pies — (1849  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
cupying,     either     permanently    or  1443,  1475,  1511). 

2618.  Should  not  be  worn  with  robes.  None  of  the 
officers  who  wear  robes  at  initiation  should  wear  their  offi- 
cial regalia  at  the  same  time. — 1891  Journal,  585,  686,  715. 

2619.  Jewels  in  lieu  of  regalia.  It  is  not  lawful  for  the 
officers  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  to  wear  jewels  in  lieu  of 
regalia  in  their  work  or  when  open  in  the  Third  Degree. — 
1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  528,  752,  820. 

2620.  District  Deputy  Grand  Master — Jewel.  A  District 
Deputy  Grand  Master  cannot  wear  the  jewel  of  his  office 
as  a  substitute  for  his  regalia. — 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  42, 
284,  314. 

2621.  When  receiving  the  degrees.  When  candidates 
are  introduced  to  receive  the  degrees,  no  regalia  is  required 
or  proper. — Carr  vs.  North  Star  Lodge,  1860  Journal,  76. 

2622.  When  may  wear  Encampment  regalia.  When  a 
brother  visits  his  own,  or  any  other  Grand  or  Subordinate 
Lodge,  he  may  wear  the  regalia  of  the  Encampment  or  of 
the  highest  degree  he  has  attained. — 1896  Journal,  408,  588, 
629;  1891  Journal,  718,  719,  731;  1862  Journal,  280,  281; 
Art.  XXIV,  By-Laws  S.  G.  Lodge. 

2623.  Past  Grand  not  having  Royal  Purple  Degree.  A 
Past  Grand  who  is  not  in  possession  of  the  Royal  Purple 
Degree  is  not  entitled  to  wear  a  Past  Grand's  regalia 
trimmed  with  yellow. — 1861  Journal,  195. 

2624.  Encampment  regalia  in  Lodge.  An  Encampment 
member  can  wear  his  Encampment  regalia  when  sitting  in 
his  own  Lodge,  unless  he  is  a  Lodge  officer,  in  which  case 
he  must  wear  the  regalia  of  his  office. — 1894  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 13783,  14036,  14070. 


068  Regalia. 

2625.  Not  worn  in  Lodge  by  suspended  Encampment 
member.  A  member  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  who  has  been 
suspended  by  his  Encampment  for  non-payment  of  dues  or 
for  any  cause,  or  who  has  withdrawn  from  his  Encampment 
or  lost  his  membership  therein  in  any  other  way,  has  no 
right  to  wear  the  Encampment  regalia  in  his  Subordinate 
Lodge  or  in  any  other  Odd  Fellow  organization  under  or 
created  by  the  authority  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  A 
Past  Grand  thus  situated  has  not  the  right  to  wear  the 
combined  regalia  of  the  Order  nor  any  trimmings  of  yellow 
metal  or  other  yellow  material  in  any  Lodge  of  any  kind. 
The  only  way  in  which  this  can  be  prevented  is  for  the 
Lodge  to  prefer  charges  against  the  offender  for  violating 
the  law  of  the  Order.— 1888  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11101,  11368, 
11396-11351,  11392. 

2626.  Encampment  regalia  and  Lodge  procession.    If  a 

Subordinate  Lodge  has  permission  to  march  in  public  pro- 
cession in  regalia,  Encampment  members  of  such  Lodge 
have  the  right  to  wear  their  Encampment  regalia  in  such 
Lodge  procession. — Moor  vs.  Merced  Lodge,  1900  Journal, 
145,  177 ;  1888  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11103,  11368,  11396. 

2627.  Regalia  in  public  procession.  Lodges  may  join 
in  a  public  procession  in  regalia  in  connection  with  other 
organizations,  when  invited  to  do  so  by  the  civil  or  other 
authorities,  permission  for  that  purpose  having  first  been 
obtained  from  the  Grand  Master.— 1866  Journal,  189,  229. 

2628.  Brothers  out  of  standing,  in  procession.  Lodges 
have  no  right  to  allow  persons  not  in  good  standing  to 
appear  in  procession  with  regalia  on. — 1861  Journal,  195, 
203. 

2629.  Regalia  in  ballroom  only  by  dispensation.  A  Lodge 
has  no  right  to  appear  in  a  ballroom  with  regalia  on,  except 
by  dispensation. — 1860  Journal,  85,  86. 

2630.  May  wear  badge  or  ribbon  in  Grand  Bodies.  At 
sessions  of  Grand  Bodies,  in  lieu  of  regalia,  a  ribbon  may 
be  worn  of  the  color  of  the  highest  degree  the  member  has 


Regalia.  669 

attained,  having  attached  thereto  any  jewel  which  he  is 
entitled  or  required  to  wear;  provided,  that  Grand  Bodies 
may  adopt  a  badge  of  uniform  size  and  design,  the  color  to 
conform  with  existing  regulations. — 1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
14543,  14568. 

2631.  Patriarch  Militant  uniform.  The  Patriarchs  Mili- 
tant uniform  is  denominated  a  regalia,  and  as  such  can  be 
worn  by  Chevaliers  when  visiting  Lodges  of  our  Order,  but 
a  Chevalier  cannot  wear  his  uniform  when  performing  duties 
as  officers,  either  Grand  or  Subordinate,  or  while  install- 
ing the  officers  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  either  in  connection 
with  a  Past  Grand's  regalia  or  without  it.  Being  the  repre- 
sentative of  the  Grand  Master,  he  must  wear  the  regalia 
representing  that  officer  and  that  only. — 1888  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 11095,  11405. 

2632.  Must  not  be  used  on  the  stage.  The  law  does  not 
allow  the  regalia  of  the  Order  to  be  used  in  public  on  the 
stage  in  the  performance  of  a  drama,  even  where  the  object 
is  to  illustrate  "  Charity.  "—1889  Journal,  74. 

2633.  Officers'  regalia.  The  regalia  worn  by  an  officer 
of  a  Lodge  is  indicative  of  the  office  and  not  the  degree  of 
the  wearer. — 1857  Journal,  287. 

2634.  Officers'  regalia  when  worn.  The  regalia  of  a  Noble 
Grand,  Vice-Grand,  or  other  officer  of  a  Lodge  should  be 
worn  by  the  person  lawfully  occupying  the  office  or  chair 
at  the  time  being.  The  Noble  Grand's  regalia  is  not  one 
that  should  be  worn  by  the  Noble  Grand,  except  when  per- 
forming some  duty  of  his  office. — 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  44, 
219,  243. 

2635.  A  Past  Grand  not  installed.  A  Past  Grand  who 
has  not  been  installed  as  such,  nevertheless  has  the  right  to 
wear  a  Past  Grand's  regalia  in  visiting  a  Lodge. — 1881 
Journal,  502,  601,  627. 

2636.  Past  Orands.  They  must  wear  Past  Grand's  regalia 
when  entering  a  Lodge. — 1860  Journal,  46. 


670  Register  of  Members — Rejections. 

2637.  Funeral.  This  Lodge  may  attend  a  funeral  in  full 
regalia  without  asking  permission  of  the  Grand  Master. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  X,  Sec.  2;  1905  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  355,  361. 

(See  Funeral;  Dispensations;  Liquors;  Balls;  Rebekah 
Branch.) 

REGISTER  OF  MEMBERS. 

2638.  Duty  of  Grand  Secretary— Form.  The  Grand 
Secretary  to  keep  in  his  office,  and  as  part  of  the  records 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  a  register  of  all  members.  Blank  form 
of  such  register  prescribed. — 1877  Journal,  594;  1878  Jour- 
nal, 799,  952,  978 ;  1879  Journal,  32,  116,  139 ;  1880  Journal, 
27L 

2639.  Enrollment  of  members  at  sessions.  All  Past 
Grands  and  Representatives  attending  any  sessions  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  shall  be  required  to  enroll  their  names  and 
the  name  and  number  of  their  respective  Lodges  on  enter- 
ing the  Grand  Lodge,  in  a  book  to  be  provided  therefor  by 
the  Grand  Secretary,  in  order  that  a  full  roll  of  the  Past 
Grands  and  members  in  attendance  at  every  session  may  be 
preserved.— 1878  Journal,  917,  952. 

REINSTATEMENT. 

(See  Membership;  Fees.) 

REJECTIONS. 

2640.  Notice  of.  When  a  candidate  for  initiation  has 
been  rejected,  notice  thereof  shall  be  sent  without  delay  to 
the  Grand  Secretary  and  to  all  Lodges  in  the  county  and 
district. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  5. 

2641.  The  same.  Notice  of  all  rejections  shall  forthwith 
be  forwarded  to  every  Lodge  in  the  county;  to  the  Subor- 
dinate Encampment  and  Rebekah  Lodge  of  which  the 
brother  is  a  member,  and  to  the  Grand  Secretary. — Consti- 
tution Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  8. 

2642.  Applicants  by  card  or  Dismissal  Certificates.  It 
is  the  duty  of  the  Recording  Secretary  to  notify  the  Grand 


Relatives — Relief  Committee  and  Relief.       671 

Secretary  and  the  Lodges  in  the  county  and  district,  imme- 
diately, of  the  rejection  of  applicants  by  card  or  by  Dis- 
missal Certificate.— 1876  Journal,  391,  474,  508;  1882  Jour- 
nal, 736,  739,  844,  879. 

(See  Membership;  Black  Book.) 

RELATIVES. 

2643.  May  hold  office  in  same  Lodge.  Persons  akin  to 
each  other,  no  matter  how  close  the  relation,  may  hold  office 
at  the  same  time  in  the  same  Lodge. — 1871  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
4992,  5194,  5245. 

(See  Benefits.) 

RELIEF. 

(See  Assistance  to  Lodges.) 

RELIEF  COMMITTEE  AND  RELIEF. 

2644.  General  Relief  Committees  authorized — Their 
Powers — Dispensations — Reports — Per  capita  assessment. 
Grand  Lodges  may  establish  General  Relief  Committees, 
organized  as  to  enable  them  to  carry  out,  as  far  as  may  be, 
the  requirements  for  relief  found  to  exist  in  their  several 
jurisdictions,  and  for  the  maintenance  of  which  they  may 
organize  Relief  Committee  to  receive  contributions  from 
Lodges  and  individuals,  and  may  authorize  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter to  grant  dispensations  to  such  committees  to  raise  funds 
by  such  legitimate  means  as  he  may  approve;  provided, 
that  like  restrictions  be  placed  upon  said  Relief  Committees 
in  the  giving  of  entertainments  as  are  placed  upon  Lodges 
under  dispensations  for  like  purposes ;  and  provided,  further, 
that  nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  so  construed  as  to 
divest  Lodges  of  their  rights  or  prerogatives  in  the  care  and 
assistance  and  relief  of  sojourning  members  of  the  Order,  or 
to  compel  the  formation  of  such  Relief  Committees.  Such 
committees  are  required  to  report  annually  to  the  Grand 
Secretary  of  the  jurisdiction  wherein  organized,  and  pro- 
vided further,  that  in  jurisdictions  where  in  the  judgment  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  the  method  of  raising  funds  for  the  carry- 


672  Relief  Committee  and  Relief. 

ing  on  of  the  work  as  set  forth  above  is  inadequate,  the 
Grand  Lodge  may  prescribe  by  legislation,  authority  for  a 
per  capita  assessment  on  the  members  of  the  Lodges  repre- 
sented in  such  Relief  Committees. — 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
288,  352,  361. 

2645.  General  Relief  Committees  recognized  —  Their 
powers.  This  Grand  Lodge  recognizes  the  organization  and 
legality  of  the  General  Relief  Committee  of  the  City  of  San 
Francisco,  instituted  December  6th,  1852,  and  all  other  or- 
ganizations of  a  similar  character. 

All  General  Relief  Committees  of  this  jurisdiction  have 
full  power  to  grant  relief,  to  demand  a  return  of  moneys 
expended  and  have  charge  of  all  things  relating  to  visiting 
brothers  holding  good  and  valid  cards  asking  for  relief. — 
1854  Journal,  76 ;  1876  Journal,  500. 

2646.  Assistance — Entertainments — Dispensations.  The 
Grand  Master  may  grant  dispensations  to  Relief  Committee 
to  apply  to  Lodges  for  assistance,  or  to  give  entertainments 
in  the  name  of  the  Order,  subject  to  the  rules  and  restric- 
tions governing  Subordinate  Lodges. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

2647.  Their  relations  to  Lodge  and  Grand  Lodge,  etc. 

Such  Bodies  are  directly  responsible  to  the  Lodges  repre- 
sented in  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  have  no  power  to  address 
the  Grand  Lodge  or  any  Grand  Officer  officially,  except 
through  said  Lodges,  and  have  no  right  to  pass  upon  any 
question  of  official  action  or  propriety  of  Grand  Officers, 
and  no  power  to  address  the  Grand  Master  or  any  other 
Grand  Officer  to  ask  dispensations,  either  for  themselves  or 
for  said  Lodges,  except  in  relation  to  those  contributions, 
entertainments,  assistance  and  dispensations  as  provided  in 
Sections  2644  and  2646  of  this  Digest.— 1858  Journal,  370, 
376 ;  1899  Journal,  463,  614,  628. 

2648.  Appeals.  The  legislation  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
grants  General  Relief  Committees  the  right  to  appeal  from 
the  action  of  Lodges  in  certain  matters. 

(See  Appeals.) 


Relief  Committee  and  Relief.  673 

2649.  Support  of  General  Relief  Committees.  Whenever 
General  Relief  Committees  are  established  in  this  jurisdic- 
tion, each  Lodge  represented  in  these  bodies  shall  contribute 
from  time  to  time  such  sums  of  money  as  may  be  necessary 
to  carry  out  the  laws  of  the  Order,  not  exceeding  two  dol- 
lars per  annum  for  each  member  belonging  to  such  Lodge, 
and  in  all  respects  these  committees  shall  have  the  corporate 
powers  and  privileges  necessary  to  carry  out  the  objects  of 
their  organizations. — 1854  Journal,  76. 

2650.  Formation  of,  not  compulsory.  There  is  no  law 
requiring  the  formation  of  Relief  Committees.  They  are 
voluntary  associations  on  the  part  of  the  Lodges,  and  they 
have  a  right  to  withdraw  their  representatives  at  any  time. 

[—1891  Journal,  586,  686,  715. 

2651.  Who  may  be  a  member.  A  brother  not  a  member 
>f  a  San  Francisco  Lodge  can  become  a  member  of  the  San 

•ancisco  General  Relief  Committee  if  he  be  properly  dele- 
fated  by  a  Lodge  or  Encampment  represented  in  said  com- 
ittee,  and  the  committee  will  receive  him. — 1885  Journal, 
287,  403,  433. 

2652.  Representative  from  Encampment.  It  is  optional 
iWith  a  General  Relief  Committee  as  to  the  admission  as 

lembers  thereof  of  Representatives  from  Encampments, 
lere  is  no  law  of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  reference  thereto. — 
1888  Journal,  1023,  1111,  1130. 

2653.  Rules  regulating  Relief  Committees  and  Lodges  in 
[this  jurisdiction.     When  an  application  is  made  to  a  sister 

)dge  or  Relief  Committee  for  assistance,  it  shall  be  their 
luty  to  immediately  communicate  with  the  Lodge  to  which 
[the  brother  belongs,  and  when  notified  that  he  is  entitled  to 
benefits,  and  the  amount  thereof  under  the  By-Laws  of  the 
[Lodge,  they  shall  pay  the  same,  and  the  Lodge  to  which 
the  brother  belongs  shall  be  holden  for  the  amount.  Should 
[the  brother  taken  sick  require  immediate  assistance,  the 
ILodge  or  committee  may  render  such  assistance,  but  not  to 
j'«xceed  two  weeks'  benefits,  provided  the  brother  be  in  pos- 

43 


674  Relief  Committee  and  Relief. 

session  of  the  current  Semi-Annual  Password,  and  the  Lodge 
to  which  the  brother  belongs  shall  be  holden  for  the  same, 
provided  the  Lodge  or  committee  comply  with  the  pro- 
visions of  this  section. — 1864  Journal,  576. 

2654.  Lodge  of  another  jurisdiction  furnishing  nurse. 
Under  the  laws  of  our  Order  which  regulate  the  rights  of 
Lodges  of  different  State  jurisdictions  in  relation  to  nurse 
hire  and  sick  benefits  for  a  brother  of  a  Lodge  who  happens 
to  be  out  of  his  own  State  jurisdiction  when  sick,  a  Lodge 
of  this  jurisdiction  whose  By-Laws  make  no  provision  for  a 
nurse  for  a  sick  brother,  nor  for  hiring  or  payment  of  a 
nurse,  is  not  responsible  to  a  Lodge  in  another  jurisdiction 
for  nurse  hire. — Tisquantum  Lodge  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge, 
1904  Journal,  370,  590. 

2655.  Same  power  as  Lodges.  A  Relief  Committee  has 
no  further  or  higher  powers  than  a  Lodge  would  have  under 
similar  circumstances. — 1869  Journal,  121;  1870  Journal; 
302. 

2656.  Semi-Annual  Password.  A  member  of  a  Relief 
Committee  has  the  right  to  demand  the  Semi-Annual  Pass- 
word of  a  brother  sick  or  in  distress,  if  the  brother  seek 
relief.— 1869  Journal,  112,  117. 

2657.  Orphans.  A  General  Relief  Committee  cannot  use 
money  for  the  relief  of  orphans  of  a  deceased  brother  who 
held  a  Withdrawal  Card  at  the  time  of  his  death. — 1879 
Journal,  131,  143. 

2658.  Claims  upon  Lodges.  A  General  Relief  Committee, 
as  a  matter  of  right,  can  claim  from  the  Lodge  of  a  brother 
whom  it  has  relieved,  only  what  is  allowed  by  the  By-Laws 
of  the  brother's  Lodge.— 1869  Journal,  119,  120,  121;  1870 
Journal,  302. 

2659.  The  same.  When  a  sick  brother  of  a  Lodge  of  this 
jurisdiction  is  absent  from  his  Lodge's  location,  another 
Lodge  of  this  jurisdiction  may  grant  relief  not  exceeding 
two  weeks*  benefits,  and  his  Lodge  will  be  holden  for  the 
same,  provided  he  have  the  Semi-Annual  Password,  and  the 


Relief  Committee  and  Relief.  675 

Lodge  notify  his  Lodge  as  required  by  law. — Pajaro  Lodge 
vs.  Laguna  Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1087,  1179. 

2660.  Care  of  the  sick.  In  cities  where  there  is  a  Gen- 
,eral  Relief  Committee  a  sojourning  brother  reported  sick 

the  Relief  Committee  cannot  be  turned  over  to  the  care 

)f  some  Lodge  that  does  not  belong  to  the  Relief  Committee. 

[either  can  a  Lodge   (not    belonging  to  the    Relief    Com- 

ittee)   turn  over  to  said  Relief  Committee  a  brother  re- 

)orted  to  said  Lodge  as  being  sick. — 1897  Journal,  805, 1030, 

1054. 

2661.  Immediate  communication  to  sick  brother's  Lodge. 
Where  a  brother  of  a  Lodge  of  this  jurisdiction  makes  appli- 
cation for  benefits  to  another  Lodge  of  this  jurisdiction,  it 
is  the  duty  of  that  Lodge  to  communicate  with  the  brother's 

iodge  at  once,  and  to  await  an  answer,  that  the  brother  is 
Entitled  to  benefits,  etc.,  from  that  Lodge. — Pajaro  Lodge 
vs.  Laguna  Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1179. 

2662.  Expressage  upon  benefits  sent.  Where  a  brother 
has  been  paid  benefits  by  a  General  Relief  Committee,  the 
brother's  Lodge  has  the  right  to  charge  the  brother  with 
the  expressage  upon  the  money  sent  by  the  Lodge  to  reim- 
burse the  said  committee  for  the  benefits  so  paid. — 1884 
Journal,  12,  116,  153. 

2663.  Unauthorized  acts  of  a  brother.    Where  a   Lodge 

i makes  an  inquiry  of  another  Lodge  whether  a  deceased 
brother  was  in  good  standing  and  entitled  to  benefits,  and  a 
member  takes  it  upon  himself  to  respond  and  answers  that 
lue  was  in  good  standing  and  entitled  to  benefits  at  the  time 
of  his  death,  when  in  reality  he  was  not,  the  brother's  Lodge 
is  not  responsible  therefor,  because  the  member  had  no 
authority  to  bind  his  Lodge.  Had  he  that  authority,  his 
Lodjre  would  be  bound  thereby. — Joaquin  Lodge  vs.  Pro- 
urt'ssive  Lodge,  1876  Journal,  406,  483,  503. 

2664.  Failure  to  notify  Lodge  of  expenditures.  Where  a 
Goneral  Relief  Committee  has  expended  certain  sums  as 
sick  and  funeral  benefits  for  a  brother  under  its  care,  and 


« 


676  Relief  Committee  and  Relief. 

thereafter  the  brother  *s  Lodge  also  expends  a  sum  of  money 
for  funeral  benefits  for  the  same  brother,  not  knowing  that 
the  General  Relief  Committee  had  already  made  the  ex- 
penditure warranted  by  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  and  the 
General  Relief  Committee,  and  its  officers  having  failed  to 
notify  the  Lodge  of  its  expenditures  when  they  ought  to 
have  done  so,  the  Lodge  in  settling  with  the  committee  has 
the  right  to  deduct  from  the  committee's  bill  the  amount 
paid  by  the  Lodge  itself.— 1883  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  9256,  9289, 
9349,  9381. 

2665.  Mistake  as  to  good  standing  of  sick  brother.  Where 
a  Lodge  makes  a  mistake  in  reporting  a  brother  in  good 
standing  to  a  sister  Lodge  or  Relief  Committee,  and  recom- 
mends the  payment  of  benefits  to  the  brother,  the  Lodge 
can  correct  its  mistake  and  withdraw  its  recommendation 
for  benefits,  provided  circumstances  will  permit  the  sister 
Lodge  or  Relief  Committee  to  remove  the  sick  brother  from 
their  care  without  injury  to  him.  The  sister  Lodge  or  Relief 
Committee  can  recover  from  the  brother's  Lodge  all  moneys 
expended  up  to  the  time  the  sister  Lodge  or  Relief  Com- 
mittee with  proper  effort  can  provide  for  said  brother's 
care  without  endangering  his  life. — 1874  Journal,  94,  113, 
114. 

2666.  Notice  to  Lodge  of  brother's  sickness.  Where  the 
By-Laws  of  a  brother's  Lodge  provide  that  ''any  member 
of  the  Lodge,  at  a  distance  from  this  village,  claiming  bene- 
fits, shall  immediately  notify  a  Lodge  in  his  vicinity,  if 
there  be  one  within  a  reasonable  distance,"  and  the  By- 
Laws  then  proceed  and  provide  for  notification  of  the 
brother's  own  Lodge,  in  case  there  is  no  Lodge  within  a 
reasonable  distance,  and  conclude  as  follows:  ''No  member 
shall  be  entitled  to  benefits  for  more  than  one  week  anterior 
to  the  receipt  of  such  notice  by  this  Lodge,"  the  brother  is 
not  responsible  for  any  failure  or  neglect  on  the  part  of  the 
Lodge  to  which  he  is  reported  sick  to  notify  his  own  Lodge 
of  his  sickness.  The  Lodge  to  which  the  brother  is  reported 
sick  is  the  agent  of  the  brother's  own  Lodge,  and  notice  to 
the  agent  in  the  direct  line  of  his  agency  is  notice  to  the 


t 


C78  Relief  Committee  and  Relief. 

sick  brother,  when  the  nature  of  the  sickness  requires  such 
nurse's  attention.  Second.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Re- 
cording Secretary  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  when  he  issues 
a  Visiting  Card,  to  endorse  thereon  the  character  of  attentive 
benefits  allowed  by  the  By-Laws  of  such  Lodge,  and  if  such 
By-Laws  allow  the  hiring  of  nurses  during  sickness,  such 
fact  shall  also  be  stated,  together  with  the  compensation 
allowed  per  night  for  such  nurses,  which  indorsement  shall 
be  signed  by  such  Secretary,  with  the  seal  of  the  Lodge 
attached.  Third.  A  Lodge  or  Relief  Committee  which  pro- 
vides for  nursing  its  own  members  by  draft,  cannot  hire  a 
nurse  for  a  transient  sick  brother  who  is  not  afflicted  with  a 
contagious  malady,  unless  authorized  by  the  Lodge  of 
which  such  transient  sick  brother  is  a  member.  But  it  is  a 
sacred  duty,  enjoined  by  the  principles  and  laws  of  the 
Order,  that  every  Lodge  or  Relief  Committee  must  care  for 
a  transient  sick  and  disabled  brother,  in  the  same  manner 
that  they  care  for  their  own  members.  Fourth.  No  Lodge 
or  Relief  Committee  that  cares  for  its  members  by  draft, 
shall  be  liable  for  the  payment  of  nurse  hire,  unless  said 
Lodge  or  Relief  Committee  shall  have  first  authorized  the 
payment  of  the  same.  Fifth.  A  Lodge  shall  not  be  required 
to  pay  for  nursing  its  members,  when  out  of  its  jurisdiction, 
a  sum  in  excess  of  the  provisions  of  its  By-Laws,  or  in  ex- 
cess of  the  sum  which  the  Lodge  or  Relief  Committee,  in 
whose  care  the  brother  may  be,  is  in  the  habit  of  paying  for 
such  service  for  its  own  sick  members.  Sixth.  A  Lodge 
shall  not  be  permitted  to  provide  for  non-payment  of  a  nurse 
for  one  of  its  members,  when  out  of  its  own  jurisdiction, 
when  it  provides  for  hiring  nurses  for  its  members  who  are 
within  its  jurisdiction.— 1892  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13121,  13161. 

2671.  General  law  modified — Watchers  and  nurses  paid 
from  Lodge  funds.  Resolved,  That  hereafter  the  qualifica- 
tions for  "attentive  benefits"  in  this  Order,  and  which  in- 
volves the  payment  of  money  of  the  Lodge  so  far  as  such 
benefits  include  the  services  of  watchers  or  nurses,  shall  be 
the  same  as  for  ''weekly  benefits,"  and  Grand  Bodies  may 
limit  or  permit  their  Subordinates  to  limit  by  By-Law  the 


Relief  Committee  and  Relief.  679 

time  for  which  such  services  shall  be  rendered,  as  may  be 
deemed  best  for  the  interests  of  said  Subordinates  and  their 
members  in  the  several  jurisdictions,  or  providing  that 
watchers  and  nurses  paid  from  Lodge  funds  shall  not  be 
furnished  to  members  who  shall  be  so  much  in  arrears  for 
dues  as  to  prevent  them  from  receiving  sick  or  funeral  ben- 
efits.—1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  932,  954,  969. 

2672.  The  general  law  and  night  nurses  or  watchers.  The 
general  law  of  the  Order  requires  only  night  nurses  or 
watchers  to  be  furnished  as  ''attentive  benefits,"  not  day 
nurses.— 1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14250,  14487,  14570. 

2673.  Relief  to  brothers  holding  Visiting  Cards.  Upon 
the  issuing  of  a  Visiting  Card  by  a  Subordinate  Lodge  or 
Encampment,  the  Secretary  or  Scribe  thereof  shall  insert 
therein  the  amount  of  weekly  and  funeral  benefits  allowed 
by  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  said  Lodge  or  Encamp- 
ment. It  shall  be  bound  for  any  relief  extended  to  the 
brother  holding  such  a  card,  to  the  extent  of  the  benefits  so 
rendered.  Where  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  Encampment  or 
General  Relief  Committee  is  applied  to  for  relief  by  a  brother 
holding  a  card,  such  Lodge,  Encampment  or  General  Relief 
Committee  shall  require  the  certificate  of  a  respectable  physi- 
cian, showing  the  time  that  the  brother  has  been  sick,  and 
shall  take  a  draft  upon  his  Lodge  or  Encampment  for  what- 
ever amount  he  may  have  received,  which,  with  the  certifi- 
cate, shall  be  forwarded  for  payment;  proznded,  that  in 
the  event  of  the  death  of  a  brother,  and  his  being  buried  by 
a  Lodge,  Encampment  or  General  Relief  Committee,  it  shall 
only  be  necessary  to  forward  the  physician's  certificate  or 
that  of  some  other  respectable  citizen,  together  with  his  card 
and  a  proper  voucher  for  the  amount  so  advanced.  Payment 
.of  the  same  shall  in  all  cases  be  promptly  made. — 1853 
[8.  G.  L.  Journal,  2151,  2180;  1854  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  55. 

2674.  Duty  to  reimburse  General  Relief  Committee.  It  is 
the  solemn  bounded  duty  of  every  Lodge  who  reports  to  a 
Relief  Committee  that  a  brother  is  in  good  standing  and  en- 
^titled  to  certain  benefits  or  certain  funeral  expenses  and  sick 


6S0  Renunciation  of  the  Order. 

benefits  or  expenses  are  paid  by  any  such  committee  or 
Lodge  of  the  Order,  to  reimburse  such  committee  or  Lodge 
of  any  expense  incurred  or  benefits  paid. — 1889  Journal, 
152,  171. 

2675.  Duty  of  Lodges.  Where  a  sick  brother,  a  member 
of  a  Lodge  whose  By-Laws  provide  for  a  certain  amount  per 
week  for  sick  benefits  and  a  certain  amount  for  funeral  ex- 
penses finds  himself  in  the  care  of  another  Lodge,  and  his 
own  Lodge  gives  the  other  Lodge  an  open  commission  to 
properly  care  for  the  brother  and  send  him  home  as  soon  as 
he  is  able  to  travel  (not  restricting  the  other  Lodge  to  the 
amounts  stated  in  its  By-Laws,  and  knowing  that  the  other 
Lodge  was  incurring  expenses  without  being  so  limited), 
the  brother's  Lodge  becomes  liable  and  is  bound  to  reim- 
burse the  other  Lodge  such  expenses  as  were  necessary  in 
properly  caring  for  the  sick  brother,  and  burying  him  should 
he  die.  Medical  attendance  and  medicines  are  such  neces- 
sary expenses.  The  Lodge  undertaking  the  care  of  a  sick 
member  of  a  sister  Lodge,  with  an  open  commission  from  his 
Lodge  to  care  for  him,  that  neglected  to  provide  a  competent 
physician  and  the  medicines  prescribed,  would  be  con- 
demned, not  only  by  sister  Lodges,  but  by  the  world  at 
large. — Konokti  Lodge  vs.  Golden  Gate  Lodge,  1876  Jour- 
nal, 394,  483,  503. 

(As  to  burial  of  brother  in  arrears  by  General  Relief  Com- 
mittee, see  Section  680.) 

(See  Nurses  and  Watchers;  Benefits;  Appeals.) 

RENUNCIATION  OF  THE  ORDER. 

2676.  Forfeits  benefits.  If  an  Odd  Fellow  renounce 
the  Order  he  thereby  forfeits  all  benefits  to  which  by 
law  he  may  be  entitled,  from  the  time  of  such  renunciation. 
—1881  Journal,  501,  601,  627. 

2677.  Letter  from  Catholic  priest.  Such  a  letter  stating 
the  law  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  regard  to  secret  societies, 
and  renunciation  thereof,  and  then  stating,  "By  applying 


Reports  and  Returns.  681 

this  law  to  the  question  you  will  readily  find  a  solution,"  is 
not  admissible  to  prove  that  a  brother  who  received  the 
sacrament  of  the  Catholic  Church,  and  was  buried  in  ac- 
cordance with  its  doctrines,  renounced  the  Order  on  his 
death-bed. — Teague  vs.  Bay  View  Lodge,  1869  Journal,  68, 
69,  78. 

2678.  Proof.  No  Subordinate  Lodge  should,  under  any 
circumstance,  pass  a  resolution  declaring  that  a  deceased 
brother  has  on  his  death-bed  renounced  the  Order,  except 
from  the  clearest  proofs  and  most  positive  evidence. — 1870 
Journal,  272,  294. 

2679.  Burden  of  proof — Buried  under  auspices  of  Cath- 
olic Church.  In  case  of  the  death  of  a  brother  in  good 
standing  the  burden  of  proof  is  upon  the  Lodge  to  establish 
the  fact  that  he  renounced  the  Order,  and  the  rights  of  the 
widow  to  the  funeral  benefits  or  expenses  provided  by  the 
By-Laws  cannot  be  forfeited  in  the  absence  of  sufficient  evi- 
dence of  that  fact.  The  mere  fact  that  the  brother  was 
buried  under  the  auspices  of  the  Catholic  Church  is  not 
sufficient. — Schmidt  vs.  Germania  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  971, 
979. 

REPORTS  AND  RETURNS. 

2680.  Semi-annual  reports  as  required  by  Grand  Lodge 
Constitution.  At  the  end  of  each  term  every  Subordinate 
Lodge  shall  report  to  the  Grand  Lodge  the  work  thereof 
for  such  term,  which  shajl  include  the  full  name,  date  of 
admission,  age,  occupation  and  nativity  of  those  initiated, 
admitted  by  card ;  as  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow,  rejected,  with- 
drawn by  card,  reinstated,  and  deceased ;  the  names  of  those 
suspended  and  expelled,  with  the  cause  thereof;  together 
with  the  number  of  degrees  conferred,  the  whole  number  in 
membership,  the  amount  of  receipts,  and  the  result  of  the 
election  of  officers,  accompanied  by  whatever  amount  may  be 
due  the  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IX, 
Sec.  3. 


682  Reports  and  Retuuns. 

2681.  Annual  reports  as  required  by  Grand  Lodge  Con- 
stitution. At  each  annual  session  eveiy  Lodge  shall  report 
in  addition,  up  to  the  first  day  of  January,  a  full  return  of 
members,  with  their  names  ranked  according  to  the  degrees 
they  have  taken,  and  a  statement  of  the  number  of  brothers 
relieved,  vridowed  families  relieved  and  brothers  buried,  and 
amount  of  money  applied  to  each  of  these  purposes,  designat- 
ing the  amount  paid  for  the  education  of  orphans. — Consti- 
tution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IX,  Sec.  4. 

2682.  Failure  to  make  returns.  Any  Subordinate  Lodge 
failing  to  make  its  returns  as  required  by  Article  IX,  Sec- 
tion 3,  of  Grand  Lodge  Constitution,  for  one  year,  shall  be 
deemed  an  extinct  Lodge  and  its  charter  shall  be  forfeited. 
— Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  XI,  Sec.  4. 

2683.  Installation  and  passwords.  No  Lodge  under  this 
jurisdiction  shall  be  entitled  to  have  its  officers  installed,  or 
to  receive  the  traveling  or  term  password,  until  the  semi- 
annual reports  to  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  have  been  placed  in 
the  hands  of  the  installing  officer. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  4. 

2684.  Semi-annual  reports  as  required  by  Subordinate 
Lodge  Constitution.  The  officers  for  the  term  about  expiring 
shall  prepare  and  deliver  to  the  officers  who  shall  install 
their  successors,  the  result  of  the  elections,  and  a  report  of 
the  work  of  the  term,  including  the  names  of  those  admitted, 
whether  by  initiation,  by  card,  as  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow,  or 
by  Dismissal  Certificate,  together,  with  their  age,  nativity, 
occupation  and  rank ;  also  those  suspended  and  expelled,  and 
the  cause  thereof,  those  reinstated  and  deceased,  the  num- 
ber of  degrees  conferred,  the  whole  number  in  membership, 
and  amount  of  receipts,  accompanied  by  whatever  amount 
may  be  due  to  the  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  XI,  Sec.  2. 

2685.  Annual  reports  as  required  by  Subordinate  Lodge 
Constitution.  In  addition  to  the  above,  the  officers  for  the 
term  expiring  on  the  first  meeting  in  January,  shall  annual- 


Reports  and  Returns.  683 

ly  make  to  the  Grand  Lodge  a  full  return  of  the  members 
of  the  Lodge,  ranked  according  to  the  degrees  attained,  and 
a  statement  of  the  number  of  members  relieved  in  the  past 
year;  the  number  of  widowed  families  relieved;  the  number 
of  members  buried ;  the  number  of  sisters  buried ;  the  amount 
of  money  applied  for  each  of  these  purposes;  the  amount 
paid  for  the  education  of  orphans ;  the  amount  of  money  in 
the  Treasury,  the  amount  of  Widows'  and  Orphans'  Fund, 
the  amount  and  nature  of  investments,  the  amount  paid  for 
charity,  and  the  amount  paid  for  current  expenses. — Con- 
stitution Subordinates,  Art.  XI,  Sec.  3. 

2686.  Failure  to  make  returns.  Should  this  Lodge  fail 
to  make  any  of  its  returns,  as  required  by  the  two  preced- 
ing sections,  for  one  year,  it  shall  thereby  forfeit  its  charter 
and  become  extinct;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand 
Master  or  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  to  withhold  the 
Annual  Traveling  Password  and  Semi-Annual  Password  until 
such  returns  are  made  and  the  amount  due  the  Grand  Lodge 
paid.  And  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  last  installed  officers 
to  transmit  or  surrender  to  the  Grand  Master  or  his  Deputy 
the  charter,  books,  papers,  furniture  and  funds  of  the  Lodge. 
— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  XI,  Sec.  4. 

2687.  Value  of  Lodge's  property  and  investments.  In 
reports  and  returns  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  neither  the  Trustees 
nor  the  Financial  Secretary  have  the  right  to  add  to  or 
take  from  the  value  of  the  property  or  investments  of  the 
Lodge,  except  upon  approval  of  the  Lodge.  The  Lodge  only 
has  the  right  to  fix  the  value  of  its  property  and  invest- 
ments. The  Trustees  or  Financial  Secretary  may  make 
recommendations  from  time  to  time  to  the  Lodge  as  to  the 
value  of  its  property  or  investments  as  they  consider  proper. 
The  Lodge  is  the  sole  judge  of  the  matter. — Appeal  of  Brock- 
ington,  1902  Journal,  750,  903,  882,  891. 

2688.  Semi-Annual  Reports — General  and  Contingent 
Funds.  In  the  Semi-Annual  Reports,  under  the  head,  ''Total 
amount  in  the  treasury,"  the  Grand  Lodge  requires  the 


C84  Reports  and  Returns. 

amount  of  money  in  both  the  General  and  Contingent  Funds. 
The  Lodge  should  report  the  entire  amount  belonging  to  the 
Lodge  in  both  these  funds.  All  the  property  of  the  Lodge 
is  but  a  trust  held  by  the  Lodge  in  which  the  Grand  Lodge 
has  a  reversionary  right.  Should  the  Lodge  be  suspended 
or  give  up  its  charter,  the  property  and  funds  of  the  Lodge, 
whether  in  the  General  or  Contingent  Fund,  revert  to  the 
Grand  Lodge;  hence  the  Lodges  should  report  their  true 
financial  condition  by  setting  forth  the  amounts  in  these  two 
funds,  either  as  one  amount,  or  divided,  as  shown  by  their 
books.— 1899  Journal,  465,  631,  675. 

2689.  Degrees  conferred.  By  ** degrees  conferred"  in  the 
Semi-Annual  Report  of  a  Lodge  is  meant  the  degrees  as  num- 
bered after  the  Initiatory.— 1904  Journal,  395,  541,  553. 

2690.  Reports  and  Grand  Lodge  dues  must  be  transmit- 
ted. The  law  is  imperative  and  requires  the  reports  and 
Grand  Lodge  dues  to  be  transmitted  as  soon  as  practicable 
after  the  1st  of  January  or  July  of  each  year,  regardless  of 
whether  the  officers  have  been  installed  or  not..  Should  the 
officers  not  be  installed  the  Lodge  should  send  the  reports 
and  dues;  and  the  receipt  of  the  Grand  Secretary  therefor 
or  proof  from  the  postoffice  or  express  office  that  they  had 
been  transmitted  is  sufficient  warrant  to  the  District  Deputy 
to  install  at  any  future  meeting. — 1892  Journal,  25,  17. 

2691.  Brothers  suspended  for  a  certain  period.  Names 
of  brothers  under  suspension  for  a  definite  period  in  punish- 
ment for  an  offense  should  be  included  as  being  in  ''mem- 
bership ' '  by  Lodge  officers  when  making  their  returns  to  the 
Grand  Lodge,  in  accordance  with  Sections  2  and  3,  Article 
XI,  Constitution  of  Subordinates.— 1875  Journal,  300,  301. 

2692.  Signatures  of  elective  officers  to  reports.  All  term 
reports  made  to  the  Grand  Lodge  by  Subordinates  must  con- 
tain the  signatures  of  the  elective  officers  thereof,  in  their 
own  handwriting. — 1863  Journal,  388. 

2693.  Reports  made  even  if  new  officers  not  installed. 

The  reports  of  the  Lodge  for  the  term  expiring  shall  be  made 


Reports  and  Returns.  685 

to  the  Grand  Lodge  at  the  first  meeting  of  the  new  term, 
whether  the  new  officers  be  installed  or  not. — 1884  Journal, 
18,  116,  153. 

2694.  What  moneys  included  in  reports.  Annual  or  semi- 
annual reports  of  moneys  received  should  only  include  so 
much  as  was  received  and  reported  to  the  Lodge  previous  to 
and  on  the  last  session  in  each  term. — 1857  Journal,  258,  273. 

2695.  Proceedings  of  January  1st  and  July  1st.  No  por- 
tion of  the  proceedings  of  a  Lodge  meeting  held  on  the  first 
day  of  January  and  July  should  appear  in  the  semi-annual 
report  of  any  officer  of  the  previous  term. — 1862  Journal, 
321. 

2696.  Noble  Grand  must  not  return  himself  as  Past 
Grand.  A  presiding  officer  or  sitting  Noble  Grand  has  no 
right  to  sign  an  annual  or  semi-annual  report,  returning 
himself  as  a  Past  Grand,  unless  he  have  previously  passed 
the  Noble  Grand's  chair.— 1861  Journal,  147. 

2697.  Installation.  The  annual  and  semi-annual  returns 
under  Article  XI,  Sections  2  and  3,  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nates, must  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Installing  Officer 
before  the  officers  of  a  new  term  can  be  installed. — 1856 
Journal,  218 ;  1857  Journal,  250. 

2698.  Annual  reports  as  to  property,  etc.,  on  or  before 
March  31st.  Each  Subordinate  Lodge,  under  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  this  Grand  Lodge,  shall  annually,  on  or  before  the 
31st  day  of  March  of  each  year,  make  and  forward  to  the 
Grand  Secretary  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  a  report  in  the  form 
of  a  tabulated  statement,  in  relation  to  the  property  owned 
by  such  Subordinate  Lodge,  including  the  name,  number 
and  location  of  the  Lodge,  the  size  of  lot,  and  the  height, 
size  and  material  of  building  owned  by  it;  date  of  erection 
of  such  building,  cost  of  property,  present  value,  indebted- 
ness, if  any ;  amount  of  insurance  on  the  property,  net  annual 
income  from  property ;  size  of  Lodge-room ;  character  of  the 
title  to  the  real  property,  whether  in  fee,  under  lease,  or 


68(5  Representatives  and  Representation. 

otherwise,  and,  if  owned  jointly  with  others,  what  part  is 
owned  by  the  Lodge,  or,  if  owned  by  a  corporation,  the 
amount  and  market  value  of  the  stock  owned  by  the  Lodge ; 
also  the  amount  of  money  or  securities  not  included  in  stock 
above  mentioned;  also  cemetery  or  cemetery  lot  owned  or 
controlled  by  the  Lodge ;  and  the  Grand  Secretary  shall  fur- 
nish blank  forms  to  each  Subordinate  Lodge  for  the  reports 
above  required. — 1896  Journal,  655,  656. 

(See  Officers;  District  Deputy  Grand  Master.) 
(As  to  account  of  moneys  paid  to  Grand  Secretary  and  of 
supplies  and  property  received,  see  Subordinate  Lodge.) 

REPRESENTATIVES  AND  REPRESENTATION. 

2699.  Number,  qualifications,  election,  vacancy.  Every 
Subordinate  Lodge  shall  be  entitled,  in  this  Grand  Lodge,  to 
one  Representative  for  its.  members  of  fifty  or  under ;  also 
one  Representative  for  every  fifty  members  over  and  above 
said  first  number  of  fifty,  and  one  for  every  fraction 
exceeding  thirty  members  in  good  standing.  Representatives 
must  be  Past  Grands  in  good  standing,  and  shall  be  elected 
by  the  Lodge,  at  any  regular  meeting,  within  two  months 
previous  to  each  annual  communication,  to  serve  one  year 
from  the  beginning  of  said  annual  communication.  Vacan- 
cies may  be  filled  at  any  time  to  serve  the  remainder  of  the 
term. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  II,  Sec.  3. 

2700.  Time  of  election— Number  Lodge  entitled  to.    The 

Lodge,  at  the  last  regular  meeting  in  March  of  each  year, 
shall  elect  one  Representative  to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  its 
members  of  fifty  or  under ;  also  one  Representative  for  every 
fifty  members  over  and  above  said  first  number  of  fifty,  and 
one  for  every  fraction  exceeding  thirty  members  in  good 
standing,  as  shown  by  its  report  on  the  31st  day  of  Decem- 
ber of  the  previous  year. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art. 
VI,  Sec.  11. 

Note. — The     only     qualification  Grand  Lodge,  is  that  he  should  be 

necessary  for  a  Past  Grand  to  be  a   member   of  his   Lodge   in    good 

a  candidate  for  election  as  repre-  standing — (1893  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

sentative    of    his    Lodge,    in    its  13258,  13548,  13654). 


k 


t 


■Representatives  and  Representation.  687 

2701.  Past  Grands.  All  Past  Grands  in  good  standing 
are  eligible  to  the  office  of  Representative  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  and  may  be  elected,  whether  nominated  or  not. — 
1885  Journal,  426,  435. 

2702.  Not  a  Past  Vice-Grand.  A  Past  Grand  who  is  not 
a  Past  Vice-Grand,  but  who  has  been  legally  elected  as  a 
Representative,  is  entitled  to  a  seat  in  the  Grand  Lodge. — 
1877  Journal,  582,  675,  697. 

2703.  Junior  Past  Grand.  Junior  Past  Grand  of  a  Lodge 
is  eligible  to  election  to  the  office  of  Representative  to 
Grand  Lodge.— 1886  Journal,  537,  620,  646. 

Note. — A    Junior    Past    Grand  Junior   Past   Grand,   and  until   a 

may  be  elected  a  Representative —  Noble     Grand     becomes     a     Past 

(1848     S.    G.    L.    Journal,     1286,  Grand,  he  cannot  be  elected  Rep- 

1317;      1886     Journal,    537,    620,  resentative    to    his    State    Grand 

646).     But  service  as  Noble  Grand  Lodge — (1874    S.    G.    L.    Journal, 

to  the  very  last  moment  is  a  pre-  6211,  6263;  1877  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

liminary  condition  to  becoming  a  7362,  7450). 

2704.  Nominations  not  necessary.  It  is  not  necessary  to 
nominate  in  the  Subordinate  Lodges  certain  Past  Grands  in 
the  election  of  Representatives  to  the  Grand  Lodge.  All 
Past  Grands  in  good  standing  are  to  be  considered  in  nomi- 
nation, unless  they  expressly  decline,  and  they  may  be 
elected,  whether  nominated  or  not. — 1880  Journal,  258,  359, 
375;  1885  Journal,  426,  435. 

2705.  Qualifications  of  Representative.  Representatives 
must  be  Past  Grands  in  good  standing,  properly  elected,  and 
members  of  the  Lodge  which  they  claim  to  represent. — 1866 
Journal,  185;  1893  Journal,  413,  429. 

2706.  Member  of  Rebekah  Lodge.  It  is  not  necessary  to 
be  a  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  in  order  to  be  qualified 
for  a  Representative  to  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1902  Journal, 
750,  916,  940.     (See  Errata.) 

2707.  Noble  Grand.  The  retiring  Noble  Grand  cannot 
be  elected  as  Representative  ''until  he  ceases  to  be  Noble 
Grand  and  has  become  a  Past  Grand."    It  is  not  competent 


688  Repkesentatives  and  Representation. 

to  provide  by  law  that  a  Noble  Grand  shall  have  a  seat  and 
vote  in  a  Grand  Lodge.  No  one  but  Past  Grands  can  be  ad- 
mitted into  a  Grand  Lodge.— 1872-1882  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
5558,  5578,  9020,  9100. 

2708.  Election  of.  At  an  election  for  Representatives  to 
the  Grand  Lodge  it  requires  pnly  a  majority  of  the  votes 
cast  to  elect,  and  when  more  than  the  number  of  Repre- 
sentatives to  which  the  Lodge  is  entitled  receive  a  majority, 
those  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  over  a  majority 
shall  be  deemed  elected.— 1889  Journal,  31,  122,  163. 

2709.  The  same.  Where  at  an  election  for  Representa- 
tives there  is  found,  on  counting  votes,  one  more  ballot  than 
there  are  members  present,  and  the  extra  ballot  does  not 
affect  the  result,  the  election  is  valid. — 1893  Journal,  358, 
385,  421. 

2710.  Where  charges  are  pending.  A  Past  Grand  elected 
a  Representative  when  a  charge  was  pending  against  him  for 
an  alleged  violation  of  the  principles  of  Odd  Fellowship, 
was  admitted  to  the  Grand  Lodge  as  a  Representative. — 
1867  Journal,  288. 

2711.  Resignation  may  be  accepted.  A  Subordinate 
Lodge  may  accept  the  resignation  of  a  Representative-elect 
to  the  Grand  Lodge,  even  though  the  certificate  of  his  elec- 
tion had  been  forwarded  to  the  Grand  Secretary. — 1863  Jour- 
nal, 432. 

2712.  Election  cannot  be  annulled.  When  a  Representa- 
tive to  the  Grand  Lodge  has  been  elected  at  the  time  and  in 
the  manner  required  by  law,  his  election  cannot  be  annulled, 
but  if  the  Representative-elect  resigns  or  a  vacancy  other- 
wise occurs,  the  vacancy  can  be  filled  as  the  law  may  pre- 
scribe.—1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  528,  752,  820. 

2713.  Basis  of  representation.  The  basis  of  representa- 
tion of  Subordinate  Lodges  in  the  Grand  Lodge  is  the  num- 
ber of  members  in  good  standing,  as  shown  by  the  report  to 
the  Grand  Secretary  on  the  previous  January. — 1858  Jour- 
nal, 381. 


Repkesentatives  and  Representation.  689 

2714.  Lodges  working  under  dispensation.  Lodges  work- 
ig  iinder  dispensations,  and  which  make  their  reports  as 

ler  Lodges,  shall  be  represented  according  to  member- 
lip,  while  those  which  do  not  make  their  report  on  the  31st 
lay  of  December  shall  be  entitled  to  only  one  Representa- 
ive.— 1869  Journal,  77,  106. 

2715.  Number  of  Representatives  to  be  reported.  The 
rrand  Secretary  shall  make  out  a  list  from  the  semi-annual 
jports  of  the  Subordinate  Lodges,  made  on  the  31st  day  of 
December  in  each  year,  of  the  number  of  Representatives  to 
rhich  each  Lodge  is  entitled,  and  report  the  same  to  the 
[rand  Lodge. — 1858  Journal,  398. 

2716.  When  instructions  to  Representatives  improper.  A 
>dge,  after  trial,  expelled  a  member,  who  appealed  to  the 

Jrand  Lodge.  After  the  election  of  the  Representatives  the 
>dge  instructed  its  Representatives  to  vote  to  sustain  the 
idgment  of  expulsion.  It  was  improper.  The  Grand  Lodge 
:ercises  both  legislative  and  judicial  powers,  and  in  the 
:ercise  of  its  judicial  powers  its  Representatives  are  not 
subject  to  instructions  by  their  respective  Lodges. — 1871 

Foumal,  461. 

2717.  Expenses    of    Representatives.      A     Subordinate 
>dge  has  the  right  to  appropriate  money  towards  defray- 

ig  the  expenses  of  its  Representatives  to  the  Grand  Lodge. 
-1896  Journal,  408,  588,  629. 

(See  Ballot  and  Voting;  Committees;  Credentials;  Busi- 
less  of  Grand  Lodge.) 

REPRESENTATIVE  FUND. 

(See  Mileage.) 

RESIGNATION  OF  MEMBERSHIP. 

(See  Membership.) 

RESIGNATION. 
(See  Officers;   Representatives;  Fines.) 

44 


690  Revenue — Rituals. 

RESOLUTIONS. 

(See  Contempt ;  Commvmications  to  Lodges ;  Officers ;  Order, 
Rules  and  Questions  of.) 

RETURNS. 

(See  Reports  and  Returns.) 

REVENUE. 

2718.  Grand  Lodge.  The  revenue  of  this  Grand  Lodge 
shall  be  raised  for  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  necessary- 
expenses  thereof,  and  the  necessary  expenses  of  support  of 
aged  and  indigent  Odd  Fellows,  their  wives,  widows  and  or- 
phans, whenever  they  shall  be  supported  at  an  Odd  Fellows' 
Home  founded  and  maintained  under  the  auspices,  authori- 
zation or  permission  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  expense  of 
furnishing  and  maintaining  such  Homes. — Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VHI,  Sec.  1. 

RITUALS. 

2719.  The  duty  of  the  Noble  Grand.  It  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  Noble  Grands  of  the  various  Lodges  to  keep  securely 
the  Charge  Books  (Rituals)  of  the  Order. — 1859  Journal, 
508. 

2720.  Custody  of  Ritual.  It  is  recommended  that  the 
Noble  Grand  grant  a  liberal  use  of  the  Ritual  to  deserving 
officers  of  the  Lodge.  It  is  not  in  order  for  a  Lodge  to  in- 
struct its  Noble  Grand  to  place  a  Ritual  in  charge  of  the 
Vice-Grand,  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Noble  Grand  to  keep 
safely  the  Rituals  and  he  must  be  his  own  judge  of  their 
safe  custody.— 1887  Journal,  769,  875,  888. 

2721.  Must  not  be  taken  from  the  Lodge-room.     It  is 

unlawful  for  the  Charge  Books  (Rituals),  or  others  contain- 
ing or  relating  to  the  secret  work  of  the  Order,  to  be  taken 
from  the  Lodge-room.  The  Noble  Grand  of  a  Lodge  being 
the  proper  custodian  of  such  books,  may  entrust  them  to  his 
subordinate  officers  or  to  any  member  in  good  standing  of 
the  Degree  of  Truth,  for  the  purpose  of  qualification,  while 


Rituals.  691 

in  tfie  Lodge-room.  The  laws  of  the  Order  prohibit  the 
writing  of  the  initiatory  charges,  as  well  as  all  other  parts 
of  the  secret  work.— 1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14527,  14565. 

2722.  Four  Rituals  to  each  Lodge.  Each  Subordinate 
Lodge  is  allowed  to  procure  not  to  exceed  four  Rituals  for 
its  use.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  342,  374. 

2723.  Number  Lodge  entitled  to.  A  Lodge  has  no  right 
to  more  than  four  Rituals,  and  cannot  have  more  than  that 
number.— 1897  Journal,  808,  994,  1034. 

2724.  Grand  Lodges — Number  of  Rituals.  Grand  Bodies 
may  compel  their  Subordinates  to  purchase  a  given  number 
of  Rituals  not  exceeding  the  number  allowed  by  the  laws  of 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.— 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15168, 
15558,  15616. 

2725.  Old  Charge  Books  returned  to  Grand  Secretary. 
When  a  Lodge  orders  and  gets  a  new  set  of  Charge  Books 
(Rituals)  the  old  ones  shall  be  returned  to  the  Grand  Secre- 
tary.—1871  Journal,  367,  445,  471. 

2726.  New  Rituals.  Lodges  must  procure  new  Rituals  as 
soon  as  they  are  printed  and  ready  for  the  Lodges. — 1897 
Journal,  808,  994,  1034. 

2727.  Loss  of  Charge  Books — Duty  to  prefer  charges.  In 
case  of  the  loss  of  any  such  books  (Rituals)  the  sitting  Past 
Grand  of  the  Lodge  shall  prefer  charges  against  the  officer 
losing  the  same,  and  if  it  shall  be  found  that  such  books 
were  carelessly  or  negligently  lost,  such  officer  shall  be  ex- 
pelled from  the  Order,  unless  such  Lodge  shall  determine 
that  such  negligence  was  excusable,  in  which  case  the  pun- 
ishment may  be  removal  from  office,  or  leprimand  and  fine 
not  exceeding  one  hundred  dollars.  In  case  the  sitting  Past 
Grand  shall  lose  such  books,  charges  shall  be  preferred  by 
the  District  Deputy  of  the  District.— 1859  Journal,  508. 

2728.  Duty  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Master.  The  Dis- 
trict Deputy  Grand  Masters  are  required  to  take  a  receipt 


692  Room  Committee — Safe — Salary. 

from  the  Noble  Grand  at  installation  of  all  Charge  Books 
(Rituals)  belonging  to  and  in  the  possession  of  their  re- 
spective Lodges,  and  to  forward  the  same  to  the  Grand  Sec- 
retary with  the  reports. — 1867  Journal,  363. 

2729.  District  Deputy  not  entitled  to.  The  District 
Deputy  Grand  Masters  are  not  entitled  to  have  copies  of  the 
Ritual  of  the  Order.— 1889  Journal,  76. 

2730.  Binding  of  Rituals.  The  law  does  not  permit  the 
Rituals  to  be  taken  from  the  Lodge  room,  but  if  they  can 
be  bound  in  the  Lodge  room,  there  can  be  no  objection,  pro- 
vided the  binder  is  a  member  of  the  Order  who  has  the  entire 
work  of  the  particular  Ritual  to  be  bound. — 1889  Journal, 
77 ;  1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14527,  14565. 

(See  Consolidation;  Work  of  the  Order;  Rebekah  Branch.) 

ROOM  COMMITTEE. 

2731.  Noble  Grand  may  appoint.  A  Noble  Grand  has  a 
right  to  appoint  a  Room  Committee,  in  accordance  with  a 
resolution  adopted  by  the  Lodge  authorizing  and  directing 
such  appointment. — 1895  Journal,  20,  185,  235. 

RULES  OF  ORDER. 

(See  Order,  Rules  and  Questions  of.) 

SAFE. 

2732.  Right  to  purchase.  A  Lodge  has  the  authority  and 
right  to  purchase  a  safe  for  the  use  of  the  Lodge.  The  de- 
sirability, expediency  or  propriety  of  the  purchase  of  a 
safe  is  a  question  which  is  left  to  the  discretion  or  judgment 
of  the  Lodge. — Clairmont  vs.  Boulder  Creek  Lodge,  1905 
Journal,  901,  902,  910. 

SALARY. 

2733.  Grand  Secretary.  He  shall  receive  such  salary  as 
may  be  fixed  upon  at  each  annual  session,  which  shall  be  paid 
monthly. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  4. 


Seal.  693 

2734.  Appointed  officer.  A  Lodge  cannot  attach  a  salary 
to  an  appointed  office  upon  a  motion  made  and  adopted  at 
the  same  meeting. — 1857  Journal,  270,  274. 

2735.  Regulated  by  By-Law.  The  subject  of  salaries  of 
Subordinate  Lodge  officers  must  be  regulated  by  the  By- 
Laws  of  the  Lodge.— 1857  Journal,  270,  274. 

(See  Section  1525,  Organist.) 

SEAL. 

2736.  Each  Lodge  must  have  a  seal.  A  Lodge  must  have 
a  seal  in  order  to  transact  its  business  properly. — 1884 
Journal,  21,  116,  153. 

Note. — A  Lodge  would  be  justi-      attested  by  its  seal — (1885  S.  G. 
fied   in   refusing  attention  to  any      L.  Journal,  9857,  10195,  10176). 
document    of    another    Lodge    not 

2737.  Wax  impressions  deposited  with  Grand  Secretary. 

All  Lodges  in  this  jurisdiction  are  required  to  have  deposited 
in  the  office  of  the  Grand  Secretary,  a  wax  impression  of 
their  seal.— 1856  Journal,  207. 

2738.  Recording  Secretary  sole  custodian — Noble  Grand. 
The  Recording  Secretary  is  the  sole  custodian  of  the  seal 
of  the  Lodge,  and  alone  authorized  to  use  it.  Noble  Grand 
has  no  power  to  order  the  Recording  Secretary  to  affix  his 
seal  to  any  paper.  He  may  advise,  but  the  Secretary  is  only 
bound  to  obey  the  orders  of  the  Lodge. — 1862  Journal,  305 ; 
1872  Journal,  576,  665,  684. 

2739.  Recording  Secretary.  The  Recording  Secretary  is 
the  officer  into  whose  hands  the  seal  of  the  Lodge  has  been 
committed  by  the  installation  ceremony.  He  is  the  only 
one  authorized  to  use  it,  and  he  alone  can  officially  attest 
anything  for  or  on  behalf  of  the  Lodge. — 1897  Journal, 
1032,  1055;  1885  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  9856,  10105,  10176. 

2740.  Duty  of  Recording  Secretary.  He  shall  issue,  sign 
and  attest,  when  required  by  the  Lodge  or  the  laws  and 
usages  of  the  Order,  all  cards,  certificates,  drafts  and  other 
official  documents,  and  affix  thereto  the  Lodge  seal,  which 


694.  Skal. 

shall  be  in  his  charge  and  keeping. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  VII,  Sec.  3. 

2741.  When  Noble  Grand  and  Secretary  may  use  seal. 

The  Noble  Grand  or  Secretary  has  not  the  right  to  use  the 
seal  of  the  Lodge  at  any  time  or  for  any  purpose,  without 
a  vote  of  the  Lodge,  except  in  accordance  with  the  Consti- 
tution and  By-Laws.— 1857  Journal,  270,  274. 

2742.  Must  be  printed  or  impressed,  not  affixed.     The 

seal  of  a  Lodge,  in  authenticating  papers,  must  be  printed  or 
impressed  upon  the  paper  it  authenticates,  and  not  affixed 
thereto.— 1858  Journal,  333. 

2743.  Seal  used  for  what  purpose.  The  seal  of  a  Lodge 
cannot  be  used  except  for  the  purpose  of  attesting  the  acts 
of  the  Lodge  as  such.— 1S78  Journal,  822,  928,  965. 

Note. — It  should  be  used  only  iness  of  the  Lodge — (1876  S.  G.  L. 
in  transacting  the  legitimate  bus-      Journal,  6752,  6977,  7051). 

2744.  Official  certificates.  Official  certificates  (official  re- 
ceipts for  dues,  etc.)  are  attested  by  the  seal. — 1897  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  15067,  15068,  14951. 

2745.  Orders  for  passwords.  Orders  for  passwords  must 
be  under  the  seal  of  the  Lodge  giving  the  orders. — 1861 
Journal,  179,  180. 

2746.  Notice  of  arrearages.  A  notice  from  the  Financial 
Secretary  of  a  Lodge  to  a  brother  in  arrears  for  dues,  does 
not  require  the  impression  of  the  Lodge  seal. — 1862  Journal, 
305;  Porter  vs.  Magnolia  Lodge,  1864  Journal,  482,  521,  522. 

2747.  Financial  Secretary.  It  is  not  necessary  to  place 
the  seal  upon  the  notices  of  the  Financial  Secretary  to  make 
them  official.— 1864  Journal,  482,  521. 

2748.  Communications  and  cards.  All  cards,  whether 
visiting  or  withdrawal,  and  all  communications  from  Grand 
or  Subordinate  Bodies,  must  be  authenticated  by  having  the 
seal  attached. — 1862  Journal,  291. 

2749.  Laws  and  documents  sent  to  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge.    All  laws  sent  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  for  ap- 


t 


Seal. 


695 


proval  shall  bear  the  seal  of  the  body  adopting  them,  and 
all  documents  without  seal  (where  the  body  has  one)  shall 
be  returned  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  without  consid- 
eration.—1872  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  5518,  5547. 

2750.  Certifying  to  sickness.  A  Lodge  has  the  right  to 
use  its  seal  in  certifying  to  the  sickness  of  a  member  of 
another  beneficial  society. — 1879  Journal,  24,  101,  110. 

2751.  Presumption  in  case  of  notice  under  seal.  A  notice 
coming  from  a  Lodge,  and  issued  under  its  seal,  and  the 
legal  custodian  of  the  seal  being  the  Recording  Secretary, 
by  the  laws  of  the  Order,  it  will  be  presumed,  nothing  else 
appearing,  that  the  person  whose  name  appears  to  the  com- 
munication so  sealed,  was  the  Recording  Secretary  of  the 
Lodge,  even  if  he  do  not  sign  himself  as  such. — 1878  Jour- 
nal, 829,  946,  974. 

2752.  Seal  as  evidence.  It  is  not  incumbent  on  the  Dis- 
trict Deputy  to  go  behind  the  seal  of  a  Lodge  to  ascertain 
whether  a  brother  claiming  the  Past  Official  Degrees  is  legal- 
ly entitled  to  receive  them,  but  he  may  take  the  certificate 
of  a  Lodge  as  true. — 1863  Journal,  421. 

2753.  The  seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 


Note. — A  Grand  Lodge  must 
have  a  seal,  and  an  impression 
thereof  in  wax,  is  required  to  be 
deposited  with  the  Sovereign 
Orand  Lodge.  All  laws  sent  to 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  for 
approval    must   bear    the    seal    of 

(See  Installation.) 


the  Body  adopting  them,  and  all 
documents  without  a  seal  (when 
the  Body  has  one)  shall  be  re- 
turned by  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  without  consideration — 
(1872  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  5518, 
6547). 


096       Secret  Journal — Session — Sick  Brothers. 

SECRETS. 

2754.  Family,  government  and  other  secrets.  The  spirit 
of  the  laws  of  Odd  Fellowship  do  not  require  any  brother 
to  betray  family,  government  or  other  secrets,  by  means  of 
which  injury  will  be  caused  to  himself  or  others. — 1864 
Journal,  524,  545. 

SECRET  JOURNAL. 

2755.  Duty  to  keep  matters  therein  secret.  Grand  Lodge 
members  are  required  to  keep  secret  from  the  Subordinate 
Lodges  all  business  of  this  Grand  Lodge  which  is  entered  on 
the  Secret  Journal,  unless  otherwise  ordered  by  the  Grand 
Lodge.— 1857  Journal,  278. 

(See  Journal.) 

SECRET  WORK. 

(See  Work  of  the  Order.) 

SEMI-ANNUAL  PASSWORD. 

(See  Password.) 

SEMI-ANNUAL  REPORTS  AND  RETURNS. 

(See  Reports  and  Returns.) 

SESSION. 

2756.  Lodge  meeting.  A  Lodge  is  a  permanent  society 
holding  regular  meetings  every  week.  Every  meeting  is 
therefore  a  session. — Peckham  vs.  Pajaro  Lodge,  1884  Jour- 
nal, 29,  128,  154. 

(See  Annual  Communications;  Special  Sessions.) 

SICK  BROTHERS. 

2757.  Lodge  not  necessarily  liable  for  expenses,  when.  A 

Lodge  is  not  necessarily  liable  to  pay  expenses  incurred  in 
behalf  of  a  sick  brother  merely  because  he  continues  to  hold 
membership  in  the  Lodge. — 1869  Journal,  121 ;  1870  Journal, 
302. 


Sick  Brothers.  697 

2758.  Right  to  care  in  sickness.  So  long  as  a  brother 
remains  in  membership,  whether  in  arrears  for  dues  or  not, 
he  is  entitled  to  care  in  sickness. — 1887  Journal,  846,  885. 

2759.  Duty  to  sojourning  sick  brothers.  It  is  the  duty  of 
a  Lodge  to  attend  upon  all  sick  brothers  of  the  Order  so- 
journing within  its  immediate  jurisdiction,  requiring  such 
care,  and  in  this  respect  to  make  no  distinction  between  the 
stranger  and  its  own  members.  But  while  this  is  the  rule, 
it  would  seem  to  be  more  in  harmony  with  the  general  teach- 
ings of  our  Order — those  beautiful  teachings  which  do  not 
permit  of  a  mere  technical  evasion  of  any  duty — that  a  Lodge 
should  always  itself,  with  the  aid  of  nurses,  or  by  its  own 
members,  personally  care  for  the  sick  of  its  own  member- 
ship, when  it  can  do  so  with  but  little  more  inconvenience 
than  the  same  duty  can  be  discharged  by  a  sister  Lodge. — 
1882  Journal,  812,  859,  882. 

2760.  Duty  of  brothers  when  out  of  their  own  jurisdic- 
tion. Resolved,  That  the  law  found  on  page  10990  of  the 
Journal  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  for  1887  and  digested 
in  Section  112  of  White's  Digest  of  1895  be  and  is  hereby 
amended  so  as  to  read  as  follows :  ' '  Resolved,  That  it  is  the 
duty  of  every  Odd  Fellow,  when  he  is  away  from  home  and 
out  of  the  jurisdiction  of  his  own  Lodge,  to  give  attention 
and  care  to 'his  brethren  in  distress  and  watch  with  the 
sick  when  necessary,  as  well  as  when  he  is  within  his  own 
jurisdiction ;  and  further  resolved,  that  it  is  and  shall  be  the 
duty  of  every  member  of  the  Order,  on  taking  up  his  resi- 
dence away  from  the  vicinity  of  his  own  Lodge,  to  report 
himself  to  the  Lodge  nearest  his  residence,  or  when  it  is 
equally  near  to  two  or  more  Lodges,  to  one  thereof,  within 
thirty  days  after  taking  up  such  residence,  and  in  making 
such  report  he  shall  give  the  name,  number  and  location  of 
his  Lodge,  and  when  requested  by  the  Lodge  to  which  he 
has  reported,  shall  watch  with  the  sick  who  are  wider  the 
care  of  said  Lodge,  both  members  and  visitors;  and  any 
such  member  failing  so  to  report  or  to  watch  shall  not  be 
entitled  to  attention  from  any  Lodge.    And  this  legislation 


698        Sign— Smoking— Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

shall  not  be  construed  to  hinder  or  prevent  any  Lodge  or 
member  from  furnishing  watchers  or  giving  attention  to 
any  sick  or  needy  brother.  "—1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  321,  322, 
353,  354. 

Note.— The  Grand  Sire  in  No-  of  1898  (S.  G.  L.  Journal,  pp. 
vember,  1905,  rendered  decisions  1G056,  16112,  16115  and  also  to 
that  the  law  of  1887  (S.  G.  L.  be  found  in  Busbee's  Digest,  Sec- 
Journal,  pp.  10990,  11028)  as  to  tion  172)  never  became  a  law,  as 
the  duties  of  Odd  Fellows  away  its  consideration  was  indefinitely 
from  home  and  also  to  be  found  postponed.  These  decisions  are 
in  Busbee's  Digest,  Section  172,  is  subject  to  the  approval  of  the 
superseded  and  replaced  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  at  its  ses- 
foregoing  law  or  resolutions  of  sion  in  September,  1906. 
1899,  and  that  the   proposed  law 

(See  Benefits;  Relief  Committee  and  Relief;  Visiting  Cojn- 
mittee ;  Nurses  and  Watchers. ) 

I  SIGN. 

2761.  Emblems  and  name  of  the  Order.  The  use  of  them 
on  any  business  sign  prohibited. 

(See  Emblems.) 

SMOKING. 

2762.  Prohibited  in  Lodge  room.  Whereas,  The  habit 
of  smoking  cigars,  pipes  and  cigarettes  in  Lodge  rooms  dur- 
ing regular  sessions,  and  even  during  work,  is  a  growing 
evil  and  an  offense  against  good  order  and  decorum,  demor- 
alizing in  its  influence  and  objectionable  to  many  members, 
actually  preventing  some  from  enjoying  Lodge  meetings; 
therefore,  be  it  Resolved,  That  Noble  Grands  of  Lodges  are 
required  to  prohibit  smoking  in  Lodge  rooms  during 
**work,"  or  when  the  Lodge  is  in  regular  session. — 1897 
Journal,  1018. 

(See  Funds.) 

SOVEREIGN  GRAND  LODGE. 

2763.  The  source  of  all  legitimate  Odd  Fellowship.     It 

is  the  source  of  all  true  and  legitimate  Odd  Fellowship  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  and  possesses  such  powers 
and  jurisdiction  over  the  whole  brotherhood  as  are  provided 


Special  Sessions  of  Grand  Lodge.  699 

in  the  Constitution  and  Ritual  of  the  Order.  Its  authority- 
extends  also  to  such  Lodges  and  Encampments  as  may  be 
organized  under  its  charter  in  foreign  countries. — Constitu- 
tion Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  I,  Sec.  2. 

2764.  Constitution  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  It  is  pre- 
fixed to  this  Digest,  page  3.  For  Index  thereto,  see  Index 
to  this  Digest  under  the  head  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

(See  Constitution  and  Laws;  Decisions.) 

2765.  By-Laws  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  They  are 
prefixed  to  this  Digest,  page  17.  For  Index  thereto,  see  In- 
dex to  this  Digest  under  the  head  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

2766.  Organizations  claiming  to  be  part  of  the  Order.  No 
organization  can  have  the  emblems  or  refer  to  Ritual  or 
work  of  Odd  Fellowship  and  no  organization  claiming  to  be 
part  Odd  Fellowship  can  pay  benefits  or  have  legal  ex- 
istence without  the  sanction  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 
—1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  541,  752,  820. 

SPECIAL  FUND. 

(See  Funds.) 

SPECIAL  SESSIONS  OF  GRAND  LODGE. 

2767.  How  called  and  for  what  purposes,  etc.  Special 
sessions  shall  be  called  by  the  Grand  Master  on  application, 
by  resolution  under  seal,  of  ten  Subordinate  Lodges.  Special 
sessions  may  also  be  called  at  the  option  of  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter. Such  sessions  shall  be  for  the  transaction  of  extra- 
ordinary business  only,  which  shall  be  specified  in  the  call, 
and  not  less  than  thirty  days'  notice  shall  be  given  by  letter 
to  each  Representative;  which  thirty  days  shall  begin  from 
the  date  on  which  said  letters  are  mailed.  Such  special  ses- 
sions shall  be  held  at  the  place  of  meeting  of  the  last  previous 
annual  communication.  Special  sessions  may  also  be  called 
at  the  option  of  the  Grand  blaster,  at  such  time  and  place 
as  he  may  deem  advisable;  at  which  session  no  business  of 
any  kind  shall  be  transacted  except  the  conferring  of  the 


700  Spurious  Lodge— Standing  Committee. 

Grand  Lodge  Degree,  Past  Official  Degrees,  and  the  exem- 
plification of  the  work;  ahvays  provided,  that  such  special 
session  shall  not  be  held  unless  either  the  Grand  Master, 
Deputy  Grand  Master  or  Grand  Warden  and  Grand  Secre- 
tary of  this  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  present. — Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  II,  Sec.  5, 

(See  Annual  Communications.) 

SPURIOUS  LODGE. 

2768.  Organizing  or  visiting.  No  member  of  this  Lodge 
shall  be  concerned  in  organizing  or  visiting  any  spurious 
Lodge  of  Odd  Fellows. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  X, 
Sec.  1. 

STANDING  COMMITTEE. 

2769.  Who  constitute,  and  duties.  The  elective  Grand 
Officers,  except  the  Grand  Representatives  and  the  Trustees 
of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  shall  constitute  the  Standing 
Committee,  to  act  in  the  recess  of  the  annual  session  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  and  perform  such  duties  as  may  be  assigned 
to  them.  Of  said  committee  the  Grand  Master  shall  be  the 
chairman,  and  he  may  call  meetings  thereof  at  his  discre- 
tion.— Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  1. 

2770.  Powers  to  fill  vacancies  in  office.  The  Grand  Master 
may  suspend  a  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  from  office 
for  neglect  of  duty,  and  vacancies  in  such  office,  from  any 
cause,  shall  be  filled  by  the  Grand  Master.  Vacancies  in  the 
other  Grand  offices,  except  that  of  Grand  Master,  shall  be 
filled  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  if  in  session;  if  not,  then  by  the 
Standing  Committee,  for  the  remainder  of  the  term.  Pro- 
vided, that  in  case  of  vacancy  in  the  office  of  Grand  Repre- 
sentative or  of  Trustee  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  the  ap- 
pointee of  the  Standing  Committee  shall  only  hold  until  the 
succeeding  session  of  this  Grand  Lodge. — Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  V,  Sec.  4. 


i 


Stay  of  Proceedings.  701 

STATE  OF  THE  ORDER. 

2771.  Committee  on  State  of  the  Order  is  a  regular  com- 
mittee. There  shall  be  appointed  at  each  annual  session  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  a  regular  Committee  on  the  State  of  the 
Order,  from  among  the  members  present. — Constitution 
Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  2. 

2772.  Duties  of  committee.  The  Committee  on  State  of 
the  Order  shall  consist  of  five  members,  appointed  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  Finance  Committee,  who  shall  examine 
the  reports  of  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters  and  such 
other  matters  as  may  be  referred  to  them,  and  report  there- 
on to  the  Grand  Lodge;  and  they  shall  annually  present  to 
the  Grand  Lodge  an  exhibit  of  the  conditions  and  progress 
of  the  Order  under  this  jurisdiction  and  recommend  such 
measures  for  the  good  of  the  Order  as  from  time  to  time 
they  shall  judge  proper. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art. 
VI,  Sec.  9. 

2773.  Certain  questions  referred  to  the  committee.    All 

questions  involving  explanation  of  laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
or  relating  to  the  State  of  the  Order  shall  be  referred  to  the 
Committee  on  the  State  of  the  Order. — 1861  Journal,  169; 
1864  Journal,  519. 
(See  Questions.) 

STATUTE  OF  LIMITATIONS. 
(See  Trials.) 

STAY  OF  PROCEEDINGS. 

2774.  An  appeal  effects  a  stay  only  in  certain  cases.  The 
filing  of  a  notice  of  appeal,  by  any  member,  from  the  action 
of  the  Lodge  authorizing  the  payment  of  money  from 
the  funds  thereof,  shall  stay  the  payment  of  such  money  by 
the  Lodge  and  its  officers  until  the  appeal  has  been  heard 
and  determined  by  the  proper  authority  of  this  jurisdiction 
on  such  appeal,  and  then  the  Lodge  and  its  officers  shall  be 
governed  by  such  decision.  This  action  shall  not  be  ap- 
plicable to  an  order  for  the  payment  of  sick  benefits  not  ex- 


702 


Stay  of  Pkoceedings. 


ceeding  twenty  dollars,  or  to  an  order  for  the  payment  of 
a  charitable  donation  to  a  brother  or  his  widow,  child  or 
orphan,  not  exceeding  fifty  dollars,  or  to  an  order  for  money 
to  secure  a  proper  burial  of  a  member,  or  his  widow,  child 
or  orphan. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  11. 

2775.  The  effect  of  appeal.  An  appeal  does  not  operate 
as  a  stay  of  proceedings,  except  in  the  cases  provided  in 
Article  VIII,  Section  11,  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution. 
An  appeal  by  a  member  under  suspension  does  not  restore 
him  to  the  privileges  of  his  Lodge. — Newfield  vs.  Garcia 
Lodge,  1881  Journal,  503,  602,  627 ;  1870  Journal,  256,  282. 

2776.  Grand  Master.  In  case  of  appeal  from  a  Subordi- 
nate Lodge  the  Grand  Master  has  no  power  to  grant  a  stay 
of  proceedings. — In  re  Los  Angeles  Lodge,  1876  Journal, 
504,  509. 

2777.  The  same — Stay  or  suspension  of  judgment.    The 

Grand  Master  has  no  power  to  grant  a  stay  of  proceedings 
or  cause  a  suspension  of  a  judgment  of  a  Lodge  pending  an 
appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge.— 1877  Journal,  583,  678,  702. 

2778.  Announcement,  statement  or  protest.  The  mere 
announcement  or  statement  that  a  brother  will  or  intends 
to  appeal  does  not  bring  the  case  within  the  provisions  of 
Section  11,  Article  VIII,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinate 
Lodges,  which  provides  that  a  notice  of  appeal  shall  stop 
the  payment  of  the  money.  To  stop  the  payment  the  notice 
of  appeal  must  be  given  before  the  Lodge  makes  the  pay- 
ment. The  payment  cannot  be  stayed  by  a  protest  or  state- 
ment of  an  intention  to  appeal. — Mysell  vs.  Harmony  Lodge, 
1891  Journal,  669,  674. 

2779.  Appeal    to    Grand  Lodge  and  Withdrawal  Card. 

Our  laws  do  not  provide  for  a  stay  of  proceedings  in  cases 
of  appeal,  except  in  those  cases  provided  for  in  Article  VIII, 
Section  11,  Constitution  of  Subordinates.  So,  where  a 
brother  applies  for  a  Withdrawal  Card  from  his  Lodge,  and 
another  brother  prefers  charges  against    him    which,   the 


Subordinate  Lodge.  703 

Lodge,  upon  motion  duly  made  and  carried,  dismisses  as  in- 
formal or  frivolous,  whereupon  the  accusing  brother  appeals, 
the  Lodge  has  the  right  to  proceed  to  grant  the  card,  with- 
out waiting  for  the  determination  of  the  appeal. — Newfield 
vs.  Garcia  Lodge,  1881  Journal,  503,  602,  627. 

2780.  Warrant  for  ten  dollars  each  in  favor  of  thirty-four 
brothers.  A  motion  made  and  seconded  to  draw  a  warrant 
upon  the  funds  of  the  Lodge  for  the  sum  of  ten  dollars  each 
in  favor  of  thirty-four  brothers  of  the  Lodge  is  stayed,  and 
payment  prevented  by  a  notice  of  appeal  from  the  action 
of  the  Lodge  by  a  member  of  said  Lodge,  especially  where 
the  motion  does  not  state,  and  the  records  of  the  Lodge  do 
not  show,  that  the  donation  was  for  charitable  purposes. — 
1898  Journal,  13,  221,  240. 

2781.  Reinstatement  and  appeal.  An  appeal  from  the 
action  of  the  Lodge  reinstating  a  brother  does  not  suspend 
the  membership  of  said  brother  until  the  determination  of 
the  appeal.  Section  11,  of  Article  VIII,  of  Constitution  of 
Subordinates,  enumerates  the  cases  in  which  an  appeal  sus- 
pends the  judgment  of  the  Lodge,  and  this  case  is  not  one  of 
them.— 1898  Journal,  223,  13,  256. 

2782.  Appeal  to  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  A  decision  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  is  final  and  conclusive  in  all  cases  until  re- 
versed. No  authority  is  vested  in  the  Grand  Master,  in  case 
of  appeal  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  to  grant  a  stay  of 
proceedings,  but  the  brother  or  Lodge  desiring  a  stay  should 
apply  for  and  obtain  the  stay  from  the  Grand  Lodge,  as  the 
Grand  Lodge  alone  possesses  the  authority  to  grant  the 
same. — Lowenthal  vs.  San  Jose  Lodge,  1876  Journal,  506, 
510. 

(See  Appeals.) 

SUBORDINATE  LODGE. 

2783.  Shall  consist  of  at  least  five  members.  This  Lodge 
shall  consist  of  at  least  five  members  of  the  Degree  of  Truth, 
including  one  qualified  to  preside  at  its  meetings,  to  be  hailed 
and  entitled Lodge,  No.  . . . ,  of  the  Independent 


704  SUBOKDINATK   LODGE. 

Order  of  Odd  Fellows  of  California,  holding  a  legal  charter 
granted  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows  of  the  State  of  California.  It  cannot  voluntarily 
surrender  its  charter  so  long  as  five  Third  Degree  members 
in  good  standing  object  thereto. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  I,  Sec.  1. 

Note.   —   Subordinate      Lodges  uniform  Constitution  for  the  gov- 

have  no  legislative  power,  except  ernment    of    their    Subordinates — 

to  make  By-Laws  for  their  inter-  (1848-1851  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1235, 

nal      government.      State     Grand  1724,  1797-1786,  1807). 
Bodies  have  authority  to  adopt  a 

2784.  Hall  used  for  other  purposes.  There  is  no  law 
which  prevents  a  Subordinate  Lodge  from  holding  its  meet- 
ings in  the  same  hall  that  is  used  for  other  purposes  than 
that  connected  with  Odd  Fellowship. — 1896  Journal,  409, 
588,  629. 

2785.  Basement.  There  is  no  law  preventing  a  Lodge 
from  holding  its  meetings  in  a  basement,  provided  the  same 
is  secure.— 1877  Journal,  582,  675,  697. 

2786.  Change  from  weekly  to  meetings  once  in  two  weeks. 
To  change  the  meetings  of  a  Lodge  from  once  a  week  to 
once  in  two  weeks,  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  should  be 
changed  to  that  effect,  after  the  Lodge  has  received  per- 
mission from  the  Grand  Master.  To  change  back  to  once  a 
week  all  that  is  necessary  is  to  amend  the  By-Laws  again  in 
the  regular  manner,  without  any  action  on  the  part  of  the 
Grand  Master.— 1895  Journal,  19,  195,  196,  236. 

2787.  Petition  to  change  from  weekly  to  meetings  once  in 
two  weeks.  If  a  Lodge  wish  to  change  its  meetings  from 
once  a  week  to  once  in  two  weeks,  the  petition  addressed  to 
the  Grand  Master  must  be  signed  by  two-thirds  of  all  the 
members  of  the  Lodge.— 1896  Journal,  408,  588,  629. 

2788.  Notice  of  change  of  meeting  night.  It  is  obligatory 
upon  our  Lodges  to  notify  the  Grand  Secretary  of  any 
change  in  their  night  of  meeting. — 1856  Journal,  207. 


Subordinate  Lodge.  705 

2789.  Meetings  on  week  days  only.  Meetings  of  all  Sub- 
ordinate Lodges  must  be  held  on  a  week  day  and  on  regular 
specified  days  in  the  week.— 1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11744, 
11798. 

2790.  Holidays.  It  shall  be  lawful  for  Subordinate 
Lodges,  whenever  their  regular  meeting  nights  fall  upon  the 
National  Anniversary,  Thanksgiving  and  other  legally  es- 
tablished or  generally  recognized  holidays,  to  omit  such  ses- 
sions.—1886  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10473,  10474. 

2791.  Opening  in  the  Initiatory  Degree.  A  Lodge  should 
not  close  in  the  Third  Degree  and  open  in  the  Initiatory 
Degree  until  the  Outside  Conductor  comes  in  and  reports  his 
examination  of  the  candidate.  The  officers  may  prepare  for 
initiation  while  the  Outside  Conductor  is  in  the  ante-room, 
and  then,  after  he  has  returned,  close  the  Lodge  in  the  Third 
Degree  and  open  in  the  Initiatory. — 1897  Journal,  804,  805, 
994,  1034. 

2792.  Dedication.  A  Lodge  may  meet  in  a  new  hall  pend- 
ing its  dedication.— 1895  Journal,  21,  185,  235. 

2793.  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand  absent.  If  both  the 
Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand  be  absent,  a  Past  Grand  may 
preside,  the  senior  Past  Grand  present  being  entitled  to  the 
preference.— 1896  Journal,  608,  636. 

2794.  Noble  and  Vice-Grand  absent  and  no  Past  Grand 
present.  The  Noble  and  Vice-Grand  absent,  the  Lodge  not 
having  a  Past  Grand  except  the  Noble  Grand,  members  from 
the  floor  may  be  chosen  to  fill  the  offices,  a  quorum  being 
present,  all  regular  business  transacted  is  legal;  but  those 
present  cannot  initiate  or  confer  degrees  without  a  qualified 
officer.— 1895  Journal,  39,  185,  235. 

(See  Sections  2598,  2783.) 

2795.  Settlement  of  controversies.  A  Subordinate  Lodge 
is  entitled  to  exercise  a  fair  discretion  in  the  management  of 
it«  property  and  in  the  settlement  of  controversies  which 

45 


706  Subordinate  Lodge. 

may  arise  concerning  its  property  and  business  transactions. 
— Crossland  vs.  Delano  Lodge,  1895  Journal,  135,  178. 

2796.  Compromise  or  settlement  of  financial  questions.  In 

the  settlement  of  financial  questions  arising  from  contracts 
between  a  member  and  the  Lodge,  the  Lodge  may,  if  it  deem 
or  find  it  just  and  reasonable  under  all  the  circumstances  of 
the  case,  or  for  the  best  interest  of  the  Lodge,  compromise 
or  settle  such  matters  by  accepting  a  less  amount  than  is 
due. — Clough  vs.  Phoenix  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  525,  558. 

2797.  Application  for  pecuniary  aid.  No  Lodge  shall  en- 
tertain any  application  from  a  Lodge  for  pecuniary  aid  or 
assistance  under  whatever  scheme  it  may  be  offered,  unless 
it  be  authorized  by  the  Grand  Lodge  or  the  Grand  Master 
of  the  jurisdiction  in  which  such  aid  is  solicited. — 1896  Jour- 
nal, 410,  588,  629. 

2798.  Rights  as  regards  its  own  members.  A  Lodge  has 
the  right  to  investigate  the  circumstances  and  condition  of 
its  members  at  any  time,  and  loses  none  of  its  rights  over 
its  members  by  reason  of  their  being  in  the  charge  of  another 
Lodge  or  of  a  Relief  Committee.— 1889  Journal,  33,  122,  163. 

2799.  Right  to  speak.  A  Lodge  has  no  right  to  deprive 
a  brother  of  the  right  to  speak,  so  long  as  he  is  a  member 
of  the  Lodge.  A  By-Law  to  that  effect  is  illegal. — 1888 
Journal,  1026,  1111,  1130. 

(See  Sections  21  and  3199.) 

2800.  Account  of  moneys  paid  to  Grand  Secretary  and  of 
supplies  and  property  received.  Each  Lodge  in  this  juris- 
diction shall,  at  every  annual  session  of  this  Grand  Lodge, 
send  by  its  Representatives  thereto  a  detailed  and  itemized 
account  of  all  moneys  paid  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  and  all 
supplies  and  property  received  from  him  during  the  past 
year,  which  reports  shall  be  delivered  to  the  Finance  Com- 
mittee of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  by  that  committee  compared 
with  the  books  of  the  Grand  Secretary,  and  if  any  discrep- 
ancies are  found,  the  same  will  be  immediately  reported  to 


ft 
I 


I 

\ 


Subordinate  Lodge. 


707 


this  Grand  Lodge.  That  on  the  last  meeting  night  in  March 
of  each  year  said  financial  statement  shall  be  submitted,  and 
after  being  duly  approved  by  the  Finance  Committee  of  the 
Lodge  shall  be  approved  by  the  Lodge  and  immediately 
thereafter  transmitted  to  the  Finance  Committee  of  the 
Grand  Lodge.  And  in  order  to  secure  prompt  compliance 
with  the  foregoing  resolution,  the  Grand  Secretary  shall, 
at  least  sixty  days  before  the  annual  session  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  transmit  by  mail,  postage  paid,  to  each  Lodge,  a  copy 
of  the  foregoing  resolution,  and  shall  report  at  the  opening 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  whether  or  not  he  has  fully  complied 
with  this  direction.— 1894  Journal,  767;  1902  Journal,  876, 
«79,  892. 

2801.  The  same — To  be  sent  to  chairman  of  Finance  Com- 
mittee. The  Lodges  are  in  future  to  send  their  reports  of 
such  matters  to  the  chairman  of  the  Finance  Committee,  in- 
stead of  to  the  Grand  Secretary.  When  blanks  are  sent  to 
Lodges  for  these  reports  they  are  to  be  accompanied  by 
return  envelopes  addressed  to  the  chairman  of  the  Finance 
CJommittee.— 1895  Journal,  168,  187. 

2802.  To  annul  or  rescind  action.  The  officers  of  a  Lodge 
are  not  the  Lodge,  but  are  its  executive  agents,  and  the 
Lodge  only  possesses  the  power  to  annul  or  rescind  its 
action.— 1877  Journal,  711,  715. 


2803.  Obedience  to  the  Grand  Lodge.  A  Subordinate 
Lodge  owes  obedience  to  its  o.wn  Grand  Lodge,  and  would 
violate  any  law  of  the  Grand  Lodge  at  its  peril;  but,  if 
aggrieved,  may  appeal  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 
1860  Journal,  28,  29. 

2804.  May  refuse  permission  to  join  Lodge  further  from 
residence.  A  Lodge  has  a  right  to  refuse  a  brother  permis- 
8ion  to  join  another  Lodge,  further  from  his  place  of  resi- 
dence than  the  one  of  which  the  permission  is  asked,  and  the 
Jjodge  is  not  required  to  give  any  reason  for  such  refusal. — 
1864  Journal,  555. 


708  Subordinate  Lodge. 

2805.  Regular  meetings.  Neither  the  Lodge  nor  the 
Grand  IMaster  have  the  power  to  dispense  with  a  regular 
meeting,  or  to  authorize  a  regular  meeting  on  any  other  day 
than  the  regular  day.— 1872  Journal,  575,  665,  684. 

(See  Section  2790.) 

2806.  Opening  Lodge.  On  opening  a  Lodge,  after  the 
Noble  Grand  instructs  the  Guardians  to  close  the  doors,  no 
brother  except  the  Warden,  who  goes  into  the  ante-room  to 
take  up  the  password,  should  be  allowed  to  enter  the  Lodge- 
room  until  the  Lodge  is  declared  open  by  the  Right  Sup- 
porter of  the  Noble  Grand.— 1897  Journal,  804,  994,  1034. 

2807.  Day  and  hour  of  meeting.  If  the  time  for  the 
meeting  of  a  Lodge  be  fixed  by  the  By-Laws,  such  time  can 
be  changed  (either  as  to  day  of  week  or  hour),  only  in  such 
manner  and  by  such  vote  as  is  required  by  the  By-Laws.  In 
such  a  case,  the  change  would  have  to  be  made  by  an  amend- 
ment of  the  By-Laws,  unless  the  By-Laws  themselves  provide 
a  different  method  therefor.— 1897  Journal,  1030,  1054. 

2808.  Re-opening  the  same  evening.  A  Lodge,  after  clos- 
ing, cannot  re-open  on  the  same  evening  and  transact  busi- 
ness that  is  required  to  be  transacted  at  a  regular  meeting. — 
1880  Journal,  361,  376. 

2809.  Conduct  unbecoming  a  Lodge.  The  transmission 
from  one  Lodge  to  another  of  a  resolution  characterizing  a 
certain  action  of  the  other  Lodge  as  an  insult  to  the  first 
Lodge,  is  conduct  unbecoming  a  Lodge  and  is  an  act  that 
merits  censure.  It  is  a  practice  which  should  never  be  re- 
sorted to  in  our  Order,  as  it  tends  to  create  discord,  contra- 
venes the  spirit  of  fraternity,  violates  the  sentiments  of  char- 
ity and  is  not  in  conformity  with  the  teachings  and  prin- 
ciples of  Odd  Fellowship. — Laguna  Lodge  vs.  Rose,  1877 
Journal,  689,  704. 

2810.  Right  of  self-government.  Under  our  system  of 
laws  a  Lodge  is  a  Sovereignty,  having  all  the  rights  of  self- 
government;  subject,  however,  to  the  Constitution  and  Laws 


Subordinate  Lodge.  709 

of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  and  the  Grand  Lodge  of  this 
State.— Haswell  vs.  Capitol  Lodge,  1873  Journal,  865,  887; 
Frazer  vs.  Santa  Rosa  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  841,  854. 

2811.  Executive,  legislative  and  judicial  powers.  It  pos- 
sesses and  exercises  executive,  legislative  and  judicial 
powers,  and  in  the  administration  of  the  benefits  and  char- 
ities of  Odd  Fellowship  the  presumption  is  in  favor  of  the 
justice  and  legality  of  its  proceedings. — Haswell  vs.  Capitol 
Lodge,  1873  Journal,  865,  887 ;  Frazer  vs.  Santa  Rosa  Lodge, 
1887  Journal,  841,  854;  Donnelly  vs.  Sutter  Creek  Lodge, 
1876  Journal,  505,  510. 

2812.  Disorder  and  improprieties.  Subordinate  Bodies, 
by  existing  regulations,  possess  an  inherent  right  to  protect 
themselves  from  disorder,  the  want  of  decorum,  and  viola- 
tions of  the  ordinary  proprieties  of  life. — 1858  Journal,  346. 

2813.  Lodges  working  under  dispensation.  A  Lodge 
(which  has  not  yet  received  a  charter)  working  under  dis- 
pensation, cannot  confer  three  degrees  on  a  candidate  at  the 
same  meeting,  by  virtue  of  the  said  dispensation  granted  at 
their  institution.  Such  Lodge  is  subject  to  the  same  rules 
that  govern  chartered  Lodges.— 1885  Journal,  287,  403,  432. 

2814.  Lodge  exists  by  virtue  of  its  charter.  Subordi- 
nate Lodges  of  this  Order  do  not,  in  the  first  instance,  de- 
pend upon  the  laws  of  the  State  for  their  existence.  They 
hold  the  charter  of  their  existence  from  the  proper  Grand 
Lodge,  and  only  under,  and  in  pursuance  of  such  charter, 
can  they  exist  at  all.  Odd  Fellowship  is,  so  to  speak,  a  law 
unto  itself,  and  does  not  need  to  place  itself  under  the  con- 
trol of  State  laws.— 1881  Journal,  582,  613. 

2815.  Offenses  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  Whenever  any 
Subordinate  or  Degree  Lodge  shall  violate  the  Constitution, 
By-Laws,  Rules  or  Regulations  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge,  or  of  this  Grand  Lodge,  such  Lodge  shall  be  liable  to 
a  trial  and  punishment  of  suspension  or  expulsion. — Consti- 
tution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  XI,  Sec.  1. 


710  Subscription— Sunday. 

2816.  Charge  against  Lodge    for   unbecoming    conduct. 

Where  a  Lodge  is  charged  with  unbecoming  conduct,  in  that 
it  fails  and  refuses  to  visit  the  sick  of  sister  Lodges  when 
confided  to  its  care,  the  charges  must  distinctly  set  forth 
the  offense  with  specifications  of  time,  place  and  circum- 
stance, sufficient  to  constitute  a  complete  offense,  so  as  to 
enable  the  Lodge  to  prepare  for  its  defense. — Riley  vs.  En- 
cinal  Lodge,  1882  Journal,  850,  881. 

2817.  A  Lodge  may  answer  questions  of  sister  Lodge.  A 
Lodge  has  a  right  to  answer  questions  derogatory  to  the 
character  of  a  visiting  member,  where  such  questions  are 
asked  by  the  Lodge  to  which  such  visiting  member  belongs, 
without  the  answering  Lodge  being  informed  that  charges 
have  been  preferred  against  such  member. — 1885  Journal, 
289,  403,  432. 

(See  Property  of  the  Lodge.) 

SUBPOENA. 

(See  Trials.) 

SUBSCRIPTION. 

2818.  Semi-Annual  Password.  Lodges  cannot  charge 
subscriptions  to  a  brother's  account  and  thereby  deny  him 
the  Semi-Annual  Password  when  the  By-Laws  do  not  so 
provide. — 1860  Journal,  88. 

SUICIDE. 

(See  Benefits;  Funeral;  Dues.) 

SUMMONS. 

(See  Trials.) 

SUNDAY. 

2819.  No  Lodge  meeting  on  Sunday.  No  Lodge  or  En- 
campment or  Degree  Lodge  shall  hold  any  meeting  for  work 
or  business  upon  Sunday,  except  for  funeral  purposes.    Per- 


Supplies.  711 

mission  to  institute  a  Lodge  on  Sunday  refused. — 1870-1886 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4834,  10256,  10487,  10511;  1871  Journal, 
395. 

2820.  Committee  meetings  —  Conscientious  scruples  — 
Fines.  Committees  of  Lodges  cannot  oblige  the  members 
thereof  to  attend  meetings  on  Sunday  in  violation  of  their 
conscientious  scruples,  and  a  Lodge  has  no  right  to  require 
attendance  of  its  officers  or  members  at  such  meetings,  or 
to  inflict  a  fine  or  penalty  for  non-attendance.  The  Order 
of  Odd  Fellows  goes  forth  to  its  work  holding  in  its  hands 
the  assurance  that  it  does  not  require  of  those  who  lay  their 
vows  upon  its  altars  any  opinion  or  act  that  may  conflict 
with  the  "exalted  duties  they  may  owe  to  their  God,  their 
countries,  their  families,  or  themselves";  and  it  is  asking 
too  much  of  a  brother,  after  admitting  him  into  the  Order 
under  such  a  stipulation,  to  require  him  to  perform  an  act 
that  would  outrage  his  conscience,  or,  in  failure  thereof, 
present  him  the  alternative  of  resigning  his  office  or  his 
membership  in  an  Order  which  he  entered  in  full  faith  upon 
the  sincerity  of  its  assurances.  This  decision  relates  to  fining 
of  a  member  for  non-attendance  at  a  meeting  of  a  General 
Relief  Committee.— 1874  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6329,  6330,  6234, 
6314. 

2821.  Picnic.  A  Lodge  has  a  right,  without  dispensation, 
to  hold  a  picnic  on  any  day  without  regalia.  This  decision 
made  in  reference  to  the  protest  of  a  Lodge  concerning  the 
celebration  of  its  anniversary  on  Sunday. — 1870  Journal, 
190,  274  to  279,  296. 

SUPPLIES. 

2822.  Cash  must  accompany  order  for.  Resolved,  That 
the  Grand  Secretary  be  and  he  is  hereby  forbidden  to  fur- 
nish supplies  to  Subordinate  Lodges,  unless  the  order  for 
the  same  be  accompanied  with  the  cash,  and  that  all  sums 
less  than  ten  dollars  be  forwarded  through  the  registry  de- 
partment of  the  postoffice. 

Resolved,  That  the  Grand  Secretary  be  instructed  to  have 
the  above  resolution  printed  on  the  cover  of  the  printed 


712  Supplies. 

Journal,  calling  the  attention  of  the  Lodges  to  the  same. — 
1860  Journal,  80. 

2823.  Fixing  the  price.  The  Committee  on  Printing  is 
empowered  to  revise  and  fix  the  price  of  the  present  list  of 
printed  supplies  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1895  Journal,  190, 
235,  238. 

2824.  Grand  Secretary  shall  prepare  list.  Resolved,  That 
the  Grand  Secretary  shall  prepare  a  list  of  all  Grand  Lodge 
supplies,  showing  their  cost  to  the  Subordinate  Lodges,  and 
a  copy  thereof  shall  be  transmitted  to  each  Subordinate  and 
Rebekah  Lodge  in  the  jurisdiction  with  direction  to  the 
Secretaries  thereof  to  place  the  same  in  a  conspicuous  place 
for  future  reference.  And  the  Grand  Secretary  is  forbidden 
to  sell  any  supplies  or  fill  any  orders  for  the  same,  except  upon 
receipt  of  the  money  therefor. — 1887  Journal,  859,  860,  881. 

2825.  Schedule  of  prices  for  supplies.  The  following  sup- 
plies must  be  obtained  from  the  Grand  Secretary,  I.  0.  0.  F., 
of  the  State  of  California: 

Anniversary  Ceremonies,  each $  0  25 

Book  of  Forms  ( for  public  use ) ,  each 1  00 

Bound  Journal  Grand  Lodge  of  California,  per  volume 3  00 

Bound  Journal  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  per  volume 3  00 

Charter  Fee,   Subordinate,   including  two  Rituals  and  Journals 

and  Digest 30  00 

Charter  Fee,  Rebekah,  including  two  Rituals  and  Digest 10  00 

Cards,  Withdrawal,  Visiting  and  Dismissal  Certificates,  each. ...  25 

Cipher  Key 50 

Constitutions,  Subordinate,  in  sheets  for  binding,  per  hundred ...  3  00 

Constitution  Book,  for  members  to  sign 2  00 

Degree  Charts,  Subordinate 2  50 

Digest,  Grand  Lodge  of  California,  per  volume 3  00 

Digest,  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge   (1903  Edition),  per  volume 3  50 

Diplomas,  Subordinate   (new  issue) 75 

Funeral  Ceremonies,  each 25 

Floor  Work  (Sovereign  Grand  Lodge),  Subordinate  Lodges,  each  50 

Memorial  Ceremonies,  each 25 

Orders  for  Password,  per  fifty,  75  cents;  per  hundred 1  00 

Ode  Cards,  Subordinate,  or  funeral,  each 08 

Ode  Cards,  Subordinate   (with  music) ,  each 121/0 

Ode  Books   ( with  music ) ,  each 75 

Official  Certificates,  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  per  hundred 1  00 


Suspended  Lodge — Suspension.  713 

Propositions,  Subordinate,  per  fifty,  $1  00;  per  hundred 1  50 

Propositions,  with  medical  certificate,  per  fifty,  $1  50;  per  hun- 
dred   2  00 

Question   Book  2  00 

Rituals,  Subordinate,  each 2  50 

Roll  Book  of  Officers,  each 1  25 

Seal  and  Press,  design  to  be  furnished  by  Lodge 5  00 

The  following  supplies  may  also  be  obtained  from  him: 

Treasurer's  Warrant  Book $3  50 

Treasurer's  Receipt  Book  (receipts  of  the  evening) 2  00 

Visitors'   Register  2  00 

Secretary's  Cash  Book   ( new  form ) 2  50 

Notices  of  Suspension,  per  fifty,  75  cents;  per  hundred 1  00 

Notices  of  Arrearages,  per  one  hundred  and  twenty- five 1  00 

Letter  Heads,  one  ream,  $4  50;  one-half  ream,  $2  50;  one-fourth 

ream,  $1  50 ;  one-eighth  ream 1  00 

Record  Books  and  Ledgers   (according  to  size) 

Orders  for  supplies  should  be  under  the  seal  of  the  Lodge. 

(Supplies  for  Rebekah  Lodges,  see  Rebekah  Branch.) 

SURETY. 

(See  Bonds.) 

SUSPENDED  LODGE. 
2826.     Visiting.     No  member  of  this  Lodge  shall  be  con- 
cerned in  visiting  a  suspended  Lodge  of  Odd  Fellows. — Con- 
stitution Subordinates,  Art.  X,  Sec.  1. 

SUSPENSION  OF  LODGE. 

(See  Charter.) 

K  SUSPENSION. 

^L     2827.    Notice  of.    Notice  of  all  suspensions  and  of  brothers 

^■prho  have  been  suspended  in  accordance  with  Section  1  of 

^"this  Article  (for  non-payment  of  dues),  shall  forthwith  be 

forwarded  to  every  Lodge  in  the  county ;  to  the  Subordinate 

Kncampment  and  Rebekah  Lodge  of  which  the  brother  is 

•1  member  and  to  the  Grand  Secretary.— Constitution  Sub- 

rdinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  8. 

(See  Trials;  Membership;  Black  Book.) 


714  Telegraph  Cipher  and  Key. 

SUSPENSION  FOR  NON-PAYMENT  OF  DUES. 

(See  Dues.) 

TELEGRAPH  CIPHER  AND  KEY. 
2828.     Established  and  its  use  recommended.     The  fol- 
lowing telegraph  cipher  and  key  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
has  established,  and  its  use  recommended,  and  directs  Grand 
Lodges  to  publish  it  in  all  editions  of  their  general  laws : 

House:  Is  in  our  city,  holding  a  Visiting  Card  from  your 
Lodge,  and  asking  of  us  financial  assistance. 

Funds:  Shall  we  aid  him,  and  draw  on  you  to  the  extent 
of  $ ? 

Cash:  Is  in  our  city,  asking  financial  assistance,  and 
claims  membership  in  your  Lodge  in  good  standing. 

River:  Has  your  Lodge  a  member  in  good  standing  by 
the  name  of ? 

Boat:  He  is  an  expelled  member,  and  has  not  been  in 
good  standing  for 

White:  We  don't  know  any  such  party,  and  he  does  not 
belong  to  our  Lodge. 

Grip:    Draw  on  us  for  the  amount  of  expenses  incurred. 

Caution:    Look  out  for  a  fraud  named 

Secretary:    He  has  a  fraudulent  card. 

Final:    A  member  of  your  Lodge  died  here. 

Black:  He  is  a  fraud,  and  if  he  has  a  card  or  other  papers 
from  this  Lodge,  they  are  forgeries. 

Red:  Holding  a  Visiting  Card  from  your  Lodge,  died 
here. 

Green:  Wire  instructions  to  us  at  once  as  to  the  disposi- 
tion of  his  remains. 

Yellow:  Is  in  our  city,  and  very  sick.  Claims  member- 
ship in  your  Lodge.  Shall  we  give  him  attendance  on  your 
account  ? 

Purple:    We  think  best  to  bury  him  there. 

Lodge:    Forward  remains  to  this  place  by 


f 


I 


Terms.  715 

Regalia:  Assist  him,  and  we  will  honor  draft  to  extent 
of  $ 

Help:  Will  your  Lodge  pay  nurse  hire,  and  how  much 
per  day? 

Benefit:    What  sick  and  funeral  benefits  do  you  pay? 

Widozu:  Wife  or  child  of  a  deceased  member  of  your 
Lodge  is  in  our  city  asking  assistance.     Shall  we  draw  on 

you  to  the  extent  of  $ ? 

—1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14555,  14569 ;  1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
322,  354 ;  1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15060,  15090. 

2829.  Must  be  printed  with  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitu- 
tion. The  Telegraph  Cipher  and  Key  adopted  by  the  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge  must  be  printed  with  all  Constitutions 
of  Subordinate  Lodges  that  may  be  hereafter  printed. — 1903 
Journal,  168,  206. 

TEMPERANCE. 

(See  Liquors;  Membership;  Offenses.) 

TERMS. 

2830.  When  commence  and  end.  All  terms  shall  com- 
mence on  the  first  day  of  January  and  July  in  each  year, 
and  end  on  the  day  on  which  the  succeeding  one  commences. 
— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  XI,  Sec.  1. 

2831.  Yearly  terms.  Lodges  may  provide  for  yearly 
terms  in  their  By-Laws  and  may  elect  officers  annually  in 
December  for  the  ensuing  year  when  so  provided  in  their 
By-Laws. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VI,  Sees.  1  and  6. 

Note. — No     terms    other     than  ized  to  make  the  terms  of  their 

six   months   or  one   year  are    al-  Subordinates  one  year  instead  of 

lowed,  and  no  power  subordinate  six  months — (1889-1890   S.  G.   L. 

to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  can  Journal,      11743,      11790,      11900, 

change  the  terms  of  the   officers.  12217,  12281). 
Grand  Lodges   have   been   author- 

2832.  Special  term.  Where  a  Lodge  is  instituted  on 
April  24th  the  term  commences  on  that  date  and  continues 


716 


Treasury — Trials. 


until  the  31st  day  of  December.     This  is  called  a  special 
term.— 1902  Journal,  749,  903,  939. 

2833.  Short  terms — Special  terms — New  or  revived 
Lodges.  Whenever  a  Subordinate  Lodge  is  instituted  or 
resuscitated  during  the  first  half  of  a  regular  term,  so  that 
a  majority  of  the  meeting  nights  of  such  term  shall  remain 
at  the  time  of  such  institution  or  resuscitation,  such  period 
shall  constitute  a  short  term,  which  shall  end  on  the  first 
meeting  night  of  the  succeeding  regular  term;  but  when  a 
Subordinate  shall  be  instituted  or  resuscitated  during  the 
last  half  of  a  regular  term,  so  that  a  majority  of  the  meeting 
nights  of  the  term  shall  not  remain  at  the  time  of  such  insti- 
tution or  resuscitation,  the  term  is  extended  to  the  end  of 
the  succeeding  regular  term.  Such  terms  are  called  special 
terms.— 1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11743,  11790. 

TREASURY. 

2834.  Appropriation  of  money.  Money  cannot  legally  be 
drawn  from  the  treasury  for  any  purpose  without  the  same 
has  been  authorized  by  the  Lodge. — 1905  Journal,  744,  932, 
948. 

TRIALS. 

1.  Accuser,  page  716. 

2.  Charges — Demurrer;  Plea;  Amendments  and  Dismis- 
sal, page  720. 

3.  Summons,  page  734. 

4.  Trial  Committee,  page  738. 

5.  Evidence  and  Witnesses,  page  756. 

6.  Objections  and  Exceptions,  page  770. 

7.  Judgment  and  Penalties,  page  778. 

8.  Miscellaneous,  page  795. 


1.     ACCUSER. 
2835.     Who    may    prefer    charges.    Charges        #     #    • 
shall  be  submitted  to  the  Lodge  in  writing  and  signed  by  a 
member  of  a  Lodge  within  this  jurisdiction. — Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  3. 


J 


t 


I 


Trials.  717 

2836.  Lodge,  as  such,  cannot  be  accuser.  A  Lodge,  act- 
ing in  its  capacity  as  a  Lodge,  has  not  the  right  to  prefer, 
under  its  seal,  charges  against  a  member  of  another  Lodge ; 
and  the  Lodge  to  which  the  accused  belongs  has  not  the 
right  to  proceed  to  investigate  such  charges  and  place  the 
accused  on  trial,  the  penalty  involved  being  suspension  or 
expulsion.— 1867  Journal,  338,  339,  349. 

2837.  The  same.  No  Lodge,  in  its  capacity  as  such,  can 
prefer  a  charge  against  a  brother,  but  it  is  the  right  and 
duty  of  any  member  of  a  Lodge  in  the  jurisdiction  having 
knowledge  of  a  brother's  fraud  upon  the  Order,  to  prefer 
a  charge  against  the  guilty  brother,  which  must  be  signed 
by  a  member  of  a  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction. — 1883  Journal, 
1146,  1156 ;  1884  Journal,  13, 116,  153. 

2838.  When  acting  Past  Grand  to  prefer  charges.  The 
acting  Past  Grand  shall  prefer  charges  when  violations  of 
the  law  are  called  to  his  attention  by  brothers  of  the  Lodge. 
— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  10. 

2839.  Noble  Grand  and  committee  to  investigate  and  pre- 
fer charges.  If  a  member  of  a  Lodge  goes  into  the  saloon 
business  and  no  one  prefers  charges,  the  Noble  Grand,  in 
the  absence  of  any  law  or  action  by  the  Lodge  authorizing 
him  to  do  so,  cannot  of  his  own  motion  appoint  a  committee 
to  investigate  the  matter,  and  if  the  committee  find  the  mem- 
ber has  engaged  in  the  prohibited  business,  to  prefer  charges 
against  him. — 1904  Journal,  368,  555,  568. 

2840.  Accuser  must  be  member  within  jurisdiction. 
Charges  cannot  be  entertained  by  a  Lodge,  unless  made  by 
a  member  of  some  Lodge  within  the  jurisdiction  of  this 
Grand  Lodge. — 1856  Journal,  214. 

2841.  Accuser,  a  member  of  another  jurisdiction.  A  Lodge 
has  no  jurisdiction  of  charges  filed  by  a  member  of  another 
jurisdiction  against  a  brother  of  this  jurisdiction  who  is 
not  a  member  of  the  Lodge  in  which  charges  are  filed. — 1905 
Journal,  743,  932,  948. 


718  Trials. 

2842.  Accuser  not  present.  The  brother  who  prefers  the 
charges  is  not  required  to  be  present  when  the  charges  are 
presented  in  open  Lodge,  or  at  that  meeting  of  the  Lodge. — 
Silberstein  vs.  Capay  Lodge,  1904  Journal,  517,  527. 

2843.  A  brother  under  charges.  A  brother  under  charges 
has  the  right  to  prefer  charges  against  a  member. — 1889 
Journal,  31,  122,  163. 

2844.  Brother  in  arrears.  A  brother  in  arrears,  but  not 
suspended,  may  prefer  charges. — Bidwell  Lodge  vs.  Price, 
1873  Journal,  856,  864. 

2845.  A  suspended  brother.  A  brother  while  under  sus- 
pension for  cause,  or  non-payment  of  dues,  has  not  the  right 
to  bring  charges  against  a  member. — 1899  Journal,  468,  431, 
675. 

2846.  Members  of  the  Order.  None  but  members  of  the 
Order  can  prefer  charges. — 1855  Journal,  130,  139. 

(See  Section  3870.) 

2847.  Holder  of  Withdrawal  Card.  A  brother  holding 
an  unexpired  Withdrawal  Card  may  prefer  charges  against 
a  member  of  his  Lodge  during  the  year  for  which  said  card 
extends.— 1857  Journal,  250;  1870  Journal,  187,  255. 

2848.  No  personal  knowledge.  A  brother  may  prefer 
charges,  although  he  have  no  personal  knowledge  of  the 
acts  or  conduct  constituting  the  offense. — Weller  vs.  Soquel 
Lodge,  1892  Journal,  69,  90. 

2849.  Motive  of  accuser.  In  the  matter  of  charges  the 
motive  or  pretext  of  the  accuser  is  not  a  question  that  can 
affect  the  right  to  prefer  charges. — Weller  vs.  Soquel  Lodge, 
1892  Journal,  67,  90. 

2850.  An  accused  brother.  A  brother  can  prefer  charges 
against  one  who  has  preferred  charges  against  him. — 1891 
Journal,  586,  690,  716. 

2851.  Personal  knowledge,  information  or  belief.     The 

accuser  is  not  required  to  have  personal  knowledge  of  the 


I 


Trials.  719 

acts  constituting  the  offense,  nor  to  state  in  charges  that  he 
prefers  them  on  information  or  belief,  or  otherwise.  If 
either  party  desire  him  as  a  witness  for  any  purpose,  he 
may  be  called  and  his  testimony  taken. — Whitters  vs.  Truth 
Lodge,  1890  Journal,  430,  448;  Tully  vs.  San  Francisco 
Lodge,  1890  Journal,  402,  410. 

2852.  Accuser  need  not  be  notified  of  Lodge's  decision. 

The  Recording  Secretary  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  is  not 
bound  to  notify  a  brother  who  has  preferred  charges,  of  the 
decision  of  the  Lodge  upon  them.  He  must  supply  himself 
with  information  on  that  point. — Kendall  vs.  Eureka  Lodge, 
1855  Journal,  121,  132. 

2853.  Absence  of  accuser  from  trial.  Absence  from  the 
trial  of  a  member  on  charges,  either  by  death  or  otherwise, 
of  the  brother  preferring  said  charges,  does  not  operate  as  a 
stay  of  proceedings  or  dismissal  of  the  case;  but  the  com- 
mittee may  adjourn  from  time  to  time  to  compel  the  attend- 
ance of  the  accuser,  or  take  his  deposition  if  he  be  living. — 
1866  Journal,  134,  219,  230. 

2854.  Motive  or  purpose — Witness.  It  is  a  matter  of  in- 
difference whether  the  charges  were  ''made  out"  by  the 
brother  who  signed  them  or  not.  They  are  not  required  to  be 
signed  by  any  witness  for  the  prosecution,  the  motive  or 
purpose  for  which  a  brother  prefers  charges  do  not  affect 
their  validity. — Berns  vs.  Blue  Lake  Lodge,  1892  Journal, 
93,  101. 

2855.  Right  to  know  name  of  accuser.  It  is  the  right  of 
a  member  of  a  Lodge,  when  put  upon  trial  upon  charges 
made  against  him,  to  know  the  name  of  his  accuser  and  to 
raise  the  point  for  investigation  whether  the  person  pre- 
ferring the  charges  is  really  a  member  of  the  Order.  The 
Noble  Grand  has  no  right  to  order  the  name  of  the  person 
preferring  charges  to  be  withheld.  The  accused  shall  be 
furnished  with  a  full  copy  of  the  charges  preferred. — Chedic 
V8.  Eldorado  Lodge,  1855  Journal,  130,  139. 

(See  Rituals.) 


720  Trials. 

2.      CHARGES— DEMURRER— PLEA  —  AMENDMENT- 
DISMISSAL. 

2856.  When  not  obligatory  upon  member  to  prefer 
charges.  It  is  not  obligatory,  but  optional,  on  a  member  to 
prefer  charges  against  another  member  for  a  violation  of  any 
important  law  of  the  Order,  if  said  member  be  satisfied  in 
his  own  mind  that  it  was  caused  by  negligence  and  not  from 
any  willful  violation  of  such  law,  unless  a  repetition  of  the 
offense  is  to  be  feared ;  but  it  should  be  reported  to  the 
Grand  Master.  The  intent  of  an  action  should  be  the  chief 
cause  for  consideration  in  matters  of  this  nature. — 1857 
Journal,  271. 

2857.  Certain  charges  not  encouraged.  Charges  should 
never  be  brought  or  encouraged  when  there  is  simply  a  dis- 
agreement between  brothers  and  for  the  mere  settlement  of 
such  disagreement.  It  is.  not  for  every  offense  even  that 
charges  should  be  preferred.  The  person  offended  against 
has  often  a  duty  of  forbearance  to  perform,  which  much 
better  proves  him  a  worthy  brother  than  the  preferring  of 
inconsiderate  charges  for  slight  offenses. — ^Brooklyn  Lodge 
vs.  Mallett,  1861  Journal,  165,  192. 

2858.  Petty  grievances  and  small  matters.  The  Lodge- 
room  is  neither  the  place  for  settling  the  law  of  the  land 
nor  for  adjusting  petty  grievances.  It  is  a  school  in  which 
to  learn  to  avoid  offending  our  brothers,  but  it  is  not  an 
institution  insuring  us  against  the  ordinary  vexations  of 
life.  In  small  matters  it  is  better  to  forgive  instead  of  frit- 
tering away  the  time  in  bringing  a  brother  to  the  bar  of 
the  Lodge  for  trial. — Kennedy  vs.  Crusade  Lodge,  1863 
Journal,  412,  413. 

2859.  Charges  in  nature  of  criminal  prosecutions. 
Charges  are  in  the  nature  of  criminal  prosecutions,  and 
should  not  be  resorted  to  except  in  cases  of  criminal,  im- 
moral or  wrongful  act  or  intent. — Occidental  Lodge  vs. 
Adams,  1874  Journal,  82,  117 ;  1880  Journal,  322,  351. 

2860.  Charges  against  member  of  another  Lodge.  Charges 
preferred   by   a   member   of   a   Lodge   in   this   jurisdiction 


Trials.  721 

against  a  member  of  another  Lod«:e  in  this  jurisdiction  must 
be  preferred  in  the  Lodge  to  which  the  accused  belongs.  No 
other  Lodge  has  jurisdiction  or  right  to  receive  or  act  upon 
the  same.  The  law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  (see  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge  Journal  for  1871,  pages  4993,  5195  and 
5245)  is  not  applicable  in  this  Grand  Lodge  jurisdiction  as  to 
the  charges  preferred  by  a  member  of  a  Lodge  of  this  juris- 
diction against  a  member  of  another  Lodge  of  this  jurisdic- 
tion. In  such  cases  it  is  not  necessary  nor  proper  to  submit 
charges  to  the  complainant's  Lodge  nor  to  have  a  certified 
copy  transmitted  under  its  seal  to  the  Lodge  of  which  the 
accused  is  a  member. — Weller  vs.  Soquel  Lodge,  1892  Jour- 
nal, 67,  90 ;  1896  Journal,  415,  578,  619 ;  Preble  vs.  Harmony 
Lodge,  1879  Journal,  81,  99;  Sullivan  vs.  National  City 
Lodge,  967,  977. 

2861.  Brother  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues.      A 

Subordinate  Lodge  has  jurisdiction  over  a  brother  who  has 
ceased  membership  on  account  of  non-payment  of  dues, 
when  charged  with  conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow. — 
1861  Journal,  179,  181. 

2862.  Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  and  saloon 
business.  Charges  can  be  legally  filed  against  a  brother  who 
has  been  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  for  engaging 
in  the  saloon  business. — 1903  Journal,  22,  155,  180. 

2863.  Suspended  for  a  year.  A  brother  under  suspension 
for  a  year  for  an  offense,  who  commits  another  offense  dur- 
ing the  suspension,  is  still  a  member  of  the  Order  and  amen- 
able to  its  laws,  and  charges  may  be  preferred  against  him 
for  the  second  offense  and  he  may  be  tried  therefor. — 1889 
Journal,  28,  122,  163;  1867  Journal,  339,  350. 

(See,  also.  Sections  3227  and  3228  of  this  Digest.) 

2864.  Limitations — Within  what  time  charges  must  be 
preferred.  There  shall  be  no  limitation  within  which  charges 
must  be  preferred  for  revealing  the  secrets  of  the  Order,  or 
for  gaining  admission  by  any  false  representation,  or  for 
embezzlement  or  wrongful  appropriation  of  the  funds  or 

46 


722  Trials. 

property  appertaining  to  a  Lodge  or  the  Order,  or  for 
fraud  or  dishonesty  toward  the  Lodge  or  the  Order,  or  for 
being  an  unworthy  person  at  the  time  of  initiation,  or  for 
homicide  or  felony.  All  charges  for  other  conduct  unbe- 
coming an  Odd  Fellow  must  be  preferred  within  two  years 
after  the  commission  of  the  same. — Constitution  Subordi- 
nates, Art.  VIII,  Sec.  12. 

2865.  Seduction  and  our  law  of  limitations.  Section  12, 
Article  VIII,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  ex- 
pressly declares  that  there  shall  be  no  limitation  within 
which  charges  must  be  preferred  for  felony.  For  the  offense 
of  seduction  under  promise  of  marriage  of  a  female  of 
previous  chaste  character,  prohibited  by  Section  628  of  the 
Penal  Code  of  the  State  of  California,  charges  may  be  pre- 
ferred in  the  Lodge  at  any  time  after  the  commission  of  the 
offense,  for  it  is  a  felony  by  the  law  of  the  State.  The  fact 
that  after  trial  and  conviction  in  a  court  of  justice  of  this 
State,  the  court  does  not  sentence  the  party  to  confinement 
in  the  State  Prison,  but  imposes  as  the  punishment  a  fine, 
and  in  default  of  payment  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail, 
does  not  affect  the  law  contained  in  Section  12,  Article  VIII, 
of  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  or  exempt  the  offense 
from  the  operation  of  that  provision  which  decrees  that 
there  shall  be  no  limitation  within  which  charges  shall  be 
preferred  for  felony. — Dunbar  vs.  Chorro  Lodge,  1900  Jour- 
nal, 134,  135,  176. 

2866.  Charges  or  accusation.  Charges  shall  duly  specify 
the  offense  so  as  fully  to  apprise  him  (the  accused)  of  the 
nature  thereof,  and  to  enable  him  to  prepare  for  his  de- 
fense, and  shall  be  submitted  to  the  Lodge  in  writing,  and 
signed  by  a  member  of  a  Lodge  within  this  jurisdiction. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  3. 

2867.  Demurrer  and  amendment.  The  accused  may  de- 
mur to  the  charges  for  insufficiency.  If  the  committee  sus- 
tain the  demurrer,  it  shall  forthwith  report  the  same  to  the 
Lodge,  which,  if  it  approve  the  action  of  the  committee,  may 
permit  amended  charges  to  be  filed  at  any  time  within  two 
weeks. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  3. 


Trials.  723 

Plea.    The  accused  may  plead  orally  guilty  or  not 
guilty. — Coustitutiou  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  3. 

2869.  Charges,  motion  to  lie  on  table.  The  Lodge,  if  it 
desire  to  consider  the  charges  before  action  upon  them,  has 
the  right  to  order  them  to  lie  on  the  table  for  one  week. — 
Piddington  vs.  Ontario  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  524,  558. 

2870.  Payment  of  dues  does  not  affect.  The  payment  of 
dues  by  a  brother,  after  charges  are  preferred  against  him, 
does  not  in  any  manner  affect  the  charges  or  the  prosecu- 
tion of  the  same. — Strong  vs.  Eel  River  Lodge,  1893  Journal, 
347,  363. 

2871.  What  shall  charges  contain.  Charges  shall  dis- 
tinctly set  forth  the  offense,  with  specifications  of  time, 
place  and  circumstances,  sufficient  to  constitute  a  complete 
offense,  otherwise  they  are  insufficient. — 1856  Journal,  211, 
215 ;  Fleury  vs.  Washington  Lodge,  1856  Journal,  199,  200 ; 
Powers  vs.  Suisun  Lodge,  1867  Journal,  331,  349 ;  Brooklyn 
Lodge  vs.  Henderson,  1868  Journal,  477,  501,  502;  Price  vs. 
Magnolia  Lodge,  1863  Journal,  401,  414;  Paul  vs.  Laurel 
Lodge,  1885  Journal,  355,  367 ;  Porter  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge, 
1894  Journal,  689,  690,  718;  Morse  vs.  San  Mateo  Lodge, 
1901  Journal,  541,  544;  Pfeifter  vs.  Orange  Lodge,  1903 
Journal,  157,  180. 

2872.  Specifications.  No  charges  sufficient  without  speci- 
fications.—1863  Journal,  401,  414. 

2873.  Time  of  commission  of  offense,  etc.  Charges  alleg- 
ing the  acts  to  have  been  committed  some  time  in  June,  or 
shortly  before,  *'are  too  indefinite  as  to  time."  They  should 
state  the  time  of  the  commission  of  the  offense,  the  place 
and  circumstances. — 1863  Journal,  395;  1856  Journal,  199, 
200;  1863  Journal,  401,  404;  Morse  vs.  San  Mateo  Lodge, 
1901  Journal.  541,  544. 

2874.  Venue.  Charges  which  do  not  aver  the  venue,  that 
is  the  place  or  county,  are  insufficient. — King  vs.  Ophir 
Lodge,  1896  Journal,  576,  618;  Roe  vs.  Eel  River  Lodge,  1891 
Journal,  666,  674;  Howard  vs.  Martha  Washington  Rebekah 


724  Trials. 

Lodge,  1891  Journal,  665,  674;  Morse  vs.  San  Mateo  Lodge, 
1901  Journal,  541,  544. 

2875.  Charges    in    ordinary  language  and  technicality. 

The  same  degree  of  technicality  that  is  exacted  by  courts 
of  justice  in  public  accusations  is  not  required  in  prosecu- 
tions in  Odd  Fellowship.  If  charges  and  specifications  state 
facts  constituting  an  offense  in  ordinary  language,  and  in 
such  a  manner  as  to  enable  one  of  common  understanding  to 
know  what  is  intended,  or  in  such  a  manner  as  to  apprise 
the  accused  of  the  nature  thereof,  and  to  enable  him  to  pre- 
pare for  his  defense,  they  are  sufficient. — Price  vs.  Magnolia 
Lodge,  1863  Journal,  401,  404;  Preble  vs.  Harmony  Lodge, 
1879  Journal,  81,  99 ;  1880  Journal,  323,  351. 

2876.  Precision  of  statement.  Our  Order  does  not  re- 
quire the  same  degree  of  technicality  or  precision  of  state- 
ment in  the  charges  made  against  a  brother  as  is  required 
in  the  pleadings  in  the  courts  of  law. — ^Fella  vs.  Golden  Gate 
Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1164,  1180. 

2877.  Not  like  indictments.  Charges  and  specifications 
are  not  required  to  be  drawn  with  that  fullness  of  form  and 
particularity  of  statement  which  characterizes  indictments 
in  courts  of  justice. — Shelton  vs.  Scio  Lodge,  1894  Journal, 
685,  728. 

2878.  Charges  to  be  direct  and  certain.  Charges  should 
be  direct  and  certain.  They  should  not  be  in  the  alternative. 
It  is  permissible  to  state  the  date  as  "on  or  about  the  7th 
day  of  April,  1893." — Berry  vs.  Evergreen  Lodge,  1896  Jour- 
nal, 520,  557. 

2879.  Insufficient  charges.  It  is  insufficient  to  charge  that 
a  person  did  an  act  ''so  far  as  appearances  show,"  for 
charges  should  be  direct  and  certain. — Krocker  vs.  Maxwell 
Lodge,  1899  Journal,  546,  612. 

2880.  The  same.  Where  the  charges  are  intended  to  ac- 
cuse a  brother  with  improperly  interfering  in  the  family 
affairs  of  the  accuser,  specifications  which  use  the  words 


Trials.  725 

**Mrs.  Brown'*  without  stating  that  she  is  the  wife  of  the 
accuser,  and  without  stating  who  she  is  or  what  relation  she 
bears  to  the  accuser  or  accused,  are  insufficient.  In  charges 
relating  to  such  matters  it  is  best  to  state  all  the  acts  and 
course  of  conduct  of  the  accused  in  one  specification,  and  to 
allege  that  the  acts  are  in  violation  of  the  accused 's  duty  as 
an  Odd  Fellow,  and  to  allege  the  intent  or  j)urpose  with  or 
for  which  the  acts  are  committed. — Pfeift'er  vs.  Orange 
Lodge,  1903  Journal,  157,  180. 

2881.  Nature  of  charges.  Charges  are  in  the  nature  of 
criminal  prosecutions  and  the  intent  should  be  considered 
and  they  should  specify  some  criminal,  immoral  or  wrong- 
ful act,  or  should  specify  some  acts  constituting  a  violation 

)f  law  or  duty. — Berry  vs.  Evergreen  Lodge,  1896  Journal, 

>20,  557. 

2882.  Charges  must  contain  name  of  accuser.  Where  the 
sharges  are  defective  in  the  name  of  the  person  preferring 

lem,  and  the  accused  makes  this  a  ground  of  objection,  the 
jonviction    should    be    reversed. — Cloutman   vs.   Eldorado 
Ige,  1855  Journal,  129,  139. 

2883.  Embezzlement.  Where  a  brother  is  accused  of  em- 
bezzling a  certain  amount  of  money,  the  prosecution  is  not 
required  to  prove  the  exact  amount  of  the  defalcation  as 
charged.  The  words  "more  or  less"  after  the  amount  stated 
in  the  charges  do  not  render  the  charges  defective. — Preble 
vs.  Harmony  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  81,  99. 

2884.  Not  an  Odd  Fellow  when  offense  committed.  It 
has  not  been  the  practice  in  our  Order  either  to  allege  in 
the  specifications  or  to  prove  that  the  accused  was  an  Odd 
Fellow  at  the  time  of  the  commission  of  the  offense  charged. 
When  an  accused  believes  that  the  fact  that  he  was  not  an 
Odd  Fellow  at  the  time  of  the  commission  of  the  offense 
charged,  will  avail  to  relieve  him  from  responsibility  to  the 
Order  for  his  conduct,  he  should  prove  that  fact  on  the  trial. 
He  should  thus  make  it  an  issue  in  the  case. — Billings  vs. 
Kureka  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  695,  697,  723. 


72G  Trials. 

2885.  Conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow.  The  follow- 
ing complaint  was  filed  against  a  brother:  ''I  herewith  file 
a  complaint  against  Brother  (giving  his  name)  for  conduct 
unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow."  It  was  signed  by  the  accuser. 
The  charges  are  entirely  insufficient,  and  the  Lodge  can,  on 
motion,  dismiss  the  same  on  account  of  being  frivolous  and 
informal.— 1896  Journal,  412,  581,  628. 

2886.  Slander.  Charges  for  defamation  and  slander  are 
defective  in  not  specifying  in  what  way  or  by  what  words 
the  person's  character  was  defamed. — ^Lansdon  vs.  Annally 
Lodge,  1860  Journal,  43,  44 ;  Price  vs.  Magnolia  Lodge,  1863 
Journal,  401,  414. 

2887.  Perjury.  The  following  specification,  to-wit :  That 
on  or  about  the  11th  day  of  November,  A.  D.  1892,  said 
(giving  name  of  accused),  in  the  Superior  Court  of  Santa 
Cruz  County,  State  of  California,  committed  the  crime  of 
perjury — is  insufficient. — Porter  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1894 
Journal,  689,  690,  718. 


Perjury.  Where  a  brother  is  charged  with  per- 
jury, it  is  sufficient  if  the  charges  set  forth  the  testimony 
alleged  to  have  been  given  by  the  brother,  together  with  the 
time,  place  and  circiunstances  under  which  it  was  given,  and 
that  the  testimony  so  given  was  false  and  known  to  the 
brother  giving  it  at  the  time  to  be  false,  and  that  it  was 
given  with  intent  to  deceive.  It  is  unnecessary  that  the 
testimony  should  be  material  to  the  issue,  because  the  rea- 
sons that  induce  courts  of  justice  or  legislative  assemblies  to 
require  that  testimony  shall  be  material  to  the  issue  in  a 
charge  of  perjury,  are  not  applicable  to  Odd  Fellowship. 
The  Lodge  or  committee  may  take  the  immateriality  of  the 
testimony  into  consideration  in  determining  whether  the 
accused  has  knowingly  or  corruptly  testified. — Fella  vs. 
Golden  Gate  Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1164,  1180. 

2889.  Charges  in  case  of  conviction  in  court  of  justice. 
Charges  in  cases  where  there  has  been  a  conviction  in  a 
court  of  justice,  should  state  the  time,  place  and  circum- 


728  Trials. 

2894.  Fraudulently  drawing  benefits.  A  charge  that  a 
brother  fraudulently  drew  sick  benefits,  feigning  sickness 
for  the  purpose,  should  specifically  allege  the  wrongful  in- 
tent, the  particular  sickness  claimed  to  have  been  feigned, 
and  between  what  dates  the  alleged  benefits  were  fraudu- 
lently drawn. — Hazen  vs.  Branciforte  Lodge,  1887  Journal, 
910. 

2895.  Wrongfully  claiming  benefits.  A  charge  or  speci- 
fication that  a  brother  claimed  certain  benefits  is  not  an 
offense,  unless  accompanied  by  some  allegation  showing  that 
the  claimant  knew  he  was  not  entitled  to  such  benefits. 
There  must  be  some  wrongful  intent  alleged  and  proven, 
otherwise  there  is  no  offense. — Sayles  vs.  Industrial  Lodge, 
1880  Journal,  317,  350. 

2896.  Profane  language — Disgrace  to  the  Order.  Where 
the  charge  against  a  brother  is  that  he  **used  profane  lan- 
guage" and  "is  a  disgrace  to  the  Order"  the  specifications 
must  state  the  objectionable  language,  with  time,  place  and 
circumstances.  The  particulars  wherein  it  is  claimed  the 
brother  is  a  disgrace  to  the  Order  must  be  set  forth,  so  that 
the  defendant  shall  be  fully  apprised  of  the  nature  of  the 
charges  against  him,  that  he  may  prepare  for  his  defense. — 
McBeth  vs.  Alpine  Lodge,  1880  Journal,  319,  351. 

2897.  Wrongfully  preferring  charges.  Charges  which 
simply  state  in. effect  that  the  appellant,  on  a  certain  day, 
preferred  charges  in  the  Lodge  against  a  brother  of  mis- 
conduct, are  insufficient.  The  mere  fact  of  the  preferring  of 
charges  will  not  suffice.  It  is  requisite,  to  constitute  an 
oft'ense,  that  the  charges  should  be  preferred  maliciously  and 
without  probable  cause,  and  these  facts  must  be  substantiated 
by  proof. — Avansino  vs.  Morning  Star  Lodge,  1875  Journal, 
258,  266. 

2898.  Offensive  and  profane  language.  Charges  for  hav- 
ing spoken  or  addressed  any  offensive,  threatening,  abusive 
or  profane  language  to  or  concerning  a  person,  brother  or 
brothers,  should  show  the  names  of  the  person,  brother  or 
brothers  to  or  of  whom  the  offensive  words  were  spoken, 


) 


Trials.  729 

and  should  set  forth  the  language  used. — Harbor  Lodge  vs. 
Englebright,  1886  Journal,  609;  Miller  vs.  Golden  Gate 
Lodge,  1886  Journal,  638,  648 ;  Paul  vs.  Laurel  Lodge,  1886 
Journal,  640,  648. 

2899.  False  swearing.  A  charge  that  a  brother  gave 
false  testimony  in  a  court  of  justice  should  specify  that  the 
accused  was  sworn  as  a  witness,  before  what  officer,  and 
that  he  wilfully  and  corruptly  testified  to  certain  facts,  and 
that  he  knew  at  the  time  that  what  he  testified  to  was  false. 
— Fowles  vs.  Mound  Lodge,  1886  Journal,  658,  662. 

2900.  False  statements  in  a  letter.  Where  a  brother  is 
charged  with  writing  a  letter  to  the  Grand  Secretary  and 
with  maliciously,  wilfully  and  knowingly  making  therein 
certain  false  statements  of  and  concerning  his  Lodge  and  the 
members  thereof,  etc.,  it  is  unnecessary  to  set  out  in  the 
charges  a  copy  of  the  letter.  It  is  sufficient  if  those  parts  of 
the  letter  constituting  the  offense  are  set  forth. — ^Paul  vs. 
Laurel  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  840,  853. 

2901.  Battery.  A  charge  of  battery  is  sufficient,  if  it 
sufficiently  state  the  time  and  place  and  the  person  upon 
whom  the  battery  was  committed. — Miller  vs.  Golden  Gate 
Lodge,  1886  Journal,  638,  648. 

2902.  The  same.  The  usual  language  employed  in  charg- 
ing the  offense  of  battery  on  a  person  is  to  state  that  the 
accused  wilfully  and  unlawfully  did  make  an  assault  upon 
and  beat,  and  then  specify  the  name  of  the  person,  and  also 
to  state  the  date  and  venue. — Sullivan  vs.  National  City 
Lodge,  1897  Journal,  968,  979. 

2903.  The  same.  On  a  simple  charge  of  battery,  the  lan- 
guage used  on  the  occasion  of  the  battery  would  be  part  of 
the  transaction  and  admissible  in  evidence,  but  it  would  not 
be  necessary  to  set  forth  the  language  in  the  charges. — Mil- 
ler vs.  Golden  Gate  Lodge,  1886  Journal,  638,  648. 

2904.  Preferring  false  charges.  Where  a  brother  is 
charged  with  preferring  false  charges  to  his  Lodge,  the 


730  Trials. 

specification  must  state  what  the  charges  were,  and  that 
they  were  preferred  knowingly  and  maliciously,  unlawfully, 
without  probable  cause. — Paul  vs.  Laurel  Lodge,  1886  Jour- 
nal, 640,  648. 

2905.  Amendment.  The  charges  or  pleadings  in  a  case 
may  be  amended  when  it  can  be  effected  without  detriment 
to  the  accused,  and  the  same  should  always  be  done  upon 
good  cause  being  shown.  Applied  to  a  case  where,  after 
trial  commenced,  it  was  found  that  one  of  the  alleged  im- 
proper acts  charged  against  the  defendant  occurred  in  a 
different  locality  than  the  one  charged,  and  in  order  that 
evidence  might  be  introduced  as  to  said  charge,  the  Lodge, 
upon  application  of  the  managers  who  conducted  the  cause 
against  the  defendant,  allowed  an  amendment  of  the  charge 
in  that  respect. — Rattenberry  vs.  Capitol  Lodge,  1870  Jour- 
nal, 262,  292;  Smith  vs.  Stony  Creek  Lodge,  1887  Journal, 
838,  853. 

2906.  The  same.  If  charges,  obviously  imperfect,  be  re- 
ferred to  a  committee,  the  Lodge  may  at  any  time,  on 
motion  of  any  member  of  the  Lodge,  order  the  committee 
to  report  them  back,  and  then  dismiss  them  or  allow  proper 
amendments.— 1867  Journal,  325,  329. 

2907.  Amendment  after  trial.  Charges  against  a  brother 
for  purchasing  stolen  goods  were  tried  by  a  Trial  Com- 
mittee, and  they  found  he  did  not  purchase  them.  The 
charges  may  be  amended  and  referred  back  to  the  same  Trial 
Committee  which  heard  the  case  originally.  By  consent  the 
case  may  be  submitted  to  the  same  Trial  Committee  upon 
the  testimony  already  taken  before  that  committee  before 
the  charges  were  amended. — Turley  vs.  San  Francisco  Lodge, 
1890  Journal,  403,  410. 

2908.  Amending  charges.  The  Lodge  has  the  right  to 
allow  the  accuser  to  present  amended  charges  which  relate 
to  the  same  offense  as  alleged  in  the  original  charges,  but  set 
it  forth  with  more  particularity.  Applied  to  a  case  where, 
on  January  2nd,  1897,  the  Lodge  granted  a  brother  a  With- 
drawal Card,  and  at  a  regular  meeting  of  the  Lodge,  held 


J 


Trials.  731 

on  January  1st,  1898,  the  Lodge  annulled  the  Withdrawal 
Card,  and  forthwith  charges  were  preferred  against  the 
brother,  and  on  January  22nd,  1898,  the  Lodge  allowed  the 
accuser  to  amend  the  charges  by  then  and  there  presenting 
amended  charges. — Landsborough  vs.  Florin  Lodge,  1898 
Journal,  169,  203. 

2909.  When  Lodges  may  dismiss  charges.  When  charges 
are  preferred  against  a  brother  and  presented  to  the  Lodge, 
the  Lodge  may,  if  the  charges  be  frivolous,  dismiss  them,  on 
motion.— 1896  Journal,  407,  578,  619. 

2910.  Frivolous  charges.  Frivolous  charges  are  charges 
that  do  not  state  an  offense,  or  are  insufficient.  Such  charges 
the  Lodge  may  dismiss. — 1896  Journal,  678,  619 ;  Martin  vs. 
Cupertino  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  513,  514,  539. 

2911.  Charges  specifying  an  offense.  Where  charges 
specify  an  offense  the  Lodge  has  no  right  to  refuse  to  enter- 
tain them,  but  must  appoint  a  Trial  Committee. — Laguna 
Lodge  vs.  Kose,  1877  Journal,  689,  704;  Brown  vs.  Coloma 
Lodge,  1858  Journal,  371,  372;  Martin  vs.  Cupertino 
Lodge,  1901  Journal,  513,  514,  539;  Morse  vs.  San  Mateo 
Lodge,  1901  Journal,  541,  544. 

2912.  When  Lodge  may  dismiss  charges  on  motion.  If 
the  charges  preferred  against  a  brother  be  informal  or  friv- 
olous the  Lodge  has  the  right  to  dismiss  them  on  motion 
duly  made  and  carried,  and  that  without  reference  to  a  Trial 
Committee. — Newfield  vs.  Garcia  Lodge,  1881  Journal,  503, 
602,  627;  1388  Journal,  1019,  1111,  1130;  Morse  vs.  San 
Mateo  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  513,  514,  539. 

2913.  Motion  to  dismiss  charges — No  grounds.  A  motion 
made  in  Lodge  by  a  member  thereof  to  dismiss  charges  with- 
out giving  grounds  for  dismissal,  after  a  Trial  Committee 
has  been  appointed  by  the  Noble  and  Vice-Grand,  is  out  of 
order.--1895  Journal,  41,  185,  235;  1896  Journal,  409. 

2914.  Dismissal  of  insufficient  charges.  When  charges 
wliich  are  insuflicient  are  preferred,  a  motion  to  dismiss  on 


732  Trials. 

that  ground  is  in  order,  and  the  Lodge  may,  by  a  majority 
vote  at  that  time,  dismiss  insufficient  charges;  if  not  thus 
dismissed,  the  charges  should  be  referred  to  a  committee  of 
five  and  disposed  of  as  provided  in  Article  VIII,  Section  4, 
Constitution  of  Subordinates. — Slocomb  vs.  Cayucos  Lodge, 
1896  Journal,  519,  557. 

2915.  Withdrawal  of  insufficient  charges.  Charges  which 
do  not  state  facts  constituting  an  offense,  the  Lodge  may 
permit  to  be  withdrawn. — Piddington  vs.  Ontario  Lodge, 
1896  Journal,  524,  558. 

2916.  Withdrawal  of  charges.  The  accuser  or  the  accuser 
and  the  accused  has  no  right  to  withdraw  charges  without 
the  consent  of  the  Lodge,  and  which  consent  should  not  be 
given  by  the  Lodge  except  the  circumstances  of  the  case 
justify  the  same. — Tonkin  vs.  Marion  Lodge,  1900  Journal, 
146,  177. 

2917.  Dismissal  or  reform  of  charges.  A  Lodge  has  the 
right  to  dismiss  or  reform  charges  for  irregularity  at  any 
time  before  they  are  referred  to  the  Committee  of  Investiga- 
tion.—1896  Journal,  409,  578,  619. 

2918.  Withdrawn,  amended  and  dismissed.  Charges  once 
withdrawn,  amended  and  again  presented,  and  by  a  vote  of 
the  Lodge  dismissed  on  the  ground  of  being  frivolous, 
amended  again,  but  being  substantially  the  same,  cannot 
again  be  forced  before  the  Lodge  for  the  third  time. — 1895 
Journal,  41,  185,  235. 

2919.  General  demurrer.  A  general  demurrer  to  the 
charges  on  the  ground  of  their  insufficiency  will  lie  if  the 
deficiency  appear  on  the  face  of  the  complaint  or  charges. 
As  no  charge  is  sufficient  without  specifications,  such  a  de- 
murrer reaches  both. — Price  vs.  Magnolia  Lodge,  1863  Jour- 
nal, 401,  414. 

2920.  Informality — Good  of  the  Order.  A  brother  against 
whom  charges  have  been  preferred  and  referred  to  a  Trial 
Committee,  may,  under  the  head  of  "Good  of  the  Order," 
object  that  the  charges  do  not  constitute  an  offense  against 


i 


Trials.  733 

the  laws  of  the  Order.  The  accuser,  or  the  accused,  or  any 
brother,  may  move  to  reject  the  charges  for  informality. 
Such  matters  are  pure  matters  of  law,  and  do  not  involve 
the  merits. — Hathaway  vs.  Suisun  Lodge,  1867  Journal,  325, 
329. 

2921.  Trial  Committee.  The  Trial  Committee  may  report 
the  charges  back,  of  its  own  motion,  as  insufficient,  if  it  so 
deem  them,  before  taking  the  evidence. — 1867  Journal,  325, 
329 ;  Hart  vs.  Ferndale  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  507,  539. 

2922.  Trial  Committee  reporting  charges  insufficient  and 
action  on  report.  A  Trial  Committee  may  of  its  own  motion 
report  charges  back  to  the  Lodge  as  insufficient,  if  it  so 
deems,  before  taking  evidence.  In  such  cases,  or  in  cases 
where  Trial  Committees  sustain  demurrers  to  charges,  the 
Lodge  may  act  upon  the  report  at  the  same  meeting  at  which 
the  report  is  presented.  The  law  does  not  require  or  eon- 
template  a  bill  of  exceptions  in  such  cases. — Hart  vs.  Fern- 
dale  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  507,  539. 

2923.  Demurrer  and  leave  to  amend.  When  a  demurrer 
to  the  charges  has  been  sustained,  leave  may  be  given  to  the 
complainant  to  amend. — Price  vs.  Magnolia  Lodge,  1863 
Journal,  401,  414. 

2924.  The  proper  plea.  A  written  answer  to  charges  is 
not  the  proper  practice.  A  plea  of  not  guilty  is  the  proper 
plea.— Lord  vs.  Parker  Lodge,  1894  Journal,  722,  739. 

2925.  Plea  of  guilty  and  evidence.  If  the  Trial  Committee 
finds  and  reports  the  accused  guilty  without  taking  any  evi- 
dence in  support  of  the  charges  or  in  relation  thereto,  it  does 
not  affect  the  validity  of  the  proceedings  when  the  accused, 
in  effect,  pleads  guilty.  The  taking  of  evidence  in  such  case 
is  unnecessary,  although  the  committee,  in  the  exercise  of  its 
discretion,  may  take  evidence. — Christensen  vs.  San  Leandro 
Lodge,  1903  Journal,  125,  127,  154. 

2926.  Demurrer,  and  plea  of  not  guilty.  The  accused 
should  demur  before  pleading  not  guilty. — Lord  vs.  Parker 
Lodge,  1894  Journal,  722,  739. 


734.  Trials. 

2927.  Accuser.  The  accuser  is  not  required  to  be  present 
when  the  accused  pleads  guilty,  or  is  tried.  If  the  defendant 
need  the  accuser,  he  should  have  him  subpoenaed. — Ilsohn 
vs.  Diamond  Springs  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  955,  977. 

2928.  Form  of  charges.  The  Grand  Lodge  has  prescribed 
a  form  of  charges.  (See  Form  No.  22  of  the  Forms  affixed 
to  this  Digest.)— 1870  Journal,  232,  251. 

(See  Grand  Secretary's  duty  to  furnish  printed  forms  of, 
Section  2208.) 

(See  Cards;  Dismissal  Certificates;  Dues;  Installation; 
Officers.) 

3.     SUMMONS. 

2929.  The  parties  to  be  summoned.  The  Trial  Com- 
mittee shall,  without  unnecessary  delay,  summon  the  parties 
and  try  the  case. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII, 
Sec.  3. 

2930.  Copy  of  the  charges.  A  copy  of  the  charges  under 
the  seal  of  the  Lodge  is  to  be  served  upon  the  accused. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  3. 

2931.  Duty  of  Trial  Committee.  When  sufficient  charges 
are  preferred  the  Trial  Committee  must  comply  with  the  re- 
quirements of  Sections  4  and  5,  Article  VIII,  Constitution  of 
Subordinates;  must  summon  the  accused  and  the  accuser 
and  try  the  case. — Dunbar  vs.  Chorro  Lodge,  1901  Journal, 
511,  512,  513,  539. 

2932.  Form  of  summons,  certificate  and  admission  of 
service.  The  Grand  Lodge  has  prescribed  a  form  of  sum- 
mons and  form  of  certificate  of  service  thereof,  and  a  form 
of  admission  of  service  thereof.  (See  Forms  Nos.  23,  24  and 
25  of  the  Forms  affixed  to  this  Digest).— 1870  Journal,  232, 
251. 

(See  Grand  Secretary's  duty  to  furnish  printed  forms  of, 
Section  2208.) 

2933.  Service  of  summons  with  copy  of  charges.     The 

Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges  requires  the  accused  to 


Trials.  735 

be  "diily  summoned"  (see  Section  5,  Article  VIII,  thereof), 
and  a  copy  of  the  charges  under  seal  of  the  Lodge  to  be 
served  on  him  (see  Section  3,  Article  VIII,  thereof).  The 
form  of  summons  prescribed  by  the  Grand  Lodge  provides 
that  a  copy  of  the  charges  under  seal  are  to  be  served  with 
it. — Race  vs.  Fortuna  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  99,  119. 

2934.  Time  committee  meets.  A  summons  to  a  brother 
against  whom  charges  have  been  preferred  in  a  Lodge  should 
be  specific  in  stating  the  time  the  committee  will  meet  to 
try  the  accused. — Marlett  vs.  Brooklyn  Lodge,  1862  Jour- 
nal, 277,  289. 

2935.  Place  of  committee's  meeting.  Where  the  accused 
is  "summoned  to  appear  before  said  committee  at  I.  O.  0.  F. 
Hall,"  and  the  only  defect  in  the  summons  is  that  it  fails  to 
state  the  particular  town  or  place  in  which  the  ''I.  0.  0.  F. 
Hall"  is  located,  and  it  is  signed  by  all  the  committee,  and 
the  accused  makes  no  claim  that  he  was,  in  fact,  misled  by 
the  omission,  it  is  a  sufficient  summons. — Swain  vs.  Merced 
Lodge,  1895  Journal,  130,  177. 

2936.  To  appear  in  another  and  distant  county.     The 

service  of  a  summons  in  one  county  for  a  brother  to  appear 
in  another  and  a  distant  county  should  afford  a  reasonable 
time  for  the  brother  to  so  appear.  Such  service  in  a  county 
which  requires  a  brother  to  leave  for  a  distant  place  next 
day  at  9  a.  m.  is  not  reasonable. — Race  vs.  Fortuna  Lodge, 
1892  Journal,  99,  119. 

2937.  Time  of  service  of  summons.  The  Grand  Lodge 
has  enacted  no  law  regulating  the  time  of  the  service  of  the 
summons.  If  the  service  of  the  summons  one  day  before  the 
trial  do  not  afford  the  accused  time  to  prepare  for  trial,  or 
for  any  other  good  reason  he  be  not  ready,  he  should  make  a 
motion  for  a  continuance  and  show  the  cause  therefor. — 
Rogers  vs.  Fresno  Lodge,  1877  Journal,  648,  665. 

2938.  Notice  of  meeting  of  committee.  A  notice  of  eight 
or  nine  hours  to  the  accused  of  the  meeting  of  the  com- 
mittee at  a  certain  time  and  place  is  sufficient.    If  the  ac- 


73G  Trials. 

cused  desire  more  time  in  which  to  procure  witnesses,  he 
should  apply  for  it  to  the  committee. — Baker  vs.  Fountain 
Lodge,  1878  Journal,  907,  952. 

2939.  Time  to  serve  summons  before  trial. .  In  this  juris- 
diction there  is  no  law  requiring  the  summons  to  be  served 
a  certain  number  of  days  before  the  trial.  Of  course,  a  rea- 
sonable time  must  be  afforded  the  accused ;  in  ordinary  cases, 
two  or  three  days  is  a  reasonable  time.  If  the  accused  require 
time  to  prepare  for  trial  or  to  procure  his  witnesses,  he  can 
apply  for  a  continuance,  and  the  committee  should  be  very 
liberal  and  indulgent  in  granting  such  first  continuance. — 
Ilsohn  vs.  Diamond  Springs  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  955,  977. 

2940.  Verbal  "summons  or  notice.  The  parties  must  be 
summoned  in  due  form,  and  the  form  has  been  prescribed 
by  the  Grand  Lodge,  together  with  the  form  of  certificate 
or  admission  of  service.  The  Lodge  should  preserve  proof 
of  service.  A  verbal  notice  is  not  a  legal  summons. — 1861 
Journal,  181,  179 ;  Laurel  Lodge  vs.  Howe  et  als.,  1885  Jour- 
nal, 357,  373;  Chase  vs.  Fall  River  Lodge,  1888  Journal, 
1121,  1152. 

2941.  Objects  of  a  written  or  printed  summons.  The 
object  of  the  law  in  requiring  a  written  or  printed  summons 
is  to  obtain  certainty  as  to  the  time  and  place  of  trial,  and  to 
avoid  disputes  and  misunderstandings  which  are  sure  to 
arise  from  verbal  notice  or  agreements. — Laurel  Lodge  vs. 
Howe  et  als.,  1885  Journal,  357,  373. 

2942.  By  whom  copy  of  charges  served.  Copy  of  charges 
under  seal  of  the  Lodge  should  be  served  upon  the  accused 
by  the  Recording  Secretary,  or  by  some  other  member  of  the 
Lodge  duly  appointed  therefor  by  the  Noble  Grand,  or  any 
brother,  at  the  request  of  the  Secretary,  may  serve  the 
charges,  but  it  is  best  for  the  Secretary  to  serve  the  same  in 
all  cases.— 1896  Journal,  578,  619,  409;  Paul  vs.  Laurel 
Lodge,  1887  Journal,  840,  853. 

2943.  Personal  service  of  summons  and  charges  imprac- 
ticable.    Upon  proof  of  the  fact  that  personal  service  is 


1 


Trials.  737 

impracticable,  and  that  a  copy  of  the  charges  and  notice  of 
trial  has  been  deposited  in  the  postoffice  nearest  the  last 
known  residence  of  the  brother,  directed  to  him  at  such  place 
of  residence,  post  paid,  and  that  a  like  copy  of  the  charges 
and  notice  of  trial  was  left  at  his  last  place  of  residence  if 
the  same  be  known,  the  Lodge  may  regularly  proceed  with 
the  trial.  Then  evidence  can  be  introduced  as  in  ordinary 
ases.  In  such  trial  the  record  of  the  court  in  which  he  was 
tried,  convicted  and  sentenced  would  be  competent  evidence. 
—1895  Journal,  22,  23,  195,  196,  236. 

2944.  Accused  absconds  or  conceals  himself,  etc.  In  cases 
where  charges  are  preferred  against  a  brother  of  the  Order 
in  any  Lodge  to  which  he  may  belong,  but  from  having  ab- 
sconded, or  from  his  permanent  absence  or  concealment  he 
cannot  be  found  so  that  charges  preferred  or  notice  of  trial 
cannot  be  personally  served  upon  him,  the  Lodge  may  regu- 
larly proceed  with  the  trial  upon  proof  of  the  fact  rendering 
such  personal  service  impracticable,  and  that  a  copy  of  the 
charges  and  notice  of  trial  has  been  deposited  in  the  post- 
office  nearest  the  last  known  residence  of  such  brother, 
directed  to  him  at  such  place  of  residence,  post  paid,  and  that 
a  like  copy  of  the  charges  and  notice  of  trial  was  left  at  his 
last  place  of  residence  if  the  same  be  known.  Provided, 
that  such  papers  shall  be  deemed  to  have  been  served  upon 
the  brother  only  from  the  date  when  the  constructive  service 
above  prescribed  is  complete ;  and,  proznded  further,  that  in 
case  such  brother  returns  after  the  conclusion  of  his  trial, 
not  having  appeared  on  such  trial  either  in  person  or  by 
counsel,  and  asks  for  a  new  trial,  the  same  shall  be  granted 
him.  An  absconding  member  cannot  be  tried  without  the 
issuing  of  a  citation  pursuant  to  the  foregoing  require- 
tients.— 1855  Journal,  149;  1856  Journal,  180;  1855  S.  G.  L. 

Journal,  2507,  2522,  2531;  1865  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  3836,  3847. 

2945.  Summons  to  members  of  Lodge  to  attend.  A  sum- 
mons to  the  members  of  a  Lodge,  when  provided  by  its  By- 
Laws  to  attend  a  certain  regular  meeting  to  act  on  a  certain 
subject,  is  proper  whenever  the  Lodge  chooses  to  order  the 

47 


738  Trials. 

same.  A  penalty  for  disregrard  of  such  summons  can  be  in- 
flicted only  after  due  trial  and  conviction,  as  provided  for 
in  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates. — 1872  Journal,  576,  665, 
684. 

2946.  Copy  of  charges  and  Trial  Committee.    It  is  not 

necessary  that  the  Secretary  of  the  Lodge  should  serve  mem- 
bers of  a  Trial  Committee  with  a  copy  of  the  same. — Paul 
vs.  Laurel  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  840,  853. 

4.     TRIAL  COMMITTEE. 

2947.  To  consist  of  five.  Such  charges  shall  be  referred 
to  a  committee  of  five  members,  who  shall,  without  unneces- 
sary delay,  summon  the  parties  and  try  the  case. — Constitu- 
tion Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  4. 

(See  Section  3241.) 

2948.  Appointed  without  delay.  When  charges  are  duly 
preferred,  the  Constitution  contemplates  the  appointment 
of  the  Trial  Committee  without  delay. — 1886  Journal,  534, 
620,  646. 

2949.  To  keep  full  minutes.  The  committee  shall  keep 
full  minutes  of  the  evidence  and  of  their  proceedings,  and 
report  the  same  to  the  Lodge  with  their  verdict. — Constitu- 
tion Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  4;  Dunbar  vs.  Chorro 
Lodge,  1901  Journal,  511,  512,  513,  539. 

2950.  Committees,  how  appointed.  Article  VI,  Section 
10,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  provides  that  "the  Noble 
Grand,  or  officer  acting  as  such,  shall  appoint  the  majority, 
and  the  Vice-Grand,  or  officer  acting  as  such,  the  minority 
of  all  committees  on  charges."  It  is  a  good  ground  of  ob- 
jection to  a  committee  that  it  is  not  appointed  as  above  pro- 
vided; but  if  objection  be  not  made  at  the  proper  time,  the 
objection  comes  too  late. — Robinson  vs.  Templar  Lodge,  1880 
Journal,  326,  367. 

2951.  Appointment  of.  In  this  jurisdiction,  when  charges 
are  preferred,  the  Lodge  may  appoint  the  Trial  Committee 
in  the  absence  of  the  accused.    It  is  not  required  to  postpone 


Trials. 


739 


tthe  appointment  because  the  accused  is  not  present.  If  the 
iccused  should  be  present,  he  may  ask  a  continuance,  which 
rnst  be  granted  for  at  least  one  week. — Ilsohn  vs.  Diamond 
Jprings  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  955,  977. 

2952.  Appointment  on  Trial  Committee — Excuse — Chal- 
[lenge.     When  a  brother  is  appointed  on  a  Trial  Committee 

)y  either  the  Noble  or  Vice-Grand  it  is  his  duty  to  accept 
ich  appointment,  and  he  must  serve  on  such  committee 

[unless  excused  by  the  Lodge  for  good  reason  or  cause,  or 
rhen  in  due  time  challenged  by  the  accuser  or  accused  for 
>ias  or  prejudice,   and  he  is  biased  or  prejudiced. — 1901 

[Journal,  410,  544,  562. 

2953.  Charges  preferred — Duty  of  Lodge  and  members, 
'n  all  cases  when  charges  are  preferred  the  Lodge  must  pro- 

[ceed  to  act  upon  the  same  according  to  the  provisions  of 
[the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  and  it  is  the  duty  of  every 
^member  of  the  Lodge  to  aid  in  carrying  out  the  intent  of 
the  law  in  such  matters.  The  members  of  a  Lodge  have  no 
[right  to  wilfully  defeat  or  prevent  a  trial  upon  charges,  by 
mrposely  and  without  cause  refusing  to  act  upon  the  Trial 
FCommittee.— 1901  Journal,  410,  544,  562. 

2954.  Who  may  be  present  at  the  trial.  Whether  any 
[member  of  the  Order  has  a  right  to  be  present  at  the  trial, 
for  whether  only  members  of  the  Lodge  to  which  the  accused 
pelongs  have  such  right,  depends  on  local  legislation.  In  the 
[absence  of  local  legislation  the  action  of  the  Trial  Com- 

littee  would  govern.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  32,  219,  243. 

2955.  The  same.  Whether  the  Trial  Committee  is  com- 
[pelled  by  law  to  order  brothers  to  retire  from  the  room  upon 

►bjection  by  counsel  of  the  accused  to  their  presence,  or 
|irhether  it  is  discretionary  with  the  Trial  Committee,  de- 
tpends  upon  local  legislation.  In  the  absence  of  such  legisla- 
tion the  committee  would  have  such  discretionary  power. — 
^1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  32,  219,  243. 

2966.    Objections  to  committee.     Objections  to  the  ap- 
)ointment  or  to  any  of  the  committee  must,  if  the  accused 


740  Trials. 

be  present  in  the  Lodge  when  committee  is  appointed,  be 
made  then,  unless  the  brother  request  a  continuance,  which 
shall  be  granted  for  at  least  one  week,  and  each  member  of 
the  committee  may  be  examined  as  to  his  qualifications  to 
act  thereon,  and  if  the  accused  be  not  present  when  the  com- 
mittee is  appointed,  he  must  make  his  examination  of  and  his 
objections  to  the  committee  before  he  demurs  or  pleads.  The 
accuser  must  make  his  objections  at  the  same  time  that  the 
accused  objects  or  is  required  to  object.  Such  objections, 
when  made  to  the  committee,  shall  forthwith  be  referred 
and  reported  to  the  Lodge  for  its  action  thereon. — Consti- 
tution Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  4 ;  Silberstein  vs.  Capay 
Lodge,  1904  Journal,  517,  527. 

2957.  Objections  to  members  of  Trial  Committee.      In 

case  the  accused  is  present  when  the  Trial  Committee  is 
appointed,  he  must  then  make  his  objections  to  members 
thereof,  unless  he  requests  a  continuance,  which  must  be 
granted  for  at  least  one  week,  and  each  member  of  the  com- 
mittee may  be  examined  as  to  his  qualifications  to  act  there- 
on. The  objection  and  its  grounds  should  be  entered  in  the 
minutes  and  the  proceedings  and  actions  of  the  Lodge  there- 
on.— Silberstein  vs.  Capay  Lodge,  1904  Journal,  517,  527. 

2958.  Objection  to  committee — A  new  committee  ap- 
pointed. Where  objections  to  the  Trial  Committee  were 
made  by  the  accused  that  the  committee  was  illegally  consti- 
tuted, comprising  more  than  five  members,  and  that  the 
Lodge  in  removing  a  member  of  the  committee  had  acted 
contrary  to  the  Constitution,  and  the  committee  sustained 
the  objections  of  the  accused  and  so  reported  to  the  Lodge, 
and  upon  motion,  the  action  of  the  committee  was  sustained 
and  adopted  by  the  Lodge  and  the  Lodge  discharged  the 
committee,  the  appointment  of  a  new  Trial  Committee  was 
legal. — Ayer  vs.  Famsworth  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  149,  177. 

2959.  Illegal  appointment.  It  is  illegal  for  the  Noble 
Grand  to  appoint  four  members  of  the  Trial  Committee,  and 
the  Vice-Grand  one.  The  Noble  Grand  must  appoint  a  major- 
ity (three),  and  the  Vice-Grand  the  minority  (two). — Unity 


Trials.  741 

Lodore  vs.  Barnard,  1872  Journal,  560,  653;  Rathamel    vs. 
Hecker  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  517,  557. 

2960.  Election  of  Trial  Committee  illegal.  It  is  illegal  to 
nominate,  and  the  Lodge  to  elect,  the  Trial  Committee.  The 
Noble  Grand,  under  the  law  of  this  jurisdiction,  is  required 
to  appoint  three  and  the  Vice-Grand  two  of  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee.— Johnson  vs.  Embarcadero  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  166, 
198. 

2961.  Vacancy,  how  filled.  A  member  appointed  on  a 
Trial  Committee  by  the  Vice-Grand  resigns ;  the  Vice-Grand 
should  appoint  to  fill  the  vacancy  in  the  committee. — 1888 
Journal,  1026,  1111,  1130. 

2962.  In  case  Noble  Grand  appoint  entire  committee.  The 
Noble  Grand  must  appoint  the  majority,  and  the  Vice-Grand 
the  minority  of  Trial  Committee.  In  case  the  Noble 
Grand  should  appoint  all  the  members  thereof,  it  would  be 
a  fatal  error,  if  objection  were  made  at  the  proper  time; 
but  if  no  objection  be  made,  the  defect  is  waived. — Cohen 
vs.  Harbor  Lodge,  1895  Journal,  165,  184. 

2963.  The  same.  If  the  Noble  Grand  appoint  the  entire 
Trial  Committee,  and  the  accused  make  no  objection  thereto 
and  plead  guilty,  he  could  not  thereafter  avail  himself  of 
such  objection. — Weller  vs.  Soquel  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  67, 
90. 

2964.  Resignation  of  member  of.  A  Lodge  has  the  right 
to  accept  the  resignation  of  a  member  of  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee, if  the  committee  have  not  entered  upon  the  discharge 
of  its  duties  and  have  not  begun  the  taking  of  testimony. — 
Billings  vs.  Eureka  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  697,  717,  723. 

2965.  Election  of  member  of  Trial  Committee  as  Noble 
Grand.  The  election  and  installation  of  a  Past  Grand  to  the 
oflfice  of  Noble  Grand  while  said  brother  was  a  member  of  a 
Trial  Committee,  did  not  make  the  electron  and  installation 
of  the  said  Past  Grand  illegal,  but  would  disqualify  the 
brother  from  any  further  action  on  said  Trial  Committee. — 
1896  Journal,  441,  607,  636. 


742  Trials. 

2966.  No  proxy.  Under  no  circumstances  can  an  absent 
member  of  a  Trial  Committee  act  by  proxy. — Wilson  vs. 
Templar  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  892,  904. 

2967.  Committee  to  try  a  Past  Grand.  Under  our  pres- 
ent Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  a  member  of  a  Trial 
Committee,  to  try  a  Past  Grand,  is  not  required  to  be  a  Past 
Grand.  Any  Scarlet  Degree  member  is  eligible. — Billings  vs. 
Eureka  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  697,  717,  723;  1889  Journal, 
28,  122,  163. 

2968.  A  witness.  A  witness  against  the  accused  should 
not  be  a  member  of  the  Trial  Committee.  The  committee  is 
appointed  because  they  are  supposed  to  be  unbiased  brothers 
standing  between  the  accuser  and  the  accused,  and  should 
they  testify  in  the  case,  they  necessarily  must  pass  upon  the 
credibility  and  weight  of  their  own  testimony.  Such  con- 
duct of  a  committee  is  clearly  erroneous. — Blair  vs.  Giles, 
1873  Journal,  840,  855. 

(See  Section  3088.) 

2969.  Our  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution  governs.    In 

appointing  a  Trial  Committee,  the  Lodge  is  governed  by  the 
provisions  of  Section  10,  Article  VI,  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nate Lodges,  established  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  California. 
The  Code  of  Procedure,  in  the  appendix  to  White's  Digest, 
established  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  applies  only  to  Sub- 
ordinate Lodges  under  the  immediate  jurisdiction  of  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.— 1888  Journal,  1023,  1111,  1130. 

2970.  May  test  the  committee's  fitness,  etc.  Our  Order 
may  not  be  as  strict,  in  regard  to  the  Trial  Committee,  as 
courts  are  as  to  jurors,  yet  the  rights  of  an  Odd  Fellow  are 
as  dear  to  him  as  the  rights  of  other  men  are  to  them.  He  is 
protected  by  a  fair  trial,  before  an  unbiased  and  impartial 
committee,  and  if  he  desire  to  challenge  or  test  the  com- 
mittee's fitness,  etc.,  he  may  do  so. — Fella  vs.  Golden  Gate 
Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1163,  1165,  1180. 

2971.  Plea  of  guilty.  Where  the  Lodge  acts  upon  a  plea 
of  guilty  and  affixes  the  penalty,  it  renders  it  immaterial 


f 
i 


Trials.  743 

for  all  purposes  of  substantial  justice,  whether  two  of  the 
Trial  Committee  were  so  biased  as  to  disqualify  them  to  act 
or  not. — Rogers  vs.  Fresno  Lodge,  1877  Journal,  648,  665. 

2972.  Employed  by  a  railroad.  The  mere  fact  that  a 
brother  is  employed  by  a  railroad  is  no  disqualification  or 
ground  of  objection  to  his  appointment  or  service  on  a  Trial 
Committee. — Harbor  Lodge  vs.  Englebright,  1886  Journal, 
608. 

2973.  Need  not  inform  accused  as  to  his  right  to  object. 

It  is  not  the  duty  of  the  Trial  Committee  or  of  the  Lodge 
to  inform  the  accused  that  he  has  the  right  to  object  to  any 
of  the  Trial  Committee. — Holcomb  vs.  Nietos  Lodge,  1877 
Journal,  654,  666. 

2974.  Peremptory  challenge  not  allowed.  A  brother  who 
is  under  charges  is  not  entitled  to  any  peremptory  challenges 
to  the  members  of  the  Trial  Committee. — 1881  Journal,  503, 
601,  627. 

2975.  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  may  be  member  of 
committee.  There  is  no  law  prohibiting  the  appointment  of 
a  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  on  a  Trial  Committee, 
although  it  is  good  policy  for  a  Lodge  to  avoid  such  a  selec- 
tion.— Rogers  vs.  Fresno  Lodge,  1877  Journal,  648,  665. 

2976.  The  whole  committee  must  act.  The  Trial  Com- 
mittee must  be  composed  of  the  full  number  required  by 
law,  and  all  must  be  present  to  see  and  hear  all  of  the  wit- 
nesses and  testimony. — Mariposa  Lodge  vs.  Washburne,  1860 
Journal,  35,  37,  33 ;  Bay  View  Lodge  vs.  Turner,  1869  Jour- 
nal, 66,  78;  Meyer  vs.  Hermann  Lodge,  1876  Journal,  452, 
467;  Schlarbaum  vs.  Ukiah  Lodge,  1885  Journal,  375,  411; 
1887  Journal,  891,  904;  Johnson  vs.  Ophir  Lodge,  1894  Jour- 
nal, 685,  686,  717 ;  Peterson  vs.  California  Lodge,  1894  Jour- 
nal, 686,  717 ;  Treasure  vs.  Mountain  Vale  Lodge,  1895  Jour- 
nal, 163,  183. 

2977.  Accused  cannot  waive  full  committee.  The  accused 
cannot  divest  himself  of  his  right  to  be  tried  by  a  Trial  Com- 
mittee composed  of  the  full  number  required  by  law,  by 


744  Trials. 

waiving  it. — Mariposa  Lodge  vs.  Washburne,  1860  Journal, 
35,  37,  33 ;  Schlarbaum  vs.  Ukiah  Lodge,  1885  Journal,  375, 
411 ;  1887  Journal,  891,  904 ;  Johnson  vs.  Ophir  Lodge,  1894 
Journal,  685,  686,  717;  Peterson  vs.  California  Lodge,  1894 
Journal,  686,  717;  Treasure  vs.  Mountain  Vale  Lodge,  1895 
Journal,  163,  183. 

Note. — Four  members  of  a  com-  member   of    tlie    committee,   who 

mittee  cannot  lawfully  try  a  case,  signs   the   report — (1885   Journal, 

even  though  the  evidence  is  all  in  288,  403,  432). 
writing  and  is   read  by  the   fifth 

(See  Section  583.) 

2978.  Too  late  to  challenge  committee,  when.  It  is  too 
late  to  challenge  a  Trial  Committee,  or  a  member,  on  the 
ground  of  bias,  or  of  having  formed  an  opinion  before  trial, 
or  object  to  the  competency  of  members,  or  object  to  the 
committee  upon  the  ground  that  the  Noble  Grand  appointed 
the  whole  committee,  after  the  trial  had  taken  place. — Ken- 
dall vs.  Eureka  Lodge,  1855  Journal,  121,  132;  Humphrey 
vs.  San  Andreas  Lodge,  1858  Journal,  356. 

Note. — The  accused  cannot  be  charges,  too  late  to  object  or  ex- 
allowed  to  fish  for  a  favorable  is-  cept  to  a  Trial  Committee  on  the 
sue  before  a  committee,  and  fail-  ground  that  it  was  not  chosen 
ing  to  get  a  verdict,  then  to  inter-  from  qualified  persons — ( Calif or- 
pose  objections  to  the  original  nia  Lodge  vs.  Beck,  1866  Journal, 
constitution  of  the  committee.  It  192,  210). 
is,    therefore,    after   the    trial    of 

2979.  Challenge  for  bias.  A  member  who  was  not  pres- 
ent when  Trial  Committee  appointed,  summoned  to  trial 
upon  charges,  has  the  right  to  challenge  said  committee  for 
bias,  and  such  right  exists  up  to  the  time  that  the  accused 
demurs  or  pleads  to  the  charges. — 1874  Journal,  94,  113; 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  4. 

2980.  Challenge  for  bias — Evidence.  When  the  accused 
objects  to  certain  members  of  the  Trial  Committee  on  the 
ground  of  bias,  he  must  produce  evidence  in  support  of 
his  allegation  of  bias.  Should  he  fail  to  produce  such  evi- 
dence, the  Lodge  commits  no  error  in  compelling  the  mem- 
bers objected  to,  to  serve  on  the  committee. — Smith  vs.  St. 


^ 


I 


Trials.  745 

Helena  Lodge,  1880  Journal,  321,  351;  1868  Journal,  466, 
481. 

2981.  Conflicting  evidence  as  to  member  of.  Where  the 
accused  objects  to  a  member  of  the  Trial  Committee  and 
offers,  in  support  of  his  objection,  an  affidavit  of  an  ex- 
convict,  and  the  member  objected  to  denies,  upon  his  honor 
as  an  Odd  Fellow,  the  truth  of  the  statements  contained  in 
the  affidavit,  the  Lodge  is  the  judge  of  the  qualification  of 
the  member,  and  of  the  credibility  of  the  witnesses,  and  the 
weight  which  is  to  be  given  to  the  evidence  presented  in 
support  of  the  objection. — 1883  Journal,  1138,  1174. 

2982.  Challenge  tried  by  the  Lodge.  If  the  accused  be 
not  present  when  the  committee  is  appointed,  then  his  right 
to  challenge  the  Trial  Committee  for  bias  exists  up  to  the 
time  that  he  demurs  or  pleads  to  the  charges.  The  com- 
mittee are  not  permitted  to  be  judges  of  their  own  case, 
any  more  than  the  jurors  in  the  courts  of  law  are,  and  when 
challenges  are  made  to  the  members  of  the  committee,  such 
challenges  shall  be  referred  to  the  Lodge  to  determine. — 
Lake  vs.  Lowenthal,  1872  Journal,  655,  656,  677;  Fella  vs. 
Golden  Gate  Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1164,  1180;  Constitution 
Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  4. 

2983.  Certain  questions  may  be  asked.  When  the  Lodge 
is  enquiring  into  the  competency  or  bias  of  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee, it  is  proper  to  ask  questions  such  as  these:  ''Have 
you  at  any  time  formed  or  expressed  a  desire  that  the  de- 
fendant be  got  rid  of  as  a  member  of  this  Lodge?"  or 
**Have  you  ever  formed  or  expressed  an  opinion  or  desire 
that  the  accused's  connection  with  the  Lodge  should  be 
severed?" — Fella  vs.  Golden  Gate  Lodge,  1883  Journal, 
1164,  1180. 

2984.  Challenge  for  bias  or  prejudice.  When  a  Trial 
Committee  is  appointed,  either  side — prosecutor  or  accused 
— has  the  undoubted  right  to  challenge  for  bias  or  prejudice 
any  or  all  of  the  members  of  the  committee.  Such  challenge 
must  be  made  at  the  time  required  by  the  Constitution. 
The  committee  can  be  questioned  by  both  sides,  to  a  reason- 


746  Trials. 

able  extent,  to  be  determined  by  the  Lodge,  as  to  their  bias, 
prejudice  or  feeling  for  or  against  the  accused,  and  proper 
minutes  thereof  should  be  kept  by  the  Secretary  of  the 
Lodge,  after  which  the  Lodge  shall  pass  upon  their  reten- 
tion or  exclusion  from  the  committee.  This  is  sufficient  to 
protect  the  rights  of  all. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art. 
VIII,  Sec,  4;  Miller  vs.  San  Pablo  Lodge,  1884  Journal, 
104,  133. 

2985.  Testing  qualifications   of  Trial  Committee.     The 

accused  has  a  right  to  test  the  qualifications  of  a  member  of 
the  Trial  Committee,  by  propounding  to  him  questions  as  to 
whether  he  has  formed  or  expressed  an  opinion  as  to  the 
guilt  or  innocence  of  the  accused,  and  whether  he  had  con- 
versed with  the  accuser  in  relation  to  the  accusations  or 
charges,  and  what  the  accuser  said,  etc. — Johnson  vs. 
Embareadero  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  166,  198. 

2986.  Conflicting  evidence  as  to  bias.  When  a  member 
of  the  Order,  upon  his  honor  as  an  Odd  Fellow,  declares 
that  he  has  no  bias,  prejudice  or  opinion  in  the  case  on 
trial,  and  is  uncontradicted,  except  by  the  ex-parte  state- 
ment or  affidavit  of  a  person  not  connected  with  the  Order, 
the  presumption  is  in  favor  of  the  Odd  Fellow,  and  it  is  not, 
and  cannot  be  error,  for  the  Lodge  to  believe  him.  If  he 
have  falsified,  the  remedy  is  by  proper  charges  therefor. — 
Miller  vs.  San  Pablo  Lodge,  1884  Journal,  104,  133. 

2987.  Partial  and  biased  member  excused.  The  members 
of  the  Trial  Committee  should  be  impartial  and  unbiased, 
and  should  any  member  of  said  committee  answer  in  a  way 
showing  that  he  is  biased  or  prejudiced  against  the  accused, 
the  Lodge  should  excuse  him  from  service  on  the  committee. 
— ^Parker  vs.  Laurel  Lodge,  1885  Journal,  356,  373. 

2988.  Decided  opinion  as  to  guilt.  A  brother  ought  not 
to  act  upon  a  Trial  Committee  who  has  heard  the  evidence 
in  the  trial  of  the  accused  in  a  court  of  justice,  and  has 
formed  and  expressed  decided  opinions  as  to  the  guilt  of  the 
accused.  In  such  a  case,  the  fact  of  the  brother  stating  that 
he  could  and  would  give  the  accused  a  fair  and  impartial 


Trials.  747 

trial  and  that  nothing  would  please  him  more  than  to  see 
the  accused  clear  himself  of  these  charges,  and  that  he 
would  like  to  see  him  do  it  if  he  can,  does  not  render  him  a 
fair  and  impartial  member  of  the  committee,  and  if  he  serve 
as  such  member  after  objection  duly  made,  the  judgment  of 
conviction  will  be  reversed. — Springer  vs.  Harbor  Lodge, 
1886  Journal,  622,  645. 


Opinion  not  disqualifying.  The  mere  fact  that  a 
member  of  a  Trial  Committee  entertains  an  opinion  that 
whenever  one  brother  has  a  dispute  with  another  brother, 
it  ought  to  be  brought  before  the  Lodge,  does  not  dis- 
qualify him  from  acting  as  a  member  of  such  committee. — 
Miller  vs.  Golden  Gate  Lodge,  1886  Journal,  638,  648. 

2990.  Contributed  money  to  prosecute,  etc.  A  brother 
who  has  contributed  money  to  prosecute  the  accused  in 
courts  of  justice  and  who  has  expressed  and  has  a  fixed 
and  determined  opinion  of  his  guilt,  is  not  qualified  to  serve 
on  the  Trial  Committee. — Prewett  vs.  Mound  Lodge,  1887 
Journal,  837,  853. 

2991.  Where  no  evidence  of  bias.  The  complainant 
objected  in  open  Lodge,  and  before  the  committee  to  sev- 
eral members  of  the  committee,  because,  as  he  alleged,  they 
had  formed  and  expressed  an  unqualified  opinion  in  the 
case.  No  evidence  of  such  bias  or  prejudice  was  produced, 
and  the  brothers,  being  interrogated  in  open  Lodge,  asserted 
severally,  on  the  honor  of  Odd  Fellows,  that  they  had  not 
formed  or  expressed  any  such  opinion.  There  was  no  error 
in  requiring  them  to  serve  on  the  committee.  If  the  com- 
plainant had  any  evidence  of  the  matter  alleged  he  should 
have  produced  it  to  the  Lodge,  and  for  such  purpose,  if 
desired,  time  would  undoubtedly  be  given  him. — Livy  Swan 
vs.  Mt.  Shasta  Lodge,  1868  Journal,  466,  481. 

2992.  Accused  and  accuser.  The  principle  declared  by 
this  Grand  Lodge  and  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  that  the 
accused,  when  an  officer,  cannot  appoint  the  whole  or  a  part 
of  the  Trial  Committee,  and  cannot,  when  Noble  Grand, 
preside  while  the  Lodge  is  acting  upon  the  charges,  should 


748  Trials. 

by  parity  of  reason  be  applied  to  the  accuser.  All  proceed- 
ings and  matters  of  charges  should  be  so  conducted  as  to 
be  reasonably  free  from  all  suspicion  of  unfairness  or 
partiality.  The  demands  of  justice,  the  dearest  rights  of  an 
Odd  Fellow,  require  that  no  accuser,  no  biased  and  inter- 
ested officer  shall  have  the  power  and  opportunity  to 
appoint  members  of  the  Trial  Committee,  or  to  mould  and 
control  the  proceedings,  verdict  and  penalty. — Stanton  vs. 
Santa  Barbara  Lodge,  1876  Journal,  453,  467. 

2993.  Those  who  institute  or  take  part  in  charges  or 
prosecutions.  Neither  the  accuser  nor  any  one  who  writes 
or  prints  the  very  charges  preferred,  or  initiates  or  insti- 
tutes the  charges  or  prosecution,  or  aids  or  assists  therein, 
or  takes  part  therein,  should  be  appointed  on  the  commit- 
tee. A  brother  is  not  to  be  tried  by  his  accusers,  but  is 
entitled  to  a  fair  and  impartial  committee. — Johnson  vs. 
Embarcadero  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  166,  198. 

2994.  Fair  and  impartial  committee.  The  defendant  is 
entitled  to  a  fair  and  impartial  trial  before  a  fair  and  im- 
partial committee.  Hence,  where  two  of  a  committee, 
before  their  appointment,  express  their  belief  in  open  Lodge 
that  the  accused  is  guilty,  and  the  accused  objects  to  their 
acting  on  the  committee,  the  Lodge  should  sustain  the 
objection,  otherwise  a  judgment  of  conviction  will  be 
reversed  by  the  Grand  Lodge. — Concordia  Lodge  vs.  Geste- 
field,  1872  Journal,  557,  651. 

2995.  Absence  of  accuser  from  trial.  The  absence  from 
a  trial,  either  by  death  or  otherwise,  of  the  brother  pre- 
ferring the  charge,  does  not  operate  as  a  stay  of  proceedings 
or  dismissal  of  the  case;  provided,  that  the  committee  may 
adjourn  from  time  to  time  to  compel  his  attendance  or  take 
his  deposition,  if  he  be  living.— 1866  Journal,  134,  219,  230. 

2996.  No  right  to  report  the  accuser  guilty  of  mis- 
demeanor. A  Committee  on  Charges  have  no  right  to  report 
the  accuser  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  when  charges  are  not 
sustained,  even  if  it  appear  that  he  preferred  the  charges 


Trials.  749 

wilfully,  but  they  may  express  their  conviction  of  any  facts 
bearing  upon  his  conduct. — 1861  Journal,  181,  179. 

2997.  Statement  by  complainant.  The  mere  fact  that  a 
complainant  has  stated' what  occurred  to  a  brother,  or  the 
mere  fact  that  he  should  so  state  to  all  the  members  in  open 
Lodge,  and  then  prefer  charges,  would  not  disqualify  the 
particular  member  or  any  member  from  serving  on  the  Trial 
Committee. — Berns  vs.  Blue  Lake  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  93, 
101. 

2998.  Biased  member  of.  The  accused  is  entitled  to  an 
impartial  and  unbiased  Trial  Committee,  and  it  is  error  for 
a  Lodge  to  retain  on  such  committee  a  member  objected  to, 
who  had  said,  concerning  the  accused:  *'He  should  go  out 
of  the  Lodge.  The  Lodge  would  not  be  good  for  anything 
until  he  went  out.  I  think  I  can  whip  him.  He  is  a 
stinker." — Parker  vs.  Laurel  Lodge,  1885  Journal,  355,  373. 

2999.  Vice-Grand  related  to  complainant.  Where  the 
objection  is  that  the  Vice-Grand,  who  appointed  two  of  the 
Trial  Committee,  is  a  brother  of  the  member  of  the  Lodge 
who  preferred  the  charges,  the  committee  should  refer  the 
matter  to  the  Lodge  for  determination.  A  Vice-Grand  who 
is  a  brother  of  the  accused  should  not  appoint  any  member 
of  the  committee,  but  should  cause  another  qualified  member 
to  act  as  Vice-Grand  in  making  the  appointment. — Hanker- 
son  vs.  Santa  Lucia  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  664,  674. 

3000.  Objection  to  member  of.  When  an  objection  to  or 
challenge  of  a  member  of  the  Trial  Committee  on  the  ground 
of  bias,  etc.,  is  made  in  proper  time,  the  matter  should  be 
reported  to  the  Lodge  for  its  action. — Rae  vs.  Eel  River 
Lodge,  1891  Journal,  667,  674. 

3001.  Noble  Grand  cannot  be  on  committee.  Where  the 
Noble  Grand  appoints  a  majority  of  the  Trial  Committee, 
the  Vice-Grand  in  appointing  the  minority  of  said  com- 
mittee cannot  lawfully  appoint  the  Noble  Grand  a  member 
thereof.  As  the  presiding  officer  of  the  Lodge  should  be 
free  from  all  feeling  that  might  govern  his  actions  upon  the 
report  of  such  committee.— 1886  Journal,  626,  647. 


750  Trials. 

3002.  Biased  member  of.  The  Grand  Lodge  has  declared 
that  an  accused  brother  is  entitled  to  a  fair  and  impartial 
trial,  and  that  a  brother  who  has  already  in  his  mind  tried 
and  convicted  a  brother,  cannot  act  on  the  Trial  Committee. 
That  each  member  of  the  Trial  Committee  must  be  free  from 
such  opinions. — Springer  vs.  Harbor  Lodge,  1886  Journal, 
622,  645. 

3003.  No  written  notice  of  appointment.  The  Trial 
Committee  is  appointed  and  not  elected  by  ballot,  and  the 
members  thereof  may  meet  as  such  committee  and  perform 
their  duties  without  any  written  notice  of  their  appoint- 
ment.— Paul  vs.  Laurel  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  840,  853. 

3004.  Each  brother  entitled  to  separate  trial.  Where 
separate  charges  are  preferred  against  several  brothers  of  a 
Lodge,  it  is  advisable  to  appoint  a  separate  and  different 
committee  in  each  case,  if  possible.  Each  brother  is 
entitled  to  a  separate  trial. — Laurel  Lodge  vs.  Howe,  et  als, 
1885  Journal,  357,  373. 

3005.  Question  of  jurisdiction.  The  question  as  to  the 
jurisdiction  of  a  Trial  Committee  over  an  accused  is  not 
involved  in  the  manner  of  its  appointment. — Robinson  vs. 
Templar  Lodge,  1880  Journal,  326,  367. 

3006.  Must  be  tried  by  his  own  Lodge.  A  brother  can 
be  tried  only  by  a  Trial  Committee  of  his  own  Lodge.  No 
other  Lodge  or  committee  has  jurisdiction,  and  jurisdiction 
cannot  be  obtained  by  another  Lodge  or  committee,  even  by 
agreement  between  the  respective  parties. — 1884  Journal,  20, 
116,  153. 

3007.  Removal  of  committee  for  cause.  When  a  Trial 
Committee  does  not,  ''without  unnecessary  delay,"  proceed 
to  try  charges  submitted  to  them,  they  may  be  removed  by 
a  vote  of  the  Lodge,  and  the  charges  referred  to  a  new  com- 
mittee. There  is  no  statutory  punishment  for  a  Trial  Com- 
mittee which  neglects  its  duty  in  this  particular. — 1883 
Journal,  1003,  1150,  1175. 

(See  Section  583.) 


Trials.  751 

3008.  Trial  by  new  committee.  Where  a  Lodge  has 
legally  ordered  charges  against  a  brother  to  be  tried  by  a 
new  committee,  and  selects  the  committee  and  closes  its 
session,  the  accused  has  the  right  to  be  tried  by  said  com- 
mittee, and  the  Lodge  has  no  right  at  a  subsequent  meeting 
to  reconsider  the  appointment  of  the  new  committee. — 
Brown  vs.  Charity  Lodge,  1875  Journal,  259,  266. 

3009.  Members  of  Trial  Committee  may  vote.  The  mem- 
bers of  the  Trial  Committee  have  the  right  to  vote  in  the 
Lodge  on  all  questions  relative  to  their  report  or  the  deter- 
mination of  the  penalty. — Davis  vs.  Lafayette  Lodge,  1885 
Journal,  377,  413. 

3010.  Majority  and  minority  reports.  The  Trial  Com- 
mittee may  submit  majority  and  minority  reports  as  to  the 
guilt  and  innocence  of  the  accused. — Bay  City  Lodge  vs. 
Ephraim,  1861  Journal,  154;  Yerba  Buena  Lodge  vs.  Collins, 
1869  Journal,  99,  123. 

3011.  The  same.  Where  there  are  two  reports  of  a  Trial 
Committee,  a  majority  finding  the  accused  not  guilty  and  a 
minority  report  finding  him  guilty,  the  Lodge  must  receive 
both,  and  notify  both  accused  and  accuser,  allowing  them 
two  weeks  after  such  notice  to  present  such  exceptions  as 
either  may  desire  to  present.— 1878  Journal,  818,  948,  974. 

3012.  Report  of  committee.  The  Grand  Lodge  has  pre- 
scribed a  form  of  report  of  Trial  Committee.  (See  Form 
No.  29  of  the  Forms  affixed  to  this  Digest.) 

3013.  Verdict  of  "not  guilty,"  when.  Where  there  is 
not  sufficient  evidence  in  the  opinion  of  the  Trial  Committee 
to  sustain  the  charges,  the  verdict  of  said  committee  should 
be  "not  guilty." — Parker  vs.  Laurel  Lodge,  1885  Journal, 
356,  373. 

3014.  Report  of  "guilty."  The  report  of  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee finding  the  brother  "guilty,"  where  a  brother  is 
charged  with  two  or  more  offenses,  is  sufficient,  as  the  ver- 
dict or  report  of  guilty  imports  that  the  committee  have 
found  the  brother  guilty  as  charged,  or  of  all  the  charges. 


752  Trials. 

It  matters  not  whether  the  committee  have  rendered  their 
verdict  of  guilty  on  the  evidence,  or  his  confession  of  guilt, 
or  both. — Barnard  vs.  Humboldt  Lodge,  1876  Journal,  450, 
464. 

3015.  Where  there  are  several  charges.  Where  there 
are  several  charges  or  specifications  against  the  accused, 
and  the  Trial  Committee  report  him  ''guilty  of  conduct  un- 
becoming an  Odd  Fellow  as  charged  in  the  specifications," 
it  is  sufficient.  It  is  the  better  practice  that  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee, in  making  their  report,  should  state  their  verdict 
on  each  charge  or  specification  separately. — Kelly  vs.  Silver 
Star  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  855,  866. 

3016.  Committees  should  report  their  minutes  and  evi- 
dence. The  committee  should  report  the  minutes  of  its  pro- 
ceedings and  the  evidence  with  its  verdict,  and  on  its  failure 
to  do  so,  should  be  compelled  to  do  so  by  the  Lodge ;  but  if 
the  defendant  be  discharged  from  liability  by  the  report  of 
the  committee  and  the  action  of  the  Lodge,  he  sustains  no 
injury  from  the  irregularity. — ^Powers  vs.  Suisun  Lodge, 
1867  Journal,  331,  349. 

3017.  Should  not  recommend  a  penalty.  The  Trial  Com- 
mittee should  not  in  its  report  recommend  a  penalty.  Yet 
such  a  recommendation  does  not  vitiate  their  verdict  or 
report. — Smith  vs.  Stony  Creek  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  838, 
853. 

3018.  Minutes  must  be  complete  history  of  trial.    It  is 

obligatory  on  the  Trial  Committee  to  reduce  all  the  testi- 
mony to  writing.  The  committee  cannot  omit  or  expunge 
any  objection,  or  the  testimony,  or  any  portion  of  the  testi- 
mony, of  any  witness.  These  minutes  must  be  a  complete 
history  of  the  case  before  the  committee,  embodying  all  the 
evidence,  objections,  exceptions,  acts  and  proceedings. — 
Caveil  vs.  Oakland  Lodge,  1876  Journal,  451,  464. 

3019.  Opportunity  to  present  defense.  In  trials,  care 
should  be  taken  to  award  the  accused  all  of  his  substantial 
rights.    He  must  have  full,  free  and  reasonable  opportunity 


I 


Trials.  763 

to  present  his  defense,  and  when  this  is  done,  no  rights  of 
the  Lodge  are  impaired,  but,  on  the  contrary,  are  secured, 
and  its  members  can  act  with  confidence,  knowing  that  they 
are  in  possession  of  every  fact  and  argument  upon  which  to 
exercise  an  intelligent  and  just  judgment. — Paul  vs.  Laurel 
Lodge,  1886  Journal,  639,  648. 

3020.  Personal  appearance  of  accused  may   be   waived. 

A  brother  is  not  required  to  appear  personally  before  this 
committee,  for  he  may  waive  it.  If  he  send  a  letter  answer- 
ing or  explaining  the  matter,  the  committee  may  afford  him 
additional  time  to  appear,  or  proceed  with  trial  in  his 
absence,  according  to  circumstances. — Race  vs.  Fortuna 
Lodge,  1892  Journal,  99,  119. 

3021.  Charge  of  perjury.  It  is  the  practice  of  certain 
courts  of  justice  not  to  try  an  indictment  for  perjury  arising 
out  of  civil  suit  while  that  suit  is  in  any  way  undetermined, 
except  in  cases  where  the  court  in  which  it  is  pending  post- 
pones the  decision  of  it  in  order  that  the  criminal  charge 
may  be  first  disposed  of.  Our  Order  has  no  laws  or  pract'ice 
regulating  or  relating  to  this  matter.  Perhaps  it  would  be 
well  for  the  Lodges  to  adopt  the  practice  of  postponing  the 
trial  of  such  charges  till  after  the  determination  of  the  civil 
suit.— ;Maulbatch  vs.  Pajaro  Lodge,  1877  Journal,  659,  660. 

3022.  Reopening  the  case.  A  Trial  Committee  that  had 
not  made  a  report  or  rendered  a  verdict,  did,  nine  days  after 
the  case  was  submitted,  reopen  the  case  upon  motion  of  the 
prosecution  (previous  notice  of  motion  having  been  given  to 
the  accused),  and  heard  further  testimony.  This  was  a 
proper  exercise  of  the  discretion  of  the  committee.  The 
possession  and  use  of  such  a  power  may  often  be  necessary 
for  the  ascertainment  of  the  truth. — Lyster  vs.  Pajaro 
Lodge,  1875  Journal,  259,  266. 

3023.  Continuance  and  notice.  Where  the  accused  is 
duly  summoned,  and  appears  before  the  Trial  Committee, 
and  all  the  subsequent  meetings  of  the  Trial  Committee  are 
continued  to  a  time  certain,  no  notice  is  necessary  to  the 
accused  or  his  attorney  of  such  subsequent  meetings.    If  a 

48 


754  Trials. 

Trial  Committee  adjourn  without  adjourning  to  a  time  cer- 
tain, or  without  fixing  the  time  of  its  next  meeting,  in  such 
cases  a  notice  to  the  accused  or  his  attorney  of  the  next 
meeting  should  be  given.  If  the  counsel  be  present  at  the 
meeting,  the  want  of  notice  is  immaterial. — Shiels  vs.  St. 
Helena  Lodge,  1889  Journal,  99,  107. 

(See  Section  590.) 

3024.  The  same.  When  a  Trial  Committee,  from  any 
cause,  fails  to  meet  at  the  time  appointed  to  try  a  brother 
upon  charges,  they  should  fix  another  time  and  notify  the 
accused  to  appear  at  such  time  and  proceed  with  the  trial. 
A  brother  is  not  in  jeopardy  until  tried  and  verdict  ren- 
dered.—1877  Journal,  582,  678,  702. 

3025.  Report  and  proceedings.  The  Trial  Committee 
should  present  with  their  report  the  minutes  of  their  pro- 
ceedings and  evidence. — Paul  vs.  Laurel  Lodge,  1885  Jour- 
nal, 353,  367. 

3026.  Continuance  and  want  of  counsel.  When  the 
accused  appears  before  the  Trial  Committee  for  the  first 
time,  as  required  by  the  summons,  the  committee  should  be 
liberal  in  granting  a  continuance.  Where  a  brother  desires 
to  be  represented  by  counsel,  and  appeared  with  one  ready 
to  proceed,  but  through  ignorance  and  mistake  of  law,  he 
retained  one  not  qualified  to  act,  and  the  brother  was  acting 
in  good  faith,  a  continuance  should  be  granted. — Paul  vs. 
Laurel  Lodge,  1885  Journal,  353,  367. 

3027.  Accused  in  jail  and  continuance.  Where  the 
accused  is  confined  in  jail  to  be  tried  for  the  same  offense, 
it  would,  as  a  general  rule,  be  better,  where  there  is  any 
probability  that  the  accused  might  be  released  on  bail  and 
appear  before  the  committee  in  a  reasonable  time,  to  grant  a 
reasonable  continuance,  that  he  might  appear  before  the 
Trial  Committee  during  the  investigation. — Prewett  vs. 
Mound  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  836,  837,  853. 

3028.  Presence  of  accused.  The  accused  is  entitled  to  be 
present  at  all  proceedings  in  the  Lodge  up  to  the  ballot  on 


Trials.  755 

the  penalty.  The  law  requires  him  to  withdraw  from  the 
Lodge-room  during  the  ballot  thereon. — Tonkin  vs.  Marion 
Lodge,  1900  Journal,  146,  177. 

3029.  Plea  of  guilty  and  report.  Where  the  accused 
pleads  guilty,  and  the  committee  reports  his  plea  to  the 
Lodge,  it  is  not  necessary  to  take  evidence  or  for  the  com- 
mittee to  find  or  to  report  that  they  found  him  guilty. — 
Eldridge  vs.  Klamath  Lodge,  1889  Journal,  98,  107. 

3030.  Verdict  and  report.  The  Trial  Committee  should 
state  their  verdict  on  each  charge  or  specification  separately, 
and  the  verdict  should  be  "guilty  as  charged"  or  **not 
guilty."  The  report  of  the  Trial  Committee  should  not  con- 
tain any  recommendations  to  the  Lodge,  or  state  any  reasons 
for  the  verdict. — Cohen  vs.  Harbor  Lodge,  1895  Journal,  165, 
184. 

3031.  Trial  and  time.  There  is  no  law  requiring  the  trial 
to  take  place  within  a  specified  time, — Conrad  vs.  Orpheus 
Lodge,  1878  Journal,  895,  935. 

3032.  Disposition  of  charges.  When  charges  of  miscon- 
duct, in  due  form,  are  legally  preferred,  the  Trial  Committee 
appointed,  the  accused  pleads  not  guilty,  and  the  prosecu- 
tion is  ready  to  proceed,  the  charges  should  be  investigated 
and  disposed  of  as  provided  in  the  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nate Lodges,  unless  the  Lodge,  by  and  with  the  consent  of 
the  prosecutor,  make  some  other  disposition  of  the  chart^es, 
which  the  circumstances  justify. — 1896  Journal,  409,  578, 
619 ;  Meyer  vs.  Hermann  Lodge,  1876  Journal,  452,  467. 

3033.  Committee's  duty  as  to  verdict.  It  is  the  Trial 
Committee's  duty  to  find  the  accused  guilty  or  not  guilty  of 
the  charge  or  some  portion  of  the  charge.  They  are  not  to 
pass  upon  matters  not  involved  in  the  charge. — Treanor  vs. 
Chico  Lodpe,  1894  Journal,  688,  717. 

3034.  Continuances.  The  object  of  the  trial  is  to  deter- 
mine the  guilt  or  innocence  of  the  accused  and  for  the  pur- 
pose of  ascertaining  the  truth.  It  is  in  the  sound  discretion 
of  the  committee  to  adjourn  from  time  to  time  to  receive 


756  Trials. 

additional  testimony. — Berns  vs.  Blue  Lake  Lodge,  1892 
Journal,  92,  101. 

3035.  Continuance  of  trial  in  discretion    of    committee. 

A  continuance  of  the  hearing  of  charges  against  the  accused 
is  a  matter  which  appertains  to  the  discretion  of  the  Trial 
Committee  and  the  Grand  Lodge  will  not  interfere  on  this 
point  on  appeal  unless  the  committee  have  abused  its  discre- 
tion.— Prewett  vs.  Mound  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  837,  853. 

Note. — A  case   cannot  be  post-  mits  all  that  it  is  assumed  can  be 

poned    to    procure    the    testimony  proved  by   such   absent  witness — 

of   an   absent   witness,    when    the  (1863     S.    G.    L.    Journal,     3573, 

other  party  to  the  proceeding  ad-  3589 ) . 

3036.  Motion  for  continuance.  Upon  such  motions  some 
showing  should  be  made  as  to  what  it  is  expected  or 
intended  to  prove  by  the  witness.  Some  evidence  should  be 
presented  to  sustain  the  application.  A  mere  statement 
that  the  accused  desires  a  person  or  persons  as  witnesses,  or 
has  documentary  evidence,  or  moves  a  continuance  that  he 
may  have  a  person  or  persons  as  witnesses,  etc.,  is  not  suffi- 
cient. If  such  mere  statements  or  motions  were  sufficient, 
a  guilty  man  might  not  permit  a  trial  to  be  completed  or 
ended. — Knowles  vs.  Enterprise  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  955, 
977. 

5.     EVIDENCE  AND  WITNESSES. 

3037.  Obligation  or  oath  of  witness.  If  a  witness  be  a 
member  of  the  Order,  he  shall  be  obligated  and  give  his 
evidence  on  the  honor  of  an  Odd  Fellow;  if  he  be  not  a 
member,  then  on  oath  or  affirmation,  and  the  proceedings 
must  state  that  such  obligation  or  oath  was  administered. 
Any  member  of  the  committee  may  administer  the  obligation 
or  oath. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  4. 

3038.  Hearsay  and  ex-parte  statements.  Hearsay  and 
ex-parte  statements  must  not  be  received,  but  the  person 
must  personally  appear  as  a  witness  and  testify,  or  his 
deposition  must  be  taken  as  provided  by  the  laws  of  the 
Order. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  4. 


Trials.  757 

3039.  Right  of  cross-examination.  No  testimony  shall 
be  taken  without  notice,  or  opportunity  for  cross-examin- 
ation by  the  opposing  party. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  Vlil,  Sec.  4. 

3040.  Witnesses  to  sign  their  testimony.  Each  witness, 
at  the  conclusion  of  his  testimony,  or,  if  the  committee  ad- 
journ before  its  conclusion,  then  at  each  adjournment,  shall 
have  his  testimony,  as  taken  down  by  the  committee,  read 
over  to  him,  and  shall  make  such  corrections  thereof  as  he 
may  deem  proper,  and  shall  thereupon  sign  each  page  of 
said  testimony.  The  fact  that  his  testimony  has  not  been 
concluded  shall,  in  case  of  adjournment,  be  noted  on  the 
minutes. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  4. 

(See  Section  3881.) 

3041.  When  testimony  taken  by  shorthand  reporter.  In 
lieu  of  taking  and  signing  the  testimony  as  herein  provided, 
the  same  may,  by  consent,  duly  signed,  be  taken  down  by  a 
shorthand  reporter,  and  as  soon  as  pxossible  thereafter 
written  out  by  him  in  long  hand  and  duly  certified  by  him 
to  be  correct,  but  any  witness  may,  if  he  desire,  correct  his 
testimony  after  it  is  so  written  out,  and  in  such  case  of  cor- 
rection shall  sign  the  same,  and  the  Lodge  shall  not  be  liable 
for  the  expenses  or  any  part  thereof  except  it,  at  a  regular 
meeting  and  prior  to  the  taking  of  the  same  by  the  reporter, 
agree  to  pay  for  the  same. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art. 
Vni,  Sec.  4. 

Note.— A  stenographer  or  type-       (1897     S.   G.   L.   Journal,    15175, 
writer  to  take  down  the  evidence      15534,  15584,  15613). 
must  be  a  member  of  the  Order — 

3042.  Testimony  taken  in  shorthand  by  oral  consent. 
Where  the  testimony  is  taken  down  in  shorthand  with  the 
express  consent  of  the  accused,  who  is  present  at  all  the 
meetings  of  the  committee,  the  accused  cannot  under  the 
circumstances  obj.ect  to  such  procedure  for  the  first  time  in 
his  notice  of  appeal,  although  his  consent  is  not  given  in 
writing.— McKenzie  vs.  Napa  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  169,  198, 
214. 


758  Trials. 

3043.  Rules  to  be  observed.  In  appeal  cases  to  the 
Grand  Lodge,  the  judgment  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge  will 
not  be  sustained  unless  the  following  rules  be  substantially 
complied  with.  All  testimony  to  be  reduced  to  writing, 
under  oath  if  made  by  a  person  not  a  member  of  the  Order, 
and  upon  the  honor  of  an  Odd  Fellow  if  the  witness  be  a 
member,  and  the  testimony  must  state  that  such  oath  or 
obligation  was  administered.  No  testimony  to  be  taken 
without  notice  to,  and  opportunity  for  cross-examination 
by,  the  opposing  party. — 1856  Journal,  211,  215. 

3044.  Evidence  .governed  by  State  law,  when.  Where 
no  other  rules  of  evidence  are  prescribed  by  the  Order,  Trial 
Committees  must  be  governed  by  those  of  the  courts  of  the 
State. — California  Lodge  vs.  Beck,  1866  Journal,  192,  210. 

3045.  Presumption  of  innocence.  A  brother  is  always 
presumed  to  be  innocent  until  he  is  proven  guilty.  He  need 
not  introduce  evidence  to  refute  a  charge  until  the  evidence 
brought  to  sustain  it  shows  that  it  is  probably  true. — 
Porter  vs.  Magnolia  Lodge,  1862  Journal,  286,  285. 

3046.  Reasonable  doubt.  The  guilt  of  the  defendant 
must  be  proved  beyond  a  reasonable  doubt.  It  is  not  enough 
that  he  may  possibly  be  guilty.  The  complainant  must  prove 
him  guilty  beyond  a  reasonable  doubt.  A  defendant  may 
rest  his  case  on  the  presumption  of  his  innocence.  The  pro- 
ceedings are  criminal  in  their  nature. — ^Blair  vs.  Giles,  1873 
Journal,  840,  855. 

3047.  Obligation  or  oath.  The  witnesses  should  be  obli- 
gated or  sworn,  and  the  minutes  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
Trial  Committee  should  show  that  an  oath  or  obligation  was 
administered  to  each  witness,  and  the  witnesses  should  sign 
their  testimony. — Cohen  vs.  Harbor  Lodge,  1895  Journal, 
165,  184;  Rothamel  vs.  Hecker  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  517, 
557. 

3048.  Obligation  or  oath,  by  whom  administered.  Any 
member  of  the  committee  may  administer  the  obligation  or 
oath  to  witnesses.     We  have  no  law  requiring  the  oath  to 


Trials.  759 

be  administered  by  a  public  officer. — Constitution  Subor- 
dinates, Art.  VIII,  Sec.  4;  Conrad  vs.  Orpheus  Lodge,  1878 
Journal,  895,  935. 

3049.  Oath  to  witnesses.  It  must  be  presumed,  in  the 
absence  of  direct  proof  to  the  contrary,  that  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee did  its  full  duty,  and  where  a  witness  was  sworn 
before  the  committee  the  presumption  is  he  was  legally 
sworn.  Any  member  of  the  Trial  Committee,  when  re- 
quested to  do  so  by  the  committee,  can  administer  an  oath 
to  a  witness  not  a  member  of  the  Order. — Mason  vs.  Golden 
Star  Lodge,  1884  Journal,  94,  102. 

3050.  Testimony,  how  taken.  The  examination  of  wit- 
nesses on  the  trial  of  charges  is  by  questions  and  answers, 
and  all  the  questions  and  answers  should  be  taken  down  by 
the  Trial  Committee,  so  that  the  Subordinate  Lodge,  and 
also  the  Grand  Lodge,  in  case  of  appeal,  may  be  placed  in 
possession  of  all  the  proceedings  and  evidence.  A  knowl- 
edge of  all  the  proceedings  and  evidence  is  necessary  to 
enable  the  Subordinate  Lodge  and  the  Grand  Lodge  to  make 
a  just  and  proper  disposition  of  the  case. — McCormack  vs. 
East  Side  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  404,  410;  Berry  vs.  Ever- 
green Lodge,  1896  Journal,  520,  557. 

3051.  Cross-examination.  Cross-examination  is  one  of 
the  tests  of  the  truth  or  falsity  of  the  witness's  testimony, 
and  it  is  a  right  which  should  never  be  denied. — Eureka 
Lodge  vs.  Wilson,  1877  Journal,  651. 

3052.  Friendly  feelings  of  witness.  On  cross-examination 
an  inquiry  may  be  made  whether  the  witness  is  friendly  with 
the  accuser  or  no, — Pfeiffer  vs.  Orange  Lodge,  1903  Journal, 
157,  180. 

3053.  Cross-examination.  The  accused  has  the  right  to 
cross-examine  a  witness  for  the  prosecution  who  partici- 
pated in  the  transaction  which  was  the  subject  of  investiga- 
tion, as  to  the  language  used  by  the  witness,  whether  profane 
or  otherwise,  as  it  was  part  of  the  transaction. — Shortel  vs. 
Morilla  Lodge,  1889  Journal,  121,  148. 


760  Trials. 

3054.  Witness,  how  obligated  or  sworn.  Every  witness 
who  is  a  member  of  the  Order,  must  be  obligated  upon  the 
honor  of  an  Odd  Fellow,  or,  if  he  be  not  a  member,  must  be 
sworn  after  the  manner  of  witnesses  in  courts  of  justice,  by 
the  Trial  Committee.  A  brother  should  be  obligated  that 
he  affirms,  upon  the  honor  of  an  Odd  Fellow,  that  the  evi- 
dence he  shall  give  in  the  matter  under  consideration  shall 
be  the  truth,  the  whole  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth. 
The  Grand  Lodge  requires  that  the  minutes  must  state  the 
oath  or  obligation  was  administered. — Hankerson  vs.  Santa 
Lucia  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  665,  674. 

3055.  Rights  of  the  accused.  The  defendant  is  entitled 
to  meet  the  witnesses  face  to  face,  to  cross-examine  them 
either  by  himself  or  by  his  counsel,  and  to  test  their  memory 
by  every  known  device.  To  deprive  the  accused  of  an 
opportunity  to  cross-examine  a  witness  for  the  prosecution, 
who  was  examined  in  chief,  is  a  sufficient  error  to  reverse 
the  whole  proceedings. — Livingston  vs.  California  Lodge, 
1863  Journal,  416,  417;  Blair  vs.  Giles,  1873  Journal,  840, 
855. 

3056.  Test  of  witness's  knowledge  of  languages.  When 
a  witness  testifies  that  the  defendant  called  the  witness  and 
his  family  bad  names  in  the  Hebrew  language,  the  defendant 
may  test  the  witness's  knowledge  of  that  language  on  the 
cross-examination,  and  may  demand  that  the  witness  repeat 
or  write  the  Hebrew  words  used  by  him. — Unity  Lodge  vs. 
Barnard,  1872  Journal,  561,  653. 

3057.  Witness  must  answer  all  proper  questions.  Where 
the  questions  asked  of  a  witness  are  proper,  but  the  witness 
does  not  wish  to  answer,  the  Chairman  of  the  committee 
has  no  right  to  rule  that  the  committee  has  no  power  to 
demand  of  witness  unwilling  answers.  The  committee j 
should  require  witness  before  it  to  answer  all  proper  ques- 
tions, and  should  report  the  questions  and  answers  to  the 
Lodge.— Wilson  vs.  Templar  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  892,  904. 

3058.  Wife  as  a  witness.  Proceedings  on  charges  in  our 
Order  are  in  the  nature  of  criminal  prosecutions.      A  wife 


1 

\ 


J 


Trials.  7G1 

cannot  testify  against  her  husband  when  he  is  the  accused, 
except  in  cases  of  criminal  violence  by  him  upon  her.  The 
parties  to  proceedings  on  charges  are  in  contemplation  of 
law,  the  Lodge  and  the  accused.  Where  the  husband  is  not 
the  accused  party  (the  party  against  whom  charges  are  pre- 
ferred), the  wife  is  a  competent  witness  for  or  against  the 
accused.  The  fact  that  the  husband  is  the  complaining  wit- 
ness does  not  render  the  wife  an  incompetent  witness.  Any 
other  qualified  brother  might  have  been  the  complainant  or 
accuser. — Pfeiffer  vs.  Orange  Lodge,  1903  Journal,  157,  180. 

Note. — A  \\ife  cannot  testify  Journal,  8404,  8478).  Declara- 
against  her  husband,  if  he  object,  tions  of  a  deceased  person,  made 
unless  the  husband  is  charged  when  he  supposed  himself  to  be  in 
with  inflicting  some  corporal  in-  extremis,  can  be  heard  in  evidence, 
jury  upon  her — (1880  S.  G.  L.  Such  declarations  must  be  made 
Journal,  8404,  8478).  A  divorced  when  the  person  making  them 
woman  may  testify  against  her  had  no  hope  or  expectation  of  re- 
divorced  husband — (1849  S.  G.  L.  covery — (1877  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
Journal,  1502,  1513;  1880  S.  G.  L.  7344,  7413). 

3059.  A  wife.  A  wife  is  not  a  competent  witness  against 
her  husband  charged  with  the  use  of  certain  language. — 
Shortel  vs.  Morilla  Lodge,  1889  Journal,  121,  148. 

3060.  Defendant  as  a  witness.  A  defendant  cannot  be 
forced  to  testify  against  himself,  although  he  may  volun- 
tarily offer  himself  as  a  witness  in  his  own  behalf. — Hanker- 
son  vs.  Santa  Lucia  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  665,  674. 

3061.  Brother  under  charges  may  be  a  witness.  A 
brother  who  is  under  charges  for  an  oft'ense  not  connected 
with  the  matter  on  trial  is  a  competent  witness  for  or  against 
a  brother  who  is  on  trial,  reserving  to  the  committee,  or  the 
Lodge,  as  the  case  may  be,  the  right  to  determine  the 
weight  which  shall  be  attached  to  his  testimony. — Cloutman 
vs.  El  Dorado  Lodge,  1855  Journal,  129,  139. 

3062.  Accuser  not  a  necessary  witness.  The  fact  that 
the  brother  who  preferred  the  charges  was  not  a  witness  at 
the  trial,  nor  his  deposition  introduced  to  sustain  the  prose- 
cution, is  immaterial.    If  the  accused  desire  his  testimony, 


762  Trials. 

he  can  subpoena  him  and  introduce  him  as  his  witness. — 
Paul  vs.  Laurel  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  840,  853. 

3063.  Declarations  of  accused  as  evidence.  A  man's 
declarations  against  his  own  interest  are  admitted  in  evi- 
dence on  the  ground  that  he  will  not  speak  falsely  against 
himself.  He  is  entitled  to  have  all  the  declarations  which 
he  made  at  the  time  in  question  produced  in  evidence,  that 
the  tribunal  may  know  that  he  is  not  misrepresented.  But 
his  declarations  in  his  own  favor,  made  at  other  times,  are 
not  admitted,  because  he  would  be  under  temptation  to 
create  evidence  in  his  own  favor. — California  Lodge  vs. 
Beck,  1866  Journal,  192,  210. 

3064.  The  Noble  Grand  a  witness.  Where  the  Noble 
Grand  was  acquainted  with  the  facts  of  the  case,  yet  ap- 
pointed members  of  the  Trial  Committee,  but  his  appointees 
were  not  objected  to  by  the  accused  on  this  or  any  other 
ground,  and  it  did  not  appear  that  any  member  of  the  Trial 
Committee  was  in  any  way  biased  or  prejudiced  against  the 
accused,  the  Noble  Grand  is  not  estopped  from  giving  his 
testimony  on  the  trial  because  he  made  appointments  on 
the  Trial  Committee. — Tonkin  vs.  Marion  Lodge,  1901  Jour- 
nal, 511,  539. 

3065.  Credibility  of  witnesses.  The  Trial  Committee,  or 
the  Lodge,  are  the  judges  of  the  facts  or  the  credibility  of 
the  witnesses  and  the  credit,  value,  effect  and  weight  to  be 
given  to  their  testimony. — ^Bay  City  Lodge  vs.  Ephraim, 
1861  Journal,  156,  166 ;  Fella  vs.  Golden  Gate  Lodge,  1883 
Journal,  1160,  1178;  McCleery  vs.  Sacramento  Lodge,  1887 
Journal,  870,  887. 

3066.  Hearsay  evidence.  On  the  trial  of  a  brother  no 
evidence  should  be  permitted  to  be  introduced  from  hearsay 
of  another's  remarks,  whose  name  is  refused  to  be  disclosed, 
thus  preventing  a  rebuttal  or  disproval.  Hearsay  testimony 
contains  within  itself  such  obvious  and  inherent  defects  that 
it  must  not  be  accepted  as  evidence. — Humphrey  vs.  San 
Andreas  Lodge,  1858  Journal,  356;  Cook  vs.  Santa  Clara 
Lodge,  1887  Journal,  868,  886. 


Trials.  703 

3067.  Hearsay  evidence — Railroad  ticket.  Cannot  prove 
the  purchase  of  a  railroad  ticket  and  the  name  signed  to  it 
by  hearsay  that  a  person  so  told  the  witness. — Pfeiffer  vs. 
Orange  Lodge,  1903  Journal,  157,  180. 

3068.  Libel  and  subsequent  publications.  In  case  of 
charges  for  a  publication  of  a  libel  on  one  brother  by  an- 
other, the  defense,  after  proof  of  the  publication,  may  offer 
a  subsequent  publication  in  evidence  as  an  admission  of  com- 
plainant that  he  had  provoked  the  libelous  assault. — Powers 
vs.  Suisun  Lodge,  1867  Journal,  331,  349. 

3069.  Committee  should  be  liberal  as  to  evidence.  In  the 
trial  of  charges  the  utmost  good  faith  must  be  preserved 
— the  utmost  liberality  be  observed  to  facilitate  the  ascer- 
tainment of  the  truth. — Powers  vs.  Suisun  Lodge,  1867  Jour- 
nal, 331,  349 ;  Oroville  Lodge  vs.  Evans,  1868  Journal,  467, 
481. 

3070.  Verdict  of  jury  in  civil  actions.  On  the  trial  of 
charges  the  complainant,  to  prove  that  a  certain  allegation 
in  a  civil  answer  in  an  action  in  a  court  of  justice  was  false, 
cannot  introduce  in  evidence  the  judgment  roll  containing 
the  verdict  of  the  jury.  The  verdict  is  not  evidence,  as  the 
jury  might  have  been  mistaken.  Whether  they  were  or  not, 
their  verdict  upon  any  fact  submitted  to  them  is  not  tes- 
timony against  a  member  of  the  Order  in  a  trial  for  conduct 
unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow. — Blair  vs.  Giles,  1873  Journal, 
839,  840,  855. 

3071.  Testimony  when  brother  pleads  guilty.  Where  a 
brother  pleads  guilty,  and  the  Trial  Committee  examine  wit- 
nesses on  both  sides,  including  a  witness  not  a  member  of 
the  Order,  and  find  the  brother  guilty,  the  fact  that  the 
witness  not  an  Odd  Fellow  is  not  sworn  is  of  no  importance. 
—In  re  Bagnell,  1870  Journal,  228,  280. 

3072.  Records  of  courts  as  evidence.  On  the  trial  of  a 
brother  on  charges  for  an  assault  with  a  deadly  weapon,  the 
accused  offered  the  testimony  of  the  police  judge,  that  he 
was  charged  before  him  with  an  assault  with  a  deadly  wea- 


764  Trials. 

pon,  and  after  examination  was  discharged  as  not  guilty. 
If  testimony  of  such  a  fact  be  admissible  at  all,  the  fact 
must  be  proved  by  the  best  evidence,  viz. :  the  records  of  the 
court  where  the  examination  and  discharge  took  place. 
The  attempt  to  establish  it  by  the  recollection  of  the  judge 
is  improper,  and  the  committee  will  refuse  such  testimony. 
Even  if  the  best  evidence  of  the  fact  be  offered  and  ad- 
mitted, the  testimony  will  not  be  conclusive,  for  the  com- 
mittee can  still  determine  whether  the  accused  is  guilty  of 
the  offense,  even  if  discharged  by  the  examining  magis- 
trate.— California  Lodge  vs.  Beck,  1866  Journal,  191,  210. 

3073.  Record  of  conviction  in  courts  of  justice.  The 
record  of  the  conviction  of  a  brother  of  a  criminal  offense 
in  a  public  court  of  justice  of  which  offense  he  is  charged 
in  the  Lodge,  is  prima  facie  evidence  of  his  guilt. — Bassett 
vs.  Elmira  Lodge,  1886  Journal,  607. 

Note. — When  a  member  of  the  of  which  he  is  a  member,  and  upon 

Order  is  convicted  of  a  crime  and  the    facts   being    established    and 

is   sentenced   and   serving   a   term  the    member    fully    identified,   he 

in  State  Prison,  charges  shall  be  must  be  expelled — (1895  S.  G.  L. 

preferred  against  him  in  the  Lodge  Journal,  14563,  14580,  14609). 

3074.  Record  of  conviction.  A  certified  copy  of  the 
record  of  conviction  in  a  court  of  justice  would  not  only 
be  prima  facie  evidence  of  the  guilt  of  the  accused,  but 
strong  evidence  only  to  be  overcome  by  evidence  offered  by 
the  accused,  clearly  proving  his  innocence  of  the  oft'ense  of 
which  he  was  convicted.  Generally  a  certified  copy  of  the 
record  of  conviction  should  be  considered  as  conclusive 
evidence  of  his  guilt. — Dunbar  vs.  Chorro  Lodge,  1900  Jour- 
nal, 134,  135,  176. 

3075.  Reputation.  Evidence  to  the  effect  that  the  repu- 
tation of  certain  women  was  that  of  notorious  prostitutes  is 
proper  as  tending  to  prove  that  the  women  were  of  that 
class. — Lyster  vs.  Pajaro  Lodge,  1875  Journal,  259,  266. 

3076.  Evidence  against  teller  for  misreading  ballots. 
Brothers  may  testify  as  to  how  they  voted  at  an  election  to 
prove  that  a  teller  fraudulently  misread  the  ballots  to  secure 


Trials.  765 

the  election  of  a  brother.  The  tickets  voted  are  admissible 
also  to  prove  the  same  thing. — ^Yerba  Buena  Lodge  vs.  Col- 
lins, 1869  Journal,  99,  123. 

3077.  Certain  opinion  of  witness  is  inadmissible.  A  wit- 
ness was  asked  and  gave  his  opinion  that  certain  conduct 
of  the  accused  was  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow.  Such  tes- 
timony is  inadmissible. — Barnard  vs.  Humboldt  Lodge, 
1876  Journal,  450,  464. 

3078.  Right  to  introduce  testimony.  The  accused  has 
the  right  to  introduce  his  testimony  and  the  opportunity 
must  be  afforded  him,  however  clear  the  case  against  him 
may  appear  to  be. — Oroville  Lodge  vs.  Evans,  1868  Journal, 
467,  481. 

3079.  Evidence  where  charge  is  drunkenness.  Where 
the  charge  is  drunkenness,  the  prosecution  may  offer  evi- 
dence as  to  how  the  brother  acted  or  comported  himself 
upon  the  occasion  of  alleged  drunkenness. — 1885  Journal, 
370,  378. 

3080.  The  same — Opinion  of  witness.  Where  the  accused 
is  charged  with  drunkenness,  a  witness  may,  upon  his  own 
personal  observation  and  knowledge,  testify  or  give  his 
opinion  that  the  accused  was  or  was  not  drunk. — Kelley 
vs.  Silver  Star  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  855,  866. 

3081.  Declined  to  answer,  might  criminate.  The  fact 
that  the  accused,  in  an  action  in*  a  Superior  Court,  declines 
to  answer  certain  questions  on  the  ground  that  it  might 
criminate  him,  or  criminate  himself  of  a  certain  oft'ense, 
cannot  be  used  as  evidence  against  him  in  the  prosecution 
of  charges  before  the  Trial  Committee. — Fowler  vs.  Mound 
Lodge,  1886  Journal,  658,  662. 

3082.  Sworn  testimony  in  a  court.  A  document  which 
is  claimed  to  be  the  sworn  testimony  of  a  person  before  a 
court  of  justice  is  not  admissible  in  testimony  before  the 
Trial  Committee,  under  the  objection  of  the  accused.  The 
witness  ought  to  be  produced  before  the  Trial  Committee 


766  Trials. 

to  give  his  testimony,  for  the  accused  has  the  right  to  be 
confronted  with  the  witnesses  against  him  and  to  exercise 
his  right  of  cross-examination. — Prewett  vs.  Mound  Lodge, 
1887  Journal,  837,  853. 

3083.  Certain  opinions  as  to  brother  drawing  benefits. 
The  testimony  of  a  witness,  in  general  terms,  that  a  brother 
has  drawn  benefits,  when  in  the  opinion  of  the  zvitness  he 
was  not  entitled  thereto,  is  entirely  improper.  This  is  a 
material  fact  and  can  only  be  determined  by  the  committee 
from  all  the  evidence  and  the  law  applicable  thereto.  It  is 
not  a  matter  for  the  witness  to  decide  by  his  opinion. — 
Hazen  vs.  Branciforte  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  910. 

3084.  Comparison  of  handwriting.  Where  a  letter, 
alleged  to  have  been  written  by  the  accused,  is  a  material 
fact  for  the  prosecution  .to  prove,  and  the  only  evidence 
concerning  the  writing  or  signing  of  the  same  was  a  mere 
casual  comparison  between  the  handwriting  of  the  signature 
to  the  letter  and  that  of  the  signature  of  the  accused  to  the 
Constitution  of  the  Lodge,  it  is  not  safe  or  proper  for  the 
prosecution  in  such  cases  to  rely  solely  or  exclusively  upon 
such  comparison  of  handwriting.  There  must  be  some  addi- 
tional proof  that  the  letter  was  written  or  signed  by  the 
accused,  or  that  it  was  in  his  handwriting. — McCormack  vs. 
East  Side  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  405,  410. 

3085.  Testimony  of  absent  witnesses.  If  it  be  desired 
to  take  the  testimony  of  absent  witnesses,  they  must  be 
taken  by  deposition,  as  provided  in  the  law  enacted  by  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  in  that  behalf. — Sullivan  vs.  Na- 
tional City  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  968,  979. 

3086.  Depositions  of  absent  witnesses,  how  taken. 
Whenever  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  or  a  member  under  a 
charge,  shall  desire  to  take  the  testimony  of  a  witness  whose 
personal  presence  cannot  be  had  before  the  tribunal  trying 
such  charge,  his  deposition  may  be  taken  in  the  following 
manner:  The  party  desiring  to  take  the  deposition  shall 
file  with  the  Secretary  of  the  Lodge  the  interrogatories  he 


I 


Trials. 


767 


Avishes  to  be  propounded  to  the  witness  or  witnesses,  naming 
them.  The  Secretary  shall  immediately  deliver,  or  cause  to 
be  delivered,  to  the  opposite  party  a  copy  of  the  interrog- 
atories. The  latter  party,  within  one  week  from  such  ser- 
vice, may  file  counter  interrogatories  with  the  Secretary, 
if  he  or  they  think  proper.  At  the  expiration  of  the  week, 
or  sooner,  if  the  counter  interrogatories  be  filed,  the  Secre- 
tary shall  forthwith  forward  them  to  the  Noble  Grand  of  a 
Lodge  near  to  the  witness,  with  a  communication  request- 
ing him  to  take  the  deposition  of  the  witness  or  witnesses 
named.  Upon  receipt  of  the  same,  the  Noble  Grand  shall, 
as  soon  as  possible,  take,  or  cause  the  deposition  to  be  taken 
by  some  competent  member  of  the  Order,  causing  every  in- 
terrogatory to  be  propounded  to  the  witness,  and  the  answer 
to  each  reduced  to  writing,  in  the  presence  of  the  witness, 
and  when  the  deposition  is  completed  shall  cause  the  witness 
to  sign  the  same.  And  then  the  Noble  Grand,  or  person 
taking  the  same,  shall  certify  the  same  to  be  duly  taken, 
and  such  certificate  shall  be  verified  by  the  seal  of  the 
Lodge,  and  the  deposition  shall  then  be  sealed  in  an  envelope 
and  transmitted  by  mail  to  the  Lodge,  before  which  the 
trial  is  pending.  A  deposition  thus  taken  and  certified  may 
be  read  in  evidence  in  the  cause  to  which  it  relates.  The 
testimony  of  non-resident  witnesses  may  be  taken  in  the 
same  manner.— 1857  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2725,  2738,  2774 ;  1858 
Journal,  345;  1858  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2885,  2909,  2962. 

3087.  Depositions  on  behalf  of  the  prosecution.  The 
prosecution  may  take  testimony  of  absent  and  non-resident 
witnesses  by  written  interrogatories.  The  law  regulating 
this  matter  is  a  law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  and  it 
is  for  the  benefit  of  the  party  preferring  the  charges  as  well 
as  the  party  charged. — Eureka  Lodge  vs.  Wilson,  1877 
Journal,  651,  666. 

3088.  Member  of  Trial  Committee.  A  member  of  Trial 
Committee  is  not  a  competent  witness.— 1894  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 13978. 

(See  Section  2968.) 


768  Trials. 

3089.  Affidavits.  Depositions  taken  in  the  form  of  affi- 
davits before  a  notary  public,  the  accused  not  being  present, 
but  the  accused  having  been  notified  that  the  same  would 
be  taken,  are  incompetent  evidence,  and  should  not  be  ad- 
mitted in  testimony.  Witnesses  should  appear  and  give 
their  evidence  before  the  Trial  Committee;  but  depositions 
are  admissible  in  evidence  if  taken  in  accordance  with  the 
law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — Paul  vs.  Laurel  Lodge, 
1885  Journal,  355,  367. 

3090.  Reading  of  evidence  before  Lodge.  There  is  no 
law  requiring  the  evidence  taken  on  the  trial  of  a  brother 
to  be  read  to  the  Lodge  when  action  is  taken  on  the  report 
of  the  Trial  Committee,  unless  the  reading  be  demanded. 
The  Lodge  may  order  it  read,  or  the  accused  may  demand 
it.— 1855  Journal,  121,  132;  1862  Journal,  321,  322;  Tonkin 
vs.  Marion  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  506,  538. 

3091.  Reading  portion  of  the  testimony.  Where  the 
accused  desires  all  the  testimony  read  before  the  Lodge,  he 
should  demand  it.  If  he  do  not,  it  is  discretionary  with  the 
Lodge  to  read  such  portions  of  it  as  it  sees  fit. — Smith  vs. 
Stony  Creek  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  838,  853. 

3092.  Reading  the  testimony.  Where  the  accused  does 
not  demand  that  the  testimony  taken  before  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee be  read,  it  is  discretionary  with  the  Lodge  to  dispense 
with  its  reading. — Vanderworker  vs.  Porter  Lodge,  1895 
Journal,  133,  178. 


The  same — Majority  and  minority  reports.  Where 
there  are  majority  and  minority  reports,  and  the  brother 
signing  the  minority  report  demands  that  the  evidence  taken 
before  the  Trial  Committee  be  read  before  the  Lodge,  it 
should  have  it  read  before  acting  upon  the  reports  or  adopt- 
ing the  majority  report  and  expelling  the  accused. — Cohen 
vs.  Harbor  Lodge,  1895  Journal,  137,  178. 

3094.  Exclusion  of  witnesses  from  trial — Offense  to 
listen.  When  witnesses  are  excluded  from  the  hearing  of 
the  testimony  of  other  witnesses,    it    is    an    offense    for    a 


i 


Trials.  769 

brother  to  listen  to  the  testimony,  and  communicate  to  others 
to  be  called  as  witnesses;  but  such  conduct  Avould  not,  ex- 
cept under  extraordinary  circumstances,  be  considered  suffi- 
cient to  justify  a  new  trial. — Parker  vs.  Laurel  Lodge,  1885 
Journal,  356,  373. 

3095.  Part  of  testimony  missing.  When  at  the  time  the 
evidence  was  read  to  the  Lodge,  a  part  of  the  testimony 
given  by  the  accused  was  missing  and  the  record  simply 
states  the  fact  and  does  not  give  any  explanation  in  relation 
to  the  matter,  and  on  motion  the  accused  gave  orally  to  the 
Lodge  the  lacking  testimony  and  did  not  object,  he  thus, 
by  his  acts,  acquiesced  and  consented  that  the  Lodge  should 
make  a  disposition  of  the  case  upon  the  evidence  read  and 
his  oral  testimony. — Holcomb  vs.  Nietos  Lodge,  1877  Jour- 
nal, 655,  666. 

3096.  Testimony    need    not    be    signed    by    committee. 

There  is  no  law  requiring  the  testimony  to  be  signed  by  the 
committee,  or  by  its  chairman. — Holcomb  vs.  Nietos  Lodge, 
1877  Journal,  654,  666. 

3097.  Form  of  subpoena  and  certificate  of  service.    The 

Grand  Lodge  have  prescribed  forms  of  subpoena  and  certifi- 
cate of  service  and  acceptance  of  service  of  subpoena.  (See 
Forms  Nos.  26,  27  and  28,  of  the  Forms  affixed  to  this 
Digest.)— 1870  Journal,  233,  251. 

(See  Grand  Secretary's  duty  to  furnish  printed  forms  of. 
Section  2208.) 

3098.  Brother  must  obey  subpoena.  A  member  cannot 
refuse  to  attend  as  a  witness  when  subpoenaed  by  a  Trial 
Committee,  even  though  the  Trial  Committee  may  have  been 
appointed  by  a  Lodge  other  than  the  one  to  which  the 
member  belongs.— 1875  Journal,  280,  295. 

3099.  Duty  to  give  names  of  witnesses.  If  a  brother 
knows  or  has  information  that  certain  brothers  or  persons 
are  witnesses  or  know  certain  facts  which  tend  to  prove 
that  a  brother  is  feigning  sickness  or  attempting  to  impose 

49 


770  Trials. 

upon  a  Lodge  to  obtain  sick  benefits,  it  is  his  duty  to  give 
the  names  of  the  witnesses  to  the  Lodge.  If  a  General  Relief 
Committee  or  any  of  its  members  know  or  have  information 
of  such  witnesses,  it  is  their  duty  to  give  the  names  of  such 
witnesses.— In  re  Yreka  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  247,  249,  261. 

3100.  Procedure  where  brother  refuses  to  obey  subpoena. 
Where  a  witness,  a  member  of  the  Order,  has  been  duly 
subpoenaed  by  a  Trial  Committee  and  refuses  or  neglects 
to  appear  and  testify,  the  committee  should  prefer  charges 
against  him  for  violation  of  his  duty. — 1875  Journal,  301. 

3101.  Record  should  show.  The  record  should  disclose 
or  state  that  a  witness  was  sworn  or  obligated. — McCormack 
vs.  East  Side  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  405,  410. 

3102.  Attendance  of  witnesses.  Resolved,  That  on  appli- 
cation of  the  Trial  Committee,  in  writing,  to  the  Noble 
Grand  of  another  Lodge  of  which  the  party  wanted  as  a 
witness  is  a  member,  such  Noble  Grand  shall,  by  written 
order,  require  the  attendance  of  such  witness  before  such 
committee,  if  within  the  county,  or  if  without  the  county, 
before  a  referee  to  take  his  testimony,  and  if  such  witness 
shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  obey  such  order  without  sufficient 
cause  (to  be  determined  by  his  Lodge),  he  shall  be  deemed 
guilty  of  contempt,  and  may  be  fined,  reprimanded,  sus- 
pended or  expelled,  as  his  Lodge,  by  ballot,  may  determine. 
—1883  Journal,  1159. 

3103.  Exclusion  of  witnesses.  The  request  of  the  accused 
that  all  persons  except  the  parties,  counsel,  and  the  wit- 
nesses under  examination,  be  excluded  from  the  room,  per- 
tains to  a  matter  in  the  discretion  of  the  committee. — Cali- 
fornia Lodge  vs.  Beck,  1866  Journal,  193,  210. 

6.  OBJECTIONS  AND  EXCEPTIONS. 

3104.  Exceptions  reserved  when  absent  from  trial.  The 
appellant,  the  accused,  not  appearing  in  person  nor  by 
attorney  of  his  own  selection,  all  objections  to  the  sufficiency 
of  the  charges  and  the  proof  to  sustain  them  are  considered 
as  reserved,  as  also  all  exceptions  to  the  regularity  of  the  pro- 


Trials.  771 

ceedings  had  by  the  Lodge. — Spiegel  vs.  Bay  City  Lodge, 
1864  Journal,  402,  403,  414;  1863  Journal,  402,  441. 

3105.  Two  weeks  to  file  bill  of  exceptions.  Upon  the  re- 
port being  made  to  the  Lodge,  notice  thereof  shall  forthwith 
be  given  by  the  Secretary  to  the  party  against  whom  the 
verdict  is  rendered,  and  he  shall  have  two  weeks  after  ser- 
vice of  the  notice  in  which  to  file  his  exceptions.  The  Secre- 
tary shall  file  a  written  certificate  or  proof  of  such  service. — 
Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  4 ;  Muratt  vs.  Los 
Angeles  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  988,  993;  1898  Journal,  171, 
203 ;  Silberstein  vs.  Capay  Lodge,  1904  Journal,  517,  527. 

3106.  The  same.  Accused  has  two  weeks  from  time  of  ser- 
vice on  him  of  the  notice  of  the  filing  of  the  report  of  the 
Trial  Committee  within  which  to  file  a  bill  of  exceptions. — 
1885  Journal,  425,  435 ;  Weill  vs.  Elmira  Lodge,  1878  Journal, 
888,  913;  Muratt  vs.  Los  Angeles  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  988, 
993 ;  Needham  vs.  Sumner  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  137,  176. 

3107.  Bill  of  Exceptions  and  findings  of  fact.  A  Bill  of 
Exceptions  to  the  report  of  a  Trial  Committee  is  not  de- 
signed as  or  to  serve  the  purpose  of  *' findings  of  fact,"  so 
called.  It  relates  to  questions  of  law.  It  cannot  be  used  for 
any  other  purpose  than  a  Bill  of  Exceptions. — Martin  vs. 
Cupertino  Lodge,  1902  Journal,  883,  891,  892. 

3108.  Form  of  Bill  of  Exceptions.  The  Grand  Lodge  has 
prescribed  a  form  of  a  Bill  of  Exceptions.  (See  Form  No. 
32  of  the  Forms  affixed  to  this  Digest.)— 1870  Journal,  234, 
251. 

(See  Grand  Secretary's  duty  to  furnish  printed  forms  of, 
Section  2208.) 

3109.  Object  of  law  relative  to  Bills  of  Exceptions  and 
waiver.  The  object  of  the  provisions  of  Article  VIII,  Section 
4,  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  relative  to  Bills  of  Ex- 
ceptions, is  to  enable  the  Lodge  to  pass  upon  the  errors  or 
objections  in  the  proceedings,  so  that  the  Lodge  may  make 
a  just  and  proper  disposition  of  the  case.  In  order  that  the 
Lodge  may  do  this,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  accused  to  call  the 


772  Trials. 

attention  of  the  Lodge  fo  them,  and  to  point  them  out  in  his 
Bill  of  Exceptions.  A  neglect  to  do  this  is  an  acquiescence 
in  the  report  of  the  Trial  Committee,  and  a  waiver  of  prior 
objections. — Lowenthal  vs.  San  Jose  Lodge,  1876  Journal, 
465,  467;  Galvin  vs.  Stella  Lodge,  1878  Journal,  890,  935; 
Pfau  vs.  Petaluma  Lodge,  1878  Journal,  919 ;  Bassett  vs.  El- 
mira  Lodge,  1886  Journal,  607 ;  Smith  vs.  Stony  Creek  Lodge, 
1887  Journal,  838,  853. 

3110.  Merits  of  Bill  of  Exceptions,  how  determined.    In 

case  the  Bill  of  Exceptions  and  the  report  of  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee adjudging  the  accused  guilty  come  up  together,  the 
adoption  of  the  report  is  a  determination  upon  the  merits  of 
the  bill. — Suisun  Lodge  vs.  Hathaway,  1874  Journal,  80,  84. 

3111.  Act  upon  Bill  of  Exceptions  before  considering  re- 
port. It  is  better  practice  to  act  upon  the  Bill  of  Exceptions 
before  considering  the  report  of  the  Trial  Committee,  but 
the  adoption  of  such  a  report  by  the  Lodge  is  a  sufficient 
determination  upon  the  merits  of  the  Bill  of  Exceptions. — 
Tonkin  vs.  Marion  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  511,  539. 

3112.  Objections  prior  to  Bill  of  Exceptions.  All  objec- 
tions prior  to  the  Bill  of  Exceptions  and  not  specified  therein 
are  waived. — McCormack  vs.  East  Side  Lodge,  1890  Journal, 
404,  410. 

3113.  Want  of  specification — Acquiescence.  In  a  Bill  of 
Exceptions  the  want  of  a  specification  wherein  the  Trial 
Committee  ruled  against  the  accused  is  a  waiver  of  all  such 
objections  not  specified  therein  and  an  acquiescence  in  the 
action  of  the  committee. — Shiels  vs.  St.  Helena  Lodge,  1889 
Journal,  99,  107.      • 

3114.  Waived  unless  specified  in  Bill  of  Exceptions.  Ob- 
jections as  to  matters  prior  to  the  filing  of  the  Bill  of  Ex- 
ceptions are  deemed  to  be  waived  by  the  party  making  them, 
unless  they  be  specified  in  the  Bill  of  Exceptions,  and  the 
Bill  of  Exceptions  must  be  filed  in  time  and  as  required  by 
the  Constitution  of  Subordinates. — Kelly  vs.  Silver  Star 
Lodge,  1887  Journal,  855,  866 ;  Galvin  vs.  Stellar  Lodge,  1878 


Trials.  773 

Journal,  891,  935 ;  Conrad  vs.  Orpheus  Lodge,  1878  Journal, 
895,  935. 

3115.  Neglect  to  file  exceptions.  A  neglect  to  file  excep- 
tions to  the  report  of  the  Trial  Committee  is  an  acquiescence 
in  the  report  of  the  Trial  Committee. — Vanderworker  vs. 
Porter  Lodge,  1895  Journal,  133,  178. 

3116.  Failure  to  file  Bill  of  Exceptions  within  time.  When 
the  accused  is  served  with  notice  of  the  filing  of  the  report 
of  the  Trial  Committee  and  does  not  file  a  Bill  of  Exceptions 
within  two  weeks  thereafter,  as  required  by  Section  4,  Article 
VIII,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  the  failure  to  file  a  Bill 
of  Exceptions  within  time  is  a  waiver  and  acquiescence  in 
the  report  of  the  committee. — Jefcoat  vs.  Mineral  Lodge,  1904 
Journal,  528,  536. 

3117.  Objections  should  state,  what.  The  objection  in  a 
Bill  of  Exceptions  that  the  accused  was  not  permitted  to  have 
an  opportunity  to  cross-examine  witnesses  who  testified 
against  him,  should  state  in  what  manner  he  was  not  per- 
mitted to  exercise  this  right,  the  record  being  silent  upon 
the  point.  If  it  were  by  or  through  any  fault  of  the  com- 
mittee, the  fact  should  be  so  stated. — Winfry  vs.  California 
Lodge,  1880  Journal,  320,  351. 

3118.  Objection  to  meeting  on  Sunday.  If  the  accused 
have  any  conscientious  scruples  or  other  objections  to  the 
trial  or  meeting  of  the  committee  on  Sunday,  he  must  make 
them  known  at  the  time,  for  it  is  too  late  after  the  trial  or 
action  of  the  committee  to  raise  the  objection. — Rogers  vs. 
Fresno  Lodge,  1877  Journal,  648,  665. 

3119.  Objection  to  accuser.  A  brother  preferring  charges 
should  follow  the  form  prescribed  by  this  Grand  Lodge,  and 
allege  therein  that  he  is  a  member  of  a  Lodge  (giving  its 
name  and  number),  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  I.  0.  0.  F.,  of  the  State  of  California.  Yet  the  want 
of  such  an  allegation  does  not  affect  the  validity  of  the 
charges.  A  brother  has  the  right  to  raise  the  point  for  in- 
ve.stigation  whether  the  accuser  is  a  member  of  a  Lodge  in 


774  Trials. 

this  jurisdiction  or  has  the  right  to  prefer  charges.  He 
should,  however,  exercise  this  right  before  he  pleads  to  the 
charges.*  After  he  pleads  and  the  testimony  has  been  taken, 
it  is  too  late  to  raise  the  objection,  and  the  brother  has 
waived  and  lost  his  right. — Barnard  vs.  Humboldt  Lodge, 

1876  Journal,  450,  464. 

3120.  Objection  to  insufficient  evidence.  The  legislation 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  prescribes  a  form  of  a  Bill  of  Exceptions 
which  provides  for  the  exception,  that  the  evidence  is  in- 
sufficient to  sustain  the  charges  or  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee. The  failure  to  file  a  Bill  of  Exceptions  is  a  waiver 
and  an  acquiescence  in  the  report  of  the  committee. — Whit- 
ters  vs.  Truth  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  680,  685. 

3121.  Objections  to  charges.  Objections  to  charges  that 
are  not  made  until  after  the  trial,  or  until  after  the  verdict 
and  report  of  Trial  Committee,  are  too  late.  If  they  be  not 
made  in  time,  the  informality  is  waived. — Lyster  vs.  Pajaro 
Lodge,  1875  Journal,  259,  266;  Solomon  vs.  Santa  Barbara 
Lodge,  1877  Journal,  647,  665;  Holcomb  vs.  Nietos  Lodge^ 

1877  Journal,  654,  666. 

3122.  The  same.  The  Grand  Lodge  has  repeatedly  ruled . 
that  exceptions  to  charges  must  be  made  at  the  time,  or  be 
deemed  waived,  that  neither  party  shall  fish  for  a  verdict, 
and  not  getting  it,  object  to  the  charges.  By  not  objecting 
in  time,  the  accused  consents  to  go  to  trial  upon  the  merits. 
— Cutting  vs.  Mountain  Brow  Lodge,  1891  Journal  678,  685 ; 
Excelsior  Lodge  vs.  Buffum,  1868  Journal,  468,  481, 

3123.  Objections  to  charges  informal  and  defective.  Ob- 
jections to  charges,  that  they  are  informal  and  defective, 
cannot  be  first  taken  in  the  Bill  of  Exceptions. — Barnard 
vs.  Humboldt  Lodge,  1876  Journal,  450,  464. 

3124.  No  objections  to  charges — Plea  of  not  guilty.  If  the 
accused  does  not  object  to  the  charges,  but  pleads  not  guilty, 
he  thereby  waives  any  objections  there  might  be  thereto,  and 
consents  to  go  to  trial  upon  the  merits. — Jefcoat  vs.  Mineral 
Lodge,  1904  Journal,  528,  536. 


Trials.  775 

3125.  No  objections  to  charges — Plea  of  guilty.  A  party- 
is  not  permitted  to  plead  guilty  and  fish  for  a  favorable 
judgment  or  penalty,  and  not  obtaining  it,  then  to  object  to 
the  charges.  If  the  objections  be  not  taken  in  time  the  in- 
formality is  deemed  waived. — Leighton  vs.  Placer  Lodge, 
1879  Journal,  130,  142. 

3126.  No  allegation  that  the  accuser  or  accused  are  Odd 
Fellows.  The  want  of  an  allegation  that  the  accuser  or  ac- 
cused is  a  member  of  the  Lodge  or  Order  does  not  affect  the 
validity  of  charges.  It  is  too  late  after  the  committee  has 
tried  and  reported  him  guilty  for  the  accused  to  raise  these 
objections  for  the  first  time. — King  vs.  Redwood  Lodge,  1898 
Journal,  171,  172,  203. 

3127.  Objection  that  more  than  one  offense  is  stated.  Ob- 
jections to  the  sufficiency  of  the  charges  and  that  more  than 
one  offense  is  stated  in  the  specification,  made  after  trial, 
come  too  late.  The  accused  by  not  objecting  or  demurring 
to  the  charges  and  pleading  not  guilty  waives  the  objections 
and  thereby  goes  to  trial  on  the  merits. — Tonkin  vs.  Marion 
Lodge,  1900  Journal,  146,  177. 

3128.  Objections  to  charges.  In  his  Bill  of  Exceptions 
appellant  stated  that  at  the  date  of  the  filing  of  the  charges 
and  appointment  of  the  Trial  Committee,  he  ''felt  perfectly 
indifferent  as  to  the  informality  of  the  charges."  That  in- 
difference, no  matter  from  what  cause,  is  fatal,  as  it  pre- 
vented his  taking  his  exceptions  in  time. — Excelsior  Lodge 
vs.  Buffum,  1868  Journal,  468,  481. 

3129.  The  same — Objections  deemed  to  be  waived,  when. 
The  accused  must  except  to  the  sufficiency  of  the  charges, 
else  objections  to  their  sufficiency  are  deemed  to  be  waived. 
— Penter  vs.  Cosumnes  Lodge,  1881  Journal,  571,  579. 

3130.  Want  of  venue  in  charges.  Charges  specifying  the 
use  of  some  insulting  and  offensive  language. to  and  a  bat- 
tery upon  a  brother,  and  giving  the  time  when  the  language 
was  used  or  the  battery  committed,  should  also  have  stated 
the  county  or  some  other  designated  place.    But  an  objection 


776  Trials. 

that  the  charges  do  not  state  the  place  where  the  language 
was  used  or  the  battery  committed  must  be  taken  by  the 
accused  before  trial,  else  he  waives  the  same. — Davis  vs. 
Lafayette  Lodge,  1885  Journal,  377,  413. 

3131.  Objections  to  Trial  Committee.  It  is  not  the  duty 
of  the  Trial  Committee  or  of  the  Lodge  to  inform  the  accused 
that  he  has  the  right  to  object  to  any  of  the  Trial  Committee. 
— ^Holcomb  vs.  Nietos  Lodge,  1877  Journal,  654,  666. 

3132.  When  too  late  to  object  to  Trial  Committee  or 
members  thereof.  It  is  too  late  after  the  trial  to  object  or 
except  to  the  members  of  the  Trial  Committee  or  to  their 
competency;  the  objections  should  be  made  in  time.  The 
accused  cannot  be  allowed  to  fish  for  a  favorable  issue  before 
a  committee,  and  failing  to  get  a  verdict,  to  then  interpose 
objections  to  the  original. constitution  of  the  committee. — 
California  Lodge  vs.  Beck,  1866  Journal,  192,  210 ;  Huniphrey 
vs.  San  Andreas  Lodge,  1858  Journal,  356. 

3133.  Must  be  made  in  time  or  waived.  The  Grand  Lodge 
has  frequently  ruled  that  exceptions  to  the  appointment  of 
committees  must  be  made  at  the  proper  time  or  be  deemed 
waived. — Excelsior  Lodge  vs.  Buffum,  1868  Journal,  408,  481. 

3134.  After  consenting  to  member,  cannot  object.  The 
accused  objected  to  a  member  of  a  Trial  Committee  that  he 
had  formed  an  opinion,  whereupon  the  member  stated  before 
the  Lodge  that  he  had,  and  then  the  accused  stated  to  the 
Lodge  that  he  had  no  objection.  He  cannot  after  thus  con- 
senting that  the  member  may  serve,  raise  again  the  objection 
after  trial. — Cutting  vs.  Mountain  Brow  Lodge,  1891  Jour- 
nal, 678,  685. 

3135.  Objections  after  trial,  or  verdict  and  report.  Ob- 
jections to  the  Trial  Committee  that  are  not  taken  till  after 
trial,  verdict  and  report,  or  after  trial,  come  too  late.  The 
failure  to  object  or  except  in  time  is  a  waiver  thereof  and  an 
acquiescence  in  the  trial  by  the  committee. — Solomon  vs. 
Santa  Barbara  Lodge,  1877  Journal,  647,  648,  665;  Conrad 


Trials.  777 

vs.  Orpheus  Lodge,  1878  Journal,  895,  935;  Van  Every  vs. 
Sonoma  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  661,  674. 

3136.  Adoption  of  majority  report  on  motion  of  accuser. 

The  adoption  and  approval  by  the  Lodge  of  the  majority  re- 
port of  the  Trial  Committee,  on  motion  of  the  accuser,  is  an 
acquiescence  by  the  accuser  in  the  majority  report  and  a 
waiver  of  prior  objections. — Childs  vs.  Klamath  Lodge,  1905 
Journal,  898,  919. 

3137.  A  continuance  refused  and  no  exception.  Where 
a  continuance  is  asked  and  the  Trial  Committee  refuses,  and 
the  accused  takes  no  exception,  he  cannot  avail  himself  or 
raise  an  objection  to  the  refusal  on  appeal. — ^Lord  vs.  Parker, 
1894  Journal,  722,  739 ;  Knowles  vs.  Enterprise  Lodge,  1897 
Journal,  955,  977. 

3138.  Notice  of  filing  report.  The  accused  must  be,  unless 
he  waive  the  right,  notified  of  the  filing  of  the  report  of  the 
Trial  Committee. — Weill  vs.  Elmira  Lodge,  1879  Journal, 
115,  139;  McBeth  vs.  Alpine  Lodge,  1880  Journal,  319,  351. 

3139.  Form  of  notice  of  filing  report.  The  Grand  Lodge 
has  prescribed  a  form  of  notice  of  filing  of  the  report  of  a 
Trial  Committee  and  certificate  of  service  thereof.  (See 
Forms  Nos.  30  and  31  of  the  Forms  affixed  to  this  Digest.) — 
1870  Journal,  234,  251. 

(See  Grand  Secretary's  duty  to  furnish  printed  forms  of. 
Section  2208.) 

3140.  When  service  of  notice  cannot  be  waived.  Where, 
at  the  trial,  the  accused  has  had  no  opportunity  of  appearing 
in  person  or  by  attorney,  the  service  of  notice  of  the  filing  of 
the  report  of  the  committee  cannot  be  waived. — Spiegel  vs. 
Bay  City  Lodge,  1864  Journal,  402,  403,  414. 

3141.  Notice  given  even  if  accused  plead  guilty.     The 

Constitution  of  Subordinates  requires  that  the  accused  must 
be  notified  of  the  making  of  the  report  of  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee, and  that  two  weeks  must  elapse  after  the  service  of 
the  notice  before  the  Lodge  acts  upon  it.    This  is  applicable 


778  Trials. 

to  a  case  where  the  accused  pleads  guilty  before  the  Trial 
Committee. — Rasberry  vs.  Hope  Lodge,  1862  Journal,  277, 
289 ;  Weill  vs.  Elmira  Lodge,  1879  Journal,  115,  139. 

7.     JUDGMENT  AND  PENALTIES. 

3142.  Judgment  of  Lodge.  If  a  Bill  of  Exceptions  to  the 
report  of  the  committee  be  filed,  as  provided  in  Constitution 
of  Subordinates,  the  Lodge  may  determine  upon  its  merits, 
and  either  change,  modify  or  sustain  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee, or  refer  the  same  back  to  the  same  or  another  com- 
mittee, or  grant  a  new  trial.  If  the  Lodge  shall  deem  the 
exceptions  not  well  taken,  or  if  no  exceptions  have  been  filed 
within  two  weeks,  it  shall  proceed  to  pronounce  its  judgment, 
and  if  it  be  a  judgment  of  conviction  shall  affix  the  penalty. 
— Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  4. 

Note. — A  Grand  Master  ha,s  not       trial — (1897     S.    G,    L.    Journal, 
the  right  to  set  aside  the  action       15168,  15534,  15584). 
of   a    Lodge,    or   to   grant    a    new 

3143.  Time  for  judgment  cannot  be  waived.  Where  the 
report  of  a  Trial  Committee  finding  a  brother  guilty  is  sub- 
mitted to  a  Lodge  and,  under  the  rules,  is  laid  over  two 
weeks,  and  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Lodge  the  accused 
appears  and  desires  to  waive  time,  and  asks  for  judgment 
at  that  time,  it  is  not  proper  nor  legal  for  the  Lodge  to  accept 
the  waiver  and  pronounce  judgment  then.  It  must  not  take 
up  the  case  before  the  expiration  of  the  two  weeks. — 1875 
Journal,  302. 

3144.  Accused  absent  when  Lodge  acts  on  report.    The 

accused  is  not  required  to  be  present  at  the  Lodge  meeting 
when  the  Lodge  acts  upon  the  report  of  the  Trial  Committee 
or  pronounces  its  judgment,  either  in  person  or  by  attorney. 
He  may  be  if  he  see  fit,  and  it  is  his  duty  to  inform  himself 
concerning  the  matter,  and  to  attend  accordingly  if  he  so 
desire.-^Tonkin  vs.  Marion  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  506,  538. 

3145.  Action  on  report — Notice  of  report — Proof  of  ser- 
vice. A  Lodge  has  no  authority  to  act  on  or  adopt  a  report  of 
a  Trial  Committee  at  the  meeting  on  which  it  is  presented. 


Trials.  779 

As  soon  as  the  report  of  the  Trial  Committee  is  received 
notice  should  be  forthwith  given  to  the  accused  of  the  mak- 
ing or  filing  of  the  report,  and  he  should  have  two  weeks 
after  he  receives  the  notice  in  which  to  file  his  exceptions, 
and  a  written  certificate  or  proof  of  such  service  should  be 
filed.— Rodgers  vs.  Fresno  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  171,  203; 
Rothamel  vs.  Hecker  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  517,  557. 

3146.  Motion  to  receive  report.  A  motion  to  receive  re- 
port of  a  Trial  Committee  is  not  equivalent  to  a  motion  to 
adopt  the  report. — Rothamel  vs.  Hecker  Lodge,  1896  Jour- 
nal, 517,  557 ;  McKenzie  vs.  Napa  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  168, 
198,  214. 

3147.  Motion  to  accept  a  report.  To  accept  a  report  in 
parliamentary  proceedings  means  to  receive  for  further 
action,  and  to  receive  a  report  is  not  equivalent  to  adopting 
it.  By  adopting  a  motion  to  receive  or  to  accept  a  report 
a  Lodge  takes  no  action  on  the  report  and  does  not  thereby 
adopt  the  report  or  pronounce  any  judgment. — Krocker  vs. 
Maxwell  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  546,  612;  McLain  vs.  Moke- 
lumne  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  544,  612;  Tonkin  vs.  Marion 
Lodge,  1900  Journal,  146,  177 ;  Silberstein  vs.  Capay  Lodge, 
1904  Journal,  517,  527 ;  Rodgers  vs.  Fresno  Lodge,  1898  Jour- 
nal, 171,  203. 

3148.  Action  on  Bill  of  Exceptions  and  report  of  com- 
mittee. It  appears  the  Bill  of  Exceptions  to  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee was  read  and  a  motion  made  to  adopt  the  report  of 
the  Trial  Committee,  which  was  carried,  and  thereupon  the 
Lodge  took  action  upon  the  penalty  and  expelled  the  ap- 
pellant. It  is  a  better  practice  to  act  upon  the  Bill  of 
Exceptions  before  the  consideration  of  and  action  upon  the 
report  of  the  Trial  Committee.  But  it  is  the  settled  law  of 
this  Grand  Lodge  that  the  adoption  of  the  report  of  the 
Trial  Committee  is  a  determination  upon  the  merits  of  the 
Bill  of  Exceptions. — Billings  vs.  Eureka  Lodge,  1891  Jour- 
nal, 691,  717,  723. 

3149.  Verdict  of  acquittal  by  Trial  Committee  and  new 
committee.    A  Lodge,  when  acting  on  the  report  of  a  Trial 


780  Trials. 

Committee,  even  though  the  report  be  one  of  acquittal,  may- 
refer  the  matter  back  to  the  same  committee  or  refer  it  to  a 
new  committee  for  trial. — 1880  Journal,  256,  359,  375. 

3150.  Pronouncing  judgment.  After  passing  upon  the 
Bill  of  Exceptions  the  Lodge  should  then  pass  upon,  or  come 
to  some  conclusion  upon,  the  report  of  the  Trial  Committee. 
It  should  pronounce  its  judgment.  In  pronouncing  its  judg- 
ment it  may  or  may  not  adopt  the  report  of  the  committee — 
that  is,  may  find  the  brother  guilty  or  not  guilty,  or  take 
such  other  action  as  may  be  proper.  It  must  pronounce  its 
judgment  that  the  accused  is  guilty  before  it  can  affix  a  pen- 
alty.— Porter  vs.  San  Lorenzo  Lodge,  1894  Journal,  689,  690, 
718;  Phillips  vs.  Sheridan  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  164,  197; 
Tonkin  vs.  Marion  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  506,  538 ;  Clark  vs. 
Santa  Barbara  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  588. 

3151.  After  passing  on  Bill  of  Exceptions,  must  pronounce 
judgment.  It  is  the  settled  law  of  this  Grand  Lodge  that 
after  passing  upon  the  Bill  of  Exceptions  the  Lodge  should 
then  pronounce  its  judgment.  In  pronouncing  its  judgment 
the  Lodge  may  or  may  not  adopt  the  report  of  the  Trial  Com- 
mittee, or  change  or  modify  it,  or  refer  it  back  to  the  same 
or  another  committee,  or  grant  a  new  trial,  or  find  or  de- 
clare the  accused  guilty  or  not  guilty. — Martin  vs.  Cupertino 
Lodge,  1902  Journal,  883,  891,  892. 

3152.  Majority  and  minority  reports — Bill  of  Exceptions 
— Judgment.  Where  the  majority  of  a  Trial  Committee  re- 
ported the  accused  guilty  and  the  minority  of  the  committee 
reported  him  not  guilty,  and  the  accuser  filed  a  Bill  of 
Exceptions  to  the  majority  report,  and  his  exceptions  were 
in  effect  that  the  evidence  is  insufficient  to  sustain  the  major- 
ity report,  and  he  claimed  and  asserted  therein  also  that  the 
preponderance  of  the  evidence  established  the  guilt  of  the 
accused,  and  the  Lodge  sustained  the  Bill  of  Exceptions, 
yet  nevertheless  the  Lodge  must  pronounce  its  judgment, 
and  in  so  doing  may  adjudge  the  accused  guilty  or  not  guilty. 
—Martin  vs.  Cupertino  Lodge,  1902  Journal,  883,  891,  892. 


I 


Trials.  781 

3153.  No  action  on  the  Trial  Committee's  report.  The 
Trial  Committee  reported  the  accused  guilty,  and  he  was 
notified  of  the  filing  of  the  report,  but  did  not  file  any  Bill 
of  Exceptions.  The  Lodge  took  no  action  on  the  report,  but 
proceeded  to  ballot  on  the  penalty,  and  expulsion  was  car- 
ried, and  the  accused  declared  expelled.  As  no  action  was 
taken  on  the  report,  there  was  no  judgment  of  the  Lodge, 
and  balloting  and  affixing  the  penalty  without  judgment  was 
illegal. — Dunlap  vs.  Observatory  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  529, 
558 ;  Turner  vs.  Camptonville  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  423,  427 ; 
McKenzie  vs.  Napa  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  168,  198,  214;  Clark 
vs.  Santa  Barbara  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  588. 

3154.  No  Bill  of  Exceptions — Must  pronounce  judgment. 

By  the  provisions  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  Sec- 
tion 4,  Article  VIII,  the  Lodge  is  required  to  pronounce  judg- 
ment, whether  a  Bill  of  Exceptions  be  filed  or  not,  and  the 
Lodge,  in  pronouncing  judgment,  can  adopt  the  report  of  the 
committee,  or  change  or  modify  it,  or  refer  it  back  to  the 
same  or  another  committee,  or  grant  a  new  trial.  It  may  find 
the  brother  guilty  or  not  guilty,  or  give  <  such  judgment  as  it 
deems  the  evidence  justifies  and  requines,  but  it  must  pro- 
nounce judgment  before  it  proceeds  to  ballot  on  the  penalty. 
Until  the  Lodge  has  taken  action  on  the  report,  there  is  no 
judgment. — Dunlap  vs.  Observatory  Lodge,  1896  Journal, 
529,  558 ;  Bassett  vs.  Elmira  Lodge,  1886  Journal,  607,  608 ; 
Newington  vs.  Silver  Star  Lodge,  1886  Journal,  638,  648; 
1869  Journal,  112,  113,  117. 

3155.  When  to  act  on  report.  The  Lodge  has  no  power 
to  act  at  all  upon  or  adopt  the  report  on  the  night  of  its  pre- 
sentation, and  none,  at  any  time,  to  dismiss  charges  of  which 
the  defendant  has  been  pronounced  guilty.  It  is  illegal  for 
a  Lodpre  to  act  upon  the  report  of  the  committee  finding  the 
accused  guilty  one  week  after  the  report  is  presented. — 
Mountain  Rose  Lodge  vs.  McCoy,  1860  Journal,  33,  34,  40 ; 
1861  Journal,  159;  Speigel  vs.  Bay  City  Lodge,  1863  Journal, 
403,  414 ;  Kodgers  vs.  Fresno  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  171,  203. 


782  Trials. 

3156.  Notice  of  time  fixed  for  acting  on  report.  There 
is  no  law  requiring  the  Lodge  to  notify  the  accused  of  the 
time  fixed  by  the  Lodge  to  act  upon  the  report  of  the  Trial 
Committee.  The  accused,  like  ^ny  other  brother,  must  in- 
form himself  about  such  matter  by  attending  the  Lodge  or 
by  proper  inquiry. — Tonkin  vs.  Marion  Lodge,  1901  Journal, 
506,  538. 

3157.  Postponing  action  on  report  of  Trial  Committee. 
The  action  of  a  Lodge  postponing  the  consideration  of  the 
report  of  a  Trial  Committee  for  two  weeks,  and  then  again 
for  two  weeks,  is  not  contrary  to  law. — Tonkin  vs.  Marion 
Lodge,  1901  Journal,  508,  539.  • 

3158.  What  action  may  take  on  report.  A  Lodge,  when 
acting  on  the  report  of  a  Trial  Committee,  may  refer  the 
matter  back  to  the  same  committee,  or  refer  it  to  a  new 
committee  for  trial.  A  Lodge  may  pursue  such  course  when- 
ever there  is  a  reasonable  doubt  as  to  the  correctness  of  the 
plea,  or  the  accused  has  been  improperly  induced  or  misled 
to  put  in  a  particular  plea,  or  has  put  in  a  particular  plea 
by  mistake  or  inadvertence,  or  the  plea  does  not  cover  the 
entire  charges  and  specifications,  or  the  plea  was  put  in  with 
a  certain  understanding  with  the  prosecution  and  the  Trial 
Committee,  which  the  Lodge  does  not  approve,  or  whenever 
the  interests  of  truth  and  justice  may  require  it.  Where 
there  is  nothing  in  the  proceedings  of  the  Lodge's  action  on 
the  report  showing  the  reasons  that  induce  the  Lodge  to 
order  the  matter  to  a  new  committee  for  trial,  as  it  is  a  mat- 
ter within  the  sound  discretion  of  the  Lodge,  it  must  be  pre- 
sumed that  the  Lodge  has  good  reasons  for  its  action. — 
Brown  vs.  Charity  Lodge,  1875  Journal,  259,  266 ;  1880  Jour- 
nal, 256,  359,  375. 

3159.  Changing  or  amending  the  report.  A  Lodge  may 
change  or  amend  the  report  of  a  Trial  Committee  where  the 
committee  submit  a  report  finding  the  accused  not  guilty, 
.'^he  Lodge  may  amend  the  report  so  as  to  read  guilty,  and 
adopt  the  report  as  so   amended,  thereby  adjudging  the 


t 


T 

f 

I 

■  ■»■ 

i 

1 


Tkials.  783 

accused  guilty. — Ayer  vs.  Farnsworth  Lodge,  1900  Journal, 
149,  177. 

3160.  Majority  and  minority  reports,  and  action  thereon. 

If  there  be  a  majority  and  a  minority  report,  and  a  motion 
be  made  to  adopt  the  majority  report,  and  an  amendment 
be  offered  and  carried  to  strike  out  the  word  ''majority"  in 
the  original  motion,  and  insert  the  word  ''minority,"  the 
adoption  of  the  amendment  simply  changes  the  form  of  the 
motion,  and  the  motion,  as  amended,  must  then  be  put  to  the 
Lodge  and  acted  upon. — Mertes  vs.  Roseville  Lodge.  3HH5 
Journal,  399,  431. 

3161.  The  penalty.  If  a  specific  penalty  for  an  offense 
be  provided  in  the  Constitution  or  By-Laws,  the  Noble  Grand 
shall  enforce  it.  If  none  be  so  provided,  the  Lodge  shall  de- 
cide by  paper  ballot  whether  the  penalty  shall  be  expulsion, 
suspension,  or  reprimand  and  fine.  During  the  ballot  the 
accused  brother  shall  withdraw  from  the  Lodge-room.  If, 
upon  the  first  ballot,  it  shall  appear  that  two-thirds  of  the 
ballots  are  cast  for  expulsion,  such  shall  be  the  penalty.  If 
two-thirds  of  the  ballots  be  not  cast  for  expulsion,  then  the 
Lodge  shall  proceed  to  ballot  for  suspension,  and  if  two- 
thirds  of  the  ballots  be  cast  for  suspension,  suspension  shall 
be  the  penalty,  and  the  Lodge  shall  proceed  to  fix  the  dura- 
tion of  such  suspension,  which  shall  not  exceed  two  years. 
If  neither  expulsion  nor  suspension  be  determined  as  the 
penalty,  as  above  provided,  then  the  penalty  shall  either  be 
reprimand,  fine,  or  both ;  if  fine  be  determined  upon,  then  the 
Lodge  shall  fix  the  amount,  not  exceeding  ten  dollars;  if 
reprimand  be  decided  upon,  then  the  accused  shall  be  repri- 
manded in  open  Lodge  by  the  acting  Noble  Grand.  No 
ballot  held  under  this  section  shall  be  reconsidered.  All 
fines  imposed  under  this  section  shall  be  paid  within  thirteen 
weeks  from  date  of  their  imposition,  or  the  brother  shall 
stand  suspended  from  all  the  rights  and  benefits  of  the  Order 
until  such  fine  be  paid ;  and  if  he  cease  to  be  a  member,  he 
shall,  prior  to  reinstatement,  pay  the  whole  amount  of  such 
fines  and  dues. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  6. 


784  Trials. 

3162.  Must  pronounce  judgment  before  penalty.  The 
Lodge  before  it  can  proceed  to  ballot  upon  or  fix  a  penalty 
must  pronounce  a  judgment  of  conviction. — Rodgers  vs. 
Fresno  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  171,  203;  Tonkin  vs.  Marion 
Lodge,  1900  Journal,  146,  177 ;  Silberstein  vs.  Capay  Lodge, 
1904  Journal,  517,  527;  Krocker  vs.  Maxwell  Lodge,  1899 
Journal,  546,  612. 

3163.  The  accused  must  be  tried  before  penalty.  A  Lodge 
cannot  pass  a  resolution  summarily  expelling  a  brother  with- 
out a  trial  or  notice,  no  matter  how  plain  a  case  there  may 
be  against  him.  Even  if  every  member  of  the  Lodge  witness 
the  act  and  know  that  the  offending  brother  is  guilty,  yet 
the  Lodge  is  bound  to  give  the  brother  a  fair  trial. — 1872 
Journal,  575,  665,  684. 

3164.  May  affix  penalty  on  plea  or  admission  of  guilt.  In 
cases  where  the  accused  admits  or  pleads  guilty  to  the 
charges,  the  Lodge  is  not  required  to  pronounce  a  judgment 
of  conviction  before  affixing  the  penalty,  but  may  impose  the 
penalty  upon  the  plea  or  admission  of  guilt. — Christensen 
vs.  San  Leandro  Lodge,  1903  Journal,  125,  127,  154. 

3165.  The  Lodge  fixes  penalty.  The  power  to  impose  a 
penalty  rests  exclusively  in  the  Lodge.  The  Lodge  cannot 
authorize  the  Noble  Grand  to  fix  the  amount  of  a  fine. — ^Price 
vs.  Magnolia  Lodge,  1863  Journal,  401,  414. 

3166.  Duty  of  Noble  Grand  to  declare  penalty,  when. 
Where  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  prescribe  a  specific  penalty, 
such  as  expulsion,  for  a  certain  offense,  such  as  habitual 
drunkenness,  gambling,  or  feigning  sickness,  it  is  the  duty  of 
the  Noble  Grand,  in  case  of  the  conviction  of  a  brother,  to 
declare  the  penalty  and  execute  it  in  obedience  to  the  man- 
date of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  without  a  ballot  or 
other  action  of  the  Lodge. — Olive  Lodge  vs.  Anderson,  1877 
Journal,  657,  666. 

3167.  Trial  Committee  should  not  recommend  or  fix.  The 

Committee  on  Charges  have  no  right  to  recommend  or  fix 


Trials.  785 

the  penalty  for  an  offense,  of  which  they  have  found  the 
brother  guilty.— 1858  Journal,  389,  391,  392. 

3168.  Specific  penalties,  how  prescribed.  To  affix  a 
specific  penalty  for  an  offense  peculiarly  and  appropriately 
appertains  to  legislation.  Specific  penalties  must  be  pre- 
scribed by  the  Constitution  or  By-Laws  of  a  Subordinate 
Lodge,  or  by  a  law  enacted  by  this  Grand  Lodge  or  by  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — Davisson  vs.  Suisun  Lodge,  1897 
Journal,  854,  977. 

3169.  When  no  specific  penalty  prescribed.  Where  there 
is  no  law  prescribing  a  specific  penalty,  the  Lodge  has  the 
right,  under  its  Constitution  (Constitution  of  Subordinates, 
Article  VIII,  Section  6)  to  exercise  its  discretion  upon  all 
the  circumstances  of  the  case  and  impose  expulsion,  suspen- 
sion, fine  or  reprimand,  or  both  fine  and  reprimand. — Davis- 
son  vs.  Suisun  Lodge,  1897  Journal,  954,  977;  1900  Journal, 
224,  225,  244 ;  Childs  vs.  Klamath  Lodge,  1905  Journal,  898, 
919. 

3170.  When  penalty  in  discretion  of  Lodge.  The  Consti- 
tution of  Subordinates,  Article  VIII,  Section  6,  prescribes 
that  in  case  a  specific  penalty  be  provided  for  an  offense,  the 
Noble  Grand  shall  enforce  it,  and  in  case  no  specific  penalty 
be  provided,  the  Lodge  shall  decide  by  paper  ballots  whether 
the  penalty  shall  be  expulsion,  suspension,  fine  or  reprimand, 
or  both  fine  and  reprimand.  Under  this  section,  when  no 
specific  penalty  is  provided,  the  measure  of  punishment  is  in 
the  discretion  of  the  Lodge. — Thompson  vs.  Golden  Gate 
Lodge,  1876  Journal,  473,  503 ;  Rogers  vs.  Fresno  Lodge,  1877 
Journal,  647,  648,  665;  Mann  vs.  Branciforte  Lodge,  1878 
Journal,  885,  913;  Gould  vs.  Jackson  Lodge,  1878  Journal, 
893,  935;  Pfau  vs.  Petaluma  Lodge,  1878  Journal,  919,  953; 
Brooks  vs.  Capitol  Lodge,  1879  Journal,  106,  128;  Leighton 
vs.  Placer  Lodge,  1879  Journal,  130,  142 ;  Prewett  vs.  Mound 
Lodge,  1887  Journal,  836,  837,  853 ;  Smith  vs.  Stony  Creek 
Lodge,  1887  Journal,  837,  853;  Fariey  vs.  Gilroy  Lodge,  1887 
Journal,  839,  853;  Shiels  vs.  St.  Helena  Lodge,  1889  Journal, 

50 


786  Trials. 

99,  107 ;  Weller  vs.  Soquel  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  69,  90 ;  Bode 
vs.  Germania  Lodge,  1888  Journal,  1086,  1096;  Fleury  vs. 
Washington  Lodge,  1856  Journal,  200;  Davis  vs.  Lafayette 
Lodge,  1885  Journal,  377,  413;  1887  Journal,  839,  853; 
Strong  vs.  Eel  River  Lodge,  1893  Journal,  347,  363;  Ilsohn 
vs.  Diamond  Springs  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  955,  977. 

3171.  Mitigating  circumstances.  As  to  mitigating  circum- 
stances, that  is  a  matter  for  the  consideration  of  members  of 
the  Lodge  in  affixing  the  penalty  and  not  for  the  Grand 
Lodge. — Gould  vs.  Jackson  Lodge,  1878  Journal,  893,  935. 

3172.  When  charges  need  not  be  read.  The  charges  are 
not  required  to  be  read  in  the  Lodge  before  voting  on  the 
penalty  in  such  cases  where  the  accused  pleads  guilty,  unless 
a  demand  be  made  therefor. — Weller  vs.  Soquel  Lodge,  1892 
Journal,  69,  90;  Christensen  vs.  San  Leandro  Lodge,  1903 
Journal,  125, 127,  154. 

3173.  Reading  report  of  Trial  Conunittee.  The  report  of 
the  Trial  Committee  is  not  required  to  be  read  at  the  meet- 
ing at  which  the  penalty  is  imposed  in  cases  where  the 
accused  pleads  guilty,  unless  demand  was  made  therefor. — 
Christensen  vs.  San  Leandro  Lodge,  1903  Journal,  125,  127, 
154. 

3174.  Right  to  vote.  A  member  present  when  the  Lodge 
acts  upon  the  report  of  the  Trial  Committee,  and  upon  the 
question  of  penalty,  but  who  has  been  initiated  since  the 
Lodge  rendered  a  judgment  of  expulsion  against  the  accused 
in  the  matter,  and  which  judgment  has  been  reversed  by  the 
Grand  Lodge,  has,  if  otherwise  qualified,  the  right  to  vote  on 
all  questions. — Tonkin  vs.  Marion  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  506, 
538. 

3175.  Right  to  vote  on  report  and  penalty.  Members 
present  when  the  Lodge  acts  upon  the  report  of  the  Trial 
Committee  and  upon  the  question  of  penalty,  but  who  have 
not  attended  the  Lodge  during  the  progress  of  the  case,  have 
a  right  to  participate  in  the  proceedings  and  vote  on  all 


Trials.  787 

questions  relating  to  the  case. — Tonkin  vs.  Marion  Lodge, 
1901  Journal,  506,  538. 

3176.  Right  to  vote — Charges — Report.  Members  of  the 
Lodge  who  have  not  heard  the  charges  or  report  read,  nor 
read  them,  have,  if  otherwise  qualified,  the  right  to  vote  on 
the  penalty  and  all  questions  relating  to  the  case. — Christen- 
sen  vs.  San  Leandro  Lodge,  1903  Journal,  125,  127,  154. 

3177.  Vote  on  expulsion.  The  law  requires  the  ballot  on 
the  punishment  to  be  taken  first  on  expulsion. — Eldridge  vs. 
Klamath  Lodge,  1889  Journal,  98,  107. 

3178.  The  record.  In  trials  the  proceedings  or  minutes 
of  the  Lodge  must  show  a  ballot  for  expulsion. — Prewett 
vs.  Mound  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  836,  837,  853 ;  Granite  Lodge 
vs.  Hall,  1859  Journal,  499. 

3179.  Record  must  show  number  of  ballots  on  penalty. 
When  a  Lodge  ballots  upon  the  penalty  to  be  affixed  in  the 
matter  of  charges  the  Secretary  should  enter  in  the  minutes 
the  number  of  ballots  cast  for  or  against  a  penalty.  Where 
a  Lodge  expelled  a  brother  and  the  minutes  did  not  show  the 
number  of  ballots  cast  for  or  against  expulsion,  it  was  de- 
clared to  be  error. — Krocker  vs.  Maxwell  Lodge,  1899  Jour- 
nal, 546,  612. 

3180.  Drunkenness.  Drunkenness  is  an  offense,  and  the 
measure  of  punishment  is  in  the  discretion  of  the  Subordi- 
nate Lodge. — Eldridge  vs.  Klamath  Lodge,  1889  Journal,  98, 
107. 

3181.  Ballots,  how  taken.  In  fixing  penalty  on  charges 
the  Lodge  sliould  first  vote  by  ballot  on  the  question  of  ex- 
pulsion, that  is,  should  vote  for  or  against  expulsion.  If  ex- 
pulsion be  lost,  then  it  should  vote  by  ballot  on  suspension, 
that  is,  for  or  against  suspension.  If  suspension  be  fixed  as 
the  penalty,  then  the  Lodge  should  fix  the  duration  of  the 
suspension  by  vote,  on  motion,  without  paper  ballots. — Mor- 
ris vs.  Merced  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  380,  388 ;  1887  Journal, 
898,  904;  1863  Journal,  413;  Rothamel  vs.  Hecker  Lodge, 
1896  Journal,  517,  557. 


788  Trials. 

3182.  Ball  ballots  are  illegal.  A  Lodge  must  decide  by- 
paper  ballots  whether  the  penalty  shall  be  expulsion,  sus- 
pension, reprimand  or  fine,  where  no  specific  penalty  is  at- 
tached. Ball  ballots  are  illegal.— 1862  Journal,  304; 
Spiegel  vs.  Bay  City  Lodge,  1863  Journal,  403,  414 ;  Kenney 
vs.  Crusade  Lodge,  1863  Journal,  412,  413. 

3183.  Vote  required  for  different  penalties.  To  impose 
expulsion  or  suspension  in  cases  of  charges,  a  two-third  vote 
is  requisite,  but  to  impose  fine  or  reprimand,  a  majority  vote 
will  suffice.  A  majority  is  sufficient  to  fix  the  amount  of  the 
fine. — Buckhout  vs.  Wilson,  1874  Journal,  78,  84;  Salinas 
Lodge  vs.  Adcock,  1878  Journal,  893,  935 ;  1897  Journal,  1030, 
1054. 

3184.  Two-thirds  vote  and  blank  ballots.  Where  a  Lodge, 
in  determining  the  penalty,  voted  on  the  question  of  ex- 
pulsion by  paper  ballots,  eleven  ballots  were  cast;  seven 
ballots  were  '* Expulsion,  yes,"  three  ballots  were  *' Expul- 
sion, no,"  and  one  ballot  was  blank,  expulsion  was  not 
affixed.  Article  VIII,  Section  6,  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nates, requires  two-thirds  of  all  ballots  cast  to  affix  that 
penalty.  Blank  ballots  must  be  counted.  The  Lodge  by  this 
determined  that  expulsion  should  not  be  the  penalty.  A 
ballot  under  this  section  cannot  be  reconsidered. — Berry  vs. 
Evergreen  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  520,  557. 

3185.  Two-thirds  vote  and  brothers  who  do  not  vote. 

Section  6,  Article  VIII,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  which 
regulates  balloting  on  penalties  in  matters  of  charges,  pro- 
vides that  if  two-thirds  of  the  ballots  are  cast  for  expulsion, 
such  shall  be  the  penalty.  Under  this  provision  no  count  is 
to  be  made  of  brothers  who  do  not  vote.  If  two-thirds  of  the 
ballots  cast  are  for  expulsion,  it  is  carried. — Tonkin  vs. 
Marion  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  146,  177. 

3186.  Grand  Master  and  penalty.  If  the  law  of  the  Lodge 
requires  a  two-thirds  vote  to  expel  a  member,  the  Grand 
Master  has  no  authority  to  set  it  aside,  and  direct  expulsion 
by  a  majority  vote.    If  the  Lodge  has  the  discretion  to  fix 


Trials.  789 

a  penalty  and  declines  by  the  necessary  vote  to  make  it 
expulsion,  the  Grand  Master  cannot  direct  the  Lodge  to 
expel.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  40,  219,  243. 

3187.  Term  of  suspension — How  fixed.  When  suspension 
is  fixed  as  the  punishment,  the  Lodge  shall  proceed  to  fix 
the  duration  of  the  suspension,  and  this  may  be  done  with- 
out ballot  and  by  a  majority  vote. — King  vs.  Ukiah  Lodge, 
1874  Journal,  80,  84;  Sharpies  vs.  Industrial  Lodge,  1877 
Journal,  650,  666. 

3188.  Ballots  for  expulsion.  It  is  better  for  the  brothers 
voting  on  the  question  of  expulsion  to  write  on  their  ballots 
**for  expulsion,"  or  ''against  expulsion."  But  where  under 
direction  of  the  Noble  Grand,  the  members  were  instructed 
to  vote  for  or  against  expulsion,  that  those  who  were  for  ex- 
pulsion should  vote  or  write  ''yes"  on  their  ballots,  and 
those  who  were  against  expulsion  should  vote  or  write  "no" 
on  their  ballots  and  the  brothers  voted  accordingly,  it  is 
voting  for  or  against  expulsion  within  the  contemplation  of 
our  law. — Weller  vs.  Soquel  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  67,  90; 
Berns  vs.  Blue  Lake  Lodge,  1892  Journal,  92,  101. 

3189.  The  same.  In  voting  on  the  penalty  the  Noble 
Grand  instructed  the  Lodge  that  a  vote  upon  expulsion  was 
about  to  be  taken,  and  a  vote  was  thereupon  had,  and  there 
were  eleven  ballots;  five  ballots  read  "expulsion,"  three 
ballots  had  "yes"  on  them,  two  had  "no"  on  them,  and  one 
read  "fine."  The  ballots  that  had  "yes"  should  be  counted 
for  expulsion,  and  as  there  were  two-thirds  of  the  ballots 
for  expulsion,  the  brother  was  expelled. — Eldridge  vs.  Kla- 
math Lodge,  1889  Journal,  98,  107. 

3190.  Ballots  on  penalty  and  the  Noble  Grand.  In  voting 
on  the  penalty  after  conviction  on  charges,  it  is  illegal  for 
the  Noble  Grand  to  order  the  brothers  to  prepare  their 
ballots  upon  which  the  word  expulsion  or  suspension  must 
be  written.  The  Noble  Grand  has  no  power  to  dictate  to  a 
brother  as  to  how  he  shall  vote  on  any  question.  Some  of 
the  brothers  may  desire  to  vote  against  both  expulsion  and 


700  Trials. 

suspension,  believing  that  reprimand  or  fine  would  be  ample 
punishment,  and,  if  so,  they  have  a  perfect  right  to  vote  as 
they  please. — Bidwell  Lodge  vs.  Price,  1873  Journal,  856, 
864. 

3191.  Expulsion  or  suspension,  when  rejecting  one,  fixes 
the  other.  When  the  By-Laws  of  a  Lodge  provide  that  for 
an  offense  a  brother  ''shall  be  suspended  or  expelled  at  the 
discretion  of  the  Lodge, ' '  then  in  case  of  conviction  it  is  the 
duty  of  the  Lodge  to  determine  between  these  two  penalties, 
and  if  the  Lodge  reject  expulsion  as  the  penalty,  it  thereby 
affixes  suspension  as  the  penalty  by  virtue  of  the  By-Laws, 
and  the  Lodge  should  fix  the  duration  of  the  suspension. — 
Sharpies  vs.  Industrial  Lodge,  1877  Journal,  650,  666. 

3192.  Certain  votes,  how  counted.  Where  the  Lodge  is 
voting  upon  the  penalty  of  expulsion,  and  some  members 
cast  their  votes  *'for  suspension,"  two-thirds  of  the  Lodge, 
however,  voting  for  expulsion,  the  action  of  the  Lodge  ex- 
pelling the  brother  is  legal.  The  votes  ''for  suspension" 
will  be  understood  as  meaning  simply  "against  expulsion." 
— Eobinson  vs.  Templar  Lodge,  1880  Journal,  328,  367. 

3193.  Reprimand.  When  a  member  shall  be  subject  to 
the  penalty  of  reprimand,  he  shall  be  summoned  to  attend 
at  some  regular  meeting  to  be  fixed  by  the  Noble  Grand,  to 
be  reprimanded  from  the  chair  of  the  Noble  Grand;  and 
until  he  so  attend  and  be  reprimanded,  he  shall  be  suspended 
from  all  benefits  and  privileges  of  membership. — Constitu- 
tion Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  7. 

3194.  The  same.  When,  after  trial  and  conviction,  repri- 
mand is  fixed  as  the  penalty,  the  provisions  of  the  Constitu- 
tion relative  to  reprimand  must  be  complied  with.  The  judg- 
ment is  final  and  conclusive  until  reversed  on  appeal. — In  re 
Los  Angeles  Lodge,  1876  Journal,  505,  509. 

3195.  The  same.  When  a  brother  has  been  found  guilty 
of  conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow,  and  the  Lodge  has 
fixed  the  penalty  that  he  be  reprimanded,  he  stands  sus- 
pended from  all  privileges  and  benefits  until  reprimanded, 


Trials.  791 

and  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Noble  Grand  to  give  him  notice  to 
appear  at  a  fixed  time  to  receive  the  punishment. — 1888  Jour- 
nal, 30,  122,  163 ;  Matter  of  L.  Katz,  1893  Journal,  433 ;  1894 
Journal,  605,  733,  771 ;  Gulp  vs.  Escondido  Lodge,  1902  Jour- 
nal, 885,  892. 

3196.  Reprimand    should  be  made    at    appointed   time. 

Where  the  penalty  to  be  inflicted  upon  a  brother  is  repri- 
mand, and  the  brother  is  cited  to  appear  before  the  Lodge 
at  a  certain  time  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  such  reprimand, 
and  he  does  so  appear,  the  Lodge  must  reprimand  him  at 
the  time  appointed  or  forfeit  its  right  to  reprimand  him  at 
all.  Should  the  Noble  Grand  be  absent  from  that  meet- 
ing, it  is  the  duty  of  the  acting  Noble  Grand  to  reprimand 
the  brother,  and  any  one  entitled  to  occupy  the  chair  of  the 
Noble  Grand  may  be  called  upon  to  deliver  the  reprimand 
from  that  chair.— 1880  Journal,  259,  359,  375. 

3197.  The  penalty — Saloonkeeper  or  bartender.  The  pen- 
alty to  be  inflicted  on  a  member  convicted  of  being  a  saloon- 
keeper in  violation  of  the  law  of  the  Order  is  now  regulated 
by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  If  at  the  time  of  conviction 
the  brother  continues  in  such  business,  the  penalty  is  ex- 
pulsion. If  the  offending  brother  has,  prior  to  conviction, 
in  good  faith  discontinued  the  business,  then  the  penalty  is 
such  as  may  be  determined  by  the  Trial  Lodge. — Silberstein 
vs.  Capay  Lodge,  1904  Journal,  517,  527. 

3198.  Member  convicted  of  being  a  saloonkeeper  or  bar- 
tender. The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  when  the  offending 
brother  has  in  good  faith  discontinued  the  business,  or  occu- 
pation, prior  to  conviction,  leaves  the  penalty  to  the  discre- 
tion of  the  Trial  Lodge,  which  may  impose,  in  such  case, 
expulsion,  suspension,  fine,  or  reprimand — that  is,  the  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge  leaves  it  to  the  Trial  Lodge  to  exercise 
its  forgiveness  or  charitable  or  fraternal  judgment,  and  by 
the  imposition  of  a  light  penalty  in  such  case,  to  retain  the 
brother  in  membership.  If  the  member,  at  the  time  of  con- 
viction, has  not  discontinued  such  business  or  occupation,  the 


792  Trials. 

penalty  is  expulsion. — Silberstein  vs.  Capay  Lodge,  1904 
Journal,  517,  527. 

3199.  Right  to  appear  and  speak.  The  accused  has  no 
right  to  appear  at  the  Lodge  and  speak  before  he  receives 
his  reprimand.— 1894  Journal,  605,  733,  771. 

3200.  Expulsion — Reprimand.  A  Lodge  canjiot  expel  a 
brother  for  refusing  to  appear  and  receive  a  reprimand. — 
1882  Journal,  740,  844,  879. 

3201.  Brother  voting  when  not  entitled.  When  on  the 
question  of  expulsion  a  brother  voted  who  was  not  entitled 
to  vote,  this  one  illegal  vote  could  not  affect  the  validity  of 
the  action  of  the  Lodge,  as  there  were  seventeen  votes  for 
and  six  against  expulsion.  Likewise  when  ten  vote  for  ex- 
pulsion and  two  against  it  and  a  brother  voted  who  was 
disqualified  from  exercising  that  right.  This  one  vote  does 
not  affect  the  validity  of  the  vote,  as  with  or  without  it,  two- 
thirds  voted  for  expulsion. — Tonkin  vs.  Marion  Lodge,  1901 
Journal,  506,  538;  Castle  vs.  Oso  Lodge,  1873  Journal,  864, 
865,  887. 

3202.  Fine  cannot  be  increased.  In  case  the  report  of  the 
committee  be  adopted,  and  a  fine  and  reprimand  be  the  pen- 
alty imposed,  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Lodge  the  repri- 
mand cannot  be  dispensed  with,  by  vote,  and  the  fine  in- 
creased.— Appeal  of  Sierra  Lodge,  1874  Journal,  18,  115,  116. 

3203.  Fine  imposed  upon  conviction  and  suspension.    A 

brother  cannot  be  suspended  from  membership  in  his  Lodge 
for  non-payment  of  a  fine  imposed  until  the  same  is  one  year 
in  arrears. .  Section  6,  Article  VIII,  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nates, applies  to  hivS  suspension  from  rights  and  benefits,  and 
not  from  membership.— 1898  Journal,  13,  231,  277. 

3204.  Ballot  cannot  be  rescinded,  when.  In  case  a  Lodge 
have  discretion  to  impose  or  not  impose  a  particular  penalty, 
a  legal  ballot  rejecting  the  penalty  cannot  be  rescinded  to 
the  prejudice  of  the  accused. — Cosgrove  vs.  Petaluma  Lodge, 
1877  Journal,  658,  666. 


j 


Trials. 


793 


3205.  Some  penalty  must  be  imposed — Fine.  Under 
Article  VIII  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates  the  Lodge 
must  impose  some  penalty  upon  a  brother  found  guilty  under 
charges,  and  if  the  Lodge  reject  the  penalties  of  expulsion, 
suspension  and  reprimand,  it  must  impose  a  fine,  as  provided 
in  the  Constitution. — St.  Helena  Lodge  vs.  Kister,  1878  Jour- 
nal, 885,  913;  Salinas  Lodge  vs.  Adcock,  1878  Journal,  893, 
935. 

3206.  Some  penalty  must  be  imposed — Reprimand.  When 
no  specific  penalty  is  provided,  yet  under  Article  VIII,  Sec- 
tion 6,  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  the  Lodge  must  impose 
some  penalty  on  a  brother  found  guilty  under  charges*  and 
if  the  Lodge  rejects  the  penalties  of  expulsion,  suspension 
and  fine,  it  must  impose  reprimand,  as  provided  in  the  Con- 
stitution.— Childs  vs.  Klamath  Lodge,  1905  Journal,  898, 
919. 

3207.  Accuser  has  right  to  make  motion  and  vote.    The 

brother  who  makes  the  charges  against  the  accused  has  the 
right  to  submit  a  motion  fixing  the  penalty  and  the  duration 
of  the  same,  and  to  vote  upon  the  penalty  or  upon  the  final 
issue  of  the  case  when  acted  on  by  the  Lodge. — Davis  vs. 
Scepter  Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1125,  1173. 

3208.  No  right  to  debate  or  speak  on  penalty — Counsel. 
The  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  Article  VIII,  Section  6, 
provides  in  regard  to  penalties  that  **  during  the  ballot  the 
accused  brother  shall  withdraw  from  the  Lodge-room."  As 
the  accused  is  required  to  retire,  he  has  no  right  to  debate  or 
speak  upon  the  question  of  the  penalty,  and  as  he  had  no 
such  right  his  attorney  who  represents  him  has  no  such 
right.  It  is  contemplated  by  this  section  that  no  further 
debate  is  to  take  place. — King  vs.  Redwood  Lodge,  1898 
Journal,  171,  172,  203. 

3209.  Counsel  may  vote.  A  member  of  a  Lodge,  acting 
as  counsel  for  a  brother  under  trial,  has  the  same  right  to 
vote  on  the  penalty  that  he  would  have  were  he  not  counsel. 
—1893  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13256,  13548,  13671. 


794  Trials. 

3210.  The  Noble  Grand.  The  Noble  Grand  has  the  right 
to  vote  on  the  questions  of  expulsion  and  suspension. — Davis 
vs.  Scepter  Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1125,  1173;  1873  Journal, 
782,  900,  901. 

3211.  Fines  and  penalties.  Fines  and  penalties  must  be 
prescribed  by  the  By-Laws,  and  not  by  the  Rules  of  Order. 
—1886  Journal,  609 ;  1904  Journal,  386,  541,  553. 

3212.  Indefinite  suspension  is  illegal.  A  sentence  of  in- 
definite suspension  is  illegal.  It  must  be  for  a  definite  time. 
The  suspension  of  a  brother  until  he  pays  borrowed  money 
and  a  bill  for  board  is  an  indefinite  and  illegal  suspension. — 
1858  Journal,  331,  398;  Cubberly  vs.  Eureka  Lodge,  1858 
Journal,  364. 

3213.  Duration  of  suspension.  A  penalty  of  suspension 
for  a  period  of  ten  years  is  virtually  an  expulsion,  and  is 
excessive  and  in  conflict  with  the  laws  of  the  Order. — 1854 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2287,  2340;  1869  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4467, 
4598;  1874  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6241,  6317.  All  suspensions 
shall  be  temporary  and  regulated  by  the  magnitude  of  the 
offense.— 1849  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1504.  The  word  *' temporary" 
as  defined  by  our  courts  and  usage,  is  a  period  of  short 
duration.— 1854  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2188,  2340 ;  Davis  vs.  Scep- 
ter Lodge,  1883  Journal,  1125,  1173.  Two  years  is  the  limit 
of  suspension  under  the  laws  of  this  jurisdiction. — Consti- 
tution Subordinates,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  6. 

3214.  Ballot  on  penalty,  arguments  and  absence  of  ac- 
cused. The  law  requiring  the  accused  to  retire  from  the 
Lodge-room  during  the  ballot  on  the  penalty  presumes  that 
the  argument  of  the  case  is  closed,  and  subsequent  debate 
on  the  merits  of  the  question,  in  the  absence  of  the  accused, 
is  entirely  wrong. — Humphrey  vs.  San  Andreas  Lodge,  1858 
Journal,  356. 

3215.  Notice  of  Lodge's  judgment  not  necessary.  When 
charges  have  been  preferred  against  a  brother  and  he  has 
had  a  trial,  and  the  Lodge  has  passed  judgment  in  the  case, 


Trials.  795 

no  notice  to  the  brother  of  the  Lodge's  decision  is  necessary. 
—1860  Journal,  64,  73. 

3216.  Reconsideration  and  expulsion.  A  By-Law  pro- 
viding for  the  reconsideration  of  a  motion  does  not  apply  to 
a  case  of  expulsion  by  a  secret  ballot,  but  to  the  ordinary 
parliamentary  questions  arising  in  deliberative  bodies.  A 
member  once  expelled  is  out  of  the  Order,  and  no  motion 
made  to  reconsider  the  vote  can  be  entertained. — 1882 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8999,  9096. 

3217.  How  fines  after  trial  enforced.  All  fines  imposed 
after  trial  must  be  paid  within  thirteen  weeks  from  the  date 
of  their  imposition,  or  the  brother  shall  stand  suspended 
from  all  the  rights  and  benefits  of  the  Order  until  such  fine  is 
paid. —  (Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  Article  VIII, 
Section  6.)  Fines  or  assessments  cannot  be  added  to  dues. 
Fines,  assessments  and  dues  are  each  and  all  of  them 
separtely  considered,  and  cannot  in  any  instance  be  com- 
bined.—1896  Journal,  607,  636,  408. 

8.     MISCELLANEOUS. 

3218.  Grand  Master.  As  to  the  powers  of  the  Grand 
Master  when  a  Lodge  is  guilty  of  abusing  the  laws  and  prin- 
ciples of  Odd  Fellowship  by  unjust  delays,  obstructions,  etc., 
see  Section  2174  of  this  Digest. 

3219.  Bargains  of  Trial  Committees.  Bargains  of  Trial 
Committees  with  members  under  charges,  whereby  the  labors 
of  the  committee  are  lightened  and  unfaithful  members  oft 
escape  merited  punishment,  are  strongly  reprehended  by  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  It  is  a  practice  subversive  of  the 
principles  of  justice  and  an  assault  upon  its  integrity. — 1905 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  241,  266. 

3220.  When  Lodge  does  not  open  on  time.  The  fact  that 
the  Lodge,  at  the  meeting  when  the  charges  were  preferred, 
did  not  open  promptly  on  time,  did  not  render  that  meeting 
illegal.  Some  Lodges,  located  in  the  interior  of  the  State, 
on  account  of  harvest  time,  or  because  their  members  are 


796  Trials. 

few  and  live  a  long  way  from  the  Lodge-room,  do  not,  at 
times,  for  lack  of  a  quorum,  meet  at  the  time  prescribed  by 
the  By-Laws  for  the  Lodge  to  open  or  commence  its  session, 
but  open  some  time  thereafter,  as  soon  as  there  is  a  quorum 
present ;  yet  the  session  of  the  Lodge  is  nevertheless  valid. — 
Silberstein  vs.  Capay  Lodge,  1904  Journal,  517,  527. 

3221.  Non-suit.  There  is  no  such  thing  as  a  non-suit  in 
cases  of  trial  under  charges.  The  only  conclusion  the  Trial 
Committee  can  arrive  at  is  a  verdict  of  ''guilty"  or  ''not 
guilty."— Cohn  vs.  Hiller,  1867  Journal,  323,  327. 

3222.  The  same.  On  the  conclusion  of  the  testimony  for 
the  complainant,  the  defendant  moved  for  a  non-suit,  which 
was  granted  by  the  committee.  No  testimony  was  intro- 
duced by  the  defense.  On  reporting  to  the  Lodge,  instead 
of  stating  that  they  had  granted  a  non-suit,  the  committee 
reported  a  verdict  that  the  charges  were  not  sustained.  The 
granting  a  non-suit  was  error,  but  the  finding  and  report  of 
the  committee  cured  the  error.  They  acted  upon  the  merits 
in  making  up  the  report. — 1867  Journal,  325,  327. 

3223.  Penalty  may  be  disclosed.  Members  of  the  Order 
have  the  right  to  disclose  the  fact  of  a  brother's  expulsion, 
but  that  right  should  be  used  with  discretion,  and  in  accord- 
ance with  the  principles  of  the  Order. — 1860  Journal,  64,  73. 

3224.  Moral  turpitude  warrants  expulsion.  A  criminal 
conviction  for  any  offense  involving  moral  turpitude  is 
good  ground  in  itself  for  expulsion  from  our  Order. — Mari- 
posa Lodge  vs.  Washburn,  1860  Journal,  33,  36. 

3225.  Suspended  brother  may  be  tried  for  offense.  A 
suspended  brother  who  commits  an  offense  during  the  time 
of  his  suspension  may  be  duly  charged  with  the  commission 
of  the  offense  and  tried.— 1889  Journal,  28,  122,  163. 

3226.  The  same.  A  brother  while  under  suspension  com- 
mits a  crime,  and  after  due  trial  by  the  courts,  is  sentenced 
to  State's  prison  for  a  term  of  six  years  for  such  act.  To 
expel  him,  the  Lodge  must  proceed  in  the  same  manner  as  if 
he  were  not  under  suspension. — 1867  Journal,  339,  350. 


^TRIALS.  7S)7 

3227.  Member  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues,  may 
be  expelled.  A  member  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues 
may,  aftenvards,  be  expelled  for  criminal  or  unworthy  con- 
duct. A  brother  under  suspension  is  still  a  member  of  his 
Lodge,  although  deprived  of  certain  rights  and  privileges 
and  is  subject  to  the  laws  in  relation  to  discipline  for  un- 
worthy conduct.— 1849  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1400,  1502,  1513.  • 

(See,  also.  Sections  2861,  2862  and  2863  of  this  Digest.) 

3228.  Suspended  member  on  trial  admitted  to  Lodge.  A 
brother  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  is  suspended  as 
a  means  of  punishment.  All  suspensions  of  membership  are 
intended  as  a  means  of  punishment.  A  suspended  member 
may  be  arraigned  and  tried  without  first  being  reinstated, 
but  when  arraigned  for  trial  and  punishment,  he  must  be 
temporarily  admitted  to  the  Lodge,  for  the  purpose  of  mak- 
ing his  defense,  without  being  restored  to  his  rights  of  mem- 
bership.—1850  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1575,  1655. 

3229.  After  expulsion,  money  advanced  refunded.  Upon 
the  expulsion  of  a  brother  after  trial  upon  charges,  any 
amount  of  money  paid  by  him,  in  advance,  beyond  the  time 
that  he  remains  a  member,  shall  be  refunded. — 1878  Journal, 
817,  928,  965;  1879  Journal,  32,  107. 

3230.  Expulsion  severs  membership — Appeal.  A  brother 
who  has  been  expelled  cannot  enter  the  Lodge-room  during 
session  for  any  purpose  pending  an  appeal  from  him  on  ex- 
pulsion. Expulsion  from  a  Subordinate  Lodge  is  absolute, 
and  severs  membership  totally  from  the  Lodge,  Encampment 
and  Canton.  While  the  right  to  appeal  is  sacred  under  the 
law,  yet  a  member  expelled  from  a  Subordinate  Lodge  stands 
expelled  until  the  order  from  the  Grand  or  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  for  his  reinstatement  to  membership  reaches  the  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge.— 1898  Journal,  10,  221,  240. 

3231.  When  may  accept  resignation  or  prefer  charges. 
Where  a  member  of  a  Lodge  has  been  convicted  of  a  crime 
and  is  serving  his  sentence  in  State  prison,  the  Lodge  may, 
in  its  discretion,  accept  his  resignation  or  prefer  charges 
and  try  him.— 1886  Journal,  538,  620,  646. 


798  Trials.' 

3232.  Verdict  of  not  guilty  in  courts  no  defense.  The 
fact  that  the  accused  was  in  a  trial  before  a  court  of  law, 
found  not  guilty  of  the  offense  charged,  does  not  constitute 
a  defense  or  a  bar  to  charges  for  the  same  offense  in  our 
Order.  A  jury  in  a  court  of  law  may  convict,  and  yet  the 
Lodge  may  acquit,  and  so  a  jury  may  acquit  and  the  Lodge 
convict.  Our  Order  designs  to  try  brothers  on  the  merits 
and  to  render  its  decisions  irrespective  of  the  opinions  of 
others. — Billings  vs.  Eureka  Lodge,  1891  Journal,  696,  717, 
723. 

3233.  Suspended  brother  initiated  in  another  Lodge.    A 

brother  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  by  a  Lodge  in 
California  is  afterwards  initiated  in  a  Lodge  in  New  Mex- 
ico, the  Lodge  here  has  jurisdiction  over  him,  and  charges 
may  be  brought  therein  against  him  for  conduct  unbecoming 
an  Odd  Fellow.— 1894  Journal,  720,  721,  739. 

3234.  When  former  charge  not  a  bar.  A  charge  of  being 
drunk  and  drawing  a  pistol  in  a  threatening  manner  is  not 
the  same  as  a  charge  of  assault,  and  the  proceedings  in  a 
former  case  of  assault  are  not  a  bar  to  an  investigation  and 
trial  upon  the  charge  of  being  drunk,  etc. — Fechelroth  vs. 
Sonora  Lodge,  1890  Journal,  381,  388. 

3235.  Absence  of  accused  at  trial.  When  charges  have 
been  preferred  against  a  brother  remote  from  his  Lodge  and 
he  answers  the  summons  denying  the  charges  and  stating 
his  inability  to  attend  the  trial,  the  Lodge  may  proceed  to 
try  the  case  in  the  form  as  laid  down  in  the  Constitution  of 
Subordinate  Lodges. — 1864  Journal,  556,  555;  Pettit  vs. 
Eureka  Lodge,  1865  Journal,  44,  61. 

3236.  Where  accused  holds  Withdrawal  Card.  After  a 
brother  has  received  a  Withdrawal  Card  the  Lodge  loses  all 
power  to  entertain  charges  against  him  and  have  him  tried 
thereon,  without  first  having  brought  him  back  into  the 
Lodge  by  annulling  the  card.  For  certain  purposes  a  brother 
holding  such  card  is  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Order, 
but  not  for  purposes  of  charges  and  trial.  No  Lodge  can 
try  a  brother  who  is  not  at  the  time  of  trial  a  member  of 


Trials.  799 

that  Lodge.— Desty  vs.  North  Star  Lodge,  1863  Journal,  396. 
(See  Cards.) 

3237.  Transfer  of  membership  by  card — Charges — ^Ex- 
pulsion. After  a  brother  has  applied  and  been  elected  to 
become  a  member  of  a  Lodge  by  deposit  of  card  on  transfer 
of  membership,  and  application  has  accordingly  been  made 
to  his  Lodge  for  a  Withdrawal  Card,  and  he  is  free  from  all 
charges,  the  card  must  be  granted.  His  Lodge  in  such  a.  case 
cannot  neglect  or  refuse  to  grant  the  card,  and  charges  can- 
not be  subsequently  preferred  in  his  Lodge  and  his  Lodge 
expel  him. — Taylor  and  Lemoore  Lodge,  1905  Journal,  766, 
931,  948. 

3238.  Change  of  venue.  There  is  no  law  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  providing  for  a  change  of  venue  in  case  of  charges. — 
1882  Journal,  738,  844,  879. 

3239.  Proof  of  venue.  The  prosecution  is  required  to 
prove  the  venue. — Silberstein  vs.  Capay  Lodge,  1904  Jour- 
nal, 517,  527. 

3240.  Lodge  must  try  its  own  members.  Where  charges 
have  been  preferred  against  a  brother  by  a  member  of 
another  Lodge,  the  brother  must  be  tried  in  his  own  Lodge 
and  not  in  the  Lodge  of  the  brother  who  prefers  the  charges. 
—1887  Journal,  769,  898,  904;  1905  Journal,  743,  932,  948. 

3241.  Grand  Lodge  and  Trial  Committee.  A  Grand  Lodge 
of  a  State  has  no  power  to  appoint  a  committee  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  to  try  a  brother  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge.  It  may, 
however,  order  a  Subordinate  Lodge  to  try  a  member,  and 
to  the  order  the  Subordinate  Lodge  must  yield  obedience. — 
1871  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4993,  5194,  5245. 

3242.  The  same.  Where  charges  for  conduct  unbecoming 
an  Odd  Fellow  have  been  preferred  against  a  member  of  a 
Lodge,  the  Lodge  cannot  delegate  to  another  Lodge  the 
power  to  try  said  brother.— 1886  Journal,  625,  647. 

3243.  When  trial  may  commence.  The  law  does  not  re- 
quire that  the  trial  of  the  accused  should  not  commence 


800  Trials. 

within  two  weeks  after  the  appointment  of- the  Trial  Com- 
mittee.— Paul  vs.  Laurel  Lodge,  1887  Journal,  840,  853. 

3244.  Certificate  or  admission  of  service  of  notice.    The 

law  requires  that  notice  of  the  filing  of  the  report  of  the 
Trial  Committee  must  be  served  on  the  party  against  whom 
the  verdict  is  rendered,  and  a  certificate  or  admission  of 
such  service  should  be  filed  with  the  Lodge.- — Paul  vs.  Laurel 
Lodge,  1885  Journal,  354,  367. 

3245.  Where  charges  fall,  brother  reinstated  from  date  of 
charges.  When  charges  are  preferred  against  a  brother, 
and  are  not  sustained,  or  are  for  any  cause  dismissed,  the 
brother  shall  be  declared  reinstated  in  full  membership  from 
the  date  of  such  charges. — 1854  Journal,  81. 

3246.  Offending  against  By-Law.  Charges  may  be  pre- 
ferred in  the  usual  manner  against  a  brother  who  offends 
against  a  By-Law,  making  it  an  offense  to  make  public  the 
transactions  of  his  Lodge  in  any  of  its  degrees,  or  to  expose 
the  name  of  a  brother  who  may  vot^  or  speak  against  a  can- 
didate for  membership  to  any  of  its  degrees,  and  the  accused 
may  be  tried  for  the  offense  in  the  usual  manner. — 1885  Jour- 
nal, 405,  426,  435. 

3247.  Members  or  officers  under  charges.  A  member  has 
the  right,  during  the  pending  of  charges  against  him,  to  sit 
in  the  Lodge,  and,  if  an  officer,  to  discharge  the  duties  of 
his  office  at  all  times  when,  if  Noble  Grand,  his  case  is  not 
under  action. — 1858  Journal,  394,  395. 

3248.  Charges  against  Noble  Grand.  When  charges  are 
pending  against  the  Noble  Grand  of  a  Lodge,  his  functions 
as  Noble  Grand  do  not  cease,  except  while  such  charges  are 
being  acted  upon  in  open  Lodge.  It  shall  then  be  the  duty 
of  the  Noble  Grand  to  place  in  his  chair  the  Vice-Grand,  or, 
in  his  absence,  some  competent  Past  Grand,  who  shall  ap- 
point the  majority  of  the  members  of  the  Trial  Committee, 
and,  according  to  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  other- 
wise act  in  the  premises. — 1858  Journal,  394,  395. 


Trials.  801 

3249.  Our  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution  governs.    The 

Code  of  Procedure  published  in  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
Digest  (see  White's  Digest,  1895)  is  a  part  of  the  Consti- 
tution enacted  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F., 
for  the  government  of  Subordinate  Lodges  under  the  im- 
mediate jurisdiction  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  That 
Constitution  and  Code  are  not  applicable  to  the  Subordinate 
Lodges  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  this 
State.  The  Constitution  enacted  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
California  is  the  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges  in  the 
State  of  California,  and  its  provisions  regulate  and  govern 
the  procedure  in  the  appointment  of  Trial  Committees  and 
the  trial  of  charges  in  this  jurisdiction. — Johnson  vs.  Em- 
barcadero  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  166,  198,  Ilsohn  vs.  Dia- 
mond Lodge,  1897  Journal,  955,  977. 

3250.  Duty  of  Lodge  when  charges  preferred — Trial 
Committee.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Lodge,  when  charges  are 
preferred,  to  proceed  with  and  complete  the  trial  without 
unnecessary  delay.  If  a  Lodge  should,  upon  false  pretexts 
or  for  purposes  of  annoyance,  knowingly,  purposely  and  un- 
necessarily delay  the  trial,  or  delay  the  trial  with  the  de- 
sign of  preventing  a  brother  from  receiving  benefits  due,  it 
is  liable  to  charges  and  discipline  for  a  violation  of  its  duty. 
If  a  Trial  Committee  knowingly,  purposely  and  unnecessar- 
ily commit  such  acts,  it  or  those  of  the  committee  partici- 
pating therein  are  liable  to  charges  and  the  penalties  pro- 
vided for  conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow. — 1897  Jour- 
nal, 1045,  1059. 

3251.  Defense  and  matters  of  mitigation.  Every  brother 
on  trial  must  have  allowed  him  a  fair  opportunity  for  de- 
fense from  any  alleged  fault  and  be  permitted  to  present  any 
matters  in  mitigation. — 1861  Journal,  163. 

3252.  Noble  Grand  should  not  act  as  counsel.  An  ex- 
ception that  the  Noble  Grand  of  the  Lodge  acted  as  counsel 
for  the  prosecution  in  a  case,  is  not  a  good  one  in  point  of 
law,  but,  as  a  matter  of  taste,  it  is  better  that  he  should  not 
80  act.— California  Lodge  vs.  Beck,  1866  Journal,  193,  210. 

51 


802  Trials. 

3253.  Right  of  accused  to  consult  with  counsel.  Where 
an  accused  brother  selects  counsel  to  act  for  him  in  his 
absence,  who  declines  to  serve,  it  is  a  fatal  error  for  a  Lodge 
to  neglect  to  inform  the  accused  of  the  fact,  and  to  appoint 
other  counsel  for  the  accused  without  notifying  him  (the 
accused),  and  giving  him  an  opportunity  to  consult  with 
the  newly-appointed  counsel. — Valley  Lodge  vs.  Levy,  1866 
Journal,  171,  174. 

3254.  Counsel  sick — Continuance  granted.  The  right  to 
be  represented  and  defended  by  counsel  is  a  substantial  one, 
and  an  accused  brother  is  entitled  to  a  full,  fair  and  reason- 
able opportunity  to  avail  himself  of  such  right.  Where 
counsel,  therefore,  is  confined  to  his  room  by  sickness,  and 
sends  a  letter  to  the  Trial  Committee,  stating  therein  upon 
the  honor  of  an  Odd  Fellow,  that  he  cannot  appear  for  that 
reason,  for  the  period  of  ten  days,  and  asks  a  continuance  of 
the  hearing  for  that  time,  the  committee  should  grant  the 
continuance,  it  being  a  reasonable  delay. — ^Paul  vs.  Laurel 
Lodge,  1886  Journal,  639,  648. 

3255.  Limiting  counsel  as  to  time.  A  brother  should  have 
every  opportunity  to  make  his  defense.  A  Lodge  granted 
defendant's  counsel  only  fifteen  minutes  to  sum  up  his  case 
in  open  Lodge.  This  was  certainly  an  extraordinary  disre- 
gard of  the  rights  of  defendant.  He  was  allowed  counsel, 
and  then  deprived  of  the  full  benefit  of  his  counsel's  services 
by  limiting  him  to  fifteen  minutes, to  reply  to  the  arguments 
which  each  or  all  of  the  members  of  the  Lodge  might  make, 
and  also  to  read  or  comment  on  sixty-six  pages  of  testimony, 
which  of  itself  could  not  be  done  in  half  an  hour.  In  the 
Lodge-room  it  ought  never  to  be  suffered,  whatever  the 
gravity  of  the  offense. — Levey  vs.  Magnolia  Lodge,  1871 
Journal,  404,  429. 

3256.  Offensive  or  disorderly  conduct  of  counsel.  If 
counsel,  a  member  of  the  Order,  representing  the  accused, 
should,  in  addressing  the  Trial  Committee  before  going  into 
the  evidence  of  the  case,  impugn  its  integrity  by  saying  that 


Trials. 


803 


he  knew  ** there  was  no  use  in  making  objections,"  that  he 
knew  **he  was  up  against  it,"  that  he  ''did  not  expect  fair 
play  at  the  hands  of  the  committee, ' '  and  refuse  to  obey  the 
orders  of  the  committee  in  maintaining  order  and  resuming 
his  seat  when  directed,  the  Trial  Committee  has  full  power 
to  compel  an  orderly  transaction  of  business  before  it  and 
full  power  to  refuse  to  permit  him  to  be  heard,  and  to  ask 
that  the  accused  shall  secure  other  counsel,  and  has  the  right 
to  order  the  offending  counsel  to  leave  the  room  and  if  he 
continues  his  disorderly  conduct,  to  eject  him.  If  his  name 
appears  anywhere  on  the  record  it  should  remain,  and  the 
Trial  Committee  should  make  note  on  their  minutes  why  he 
was  not  allowed  farther  to  appear  in  the  case;  if  the  de- 
fendant so  desires  he  should  be  granted  a  reasonable  time  to 
secure  other  counsel.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  32,  219,  243, 
221,  244. 

3257.  By-Laws.  Constitution  of  Subordinates  provides 
the  manner  in  which  charges  shall  be  preferred  against  a 
brother.  Any  By-Law  to  the  contrary  is  null  and  void. — 
1864  Journal,  573. 

3258.  Improper  haste.  Charges  should  not  be  urged  to 
trial  with  improper  haste.  Time  should  be  granted  the 
accused  to  procure  evidence  without  neglect  of  his  business. 
— Coloma  Lodge  vs.  Brown,  1857  Journal,  260,  261. 

3259.  Reversal  of  judgment  on  appeal  and  new  trial. 
In  every  case  of  the  reversal  of  a  judgment  on  appeal  by 
this  Grand  Lodge,  the  Subordinate  Lodge  has  the  power 
to  order  a  new  trial,  avoiding  the  errors  in  the  proceedings 
pointed  out  by  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1856  Journal,  205. 

3260.  New  trial,  newly  discovered  evidence.  An  appli- 
cation for  a  new  trial  on  the  ground  of  newly  discovered 
testimony  comes  in  a  very  suspicious  form  where  the  names 
of  the  newly  discovered  witnesses  are  not  stated,  the  nature 
of  their  testimony  is  not  set  forth,  and  no  means  given  to 
the  Lodge  by  which  it  can  judge  of  the  credibility  of  the 
witnesses  or  the  value  of  their  testimony:  whether  the  new 


804  Trials. 

testimony  would  be  cumulative  or  to  new  points ;  whether  it 
would  be  introduced  to  impeach  that  of  other  witnesses,  or 
whether,  in  fact,  it  exists  at  all.  To  sustain  such  practice 
would  be  to  open  the  door  to  endless  delays  and  vexations, 
and  effectually  bar  the  administration  of  justice. — San  Juan 
Lodge  vs.  Moore,  1859  Journal,  489,  490,  495. 

3261.  The  same.  Applications  for  new  trial  on  the 
ground  of  newly  discovered  testimony  should  afford  the 
Lodge  some  means  of  judging  of  the  importance  and  mate- 
riality of  the  evidence,  should  give  the  names  of  the  wit- 
nesses, set  forth  the  nature  of  their  testimony,  present  some 
proof  that  the  testimony  in  fact  exists. — Holcomb  vs.  Nietos 
Lodge,  1877  Journal,  654,  666. 

3262.  Committee  to  investigate  rumors  about  brother's 
conduct.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  cannot  appoint  a  committee 
to  investigate  rumors  regarding  the  conduct  of  a  brother 
in  good  standing,  prior  to  charges  being  preferred  against 
him  and  report  to  the  Subordinate  Lodge. — 1880  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  8331,  8440. 

3263.  Trials  of  brothers  who  have  not  the  Third  Degree. 

All  proceedings  in  trials  that  take  place  in  a  Lodge,  take 
place  in  the  highest  degree  attained  by  the  accused.  A 
brother  of  a  lower  degree,  although  he  have  preferred  the 
charges,  cannot  be  present  in  Lodge.  The  Lodge  shall  be 
especially  opened  in  the  highest  degree  attained  by  the 
accused,  and  all  rules  of  order  for  the  transaction  of  busi- 
ness in  the  Third  Degree  shall  prevail  at  such  trial,  provided 
that  voting  upon  all  questions  before  said  trial  Lodge,  if 
below  the  Third  Degree,  shall  be  either  viva  voce,  division 
or  ballot.— 1886-1892  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10253,  10487,  10311, 
13143,  13144,  13193. 

3264.  Acquittal  in  civil  courts.  Acquittal  in  civil  courts 
of  a  charge  of  murder  is  not  a  sufficient  defense  in  a  trial 
by  the  Lodge.— 1891  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  12555,  12646. 

3265.  Charges  against  applicant  for  Dismissal  Certificate. 
It  is  not  only  legal  for  a  Subordinate  Lodge  to  entertain, 


Trustees  of  Grand  Lodge.  805 

permit  or  allow  charges  to  be  brought  against  a  member 
who  has  an  application  for  a  Dismissal  Certificate  before  it 
after  five  years  from  the  date  of  suspension,  but  it  is  the 
duty  of  the  Lodge  to  allow  and  try  such  charges. — 1885 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  9856,  10105,  10176. 

(See  Appeals;  Cards;  Dismissal  Certificates;  Officers;  In- 
stallation.) 

TRIAL  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGES. 

(See  Subordinate  Lodges.) 

TRUSTEES  OF  GRAND  LODGE. 

3266.  Their  duties.  The  Trustees  shall,  immediately 
after  their  election  and  qualification,  by  giving  a  bond  as 
hereinafter  provided,  organize  as  a  Board,  with  a  President 
and  Secretary,  and  shall  hold  in  trust  such  funds,  stocks, 
bonds,  securities,  investments  and  other  property  as  the 
Grand  Lodge  may  from  time  to  time  place  in  its  custody 
and  control,  or  which  may  otherwise  come  into  its  posses- 
sion, and  shall  transfer,  exchange  or  deposit  the  same,  or 
any  part  thereof,  as  the  Grand  Lodge  may  direct.  The 
Board  shall  keep  a  full  and  correct  account  of  all  moneys 
received,  expended  or  invested,  and  report,  in  writing,  to 
the  Grand  Lodge  at  each  annual  session,  the  business  trans- 
acted by  the  Board  during  the  term,  together  with  a  partic- 
ular statement  of  the  funds  and  investments  belonging  to 
the  Grand  Lodge,  which  shall  be  carefully  examined  by  the 
Finance  Committee,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  funds  and 
accounts  of  the  Grand  Treasurer  are  required  to  be  exam- 
ined. The  Board  shall  provide  accommodations  for  the 
annual  session  of  the  Grand  Lodge;  perform  such  other 
duties  as  may  be  required  by  the  customs  and  usages  of  the 
Order.  The  Trustees  shall  also,  at  least  twice  a  year,  and  at 
such  other  times  as  they  may  deem  necessary,  examine  the 
books,  accounts  and  vouchers  in  the  hands  of  the  Grand 
Secretary,  and  also  count  the  money  and  examine  the  books 
and  vouchers  in  the  hands  of  the  Grand  Treasurer. — Consti- 
tution Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  6. 


806  Trustees  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

3267.  Elective  officers,  election  and  term.  They  are 
elective  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  Their  terms  and  time 
and  manner  of  election  the  same  as  elective  officers  of  Grand 
Lodges. — Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  Ill,  Sees.  1  and  3. 

(See  Bonds.) 

TRUSTEES  OF  ODD  FELLOWS'  HOME. 

(See  Odd  Fellows'  Home.) 

TRUSTEES  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE. 

3268.  Three  Trustees  may  be  elected.  The  elective  officers 
*  *  *  .  The  Lodge  may  also  elect  three  Trustees  to  serve 
for  such  terms  as  the  By-Laws  shall  prescribe ;  provided,  that 
no  member  shall  hold  any  two  of  said  offices  at  the  same 
time. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  1. 

3269.  Who  ineligible.  No  member  shall  be  eligible  for 
election  as  Trustee  of  a  Lodge  who  is  indebted  to  the  Lodge 
for  any  borrowed  money,  or  held  as  security  to  the  Lodge 
for  any  indebtedness  due  the  Lodge;  nor  shall  a  Trustee 
be  permitted  to  borrow  or  use  any  funds  of  the  Lodge,  or 
become  surety  for  the  same. — Constitution  Subordinates, 
Art.  VI,  Sec.  14;  1890  Journal,  449. 

3270.  The  same.  No  member  holding  an  office  relating 
to  the  management  or  disbursement  of  Lodge  funds,  shall 
be  eligible  to  any  other  office  of  similar  character  in  the 
same  Lodge  during  the  term  of  office  to  w^hich  he  was  first 
elected. — Constitution  Subordinates,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  12. 

3271.  Their  duties.  The  Trustees  (if  there  be  any)  shall 
give  a  joint  and  several  bond  in  such  sum  as  may  be  required, 
for  the  faithful  performance  of  their  duties,  to  be  approved 
by  the  Lodge,  and  made  payable  to  the  Noble  Grand  and 
Vice-Grand,  with  two  good  and  sufficient  sureties  for  each 
Trustee ;  provided,  that  each  Trustee  may  execute  a  separate 
bond  with  two  sureties  as  aforesaid,  if  he  so  elect,  or  the 
By-Laws  so  prescribe.  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  hold  in 
trust  all  stocks,  securities,  investments,  property  and  funds 


Trustees  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  807 

belonging  to  this  Lodge,  and  transfer,  exchange,  or  deposit 
the  same,  or  any  part  thereof,  when  required  by  the  Lodge 
so  to  do ;  and  shall  also  keep  the  funds  invested  for  the  best 
interests  of  the  Lodge,  in  such  stocks,  bonds,  or  other  secur- 
ities, as  shall  be  approved  of  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the 
members  present  at  a  regular  meeting,  or  deposit  the  same 
in  some  savings  bank.  It  shall  be  their  duty  to  have  the 
general  supervision  of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased 
members  of  the  Lodge,  and  render  them  such  assistance 
as  the  Lodge  may  direct,  or  the  rules  and  usages  of  the 
Order  may  require.  On  the  expiration  of  their  term  of 
office,  or  removal  therefrom,  they  shall  deliver  to  their  suc- 
cessors in  office,  or  such  persons  as  shall  be  appointed,  all 
the  books,  papers,  bonds  or  other  property  they  may  have 
in  their  hands  belonging  to  the  Lodge.  They  shall  keep  a 
full  and  correct  account  of  all  moneys  received,  expended 
or  invested,  and  at  the  close  of  each  semi-annual  term,  make 
a  full  report  in  writing  of  all  business  transacted  by  them 
during  the  term,  together  with  a  particular  statement  of  the 
funds  and  investments  belonging  to  the  Lodge. — Constitu- 
tion Subordinates,  Art.  VII,  Sec.  6. 

3272.  No  right  to  expend  or  invest  funds.  Without  the 
consent  of  the  Lodge  the  Trustees  thereof  have  no  right  and 
are  not  authorized  to  expend  or  invest  the  funds  of  the 
Lodge.— 1902  Journal,  750,  903,  939. 

3273.  Bonds,  stocks,  mortgages,  deeds,  etc. — Inspection 
by  members.  Bonds,  stocks,  mortgages,  deeds,  etc.,  are 
placed  in  the  custody  and  charge  of  the  Trustees  of  the 
Lodge,  to  be  held  subject  to  the  order^of  the  Lodge.  When- 
ever ordered  by  the  Lodge  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Trustees  to 
produce  them  for  inspection,  examination  or  other  purposes. 
A  member  may  inspect  or  examine  such  securities  only  as 
a  matter  of  courtesy,  and  not  as  a  right,  unless  he  has  an 
order  or  authorization  from  the  Lodge. — 1901  Journal,  411, 
551,  562. 

3274.  Interest  on  certificates  of  deposit,  notes,  etc.  Under 
the  provisions  of  Section  6,  Article  VII,  Constitution  of  Sub- 


808  Trustees  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

ordinate  Lodges,  the  Trustees  of  a  Lodge  may  deposit  tb« 
interest  on  certificates  of  deposit,  notes  or  other  interest- 
bearing  paper  in  their  hands  in  a  savings  bank  without  the 
interest  having  first  passed  through  the  books  of  the  Lodge. 
They  must  make  a  full  report  of  their  acts  at  the  end  of 
each  term.— 1898  Journal,  12,  231,  277. 

3275.  Nomination  and  election  same  evening.  The  nomi- 
nation and  election  of  Trustees  at  the  same  session  of  a 
Lodge  is  not  regular,  unless  on  the  evening  of  election  alt 
the  previous  nominees  decline. — 1884  Journal,  18,  116,  153. 

3276.  Should  elect  only  three  Trustees.  If  a  Lodge  elect 
five  Trustees,  it  is  irregular,  as  the  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nates provides  for  but  three.  Under  the  circumstances  of 
the  case  (five  Trustees  having  been  elected  by  the  Lodge), the 
Lodge  should  proceed  to  elect  three  Trustees.  The  election 
should  be  held  at  the  next  regular  meeting  after  the  nomi- 
nation, as  provided  in  Section  8,  Article  VI,  Constitution  of 
Subordinates;  and  in  the  meantime  the  Noble  Grand  may, 
if  necessary,  appoint  Trustees  pro  tern. — 1884  Journal,  18. 
116,  153. 

3277.  Vice-Grand,  Recording  Secretary  and  Trustee.  A 
brother  cannot  legally  hold  the  office  of  Trustee  and  Record- 
ing Secretary,  or  Trustee  and  Vice-Grand,  of  a  Lodge  at 
one  and  the  same  time.-^1883  Journal,  1002,  1150,  1175 ;  1886 
Journal,  534,  620,  646 ;  1896  Journal,  408. 

3278.  Election  by  ballot  or  acclamation.  A  Lodge  may 
elect  Trustees  by  ballot,  or  by  acclamation  in  cases  where 
there  is  only  one  cancSdate  for  each  office.  It  is  not  neces- 
sary that  a  member  should  have  previously  served  in  an 
appointed  office  to  be  eligible  to  the  office  of  Trustee. — 1895 
Journal,  20,  195,  238. 

3279.  Election  and  term.  Every  Lodge  should  elect  a 
Board  of  Trustees,  whose  term  of  office  shall  be  fixed  by  the 
By-Laws,  and  said  Trustees  must  be  elected  in  accordance 
with  the  provisions  thereof. — 1896  Journal,  411,  581,  628. 


Uniforms. 


809 


3280.  Resignation  accepted — Reconsideration.  The  vote 
by  which  the  resignation  of  a  Trustee  is  accepted,  cannot 
be  reconsidered  at  a  subsequent  meeting. — 1904  Journal, 
386,  541,  553. 

3281.  Finance  Committee.  A  brother  cannot  hold  the 
office  of  Trustee  and  be  on  the  Finance  Committee  at  the 
same  time.— 1897  Journal,  841,  994,  1034. 

3282.  Cannot  nominate  and  elect  to  fill  vacancy  the  same 
evening.  A  Lodge  cannot  legally  elect  a  Trustee  to  fill  a 
vacancy  on  the  same  evening  he  is  nominated,  as  it  would 
be  contrary  to  Section  8,  Article  VI,  Constitution  of  Subor- 
dinates.—1881  Journal  503,  601,  627. 

3283.  Nomination  and  election  same  evening.  The  nomi- 
nation and  election  of  Trustees  at  the  same  session  of  a 
Lodge  is  not  regular  unless  on  the  regular  evening  or  session 
of  election  all  the  previous  nominees  decline. — 1884  Journal, 
18,  16,  153. 

3284.  Election  and  term  of  office.  At  a  regular  meeting 
of  the  Lodge,  three  brothers  were  nominated  for  Trustees, 
each  of  whom  declined,  leaving  no  nominees.  On  the  even- 
ing of  election  of  officers,  no  nominations  were  made,  but 
the  three  brothers  who  were  nominated  at  previous  meeting 
and  had  declined  were  elected.  On  the  evening  of  installa- 
tion they  refused  to  serve,  or  qualify,  or  resign  on  the  ground 
that  they  were  not  legally  elected,  having  declined  the  nom- 
ination. In  such  case,  there  being  no  candidates  in  nomina- 
tion for  trustees  none  could  be  legally  elected.  The  Trus- 
tees of  the  previous  term  hold  until  their  successors  are 
elected  and  qualified.— 1881  Journal,  499,  601,  627. 


UNIFORMS. 
Lodge  street  uniform.    ITniform  street  dress  to  be 
worn  by  Subordinate  Lodges  when  in  public  procession : 

1.  The  style  of  hat  or  cap  and  dress  shall  be  left  to  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  individual  Subordinate  Lodges,  provided 
that  in  each  case  strict  uniformity  shall  be  enjoined  and 
observed. 


810  Visitors  and  Visiting. 

2.  Plain  white  gloves  only  shall  be  worn. 

3.  A  jewel  collar  two  and  one-half  inches  wide,  uniting 
in  a  point  in  front,  made  of  light  blue  Italian  cloth  or  other 
material,  except  velvet,  edged  with  silver  lace  or  braid, 
one-fourth  of  an  inch  wide,  and  without  embroidery  of  any 
kind  whatever.  A  medal,  to  be  suspended  from  the  collar, 
of  white  metal,  one  and  three-fourths  inches  in  diameter, 
having  on  the  obverse  side,  in  raised  work,  the  All-Seeing 
Eye,  encircled  with  rays  of  light,  and  on  the  reverse,  also 
in  raised  work,  three  links  of  the  Order,  surrounded  by  the 
legend,  "In  God  We  Trust.  Friendship,  Love  and  Truth." 
Officers  and  Past  Officers  may  wear  instead  thereof  or  in 
addition  thereto  such  jewel  or  jewels  of  the  Order  as  they 
may  be  entitled  to  wear  elsewhere  in  conformity  with  the 
existing  regulations.— 1877  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7370,  7472 ;  1878 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7790;  1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  294,  315. 

3286.  Uniforms  optional.  .  The  wearing  of  uniforms  is 
purely  a  voluntary  matter,  and  anything  that  would  directly 
or  indirectly  compel  members  to  procure  them  would  be 
highly  objectionable.— 1880  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  8345,  8461. 

UNWRITTEN  WORK. 

(See  Work  of  the  Order.) 

VISITATION. 

(See  Districts;  Honors  of  the  Order.) 

VISITORS   AND   VISITING. 

1.  Right  to  visit,  page  810. 

2.  Examination  and  introduction,  page  816. 

3.  Introduction  by  Elective  Grand  Officers,  page  818. 

1.     RIGHT    TO    VISIT. 

3287.  Visitors  must  have  the  proper  password.  A  Noble 
Grand  has  no  right  to  admit  a  visiting  brother,  or  allow 
him  to  remain  in  the  Lodge  if  present  when  open,  unless  he 


Visitors  and  Visiting.  811 

be  in  possession  of  the  proper  password. — 1862  Journal,  259, 
305,  320. 

Note. — The  Noble  Grand  has  no  jurisdiction  without  the  term  pass- 
right  to  admit  a  member  belong-  word — (1852  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
ing  to  another  Lodge  in  his  State       1840,  1897,  1952). 

3288.  The  same.  Lodges  cannot  by  a  vote  overrule  the 
Noble  Grand  and  admit  a  visiting  brother  who  is  not  in  pos- 
session of  the  proper  password. — 1858  Journal,  390;  1860 
Journal,  88. 

3289.  Visitors  must  have  password  in  use  by  the  Lodge. 

At  the  commencement  of  a  new  term,  a  brother  cannot  visit 
a  sister  Lodge  unless  he  have  the  password  in  use  by  the 
Lodge  he  desires  to  visit. — 1857  Journal,  272 ;  1862  Journal, 
304,  305. 

Note.  —  After     installation     of  Lodge   has    not   yet   arrived,    and 

oflBcers  and  the  receipt  of  the  new  the  visitor,  consequently,  was  not 

password,   the   Noble   Grand    can-  entitled   to    the    new  password — 

not   admit  a   member   of   another  (1872     S.    G.    L.    Journal,     5502, 

Lodge    on    the    old    password,    al-  5545;  1873  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  5796, 

though  the  time  for  the  installa-  5828). 
tion  of  the  oflScers  of  the  visitor's 

3290.  When  old  term  word  may  be  given.  If  the  officers 
of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  at  the  commencement  of  a  regular 
term  have  not  the  password  of  the  new  term,  the  Lodge 
can  permit  members  of  another  Lodge  of  the  same  jurisdic- 
tion whose  officers  have  been  installed  and  have  received 
the  new  term  password  to  visit  it,  but  the  old  term  word 
must  be  given  by  the  visiting  brother. — 1860  Journal,  84,  86. 

3291.  Visitors  from  other  jurisdictions  must  have  Annual 
Traveling  Password.  An  imperative  test  prescribed  by  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  for  the  admission  of  a  visiting 
brother  from  a  foreign  jurisdiction  is  that  he  shall  have  the 
Annual  Traveling  Password. — 1858  Journal,  88. 

Note. — No  brother  can  be  ad-  of  the  proper  officers  and  seal  of 
mitted  to  visit  a  Lodge  out  of  the  the  Lodge  of  which  he  is  a  mem- 
State,  district  or  territory  where  l)er,  and  signed  on  the  margin  in 
he  resides,  unless  he  present  a  card  his  own  proper  handwriting,  or 
as  furnished  under  the  signature  an  official  certificate,  as  required 


812  Visitors  and  Visiting. 

by  law,  and  prove  himself  in  the  6612,  6690;  1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 

Annual   Traveling   Password,    and  14953,   15067;   and   1897   S.  G.  L. 

in  the  degree  in  which  the  Lodge  Journal,      15165,      15174,      15534, 

is  open— (1875  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15584,  15613). 

3292.  When  Noble  Grand  cannot  admit  such  visitor.  It 
is  not  proper  for  the  Noble  Grand  to  admit  a  brother  of 
another  jurisdiction  who  has  a  Traveling  Card  and  not  the 
Annual  Traveling  Password,  or  the  Annual  Traveling  Pass- 
word and  not  the  Traveling  Card  or  the  official  certificate 
in  date.— 1857  Journal,  254;  1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14953, 
15067 ;  and  1897  Journal,  15562,  15616. 

3293.  Card  and  Annual  Traveling  Password   necessary. 

A  brother  of  this  jurisdiction  must  have  the  official  certifi- 
cate or  the  Visiting  Card  to  visit  in  any  other  jurisdiction, 
as  he  cannot  visit  on  the  Annual  Traveling  Password  alone. 
—1898  Journal,  58,  220,  240. 

3294.  Visiting  Card  and  official  certificates  as  orders  for 
passwords.  As  to  when  a  Visiting  Card  or  official  certifi- 
cate is  an  order  for  passwords  and  as  to  a  brother  holding 
such  card  or  official  certificate  obtaining  passwords  from 
the  Noble  Grand  of  another  Lodge,  see  Passwords. 

3295.  A  brother  cannot  visit  after  expiration  of  card. 
A  brother  cannot  be  permitted  to  visit  a  Lodge  after  his 
card  has  expired,  though  he  may  still  have  the  Annual  Trav- 
eling Password  which  accompanied  the  card,  and  visited  the 
Lodge  as  long  as  the  card  was  in  date. — 1857  Journal,  262. 

Note. — In  case  of  a  brother  who  invalid  for  the  purpose  of  visiting 

has  honorably  withdrawn  by  card  — (1852    S.    G.   L.   Journal,    1921, 

from  his  Lodge,  and  has  remained  1956;  1868  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4386, 

out  of  the  Order  for  a  period  of  4417). 
twelve   months,   his   card  becomes 

3296.  When    visiting   brothers    must   be    admitted.      A 

Lodge  cannot  exercise  any  discretion  as  to  the  admission  of 
visiting  brothers  in  good  standing,  or  holding  cards  in  date 
with  the  accompanying  Annual  Traveling  Password.  Bro- 
thers in  possession  of  proper  cards,  and  who  prove  themselves 
according  to  established  rules  and  regulations,  are  entitled 


Visitors  and  Visiting. 


813 


to  admission  into  Lodges  of  any  State  or  Territory. 
Journal  208,  215,  218,  281,  291 ;  1858  Journal,  346. 


-1857 


XoTE. — A  Lodge  has  no  right  to 
refuse,  admission  to  one  who  has  a 
regular  card,  on  the  ground  that 
he  was  improperly  or  illegally  ini- 
tiated, or  because  he  is  an  im- 
proper person.  One  having  proper 
credentials  and  proving  himself  in 
the  work  should  be  received  as  a 
visiting  brother,  and  his  conduct, 
if  improper,  be  reported  to  the 
Lodge  granting  the  card — (1851 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1723,  1797;  1852 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1885,  1948;  1857 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2759,  2783,  2787, 
2818;  1876  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6987, 
7055).      But   Indians    are   utterly 


excluded  from  membership,  and 
although  an  Indian  have  been  reg- 
ularly initiated,  present  a  regular 
card,  have  the  password,  and  pass 
an  examination,  he  cannot  law- 
fully be  permitted  to  visit  a  Lodge 
—  (1877  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6752, 
6977,  7051 ) .  No  Lodge  has  a  right 
to  refuse  admittance  to  a  brother 
who  has  a  regular  Visiting  Card, 
and  is  correct,  etc.,  for  the  simple 
reason  that  his  presence  is  obnox- 
ious to  the  Lodge— (1886  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  10252,  10413,  10487, 
10511). 


3297.  Supposed  unworthy  member.  A  Subordinate  Lodge 
has  not  the  right,  and  it  is  not  proper,  to  request  a  member 
of  the  Order  in  good  standing  to  refrain  from  visiting  the 
Lodge,  it  appearing  to  the  Lodge  that  the  brother  is  not  a 
worthy  member.  The  course  for  a  Lodge  or  a  member  to 
pursue  in  such  a  case  is  to  prefer  charges  against  the  sup- 
posed unworthy  member. — Sacramento  Lodge  vs.  Kendall, 
1857  Journal,  281. 

3298.  Brother  of  this  jurisdiction  holding  Withdrawal 
Card.  A  brother  of  this  jurisdiction  holding  a  Withdrawal 
Card  must  visit  on  the  card  and  give  the  Annual  Traveling 
Password.— 1877  Journal,  581,  675,  697. 

3299.  Withdrawal  Card  and  password.  A  brother  hold- 
ing a  Withdrawal  Card  is  entitled  to  the  Annual  Traveling 
Password  in  use  at  the  time  the  card  was  granted,  and  retains 
the  right  to  visit  on  that  word  for  one  year,  and  cannot 
visit  on  any  other  word. — 1857  Journal,  249,  273 ;  1860  Jour- 
nal, 10,  86;  1861  Journal,  127,  177;  1895  Journal,  23,  195, 
196,  236. 

3300.  The  same.  A  brother  granted  a  Withdrawal  Card 
October  28th,  1893,  is  entitled  to  the  password  which  was  in 


814  Visitors  and  Visiting. 

force  on  the  date  at  which  he  was  g:ranted  the  card.  He  can 
visit  on  that  password  until  the  expiration  of  his  card.  He 
is  not  entitled  to  the  password  for  1894,  and  cannot  visit 
on  it.— 1895  Journal,  23,  195,  196,  236. 

3301.  Visitor  who  cannot  write  his  name.  A  Lodge 
should  admit  a  visiting  brother  in  possession  of  a  Visiting 
Card  who  cannot  write  his  name  on  the  margin  of  his  card, 
if  he  can  prove  his  identity  in  any  other  manner  satisfactory 
to  the  Lodge.— 1869  Journal,  112,  117. 

3302.  Member  of  suspended  or  expelled  Lodge.  A  mem- 
ber of  a  suspended  or  expelled  Lodge  has  not  the  right  to 
visit  on  an  unexpired  Visiting  Card  granted  prior  to  such 
suspension  or  expulsion.  He  is  thereby  suspended  from  his 
privileges  and  cannot  visit  a  Lodge. — 1848-1849  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  1148,  1291,  1316-1470,  1484. 

3303.  Brother  of  this  jurisdiction  holding  Visiting  Card. 
A  brother  holding  an  unexpired  Visiting  Card  from  a  Lodge 
in  this  jurisdiction  should  use  the  Semi-Annual  Password  in 
visiting  Lodges  therein;  but  if  without  the  Semi-Annual 
Password,  he  may  visit  upon  his  card  and  the  Annual  Travel- 
ing Password.— 1862  Journal,  290;  1869  Journal,  49,  50; 
1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14249,  14487,  14570;  1896  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  14683,  14948,  15019. 

3304.  Visiting  Card — Oflacial  Certificate — ^Password.     A 

Noble  Grand  should  give  to  a  brother  with  a  Visiting  Card 
or  official  certificate,  the  Annual  Traveling  Password  cur- 
rent at  the  time  of  presentation,  provided  the  card  or  certifi- 
cate, as  the  case  may  be,  covers  a  period  which  extends  to 
a  later  date.— 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  28,  401,  416. 

3305.  Dues  in  advance  on  official  certificate.  A  brother 
must  pay  his  dues  in  advance,  the  same  as  on  a  Visiting 
Card,  in  order  to  visit  on  the  official  certificate. — 1897 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15165,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

3306.  Expired  official  certificate.  A  brother  cannot 
visit  on  an  expired  Official  Certificate. — 1897  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 15174,  15534,  15584,  15613.     The  holder  of  an  official 


Visitors  and  Visiting.  815 

certificate  cannot  visit  thereon  after  the  date  to  which  the 
same  shows  his  dues  to  be  paid. — 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  28, 
360,  371,  372;  1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  533,  752,  820. 

3307.  Official  certificate  and  Semi-Annual  Password.  A 
brother  who  is  in  possession  of  an  official  certificate  and 
the  Annual  Traveling  Password,  can  visit  a  Lodge  within  the 
jurisdiction  containing  his  own  Lodge,  he  being  without  the 
password  of  the  current  term. — 1879  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15174, 
15534,  15584,  15613 ;  1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  39,  40,  219,  243, 
If  he  has  the  Semi-Annual  Password  he  can  visit  without  the 
official  certificate.— 1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15744,  16030, 
16054. 

(See  Sections  2492,  2493,  2494.) 

3308.  Duty  to  examine  holder  of  official  certificate — 
Password.  An  official  certificate  does  not  of  itself  permit 
visitation.  It  is  the  duty  of  a  Lodge  to  which  such  certifi- 
cate is  presented  to  cause  the  brother's  identity  to  be  proven 
by  an  examination  or  otherwise. — 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  24, 
365,  394. 

3309.  When  brother  may  visit  Grand  Lodge.  A  brother 
who  has  filled  the  chair  of  Noble  Grand  for  one  term,  but 
who  has  never  filled  the  chair  of  Vice-Grand,  is  entitled  to 
visit  the  Grand  Lodge.— 1888  Journal,  1021,  1111,  1130. 

3310.  The  same.  A  brother,  after  leaving  the  chair  of 
the  Noble  Grand,  does  not  have  to  fill  the  chair  of  Past 
Grand  one  full  term  before  being  entitled  to  visit  the  Grand 
Lodge.— 1888  Journal,  1021,  1111,  1130. 

3311.  Visitors  to  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.  A  visitor  to 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  must  be  a  Past  Grand  in  good 
standing  in  his  Lodge,  Encampment  and  Rebekah  Lodge, 
who  has  received  the  Grand  Lodge  Degree  and  the  Royal 
Purple  Degree.  Such  a  visitor  is  admitted  to  the  Sovereign 
(rrand  Lodge  upon  the  voucher  of  a  Grand  Representative 
from  his  jurisdiction.— 1889  Journal,  34,  122,  163;  1871 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  4993,  5185,  5222;  1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  42, 
390,  398 ;  Constitution  S.  G.  Lodge,  Art.  IX,  Sec.  3. 


816  Visitors  and  Visiting. 

3312.  Disorderly  visitor.  Subordinate  Bodies  by  exist- 
ing regulations  possess  an  inherent  right  to  protect  them- 
selves from  disorder,  the  want  of  decorum  and  violations  of 
the  ordinary  proprieties  of  life,  and  where  a  visitor  is  so 
disorderly  the  Lodge  may  refuse  him  admission  or  eject 
him  from  the  meeting,  although  such  visitor  is  in  posses- 
sion of  the  proper  card  and  has  proved  himself,  according 
to  established  regulations,  entitled  to  admission  into  Lodges 
and  Encampments  of  any  jurisdiction. — 1857  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 2730,  2787,  2818. 

3313.  Withdrawal  Card — Saloon-keeper — Bartender.  A 
Lodge  should  not  grant  a  Withdrawal  Card  to  a  member 
when  it  has  knowledge  that  he  has  violated  the  law  by 
engaging  in  the  business  of  a  saloon-keeper  or  bartender, 
but  should  prefer  charges.— 1903  S.  G.  L,  Journal,  20,  284, 
314.  A  brother  who  was  a  saloon-keeper  or  barkeeper  when 
the  amendment  to  Section  5,  Article  XVI,  Constitution  of 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  went  into  effect  (September  18, 
1895)  and  has  pursued  the  occupation  ever  since  and  takes 
a  Withdrawal  Card  is  entitled  to  the  Annual  Traveling  Pass- 
word and  may  visit  upon  it  one  year,  though  he  continue 
the  business.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14681,  14687,  14948, 
15019 ;  1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15157,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

3314.  How  a  Lodge  may  visit.  A  Lodge  with  its  officers 
can  in  a  body  visit  another  Lodge  outside  of  its  own  juris- 
diction without  cards  or  the  Annual  Traveling  Password,  but 
it  is  necessary  that  one  of  their  first  two  officers  in  charge 
must  be  in  possession  of  the  Annual  Traveling  Password,  and 
have  his  card.  Such  officer  may  introduce  them  in  the  man- 
ner provided  for  the  introduction  of  visitors  by  the  elective 
Grand  Officers.— 1875  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6350,  6619,  6692; 
1857-1858-1859  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2792,  2828,  2990,  4467,  4598, 
4614. 

(See  Passwords.) 

2.    EXAMINATION   AND   INTRODUCTION. 

3315.  Visiting  brothers  from  other  jurisdictions,  how 
admitted.    In  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  examine  a 


Visitors  and  Visiting. 


817 


visiting  brother,  it  is  necessary  to  appoint  as  a  member  of 
that  committee,  either  the  Vice-Grand  or  sitting  Past  Grand, 
in  possession  of  the  Annual  Traveling  Password,  or  the  Noble 
Grand  must  himself  act  as  a  member  of  the  committee.  The 
Noble  Grand  has  no  authority  to  communicate  the  Annual 
Traveling  Password  to  a  Past  Grand  for  the  purpose  of  en- 
abling him  to  make  the  necessary  examination.  Where  the 
Vice-Grand  and  the  sitting  Past  Grand  are  both  absent,  the 
Noble  Grand  shall  act  as  a  member  of  the  Examining  Com- 
mittee.—1884  Journal,  20,  116,  153. 

Note. — When  a  visiting  brother      whose   especial    duty    it    shall   be, 

p^rst,  to  obtain  the  said  Annual 
Traveling  Password  privately 
from  the  visitor,  whose  duty  it 
shall  be  to  commence  by  letters. 
This  preliminary  being  settled,  the 
committee  will  then  examine  the 
visitor  in  the  degree  in  which  the 
Lodge  is  open— (1844  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  690;  1869  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 4467,  4626,  4671) .  If  he  shall 
prove  himself  entitled  to  admis- 
sion he  shall  be  introduced  to  the 
Lodge  by  the  Examining  Commit- 
tee—(1846  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  912), 
and  not  work  his  way  in — (1847 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1086,  1114). 


presents  himself  at  the  door  he 
should  hand  his  card  to  the  Guard- 
ian, that  it  may  be  placed  in  pos- 
session of  the  Lodge.  If  the 
Lodge  be  satisfied  of  its  authen- 
ticity, it  will  thereupon  appoint  a 
committee  of  three  members,  all 
of  whom  must  have  received  the 
Scarlet  Degree,  to  proceed  to  the 
ante-room  and  examine  the  visit- 
ing brother.  One  member  of  this 
committee  must  be  the  Noble 
Grand,  or  his  Vice,  or  sitting  Past 
Grand,  or  some  other  brother 
known  to  be  in  possession  of  the 
Annual        Traveling        Password, 

3316.  Revisiting  by  card — Opening  of  Lodge.  After  a 
visiting  brother  has  been  examined  and  introduced  into  a 
Lodge  no  further  examination  of  the  brother  upon  the  same 
card  shall  be  necessary  in  the  same  Lodge,  but  he  may  be 
received  into  the  Lodge  at  the  opening  and  through  the 
whole  session,  provided  that  the  presiding  officer,  upon 
inspection,  shall  find  the  card  in  date  at  the  time  of  said 
visit,  and  the  Lodge  shall  be  satisfied  that  the  brother  has 
before  that  time  been  regularly  examined  and  admitted  to 
its  session  on  some  former  occasion  on  the  same  card. — 1874 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6266,  6267,  6324;  1858  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
2923,  2990. 

3317.  Right  to  examine  visitor  every  visit.  It  is  the 
right  of  a  Lodge  to  examine  a  visiting  brother  every  night 

52 


818  Visitors  and  Visiting. 

he  may  present  himself  for  admission,  and  when  examined 
he  must  be  introduced  by  the  committee. — 1857  Journal,  250 ; 
1859  Journal,  473 ;  1856  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2561,  2629,  2664. 

3318.  No  examination  in  password  of  Grand  Lodge 
Degree.  A  committee  appointed  to  examine  a  visiting 
brother  who  announces  himself  as  a  Past  Grand  has  no 
right,  and  it  is  not  its  duty,  to  examine  the  brother  in  the 
password  of  the  Grand  Lodge  Degree. — 1875  Journal,  301, 
300. 

3319.  Examination  in  the  work.  The  committee  has  the 
right  to  examine  a  visiting  brother  in  the  address  to  the 
chair  and  in  everything  up  to  the  highest  degree  of  the 
Subordinate  Lodge  to  which  he  has  attained. — 1895  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  14248,  14487,  14570. 

3320.  Test  obligation  no  part  of  examination.  A  test 
obligation  is  no  part  of  the  mode  of  examining  visitors  pre- 
scribed by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  and  a  Subordinate 
Lodge  introducing  such  a  requirement  would  be  deserving 
of  censure.— 1847  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  1070,  1074. 

3.    INTRODUCTION  BY  ELECTIVE  GRAND  OFFICERS. 

3321.  Elective  OflBcers  of  the  Grand  Lodge  and  Grand 
Representatives.  An  elective  Grand  Officer  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  and  a  Grand  Representative  of  either  branch  of  the 
Order  have  the  right  to  introduce  into  Subordinate  Lodges 
of  his  own  jurisdiction,  brothers  of  another  jurisdiction  or 
brothers  holding  unexpired  Withdrawal  Cards  without  the 
Annual  Traveling  Password.— 1857  Journal,  267 ;  1864  Jour- 
nal, 504;  1888-1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11103,  11368,  11396, 
14249,  14525,  14570;  By-Law  XIV,  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

Note. — A  brother  out  of  the  ju-  such    cases    the    presiding    officer 

risdiction     or     State     where     his  shall  be  satisfied  that  the  brother 

Lodge  is  located,  may  always  visit,  introducing     such     visitor     is     a 

if  introduced  by  a   Grand  Repre-  Grand  Representative    or    elective 

sentative  or  any  elective  officer  of  officer  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 

the  'Grand    Lodge    or    Grand    En-  jurisdiction  to  which  his  Lodge  or 

campment  within  whose  jurisdic-  Encampment  belongs — (1875-1882- 

tion   he   wishes   to   visit.      In    all  1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  6612,  6690, 


Visitors  and  Visiting.  819 

9028,  9102,   14249,   14525,   14570).  to  be  given  to  the  visiting  brother 

A  Grand  Master,   when   introduc-  unless  he  also  be  entitled  thereto. 

ing  a  visiting  brother,  enters  the  A   Grand   Representative    has   no 

Lodge  in  his  official  capacity.     He  right   to   introduce    visitors   to   a 

announces  himself  as  Grand  Mas-  Subordinate     Encampment     whom 

ter  with  a  visiting  brother,  and  is  he  knows  are  not  members  of  the 

entitled   to   be    received   with    the  patriarchal  branch  of  the  Order — 

Honors  of  the  Order,  and  must  be  (1887    S.    G.    L.    Journal,    10716, 

so  received.     The  honors  are  not  10951,  10952,  11005). 

3322.  Right  of  Grand  Representative  to  introduce  visi- 
tors. A  Grand  Representative's  right  to  introduce  visitors 
is  confined  to  his  own  jurisdiction ;  he  has,  therefore,  not  the 
right  to  introduce  any  brother  into  any  Subordinate  out  of 
his  own  jurisdiction  under  any  circumstances. — 1889  Jour- 
nal, 73. 

3323.  Cannot  introduce  members  of  their  own  jurisdic- 
tion. Grand  Officers  and  Grand  Representatives  are  not 
authorized  to  introduce  members  of  their  own  Grand  juris- 
diction— only  members  of  other  jurisdictions.  The  only 
authority  for  such  introduction  is  given  by  Article  XIV  of 
the  By-Laws  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 1895  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  14249,  14525,  14570. 

3324.  Expired  Withdrawal  Card.  An  elective  officer  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  cannot  legally  introduce  into  a  Lodge  a 
brother  holding  an  expired  Withdrawal  Card. — 1871  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  4993,  5185,  5222. 

3325.  Powers  of  elective  Grand  Officers  cannot  be  dele- 
gated. The  Grand  Master,  or  other  elective  Grand  Officer, 
has  no  power  to  grant  a  dispensation  to  admit  as  a  visitor 
an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow  or  any  other  brother.  They  cannot 
delegate  the  power  in  them  in  regard  to  the  introduction  of 
visitors.  It  must  be  done  in  person  by  said  officer  upon  each 
and  every  occasion  such  brother  visits  the  Lodge,  and  the 
Recording  Secretary  should  note  the  same  upon  the  record. 
—1857  Journal,  285,  286. 

3326.  Grand  Representative's  right.  A  Lodge  has  no 
right  to  require  a  Grand  Representative  or  elective  Grand 
Officer  to  show  them  the  law  or  to  require  him  to  inform 


820  Visiting  Committee. 

the  Lodge  how  he  had  convinced  himself  that  the  brother 
he  intended  to  introduce,  was  in  good  standing  and  that 
their  only  right  was  to  be  convinced  that  the  brother  intro- 
ducing was  a  Grand  Representative  or  elective  Grand  Officer 
of  the  same  jurisdiction  as  the  Lodge. — 1902  S.  G.  L.. Jour- 
nal, 532,  978,  1002. 

3327.  Visitor  to  Grand  Lodge  or  Subordinate  Lodge.    A 

Grand  Representative  from  a  Grand  Encampment  or  Grand 
Lodge  may  introduce  a  brother  in  a  Grand  or  Subordinate 
Lodge.— 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  48,  360,  371,  372. 

3328.  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  cannot  introduce 
visitor.  A  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  has  no  right  to 
introduce  any  brother  into  a  Lodge  as  a  visitor. — 
1858  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  2859,  2925,  2963. 

(See  Honors  of  the  Order;  Cards;  Official  Certificates; 
Passwords;  Recess.) 

VISITING  CARDS. 

(See  Cards.) 

VISITING  COMMITTEE. 

3329.  Objects  of.  There  are  two  objects  to  be  attained 
in  having  a  Visiting  Committee  in  the  Lodge:  First,  that  the 
sick  brother  shall  be  properly  cared  for;  second,  that  the 
Lodge  may  be  kept  constantly  advised  of  his  actual  condi- 
tion.—1889  Journal,  28,  29,  122,  163. 

3330.  Duty  of  sick  brothers  in  certain  cases.  Those  who 
are  on  the  sick  list  and  are  able  to  lighten  the  labors  of  the 
committee  should  do  so  by  calling  on  them  at  convenient 
times.  The  Noble  Grand  should  request  the  sick  brother  to 
call  on  the  members  of  the  committee  as  often  as  he  is  in 
town,  and  in  that  way  they  may  be  entirely  relieved  of  the 
necessity  of  visiting  him  at  his  home. — 1889  Journal,  29,  122, 
163. 

3331.  Duty  of  committee  and  sick  brothers.  The  Visiting 
Committee  is  compelled  to  visit  a  brother  as  long  as  he  is 
on  the  sick  list,  provided  the  brother  be  too  sick  to  call  on 


Vouching— Widow.  821 

members  of  the  committee.    If  he  be  able  to  call  on  them  he 
should  do  so,  and  thus  lighten  their  labors. — 1890  Journal, 
316,  407,  417,  436. 
(See  Benefits.) 

VOTE  AND  VOTING. 
(See  Ballot  and  Voting.) 

VOUCHING. 

3332.  Vouching  for  brothers  is  illegal.  It  is  not  legal 
nor  proper  to  vouch  for  a  brother  who  has  not  the  password 
or  a  card.  Vouching  for  brothers  to  obtain  admission  as 
visitors  is  contrary  to  all  law  and  usage. — 1857  Journal,  254, 
272. 

3333.  Expired  Visiting  Card  and  vouching.  A  brother 
cannot  visit  a  Lodge  in  another  jurisdiction  than  that  to 
which  his  Lodge  belongs,  after  his  Visiting  Card  has  expired ; 
nor  can  he  be  vouched  for. — 1896  Journal,  408,  588,  629. 

3334.  A  brother's  standing.  There  is  no  such  thing  in 
Odd  Fellowship  as  vouching  for  a  brother's  standing. — 1902 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  529,  978,  1002. 

(See  Section  3311.) 

WATCHERS  AND  WATCHING  WITH  THE  SICK. 

(See  Nurses  and  Watchers.) 

WIDOW. 

3335.  Married  and  divorced.  The  widow  of  an  Odd  Fel- 
low who  marries  and  is  divorced  from  her  second  husband 
is  not  thereby  restored  to  widowhood. — 1896  Journal,  410, 
581,  629. 

3336.  Money  and  donation.  A  Lodge  is  not  obliged  to 
pay  the  widow  of  one  of  its  members  any  money  except  the 
By-Laws  so  provide.  It  may,  however,  make  such  donation 
as  in  its  discretion  may  be  expedient. — 1896  Journal,  410, 
588,  629. 

(See  Benefits;  Orphans;  Cards.) 


822  Work  of  the  Order. 

WITHDRAWAL  CARDS. 

(See  Cards.) 

WITNESSES. 

'  (See  Trials;  Benefits.) 

WORK  OF  THE  ORDER. 

3337.  Grand  Master.  He  shall  give  such  instructions, 
from  time  to  time,  in  the  work  of  the  Order,  to  the  Deputies 
or  to  the  Lodges,  as  may  be  necessary. — Constitution  Grand 
Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  1. 

(See  Section  2194.) 

3338.  District  Deputy  Grand  Master.  He  shall  see  that 
the  work  of  the  Order  is  performed  uniformly. — Constitu- 
tion Grand  Lodge,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  7. 

3339.  Grand  Representatives  must  not  instruct  in,  when. 
Grand  Representatives  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  have 
no  right,  and  are  forbidden,  to  instruct  in  the  secret  work 
of  the  Order,  or  decisions  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  any 
Subordinate  Lodge  or  person,  except  the  "Grand  Master, 
before  they  report  thereon  to  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1858  Jour- 
nal, 383. 

Note. — To  the  Sovereign  Grand  power   to    provide    and    establish 

Lodge  belongs  the  power  to  regu-  suitable  lectures  and  other  written 

late    and    control    the    unwritten  work  therefor — (S.  G.  L.  Consti- 

work  of  the  Order,  and  also  the  tution,  Art.  I,  Sec  5). 

3340.  Who  may  instruct  in.  The  Grand  Master,  his 
Deputy,  and  the  Noble  Grand  are  the  only  ones  having 
authority  to  impart  instruction  in  the  secret  work  of  the 
Order  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge.  Representatives  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  have  no  such  authority. — 1860  Journal,  50. 

3341.  Duty  of  installing  officers.  Installing  officers  should 
impress  upon  the  minds  of  those  officers  holding  in  custody 
the  secret  work  of  our  Order  the  great  importance  of  such 
trust,  and  the  binding  nature  of  their  obligations  in  the 
premises,  and  the  penalty  attached  to  their  violation. — 1870 
Journal,  280,  296. 


I 


Work  of  the  Order.  823 

3342.  Must  not  be  written.  It  is  wrong  for  a  Lodge  or 
Noble  Grand  to  require  or  request  of  a  brother,  when  taking 
the  Third  or  any  other  degree,  that  he  shall  write  the  pass- 
word or  any  of  the  secret  work. — 1872  Journal,  574,  665,  684. 

3343.  Must  not  have  or  use  a  written  key.  Any  brother 
who  has  or  uses  a  written  key  to  the  unwritten  work  of  the 
Order  is  subject  to  expulsion.— 1887  Journal,  770,  875,  888. 

3344.  Cipher  key — Initiatory  member.  Cipher  key  can- 
not be  sold  to  an  Odd  Fellow  who  has  only  received  the  Ini- 
tiatory Degree.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  20,  219,  243. 

3345.  Cipher  keys  and  Grand  Secretaries.  Grand  Secre- 
taries can  sell  cipher  keys  to  Secretaries  of  Subordinate 
Lodges  upon  the  Lodge's  order. — 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  20, 
219,  243. 

3346.  Cipher  keys  and  Secretary  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

The  Secretary  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  can  sell  cipher  keys 
to  members  of  his  own  Lodge,  but  to  Third  Degree  members 
only.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  20,  219,  243. 

3347.  Who  can  have  a  cipher  key.  No  Odd  Fellow  ex- 
cept one  who  has  obtained  the  Third  Degree  can  buy  or  have 
a  cipher  key.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  20,  219,  243. 

3348.  Grand  Secretary  and  cipher  keys.  He  must  sell 
cipher  keys  to  Secretaries  of  Subordinate  Lodges  only.  He 
cannot  sell  them  to  Odd  Fellows  in  good  standing. — 1905 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  20,  242,  266. 

3349.  A  brother  cannot  sell  or  give  away  a  cipher  key. 

It  is  a  violation  of  law  for  a  brother  who  has  but  one  of  these 
cipher  keys  to  sell  to  another  brother  or  to  give  it  to  another 
brother.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  20,  242,  262. 

3350.  Instructor  in  the  work  and  the  cipher  key.  Where 
the  laws  of  a  Grand  Lodge  require  that  a  brother  shall  be 
proficient  in  the  degree  previously  taken  before  he  can  ad- 
vance to  the  next  degree,  and  it  is  the  custom  that  a  brother 
be  designated  by  the  Noble  Grand  of  the  Lodge  to  instruct 


824  Work  of  the  Order. 

a  brother  in  the  work,  the  instructor  would  violate  the  law 
if  he  should  leave  his  key  in  the  possession  of  the  brother 
endeavoring  to  memorize  the  work  and  in  his  control,  apart 
from  the  presence  of  the  instructor.  If,  however,  in  the  pro- 
cess of  instruction  it  is  simply  handed  to  the  brother  by  the 
instructor  temporarily,  and  the  brother's  examination  con- 
fined to  the  work  of  memorizing  the  work  of  the  degree  he 
has  received,  it  would  be  legal.  The  instructor  would  violate 
the  law  if  he  should  give  this  key  to  the  brother  and  permit 
him  to  have  it  in  his  possession  and  away  from  the  instructor. 
1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  21,  219,  243. 

3351.  Obligations,  who  can  administer.  Only  a  Noble 
Grand,  Vice-Grand  or  Past  Vice-Grand  can  administer  obli- 
gations.—1891  Journal,  586,  690,  716. 

Note. — The  obligation  to  a  can-  staff  are  to  be  governed  by  the 
didate  must  be  administered  by  a  question  of  fitness"  it  means  fit- 
Vice-Grand  or  Past  Vice-Grand.  ness  within  the  limitations  of  law 
Where  the  instructions  in  floor  — (1893  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13256, 
work    say   that    "positions    on     a  13548,  13671). 

3352.  Memorizing  obligations.  The  question  whether  the 
obligations  should  be  memorized  or  read  from  the  Ritual 
should,  in  the  absence  of  local  State  legislation,  be  left  to 
the  Subordinate  Lodges  as  the  best  judges  of  the  manner  by 
which  their  officers  can  most  impressively  render  the  work. 
—1891  Journal,  12644,  12703. 

3353.  Obligations  must  be  administered  letter  prefect. 
With  the  Subordinate  Lodge  rests  the  decision  of  the 
question  as  to  whether  the  obligations  to  candicjates  shall 
be  delivered  from  memory  or  be  read  from  the  Ritual,  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  having  decided  that  each  Lodge  is 
the  best  judge  as  to  how  its  officers  can  best  administer  the 
obligations.  In  either  case,  of  course,  they  must  be  admin- 
istered letter  perfect. — 1895  Journal,  20,  185,  235. 

3354.  Cannot  omit  or  add  to  any  part.  It  is  not  legal  to 
omit  any  part  of  the  work  of  the  initiatory,  or  any  of  the 
other  degrees.    No  one  has  any  right  to  add  to  or  take  from 


Work  of  the  Order. 


825 


the  work,  as  laid  down  in  the  Ritual,  except  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge.— 1895  Journal,  18,  185,  235. 


Note. — All  Grand  Lodges  shall 
enforce  upon  their  Subordinates  a 
strict  adhertnce  to  the  wbrTc  of  the 
Order,  according  to  the  forms  fur- 
nished   by     the    Sovereign    Grand 


Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  are  held 
responsible  for  any  irregularities 
that  they  may  allow — (By-Laws 
S.  G.  L.,  Art.  XXll). 


3355.  How  it  must  be  studied.  It  is  not  lawful  for  the 
Noble  Grand,  or  any  member  of  the  Order,  to  study  the  un- 
written work  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  from  a  book  which  is 
not  furnished  by  the  Grand  Lodge.  The  penalty  for  the 
violation  of  this  law  is  expulsion. — 1890  Journal,  315,  316, 
407,  417,  436. 

3356.  Alleged  secret  work  It  is  a  gross  violation  of  law 
for  a  Lodge  to  use  or  have  in  its  possession  any  work  pur- 
porting to  be  the  secret  work  of  Odd  Fellowship,  except  that 
is.sued  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 1896  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 14683,  14948,  15019. 

3357.  The  unwritten  work.  The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
now  prints  the  unwritten  work,  with  illustrations,  and  sells 
copies  thereof  to  Grand  Lodges. — 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  835, 
877;  1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  292,  293,  315;  Busbee's  Digest, 
Sections  2224,  2254. 

3358.  Paraphernalia.  The  paraphernalia  used  in  the 
secret  work  cannot  be  worn  by  the  ofificers  on  the  occasion  of 
a  public  anniversary  of  a  Lodge. — 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
14683,  14948,  15019. 

3359.  Rehearsal.  It  is  a  violation  of  law  to  rehearse  any 
degree  or  secret  work  in  the  Lodge-room,  except  the  author- 
ized work  prepared  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 1896 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14683,  14948,  15019. 

3360.  Devices  to  make  ridiculous.  Any  member  of  the 
Order  who  shall  introduce,  sell  or  offer  to  introduce,  or  sell 
to  any  Subordinate  Lodge,  Rebekah  Lodge,  Encampment  or 
Canton  of  Patriarchs  Militant,  any  device  which  in  its  char- 
acter is  calculated  to  make  ridiculous  the  sublime  lessons 


826  Work  of  the  Order. 

taught  by  the  several  degrees  of  the  Order,  shall  be  guilty 
of  an  offense  against  the  Order,  and  on  conviction  thereof 
shall  be  expelled.— 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15641. 

3361.  Costumes.  The  costumes  used  in  conferring  Lodge 
degrees  form  part  of  the  paraphernalia  belonging  to  the 
secret  work  and  it  is  improper  to  make  a  public  display  of 
them.— 1890  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11892,  12217,  12281. 

3362.  Photographs.  Neither  a  Subordinate  Body  nor  a 
member  is  allowed  to  manufacture  or  sell  photographs  of 
scenes  in  the  Dramatic  Work,  nor  groups  of  Ritualistic  char- 
acters.—1890-94  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11893,  12217,  12281,  14171. 

3363.  Floor  work.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  may  use  any 
form  of  floor  work  it  prefers,  provided  it  conforms  in  all 
respects  to  the  Ritual.  The  forms  authorized  by  the  Sover- 
eign Grand  Lodge  are  only  guides,  and  are  not  obligatory. 
But  if  a  Lodge  uses  any  other  form  than  that  provided  by 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  it  is  not  proper  to  print  and 
publish  the  same,  as  it  must  of  necessity  contain  reference 
to  the  Ritual  and  ceremonies  of  the  Order,  which  can  only 
be  printed  or  published  by  authority  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge.— 1892  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  12797,  13050,  13076;  1895 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14247,  14487,  14570. 

3364.  Copies  of  floor  work  must  be  kept  by  Lodge.  A 
Lodge  may  procure  as  many  copies  of  the  authorized  floor 
work  as  it  requires,  but  they  should  be  retained  in  the  cus- 
tody of  the  Lodge  for  the  use  of  its  officers.  They  are  not 
to  be  sold  to  or  held  by  individual  members  as  personal 
property.- 1892  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  12797,  13050,  13076. 

3365.  Conflict  between  floor  work  and  Ritual  or  law. 
When  there  appears  a  conflict  between  the  Subordinate 
Lodge  Ritual  and  the  so-called  Subordinate  Lodge  floor 
work,  the  instructions  laid  down  in  the  Ritual  must  be  ad- 
hered to.— 1893  Journal,  276,  391,  421. 

Note.— In  any  conflict  between  (1893  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13256, 
the  "floor  work"  and  Ritual  or  13548,  13671;  1895  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
law,    the    latter    must"  govern—      nal,  14247,  14487,  14570). 


.^^■j^gfj.  Mtatrg 


Work  of  the  Order. 


827 


3366.  Ritual  and  law.  The  Ritual  of  1896  takes  prece- 
dence over  a  constitutional  or  statutory  law  in  all  matters 
purely  Ritualistic,  such  as  opening  and  closing  Lodges,  con- 


ferring degrees, 
372. 


etc.— 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  33,  360,  371, 


3367.  Secret  work  and  holder  of  Dismissal  Certificate. 
No  officer  of  the  Order  is  authorized  to  give  the  secret  work 
to  a  person  holding  a  Dismissal  Certificate. — 1900  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  515,  827,  873. 

(See  Rituals;  Charges  and  Lectures;  Rebekah  Branch.) 


828  Rebekah  Branch. 


REBEKAH  BRANCH 


1.  Rebekah  Degree  Code  as  amended  1905,  page  828. 

2.  Laws  and  Decisions,  page  841. 

(For  Index  to  Rebekah  Degree  Code,  Laws  and  Decisions, 
Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly  and  Constitution  of  Re- 
bekah Lodges,  see  Rebekah  Branch  in  the  Index  to  this 
Digest.) 

1.     REBEKAH  DEGREE  CODE. 

3368.  Rebekah  Degree  Code  as  amended  1905.  The  fol- 
lowing is  the  Code  for  the  government  of  Rebekah  Lodges. 
It  was  revised  and  adopted  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
in  September,  1900,  and  amended  in  1902  and  1903: 

Objects  and  purposes.  The  objects  and  purposes  of  Re- 
bekah Lodges  are  declared  to  be : 

First.  To  visit  and  care  for  the  sick;  to  relieve  the  dis- 
tressed; to  bury  the  dead,  and  in  every  way  to  assist  their 
own  members,  and  to  assist  Subordinate  and  sister  Rebekah 
Lodges  in  kindly  ministrations  to  the  families  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows when  in  trouble,  sickness  or  want. 

Second.  To  aid  in  the  establishment  and  maintenance 
of  Homes  for  aged  and  indigent  Odd  Fellows  and  their 
wives  and  for  the  widows  of  deceased  Odd  Fellows,  and 
Homes  for  the  care,  education  and  support  of  orphans  of 
deceased  Odd  Fellows  and  of  deceased  sisters  of  the  Re- 
bekah Degree. 

Third.  To  cultivate  and  extend  the  social  fraternal  rela- 
tions of  life  among  Lodges  and  the  families  of  Odd  Fellows. 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  supreme.  Section  1.  To  the  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge  belongs  the  power  to  regulate  and  con- 
trol the  Unwritten  Work  of  the  Order,  and  to  fix  and 
determine  the  customs  and  usages  in  regard  to  all  things 


^ 


Rebekah  Branch.  829 

which  appertain  thereto.  And  to  it  alone  belongs  the 
power  to  provide  and  establish  suitable  lectures  and  other 
written  work  therefor. 

The  above  provision  shall  apply  with  full  force  and  effect 
to  the  Degree  of  Rebekah. 

Institution  of  Lodges.  Section  2.  The  Grand  Lodges 
subordinate  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  are  hereby 
authorized  and  empowered  to  institute  Rebekah  Lodges  at 
such  places  as  they  may  deem  proper  within  their  territorial 
limits. 

Section  3.  A  Grand  Master,  any  Past  Grand  or  Past 
Noble  Grand,  who  is  in  good  standing  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge, 
and  being  thereunto  first  duly  appointed  by  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter, may  serve  as  the  instituting  officer  of  a  new  Lodge. 

Section  4.  The  Grand  Sire  may  institute,  or  cause  to  be 
instituted,  Rebekah  Lodges  in  any  country.  State  or  Terri- 
tory under  the  immediate  jurisdiction  of  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge. 

Section  5.  Rebekah  Lodges  shall  not  be  chartered  by  the 
name  of  any  living  person. 

Membership.  Section  6.  The  persons  herein  specified 
shall  be  eligible  to  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  of  this 
Order,  subject  to  the  laws  relative  to  residence  of  the  Sover- 
eign Grand  Lodge  and  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  jurisdiction 
in  which  application  is  made;  and  conditioned  further  that 
all  female  applicants  shall  be  white  women,  who  have  at- 
tained the  age  of  eighteen  years  (except  that  the  said  age 
limit  shall  not  apply  to  applicants  who  are  the  wives  of  Odd 
Fellows),  who  believe  in  a  Supreme,  Intelligent  Creator  and 
Ruler  of  the  Universe,  and  who  are  of  good  moral  character : 

1.  All  persons  who  have  received  the  Rebekah  Degree. 

2.  All  Odd  Fellows  in  good  standing,  their  wives,  daugh- 
ters, sisters  and  mothers.  Also  the  daughters,  sisters  and 
mothers  of  deceased  Odd  Fellows  who  at  the  time  of  their 
death  were  members  of  our  Order. 


830  Rebekah  Branch. 

3.  All  unmarried  white  women. — 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
427,  428,  397. 

Initiation.  Section  7.  In  initiating  a  candidate  into  a 
Rebekah  Lodge,  the  work  prescribed  by  the  Ritual  fur- 
nished by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  must  be  adhered  to, 
and  no  person  except  a  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  shall 
witness  such  work. 

Equal  rights.  Section  8.  A  sister  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge 
shall  not  lose  her  membership  by  the  operation  of  any  rule 
not  alike  applicable  to  brothers. 

Rebekah  Degree.  Section  9.  Rebekah  Lodges  shall  con- 
fer the  degree  on  those  persons  only  who  apply  for  member- 
ship therein.  A  person  elected  to  membership  in  a  Rebekah 
Lodge  must  receive  the  degree  in  the  Lodge  in  which  such 
person  was  elected.  The  right  and  duty  of  conferring  this 
degree  cannot  be  transferred  to  another  and  different 
Lodge. 

Brothers*  membership.  Section  10.  In  the  case  of  brothers, 
membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  is  dependent  on  continu- 
ous good  standing  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  except  that  if  a 
brother  shall  take  a  Withdrawal  Card  from  the  Subordinate 
Lodge  of  which  he  may  be  a  member,  his  membership  in  his 
Rebekah  Lodge  shall  not  be  affected  thereby  for  one  year 
from  the  date  of  said  Withdrawal  Lodge,  if  during  that  time 
he  shall  keep  his  dues  paid  up  in  the  Rebekah  Lodge;  and 
if  he  shall,  during  said  year,  become  a  member  of  another 
Lodge,  by  deposit  of  said  card,  his  membership  in  the  Re- 
bekah Lodge  shall  not  be  affected  by  the  taking  of  the  card. 

Notice.  Section  10a.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Record- 
ing Secretary  of  each  Rebekah  Lodge  to  furnish  to  the 
Recording  Secretary  of  each  Subordinate  Lodge  to  which 
any  member  of  such  Rebekah  Lodge  belongs,  a  list  of  the 
members  of  said  Subordinate  Lodge,  who  are  also  members 
of  said  Rebekah  Lodge,  and  thereafter  to  notify  the  Re- 
cording Secretary  of  the  proper  Subordinate  Lodge  when 
any  brother  shall  become  a  member  of  said  Rebekah  Lodge ; 


J 


Rebekah  Branch.  831 

and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Recording  Secretary  of  each 
Subordinate  Lodge  thus  notified  that  a  member  or  members 
of  his  Lodge  are  members  of  such  Rebekah  Lodge,  to  inform 
the  Recording  Secretary  of  said  Rebekah  Lodge,  without 
unnecessary  delay,  of  the  withdrawal  by  card,  dropping, 
suspension  or  reinstatement  of  such  member. 

Officers.  Section  11.  The  officers  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge 
shall  be  a  Noble  Grand,  a  Vice-Grand,  a  Recording  Secre- 
tary, a  Financial  Secretary  (when  all  the  secretarial  duti^ 
of  a  Lodge  shall  be  performed  by  one  officer,  then  the  title 
of  such  officer  shall  be  Secretary)  and  a  Treasurer,  who 
shall  be  elected  by  the  Lodge;  a  Warden,  a  Conductor,  an 
Inside  Guardian,  an  Outside  Guardian,  Right  and  Left  Sup- 
porters to  the  Noble  Grand,  and  a  Chaplain,  who  shall  be 
appointed  by  the  Noble  Grand,  and  the  Right  and  Left 
Supporters  to  the  Vice-Grand,  who  shall  be  appointed  by 
the  Vice-Grand. 

Eligibility  to  office.  Section  12.  Any  member,  in  good 
standing,  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  is  eligible  to  election  or  ap- 
pointment to  any  office  in  such  Lodge,  except  to  the  offices 
of  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand.  To  be  eligible  to  the  office 
of  Vice-Grand  a  member  must  have  served  a  term  in  some 
elective  or  appointive  office  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  other  than 
Trustee,  and  to  be  eligible  to  the  office  of  Noble  Grand  a 
member  must  have  served  a  term  in  the  office  of  Vice-Grand 
in  a  Rebekah  Lodge.  But  any  member,  in  good  standing, 
may  be  elected  as  the  first  Noble  Grand  or  Vice-Grand  of  a 
new  or  revived  Lodge,  or  to  fill  a  vacancy  occurring  during 
the  first  term  (called  a  special  term)  of  such  new  or  revived 
Lodge.  And  in  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the  office  of  Noble 
Grand  or  Vice-Grand  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  if  all  qualified 
members  refuse  to  accept  such  vacant  office,  the  Lodge  may 
elect  any  member  thereto,  provided  that  a  dispensation  for 
the  purpose  be  obtained  from  the  proper  authority  in  the 
jurisdiction  to  which  the  Lodge  belongs  before  any  such 
officer  80  elected  can  be  installed  or  can  act  as  such  officer. 
All  terms  of  office  shall  be  for  six  months  or  one  year,  as 
prescribed  by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  jurisdiction,  which 


832  Rebekah  Branch. 

Grand  Lodge  may  provide  a  longer  term  for  Recording 
Secretaries,  Financial  Secretaries  and  Treasurers  than  for 
other  officers. 

Service  in  office  and  honors.  Section  13.  Officers  must  serve 
a  majority  of  the  meetings  held  in  a  term  and  to  the  end  of 
the  term  in  order  to  be  entitled  to  the  honors  of  the  office. 
Officers  elected  or  appointed  to  fill  vacancies,  and  serving 
to  the  end  of  the  term,  shall  be  entitled  to  the  honors  of  the 
office. 

Powers  and  privileges.  Section  14.  Rebekah  Lodges  insti- 
tuted in  conformity  with  the  foregoing  sections  shall  pos- 
sess the  power  and  enjoy  the  privileges  following,  subject 
to  the  rules,  usages  and  general  regulations  of  the  Order 
applicable  thereto,  and  to  the  provisions  of  constitutional 
and  other  laws  enacted  for  their  government  by  the  Grand 
Body  to  which  they  are  subordinate. 

To  confer  the  degree.  Section  15.  To  confer  the  Rebekah 
Degree  on  properly  qualified  applicants,  as  hereinbefore 
specified. 

Election  and  appointment  of  officers.  Section  16.  To 
elect  and  appoint  their  own  officers,  in  the  manner  pre- 
scribed by  the  Grand  Bodies  to  which  they  are,  respectively, 
subordinate,  and  by  their  own  By-Laws.  Service  in  office 
in  a  Subordinate  Lodge  shall  not  be  a  qualification  for  office 
in  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  and  a  past  officer  in  a  Subordinate 
Lodge  shall  not  be  entitled,  by  reason  thereof,  to  any  special 
privilege  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  other  than  wearing  the  collar 
of  the  highest  rank  attained. 

Fees  and  dues.  Section  17.  To  fix  and  establish  initia- 
tion fees  and  dues,  to  be  paid  at  such  time  and  in  such 
manner  as  the  Constitution  or  By-Laws  may  provide,  and  to 
suspend  from  the  rights  and  privileges  of  membership  those 
in  arrears  for  one  year's  dues. 

Payments  and  disbursements.  Section  18.  To  pay  and 
disburse  the  funds  of  the  Lodge  as  a  majority  of  the  mem- 
bers present  shall,  by  vote,  determine,  for  any  of  the  de- 


■Rebekah  Branch.  833 

clared  purposes  of  this  degree,  as  set  forth  in  subdivisions 
first,  second  and  third,  under  the  head  of  "Objects  and 
Purposes. ' ' 

By-Laws  and  Rules  or  Order.  Section  19.  To  establish 
such  By-Laws  and  Rules  of  Order  not  inconsistent  herewith, 
or  with  the  rules,  usages  and  general  regulations  of  the 
Order,  as  they  may  deem  proper,  subject,  however,  to  the 
approval  of  the  Grand  Body  to  which  they  are  subordinate. 

Meetings.  Section  20.  Lodges  shall  hold  regular  and 
special  meetings,  as  provided  by  their  By-Laws.  A  Grand 
Lodge  may  authorize  special  meetings  at  other  times  and 
places. 

Charters.  Section  21.  Grand  Lodges  are  authorized  to 
issue  charters  to  Rebekah  Assemblies  and  Rebekah  Lodges 
within  their  respective  jurisdictions,  such  charters  to  be  in 
the  form  prescribed  and  upon  blanks  furnished  by  the  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge. 

Returns.  Section  22.  The  Grand  Secretary  shall  furnish 
Grand  Lodges  with  blanks  for  annual  returns  of  Rebekah 
Lodges,  and  such  Grand  Lodges  shall  require  such  returns 
to  be  made  on  the  31st  of  December  of  each  year,  and  may 
require  that  such  returns  shall  be  made  to  the  Secretary  of 
the  Rebekah  Assembly,  and  in  such  case  shall  require  such 
officer  to  make  a  full  report  of  the  same  to  the  Grand  Lodge. 
Any  neglect  to  make  such  returns  shall  be  visited  with  such 
penalties  as  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  jurisdiction  may  direct. 

Reinstatement  and  Dismissal  Certificate.  Section  23.  A 
member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  suspended  for  non-payment  of 
dues  may  be  reinstated  in  said  Lodge  or  may  take  a  Dis- 
missal Certificate  from  said  Lodge. 

Voting  and  balloting.  Section  24.  Voting  in  Rebekah 
Lodges  shall  be  as  follows:  Upon  admission  or  reinstatement 
of  members,  in  any  lawful  manner  whatsoever,  votes  shall 
be  by  ball  ballot,  and  not  less  than  three  black  balls  shall 
be  required  to  reject.  Upon  sustaining  charges,  upon  the 
infliction  of  any  form  of  penalty  after  trial  and  conviction, 
53 


834  Rebekah  Branch. 

and  upon  granting  of  Withdrawal  Cards,  votes  shall  also 
be  by  ball  ballot.  In  elections  of  officers,  of  Delegates  or 
Representatives  to  Assemblies,  and  of  committees  which 
are  to  be  elected,  the  vote  shall  be  by  ballot,  except  that 
local  laws  may  provide  for  election  by  acclamation  where 
there  is  but  one  candidate.  Votes  in  all  other  cases  shall 
be  znz'G  voce.  No  petition  shall  be  received  from  any  re- 
jected applicant  unless  the  period  of  six  months  has  inter- 
vened between  such  applications. 

Regalia  and  jewels  of  Rebekah  Lodges.  Section  25.  The 
regalia  and  jewels  for  officers  of  Rebekah  Lodges  shall  be  as 
follows,  to-wit: 

Each  collar  shall  not  exceed  three  inches  in  width;  each 
baldric  shall  not  exceed  three  and  one-half  inches  in  width, 
and  each  jewel  shall  be  of  silver  or  silver-plated,  circular 
in  form,  and  one  and  one-half  inches  in  diameter,  with  de- 
sign hereinafter  specified  engraved  or  stamped  on  one  side 
and  with  the  other  side  plain. 

For  the  Noble  Grand. — ^Regalia,  a  collar  with  pink  center 
and  green  edges,  trimmed  with  silver  lace  and  fringe ;  jewel, 
with  representation  or  figure  of  '* Rebekah  at  the  Well," 
and  underneath  the  word  "Fidelity.'* 

For  the  Vice-Grand. — ^Regalia,  a  collar  with  green  center 
and  pink  edges,  trimmed  with  silver  lace  and  fringe ;  jewel, 
with  representation  or  figure  of  **Ruth  and  Naomi,"  and 
underneath  the  word  "Industry." 

For  the  Secretary. — Regalia,  a  collar  with  pink  center 
and  green  edges,  trimmed  with  silver  lace;  jewel,  with  a 
representation  or  figure  of  a  pen,  and  underneath  the  word 
"Deborah." 

For  the  Financial  Secretary  (if  there  be  one). — Regalia, 
a  collar  and  jewel  same  as  the  Secretary's,  except  that  the 
word  "Deborah"  shall  be  omitted  from  the  jewel. 

For  the  Treasurer. — Regalia,  a  collar  with  green  center 
and  pink  edges,  trimmed  with  silver  lace;  jewel,  with  rep- 


i 


Rebekah  Brajtch. 


835 


resentation  or  a  figure  of  a  key,  and  underneath  the  word 
*' Trust.*' 

For  th£  Warden. — Regalia,  a  baldric,  with  upper  side 
green  and  lower  side  pink,  with  three  rows  of  silver  lace, 
one  on  each  edge  and  one  along  the  center,  the  lowest  edge 
to  be  trimmed  with  silver  lace;  jewel,  with  representation 
or  figure  of  a  bar  and  axe,  crossed,  and  underneath  the 
word  ''Hope." 

For  the  Conductor. — Regalia,  a  baldric,  same  as  Warden  *s 
in  shape  and  colors,  with  row  of  silver  lace  around  inner 
edge;  jewel,  with  representation  or  figure  of  two  wands, 
crossed,  and  underneath  the  word  ''Safety." 

For  tlie  Inside  Guardian. — Regalia,  a  baldric,  same  as 
Warden's;  jewel,  with  representation  or  figure  of  a  shield 
crossed  by  a  spear,  and  underneath  the  word  "Prove." 

For  tlie  Outside  Guardian. — ^Regalia,  a  baldric,  same  a« 
Conductor's,  except  that  the  row  of  silver  lace.be  on  the 
outside,  none  in  the  center;  jewel,  same  as  Inside 
Guardian's,  except  that  the  word  shall  be  "Vigilance." 

For  the  CJvaplain. — Regalia,  a  white  baldric,  with  silver 
lace  on  each  edge,  the  front  to  be  ornamented  with  pink 
roses  and  green  leaves. 

For  the  Supporters  to  Noble  Grand. — Regalia,  a  baldric, 
with  pink  center  and  green  edges,  trimmed  with  two  rows 
of  silver  lace. 

For  the  Supporters  -to  Vice-Grand. — Regalia,  a  baldric, 
with  green  center  and  pink  edges,  trimmed  with  two  rows 
of  silver  lace. 

For  each  Past  Noble  Grand. — Regalia,  a  collar,  the  same 
as  Noble  Grand's  in  shape  and  colors,  except  that  the  lace 
and  frinfje  shall  be  of  gold  instead  of  silver;  jewel,  a  five- 
pointed  star  of  white  metal.  The  use  of  the  jewel  shall  be 
optional  to  all  but  the  Junior  Past  Noble  Grand. 

All  of  the  foregoing  shall  apply  to  all  officers  and  Past 
Noble  Grands,  irrespective  of  sex. 


836  Rebekah  Branch. 

Brothers  who  are  not  officers  or  Past  Noble  Grands  shall 
wear  the  regalia  they  are  entitled  to  wear  in  a  Subordinate 
Lodge. 

Sisters  who  are  not  officers  or  Past  Noble  Grands  shall 
wear  badges  or  collars  of  pink  and  green,  not  exceeding 
three  inches  in  width. 

(See  also,  1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  294,  315,  wherein  the  fore- 
going jewels  are  declared  to  be  authorized  jewels  of  the 
Order.) 

Regalia  and  jewels  for  officers  of  a  Rebekah  Assembly. 
The  regalia  and  jewels  for  the  officers  of  the  Rebekah  As- 
sembly shall  be  as  follows,  to-wit: 

Each  collar  shall  not  exceed  three  inches  in  width;  each 
baldric  shall  not  exceed  three  and  one-half  inches  in  width; 
each  jewel  shall  be  of  gold,  or  gold-plated,  or  of  yellow 
metal,  circular  in  form,  and  one  and  one-half  inches  in 
diameter,  with  design  hereinafter  specified  engraved  or 
stamped  on  one  side,  and  with  the  other  side  plain,  but 
with  the  addition  to  each  jewel,  both  of  officers  and  past 
Presidents,  of  the  word  ** Assembly"  on  the  hanger,  above 
the  design. 

For  the  President. — Regalia,  a  collar,  with  pink  center 
and  green  edges,  trimmed  with  gold  lace  and  fringe ;  jewel, 
same  size  and  shape  as  described  above,  with  representa- 
tion or  figure  of  ''Queen  Esther,"  and  underneath  the 
word  "Service." 

For  the  Vice-President. — Regalia,  a  collar,  same  as  the 
President's;  jewel,  with  representation  or  figure  of  "Re- 
bekah at  the  Well,"  and  underneath  the  word  "Fidelity." 

For  the  Warden. — Regalia,  a  collar,  same  as  the  Presi- 
dent's; jewel,  with  representations  or  figures  of  "Ruth  and 
Naomi,"  and  underneath  the  word  "Industry." 

For  the  Secretary. — Regalia,  a  collar,  same  as  the  Presi- 
dent's; jewel,  with  representation  or  figure  of  a  pen,  and 
underneath  the  word  "Deborah." 


L 


Rebekah  Branch.  837 

For  the  Treasurer. — Regalia,  a  collar,  same  as  the  Presi- 
dent's; jewel,  with  representation  or  figure  of  a  key,  and 
underneath  the  word  ''Trust." 

For  the  Marshal. — ^Regalia,  a  baldric,  with  upper  side 
green  and  lower  side  pink,  with  three  rows  of  gold  lace, 
one  on  each  side  and  one  along  the  center,  the  lowest  edge 
to  be  trimmed  with  gold  lace  or  gold  fringe;  jewel,  with 
representation  or  figure  of  a  baton,  and  underneath  the 
word  ''Hope." 

For  the  Conductor. — Regalia,  a  baldric,  same  as  Mar- 
shal's in  shape  and  colors,  with  row  of  gold  lace  around 
inner  edge;  jewel,  with  representation  or  figure  of  two 
wands,  crossed,  and  underneath  the  word  "Safety." 

For  the  Chaplain. — Regalia,  a  white  baldric,  with  gold 
lace  on  the  upper  edge,  and  gold  lace  or  gold  fringe  on  the 
lower  edge;  the  front  to  be  ornamented  with  pink  roses 
and  green  leaves;  jewel,  with  representation  or  figure  of 
a  Bible,  open,  and  underneath  the  word  "Holy." 

For  the  Inside  Guardian. — Regalia,  a  baldric,  same  as 
the  Conductor's;  jewel,  with  representation  or  figure  of  a 
shield  crossed  by  a  spear,  and  underneath  the  word 
^' Prove." 

For  the  Outside  Guardian. — Regalia,  a  baldric,  same  as 
the  Conductor's;  jewel,  same  as  Inside  Guardian's,  except 
that  the  word  underneath  shall  be  "Vigilance." 

For  ea^h  Fast  President. — Regalia,  same  as  the  Presi- 
dent's; jewel,  the  same  as  the  President's,  except  that  the 
word  underneath  the  design  shall  be  "Honor." 

Note.  —  The  Sovereign  Grand  jewel  for  Past  Presidents. — See 
Lodge    in    1905   designed    a    new      Section  3551  of  this  Digest. 

All  members  of  Rebekah  Assemblies,  when  in  attend- 
ance, not  in  office,  shall  wear  the  collar  prescribed  for  a 
Past  Noble  Grand  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  or  a  badge  of  pink 
and  green,  not  exceeding  three  inches  in  width. 

Such  embriodery  as  will  be  in  keeping  with  the  Rebekah 
Degree  may  be  added  to  any  of  the  foregoing  described 
regalia. 


838  Rebekah  Branch. 

Each  Rebekah  Assembly  may  provide  suitable  regalia 
and  jewels  for  its  officers. 

(See,  also,  1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  294,  315,  wherein  the 
foregoing  jewels  are  declared  authorized  jewels  of  the 
Order. 

Cards  and  Dismissal  Certificates  and  Defunct  Certificates. 
Section  26.  Visiting  and  Withdrawal  Cards  and  Dismissal 
Certificates  and  certificates  for  former  members  of  defunct 
Rebekah  Lodges  shall  be  provided  by  the  Grand  Secretary 
of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  for  Rebekah  Lodges  and 
their  members,  and  the  same  shall  be  furnished  to  State, 
Territorial  and  Provincial  jurisdictions  at  the  same  price 
as  those  for  Lodges  and  their  members;  and  all  laws  and 
decisions  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  relating  to  appli- 
cations and  fees  for,  and  to  issuance,  use,  force  and  effect 
of  similar  cards  and  certificates  in  and  by  Grand  and  Sub- 
ordinate Lodges  and  their  members,  shall  apply  and  ex- 
tend to  said  cards  and  certificates. 

Conferring  of  degree.  Section  27.  The  Rebekah  Degree 
shall  be  conferred  by  duly  constituted  Rebekah  Lodges 
only,  except  that  for  the  purpose  of  assisting  in  the  organ- 
ization of  Rebekah  Lodges  the  necessary  power  to  induct 
applicants  for  charter  into  the  degree,  where  they  do  not 
possess  it,  and  are  otherwise  qualified,  shall  be  vested  in 
the  several  Grand  Lodges,  and  Grand  Masters  ad  interim. 

Surrender  of  charter.  Section  28.  A  Rebekah  Lodge 
shall  consist  of  not  less  than  five  members,  and  cannot 
voluntarily  surrender  its  charter  nor  dissolve  as  long  as 
five  members,  in  good  standing,  desire  to  retain  such 
charter  and  work  under  it;  provided^  that  when  a  vote 
upon  the  surrender  of  a  charter  is  to  be  taken,  notice  shall 
be  sent  to  all  members  of  the  Lodge  in  good  standing. 

Quorum.  Section  29.  A  quorum  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge 
shall  consist  of  five  members,  including  one  lawfully  qual- 
ified to  preside.  All  the  above  requirements  are  to  be  con- 
strued as  applying  to  members,  irrespective  of  sex.  A 
Grand  Lodge  may  require  a  greater  number  of  applicants 


Rebekah  Branch.  839 

than  five  for  the  institution  or  revival  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge, 
and  may  require  that  not  more  than  one-half  of  such  appli- 
cants shall  be  brothers. 

Rebekah  Assembly.  Section  30.  Any  Grand  Lodge  work- 
ing under  a  charter  granted  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
in  a  jurisdiction  having  five  or  more  Rebekah  Lodges  is 
hereby  empowered,  upon  proper  petition,  to  charter  and 
institute  a  Rebekah  Assembly  within  its  own  jurisdiction, 
and  such  Grand  Lodge  may  clothe  such  Assembly  with  such 
powers  and  surround  it  with  such  limitations  as  may  be 
deemed  best  for  carrying  out  the  objects  and  purposes  of 
Rebekah  Lodges,  as  set  forth  in  the  laws  governing  the 
same.  Sucli  Assemblies  shall  be  required  to  make  such  re- 
ports as  their  respective  Grand  Lodges  may  direct.  But 
all  rights  and  privileges  granted  to  Rebekah  Assemblies, 
both  those  granted  by  charter  and  by  law,  shall  be  revoc- 
able at  any  time  by  the  Grand  Lodge  granting  the  same, 
or  by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

Officers  of  Rebekah  Assembly.  Section  31.  The  principal 
officers  of  a  Rebekah  Assembly  shall  be  a  President,  a  Vice- 
President,  Warden,  Secretary  and  Treasurer;  and  the  Pres- 
ident shall  have  the  power  to  appoint  a  Marshal,  Con- 
ductor, Chaplain,  Inside  and  Outside  Guardians.  The  duties 
of  these  various  officers  shall  be  those  which  usually  pertain 
to  such  officers.    All  officers  shall  be  of  the  female  sex. 

Appeals.  Section  32.  All  appeals  from  the  decision  or 
action  of  a  Rebekah  Assembly  shall  be  made  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  its  jurisdiction,  and  from  the  Grand  Lodge  to  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  as  provided  by  the  rules  and  regu- 
lations of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

Membership  of  Rebekah  Assembly.  Section  33.  The 
membership  of  Rebekah  Assemblies  shall  be  limited  to  Past 
Noble  Grands  of  Rebekah  Lodges  and  those  who  have  here- 
tofore received  the  Assembly  Degree;  provided^  however, 
that  Past  Grands  of  Subordinate  Lodges  who  are  members 
in  good  standing  of  Rebekah  Lodges  may  be  admitted  to 
Assembly  membership  and  to  receive  the  Assembly  Degree 


840 


Rebekah  Branch. 


when  the  Assembly  Constitution  prescribed  by  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  jurisdiction  so  provides;  and  provided,  that 
no  one  shall  be  permitted  or  entitled  to  take  part  in  the 
legislative  work  of  the  Assembly  or  vote  for  officers  thereof 
excepting  those  designated  in  the  Constitution  of  such 
Assembly;  and  provided,  also,  that  in  each  jurisdiction  the 
Grand  Master  and  Grand  Representatives  shall  be  admitted 
to  the  Assembly  and  receive  the  Assembly  Degree  for  the 
purpose  of  official  visitation  and  instruction. — As  amended 
in  September,  1902. 

Rebekah  laws.  Section  34.  Except  as  hereinbefore  pro- 
vided, all  laws,  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  now  in  force,  or  that  may  hereafter  be 
adopted  for  the  government  of  Grand  Jurisdictions,  or  that 
in  any  way  affect  the  rights  of  individual  members,  are  made 
to  apply,  where  applicable,  in  all  their  force  to  country, 
Provincial,  State  and  Territorial  Grand  Jurisdictions  of  the 
Rebekah  Degree;  and  in  so  applying  them,  when  necessary, 
where  the  masculine  gender  is  referred  to  in  said  laws,  the 
same  shall  be  construed  to  mean  the  feminine  gender.  In 
Rebekah  Lodges  the  laws  shall  apply  to  all  members  alike, 
and  the  rights,  duties  and  privileges  of  membership  shall 
be  the  same  for  brothers  as  for  sisters. 

Repeal  of  conflicting  laws.  Section  35.  All  laws  and 
parts  of  laws  in  conflict  with  this  code  are  hereby  re- 
pealed. 

Note. — This  Revised  Code  was  to  all  laws  in  conflict  with  the 
adopted  September  22,  1900,  and  code  enacted  prior  to  September 
therefore  this  repeal  is  applicable      22,   1900. 

Watching  with  the  sick.  Section  36.  It  shall  be  lawful 
for  any  Grand  Body,  having  jurisdiction  over  Rebekah 
Lodges,  to  provide  for  requiring  only  the  sisters  in  Re- 
bekah Lodges  to  perform  the  service  of  watching  with  the 
sick,  and  for  requiring  only  the  sisters  to  watch  with  sick 
sisters,  leaving  the  watching  for  and  by  brothers  to  the 
Subordinate  Lodges. 

Semi-Annual  Password.  Section  37.  The  Grand  Master 
(or  if  empowered  by  authority  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  the 


L 


Rebekah  Branch.  841 

President  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly)  of  each  Grand  Lodge 
represented  in  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  under  which 
any  Rebekah  Lodge  has  been  or  hereafter  shall  be  insti- 
tuted, is  required  to  make  a  Semi-Annual  Password  for  use 
in  all  Rebekah  Lodges  in  the  jurisdiction  of  such  Grand 
Lodge. 

Annual  Password.  Section  38.  The  Annual  Password 
for  the  Rebekah  Degree  shall  be  used  in  conjunction  with 
a  Visiting  or  Withdrawal  Card  or  Official  Certificate,  issued 
by  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  when  the  holder  thereof  is  visiting  a 
Rebekah  Lodge  under  the  law  authorizing  such  visitation, 
as  a  Traveling  Password,  but  shall  be  communicated  and 
otherwise  used  in  the  manner  prescribed  in  the  Ritual  of 
the  Rebekah  Degree,  notwithstanding  its  use  as  a  Travel- 
ing Password. 

2.     LAWS  AND  DECISIONS. 

ADMISSION  TO  ONE'S  OWN  LODGE. 

3369.  Without  the  Password.  A  member  of  a  Rebekah 
Lodge  may  enter  or  sit  in  his  or  her  own  Lodge  without  the 
password.— 1895  Journal,  24,  189,  234. 

3370.  Right  to  enter  one's  Lodge.  A  member  of  a  Re- 
bekah Lodge  has  a  right  to  enter  his  or  her  Lodge  so  long 
as  they  remain  members,  whether  in  good  standing  or  not. 
—1895  Journal,  24,  189,  234. 

ANNIVERSARY. 

3371.  The  20th  of  September  the  anniversary.  The  20th 
day  of  September  is  recognized  by  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  as  the  anniversary  of  the  institution  of  the  Rebekah 
Degree,  and  is  to  be  annually  celebrated  and  commemo- 
rated as  such  by  proper  and  appropriate  ceremonies.  The 
20th  day  of  September  is  the  natal  day  of  the  Rebekah 
Degree,  it  having  been  established  on  that  day,  in  the  year 
1851.— 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15640. 

ANNUAL  PASSWORD. 
(See  Passwords.) 


842  Rebekah  Branch. 

APPEAL  TO  GRAND  LODGE. 

3372.  Referred  to  new  committee  for  trial — Appeal. 
Where  the  Trial  Committee  reported  a  brother  not  guilty, 
and  the  Lodge  ''rejected  the  report,  discharged  the  com- 
mittee and  appointed  a  new  committee"  for  a  new  trial, 
and  the  accused  gave  notice  of  appeal.  This  notice  of 
appeal  did  not  operate  as  a  stay  of  proceedings.  It  was 
premature,  as  the  Lodge  had  not  made  or  rendered  a  final 
disposition  or  final  judgment  in  the  matter.  An  appeal 
did  not  lie. — ^Burns  vs.  Isabella  Rebekah  Lodge,  1898  Jour- 
nal, 192,  193,  215. 

3373.  Notice  and  grounds  of  appeal  required.  The  Con- 
stitution of  Rebekah  Lodges  requires  that  an  appeal  shall 
be  taken  by  filing  with  the  Secretary  a  notice  of  appeal  and 
the  grounds  thereof,  and  where  there  is  no  statement  of  the 
grounds  thereof,  the  attempted  appeal  is  ineffectual  and 
will  be  dismissed. — Morrison  vs.  Sylvan  Rebekah  Lodge, 
1904  Journal,  22,  34. 

3374.  Dismissal  of  charges  and  appeal.  A  Lodge  dis- 
missed charges.  An  appeal  therefrom  must  be  taken  within 
two  weeks.  An  appeal  taken  four  weeks  thereafter  dis- 
missed by  Grand  Lodge  as  not  taken  in  time. — Due  vs.  Teu- 
tonia  Rebekah  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  526,  558. 

3375.  Errors  on  appeal  must  affirmatively  appear.  The 
law  presumes  in  favor  of  the  legality  of  the  action  of  a 
Lodge,  and  its  action  should  not  be  disturbed  on  appeal 
unless  error  affirmatively  appears. — In  re  Martha  Washing- 
ton Rebekah  Lodge,  1889  Journal,  143,  160. 

3376.  Grand  Lodge  may  grant  power.  A  Grand  Lodge 
can  delegate  to  the  President  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  the 
power  to  act  ad  interim  on  appeals  from  Rebekah  Lodges. 
—1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15751,  16071,  16116. 

APPEALS  TO  SOVEREIGN  GRAND  LODGE. 

3377.  Must  first  appeal  to  Grand  Lodge.  Appeals  from 
the  Rebekah  Lodge  should  first  be  made  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  jurisdiction.— 1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11490,  11728, 
11786. 


Rebekah  Branch.  843 

3378.  Grand  Master's  decision.  A  Rebekah  Lodge  can- 
not appeal  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  direct  from  the 
decision  of  a  Grand  Master,  but  must  first  appeal  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  the  jurisdiction.  If  dissatisfied  with  the 
action,  an  appeal  can  then  be  made  to  the  Sovereign  Body. 
—1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  32,  365,  394. 

APPELLATE  POWER. 

3379.  Grand  Lodge's  power.  A  Grand  Lodge  can  em- 
power its  Rebekah  Assembly  to  hear  and  determine  appeals 
from  Rebekah  Lodges,  and  also  to  determine  appeals  for  the 
non-observance  of  the  general  laws  of  the  Order,  subject  to 
the  right  of  appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1896  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 14679,  14949,  15019;  1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15752,  16071, 
16116. 

ARREARS. 

(See  Dues;  Installation;  Password.) 

ASSEMBLY. 

(See  Rebekah  Assembly. 

ASSEMBLY  DEGREE. 

3380.  Presidents  may  confer.  Presidents  of  the  Rebekah 
Assemblies  are  authorized  to  confer  the  degree,  or  cause  the 
same  to  be  done,  in  their  respective  Assemblies,  upon  sisters 
and  brothers  who  are  eligible  to  membership  in  said  Re- 
bekah Assemblies.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15051,  15088. 

3381.  Special  session  to  confer.  Unless  the  Grand  Lodge 
or  the  charter  of  a  Rebekah  Assembly  permits,  a  Rebekah 
Assembly  cannot  convene  in  special  session  to  confer  the 
Assembly  degree.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  510,  827,  873.  The 
Constitution  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  I.  O.  0.  F.,  of  Cali- 
fornia, approved  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  provides  for  such 
special  sessions  for  such  purposes. — Constitution  Rebekah 
Assembly,  Art.  II,  Sec.  2. 

3382.  Upon  whom  conferred.  It  can  be  conferred  only 
on  those  entitled  to  admission  to  the  Rebekah  Assembly 
at  Assembly  meetings.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14674,  14948, 
15019. 


844  Rebekah  Branch. 

ASSESSMENTS. 

3383.  Per  capita  tax.  A  Grand  Lodge  can  authorize  its 
Rebekah  Assembly  to  levy  upon  and  collect  from  its  Re- 
bekah Lodges  a  per  capita  tax.  It  can  transfer  its  power 
to  tax  Rebekah  Lodges  to  the  Rebekah  Assembly. — 1896 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14679,  14949,  14673,  14674,  14678,  15019, 
15072;  1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  510,  827,  873. 

3384.  Lodge  instituted  prior  to  June  30th.  A  Rebekah 
Lodge  instituted  at  any  time  during  the  first  half  of  the 
year  and  prior  to  June  30th  is  liable  for  and  must  pay  the 
per  capita  tax  due  and  payable  for  the  membership  on  June 
30th.  The  per  capita  tax  due  and  payable  at  that  time  is 
not  for  past,  but  for  accruing  and  future  expense. — Matter 
of  Torosa  Rebekah  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  508,  539,  412,  541, 
567. 

3385.  Funeral  assessment.  A  Rebekah  Lodge  cannot 
levy  a  funeral  assessment. — 1903  Journal,  24,  176,  210. 

3386.  Per  capita  tax  as  to  inmate  of  Odd  Fellows*  Home. 
A  Rebekah  Lodge  must  pay  per  capita  tax  on  a  member 
thereof  who  is  an  inmate  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  of  Cali- 
fornia.—1903  Journal,  190,  204,  213. 

BALLOT  AND  VOTING. 

3387.  Who  to  preside  at  balloting.  The  Noble  Grand 
and  Vice-Grand  being  present,  should  not  request,  and  the 
Noble  Grand  must  not  permit  a  Past  Noble  Grand  to  pre- 
side during  balloting  on  applicants  for  membership.  The 
Noble  Grand  must  preside. — Bentley  vs.  Gem  of  the  Valley 
Rebekah  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  530,  558. 

3388.  Vice-Grand's  duty  as  to  balloting.  The  Vice- 
Grand  must  examine  the  ballot-box  before  the  balloting, 
and  must  inspect  the  ballot  after  such  balloting,  as  ex- 
pressly required  by  Article  IV  of  Constitution  of  Rebekah 
Lodges. — ^Bentley  vs.  Gem  of  the  Valley  Rebekah  Lodge, 
1896  Journal,  530,  558. 


Rebekah  Branch.  845 

3389.  Balloting    and    Right    Supporter    of    Vice-Grand. 

The  Vice-Grand  may  invite  her  Right  Supporter  to  take 
her  chair  during  balloting  while  the  Vice-Grand  plays  the 
inarch  for  members.  During  a  temporary  absence  the  Right 
Supporter  of  the  Vice-Grand  takes  the  chair  of  the  Vice- 
Grand.— 1903  Journal,  191,  204,  213. 

3390.  Passing  ballot-box  to  Noble  Grand  and  Vice- 
Grand.  By  analogy  the  law  permitting  the  ballot-box,  when 
balloting  for  candidates,  to  be  passed  to  the  Noble  Grand 
and  Vice-Grand  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  in  their  official 
positions,  applies  also  to  Rebekah  Lodges,  but  it  cannot  be 
passed  to  any  other  officers. — 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  538, 
752,  820. 

3391.  Black  balls  and  ballot-box.  A  ballot-box  should  not 
contain  less  than  three  black  balls,  and  there  should  be  no 
less  than  six  or  eight  black  balls. — 1896  Journal,  417,  587, 
628. 

3392.  Withdrawal  Card— Black  and  white  balls,  and  bal- 
lot-box. In  voting  for  a  Withdrawal  Card,  there  should  be 
a  sufficient  number  of  black  balls  and  a  sufficient  number  of 
white  balls  to  permit  all  entitled  to  vote  as  they  desire. — 
1904  Journal,  369,  563,  569. 

3393.  Not  compelled  to  admit  applicant.  A  Rebekah 
Lodge  is  not  compelled  to  admit  every  Odd  Fellow  who  may 
apply  for  membership;  all  applicants  must  be  balloted  for 
and  there  is  no  appeal  in  case  of  rejection. — 1889  Journal, 
35,  123,  163. 

3394.  Right  to  cast  black  ball.  The  members  of  the 
Rebekah  Lodge  are  vested  with  the  sole  power  of  deter- 
mining whom  they  will  accept  as  their  co-members,  and 
their  reasons  for  voting  against  a  candidate  should  not  be 
inquired  into  by  the  Grand  Lodge.  So  declared  in  relation 
to  an  application  for  reinstatement  after  being  dropped  from 
the  roll.— 1893  Journal,  404,  423. 

3395.  Number  of  black  balls  required  to  reject.  Not 
less  than  three  black  balls  shall  be  required  to  reject  an 


846  Rebekah  Branch. 

application  for  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge.  Grand 
Lodges  may  require  a  larger,  but  not  a  smaller  number  than 
three  to  reject  such  an  application.  In  this  jurisdiction  the 
number  of  black  balls  required  to  reject  is  three,  prescribed 
by  Article  III,  Section  3,  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges. — 
1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15170,  15560,  15616. 

3396.  Secrecy  of  the  ballot.  A  member  should  not  reveal 
the  nature  of  his  ballot,  and  he  is  not  required  and  cannot 
be  required  by  a  member,  officer  or  committee  of  the  Lodge 
to  state  how  he  voted.— 1902  Journal,  750,  751,  916,  940. 

3397.  The  number  of  black  balls  not  to  be  told.  Neither 
the  Noble  Grand  nor  the  Vice-Grand  has  a  right  to  tell 
how  many  black  balls  or  cubes  were  cast  against  a  candi- 
date. The  Noble  Grand  should  destroy  the  ballot  imme- 
diately on  announcing  the  result. — 1897  Journal,  808,  994, 
1034. 

3398.  Not  to  tell  that  a  person  was  black-balled.  The 
ballot  should  be  secret,  and  no  member  has  a  right  to  tell 
outside  the  Lodge  that  Mr.  or  Mrs.  So  and  So  was  black- 
balled in  the  Lodge.— 1897  Journal,  808,  994,  1034. 

3399.  Members  should  vote.  Every  member  of  a  Lodge 
should  vote,  providing  they  be  in  good  standing,  upon  all 
motions  put  to  the  Lodge,  and  upon  all  applications  for 
membership,  unless  they  be  excused  by  the  Lodge. — 1895 
Journal,  24,  189,  234;  1885  Journal,  288,  403,  432. 

3400.  Member  must  vote  if  Lodge  refuse  to  excuse.    If 

a  member  asks  to  be  excused  from  voting  on  an  applica- 
tion for  membership,  and  the  Lodge,  by  motion,  refuses  to 
excuse,  she  must  vote. — 1903  Journal,  190,  204,  213. 

3401.  Application  for  membership  and  vote  of  Noble 
Grand.  If  the  Lodge  refuse  to  excuse  the  Noble  Grand,  the 
Noble  Grand  must  vote  on  an  application  for  membership. 
—1903  Journal,  191,  204,  213. 

3402.  Payment  of  arrears  entitles  one  to  vote.  A  sister 
who  is  not  qualified  to  vote  by  reason  of  being  in  arrears 


Rebekah  Branch.  847 

for  dues,  may  at  any  time  before  the  ballot  is  taken  pay 
the  arrears,  and  thus  place  herself  in  standing,  and  there- 
upon be  entitled  to  vote,  irrespective  of  the  number  of  bal- 
lots previously  taken  upon  the  proposition. — 1902  Journal, 
750,  900,  917. 

3403.  Must  ballot  in  case  of  unfavorable  report  of  com- 
mittee. When  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  Investigation 
is  unfavorable,  the  Lodge  must  proceed  to  ballot  upon  the 
application  the  same  as  upon  a  favorable  report,  and  if 
the  ballot  results  favorably  the  applicant  must  be  declared 
elected.— 1902  Journal,  751,  916,  940.    (See  Errata.) 

3404.  When  may  receive  proposition  and  ballot  at 
special  meeting  by  dispensation.  A  Lodge  cannot  receive 
a  petition  for  membership,  or  act  on  the  report  of  a  com- 
mittee on  a  petition,  and  ballot  for  membership  at  a  special 
meeting  unless  the  Grand  Master  or  President  of  the  Re- 
bekah  Assembly  be  present  at  the  special  meeting  and 
grant  a  dispensation  therefor. — 1897  Journal,  808,  1030, 
1054. 

3405.  Separate  ballot  for  each  applicant.  Candidates 
must  not  be  elected  collectively  or  rejected  collectively. 
Each  candidate  must  be  balloted  for  separately. — Bentley  vs. 
Gem  of  the  Valley  Rebekah  Lodge,  1896  Journal,  530,  558. 

3406.  May  reconsider  a  favorable  ballot.  A  favorable 
ballot  on  application  for  membership  in  Rebekah  Lodge  can 
be  reconsidered  at  any  time  prior  to  admission  of  appli- 
cant.— Ward  vs.  Oakland  Rebekah  Lodge,  1893  Journal. 
365,  378. 

3407.  Motion  to  reconsider.  Any  member  may  move  a 
reconsideration  of  a  favorable  ballot  for  membership. — In 
re  Martha  Washington  Rebekah  Lodge,  1889  Journal,  142, 
160. 

3408.  Reconsidering  ballots  and  niles  of  order.     The 

whole  matter  of  reconsidering  ballots  for  membership  is 
regulated  by  the  Constitution,  and  a  Lodge  cannot,  by 
rules  of  order  or  otherwise,  add  to  or  take  away  from  the 


848  Rebbkah  Branch. 

conditions  prescribed  in  the  Constitution  in  regard  to  it. — 
In  re  Martha  Washington  Rebekah  Lodge,  1889  Journal, 
143,  160. 

3409.  Voting  to  reconsider.  Section  4.  Article  III,  Con- 
stitution of  Rebekah  Lodges,  provides  how  an  unfavorable 
ballot  upon  a  petition  for  membership  may  be  reconsidered, 
and  it  requires  it  to  be  decided  by  T3all  ballots.  It  provides 
that  a  favorable  ballot  may  be  reconsidered,  and  does  not 
require  ball  ballots.  The  vote  to  reconsider  a  favorable 
ballot  may,  therefore,  be  taken  in  the  ordinary  way. — In  re 
Martha  Washington  Rebekah  Lodge,  1889  Journal,  142, 160. 

3410.  A  new  ballot.  If  the  Noble  Grand  believes  an  error 
or  mistake  has  been  made  in  the  ballot,  she  may  in  her  dis- 
cretion immediately  declare  a  new  ballot,  as  per  Section  4, 
Article  III,  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges. — 1902  Jour- 
nal, 751,  916,  940.     (See  Errata.) 

3411.  More  balls  or  cubes  cast  than  members  present.  In 

balloting  for  a  candidate,  if  there  are  more  balls  or  cubes 
east  than  members  present,  the  Lodge  should  order  a  new 
ballot.— 1905  Journal,  749,  926,  944. 

3412.  Reballot  and  two  black  balls.  In  case  an  un- 
favorable ballot  is  retaken  to  ascertain  whether  an  error 
has  been  made,  and  two  black  balls  are  found,  the  candidate 
is  elected.— 1905  Journal,  747,  926,  944. 

3413.  Petition  of  members  for  reballot  illegal.  A  peti- 
tion circulated  among  the  members  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge, 
requesting  that  a  reballot  be  had  where  a  rejection  had 
taken  place,  is  unauthorized,  and  should  not  be  permitted. 
—1896  Journal,  419,  587,  628. 

3414.  Elected  to  become  a  member;  lapse  of  time;  re- 
ballot. There  is  no  law  which  renders  the  election  of  a  per- 
son to  membership  by  initiation  void  on  account  of  lapse  of 
time ;  if,  however,  there  has  been  considerable  time  between 
the  election  and  the  time  the  candidate  appears  for  initia- 
tion, the  Lodge  should  reballot  upon  the  petition,  which 
they  are  authorized  to  do  at  any  time  previous  to  the  ad- 


Rebekah  Branch.  849 

mission. — Rebekah  Constitution,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  4 ;  1896  Jour- 
nal, 415,  587,  628. 

3415.  Voting  on  Withdrawal  Card.  In  voting  a  With- 
drawal Card  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  ball  ballots  or  cubes  must 
be  used,  and  a  majority  vote  of  all  present  is  necessary  to 
grant  said  card.— 1897  Journal,  807,  1000,  1046. 

3416.  Voting.  The  mode  of  voting  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge 
is  **Yes"  and  "No."— 1888  Journal,  1021,  1111,  1130. 

Note. — But  see  Section  24,  of  the  Rebekah  Code,  which  regulates  bal- 
loting and  voting  in  Rebekah  Lodges. 

3417.  Viva  voce  votes.  Votes  ''shall  be  viva  voce" 
means  that  the  vote  may  be  either  "Yea"  or  "Nay,"  or 
"Yes"  or  "No."— 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15172,  15534,  15584, 
15613. 

3418.  Voting  on  reports.  In  voting  to  adopt  either  a 
majority  or  minority  report  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  it  should 
be  by  "Yes"  or  "No."— 1897  Journal,  806,  1000,  1046. 

3419.  Right  to  vote  in  Rebekah  Assembly.  No  one  shall 
be  permitted  or  entitled  to  take  part  in  the  legislative  work 
of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  or  vote  for  oflRcers,  excepting 
those  designated  in  the  Constitution  of  such  Rebekah  As- 
sembly.— Section  33,  Rebekah  Code. 

BENEFITS. 

3420.  Sick  benefits — Funeral  benefits  or  expenses.  Re- 
bekah Lodges  are  not  authorized  to  pay  sick  benefits  or 
funeral  benefits  or  expenses  as  such,  but  in  proper  cases 
this  may  be  done  as  a  charitable  donation. — 1904  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  534,  752,  820;  1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  33,  360,  371, 
372. 

3421.  Sickness — Care  and  attention.  The  members  of  a 
Rebekah  Lodge  are  entitled  to  be  visited  when  sick  and 
given  such  care  and  attention  as  the  principles  of  the  Order 
dictate.— 1896  Journal,  416,  587,  628. 

(See  Nurses  and  Watchers.) 

64 


850  Rebekah  Buanch. 

BY-LAWS  OF  REBEKAH  LODGE. 

3422.  Changing  the  amount  of  dues.  It  is  necessary  to 
have  the  approval  of  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordi- 
nates of  the  Grand  Lodge  to  an  amendment  to  the  By-Laws, 
changing  the  amount  of  dues. — 1892  Journal,  15,  97,  103; 
1885  Journal,  287,  403,  432. 

3423.  Not  presented  to  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordi- 
nates. An  amendment  to  a  By-Law  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge 
that  was  never  presented  to  the  Committee  on  Laws  of 
Subordinates  of  the  Grand  Lodge  for  its  approval,  is  not 
law.— 1892  Journal,  15,  97,  103 ;  1884  Journal,  13,  116,  153. 

3424.  When  By-Laws  of  Rebekah  Lodge  are  in  force. 

Under  Section  2,  Article  XI,  Constitution  of  Rebekah 
Lodges,  no  By-Laws  whatever  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  are  in 
force  till  the  Lodge  receives  notice  of  their  approval  by 
the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates. — Davidson  vs.  La- 
gunita  Rebekah  Lodge,  1901  Journal,  816. 

3425.  Motion  to  adopt  By-Laws  of  another  Rebekah 
Lodge  till  Lodge  prepares  its  own.  Where  in  Lagunita  Re- 
bekah Lodge  a  motion  "that  we  adopt  the  By-Laws  of  Cor- 
nelia Rebekah  Lodge  until  such  time  as  we  can  prepare  our 
own,"  was  carried,  but  these  By-Laws  of  Cornelia  RebeKah 
Lodge  were  never  submitted  to  the  Committee  on  Laws  of 
Subordinates  as  the  By-Laws  of  Lagunita  Rebekah  Lodge. 
These  By-Laws  of  Cornelia  Rebekah  Lodge,  not  having  been 
approved  by  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates  as  the 
By-Laws  of  Lagunita  Rebekah  Lodge,  were  not,  under  Sec- 
tion 2,  Article  XI,  of  the  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges, 
the  By-Laws  of  Lagunita  Lodge  or  otherwise  expressed  were 
never  in  force. — Davidson  vs.  Lagunita  Rebekah  Lodge,  1901 
Journal,  535,  543.     (See  Errata.) 

3426.  Noble  Grand  should  enforce  the  By-Laws.     It  is 

the  duty  of  the  Noble  Grand  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  to  enforce 
the  By-Laws  of  her  Lodge.  If  the  By-Laws  are  objection- 
able they  should  be  remedied  by  repeal  or  amendment,  and 
not  by  violation.— 1898  Journal,  14,  204,  205,  215. 


Rebekah  Branx'H.  851 

3427.  Grand  Lodge  may  grant  power.  A  Grand  Lodge 
can  delegate  to  the  President  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  the 
power  ad  interim  to  approve  the  By-Laws  of  Rebekah 
Lodges.— 1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15572,  16071,  16116. 

CARDS. 

3428.  May  withhold  Withdrawal  Card  pending  investi- 
gation. Upon  application  for  a  Withdrawal  Card,  should 
objection  be  made  to  its  being  granted,  it  will  be  proper  to 
withhold  the  granting  of  it  until  proper  investigation  can 
be  made,  as  it  is  a  certificate  of  good  character  and  fitness 
to  visit  for  one  year,  as  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge. — 1896 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14674,  14948,  15019. 

3429.  Can  refuse  Withdrawal  Card.  A  Rebekah  or  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  can  legally  refuse  to  grant  a  Withdrawal 
Card.— 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15177,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

Note. — See   Sections   1856,   1859      drawal  Cards  must  be  granted  by 
and  1860,  transfer  of  membership      Subordinate  Lodge, 
by  card  for  cases  in  which   With- 

3430.  Live  Withdrawal  Card  from  Subordinate  Lodge 
and  membership  in  Rebekah  Lodge.  The  holder  of  a  live 
Withdrawal  Card  does  not  sever  the  holder's  connection 
with  the  Order,  but  only  with  his  Lodge,  and  the  severance 
in  this  case  is  not  complete,  as  he  is  a  quasi-member,  and 
may  visit  Lodges.  He  may  retain  his  membership  in  his 
Encampment  and  Rebekah  Lodge. — 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
15002,  15070. 

3431.  Holder  of  Withdrawal  Card  from  Subordinate 
Lodge  and  also  from  Rebekah  Lodge.  A  brother  is  granted 
a  Withdrawal  Card  from  his  Subordinate  Lodge  on  Decem- 
ber 14th,  1896 ;  on  September  10th,  1897,  he  applies  for  ad- 
mission by  card,  and  is  rejected ;  on  December  1st,  1897,  he 
applies  for  a  Withdrawal  Card  from  the  Rebekah  Lodge.  It 
is  held  that  the  Rebekah  Lodge  of  which  he  is  a  member 
has  the  right  to  grant  him  a  Withdrawal  Card,  and  when 
it  has  been  so  granted  he  has  a  right  to  visit  upon  it  for 
twelve  months  after  its  date.— 1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15757, 
16071. 

(See  Passwords;  Visitors  and  Visiting.) 


852  Rebekah  Branch. 

CARD  PLAYING. 

3432.  For  amusement.  There  is  no  special  law  or  regula- 
tion of  the  Order  permitting  or  prohibiting  card  playing 
for  amusement  during  recess  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge-room. 
Social  pleasures  are  permitted  and  encouraged,  but  it  is 
difficult  to  draw  the  line.  This  is  a  matter  that  should  be 
determined  by  each  Lodge. — 1901  Journal,  412,  541,  567. 

3433.  Ante-rooin.  It  is  not  lawful  for  brothers  to  play 
cards  in  the  ante-room  during  the  session  of  the  Lodge. — 
1905  Journal,  749,  926,  944. 

CERTIFICATES. 

(See  Official  Certificates;  Dismissal  Certificates.) 

CHARGES. 

(See  Trials.) 

CHARTER  OF  REBEKAH  ASSEMBLY. 

(See  Rebekah  Assembly.) 

CHARTER  AND  CHARTER  MEMBERS. 

3434.  Rebekah  Assemblies  and  power  to  charter  Lodges. 

The  respective  Grand  Lodges  in  jurisdictions  where  Re- 
bekah Assemblies  are  organized  are  authorized  to  permit 
the  President  of  such  Assemblies  to  receive  petitions  for 
charters  and  dispensations,  grant  the  same  and  institute 
new  Rebekah  Lodges,  subject  to  the  approval  of  Grand 
Lodges  and  under  such  regulations  as  may  be  prescribed 
by  such  Grand  Lodges.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  253,  297,  323. 

3435.  Rebekah  Assembly  and  power  to  revoke  charter. 
A  Grand  Lodge  cannot  give  its  Rebekah  Assembly  power 
to  revoke  the  charter  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  or  disturb  it  in 
possession  of  its  chartered  rights. — 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
14678,  15011,  14948,  15019. 

3436.  President  of  Rebekah  Assembly  and  power  to  re- 
claim charter.  A  Grand  Lodge  cannot  transfer  from  the 
Grand  Master  to  the  President  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly 


Rebekah  Branch.  .  853 

the  power  to  reclaim  the  charter,  books  and  effects  of  a 
Rebekah  Lodge.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14679,  14949,  15019. 

3437.  Surrender  of  charter.  The  charter  of  a  Rebekah 
Lodge  cannot  be  surrendered  while  the  minimum  number 
of  its  members  required  by  law  to  petition  for  a  charter  are 
willing  and  desirous  to  retain  the  charter. — 1900  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  509,  827,  873. 

3438.  Grand  Lodge  and  number  of  applicants.  A  Grand 
Lodge  may  require  more  than  five  applicants  for  a  charter 
for  a  Rebekah  Lodge.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  509,  827,  873. 

3439.  Refusal  of  charter  and  membership.  The  refusal 
of  a  charter  by  the  Grand  Lodge  to  a  Lodge  working  under 
dispensation  terminates  membership. — 1896  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 14680,  15078,  15093. 

3440.  President  and  Secretary  of  Rebekah  Assembly — 
Signing  charter.  The  President  and  Secretary  of  Rebekah 
Assemblies  are  not  required  to  sign  the  charters  for  Re- 
bekah Lodges,  nor  has  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  jurisdiction 
the  right  to  so  require.— 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  37,  361,  371, 
372. 

(See  Section  3434  as  to  the  new  legislation  of  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge.) 

3441.  Certain  consent  necessary  for  new  Lodge.  Peti- 
tioners for  a  charter  to  institute  a  Rebekah  Lodge  are  re- 
quired to  obtain  the  consent  of  three-fourths  of  the  Re- 
bekah Lodges  in  the  county  where  the  proposed  Lodge  is 
to  be  instituted,  provided  there  are  four  or  more  in  the 
county,  and  present  the  same  to  the  Grand  Master,  before 
a  dispensation  can  be  issued  for  the  institution  of  such 
Lodge.— 1892  Journal,  106,  120. 

3442.  Consent  to  institution  of  new  Lodge  before  taking 
Withdrawal  Cards.  Members  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  who 
desire  to  institute  a  new  Rebekah  Lodge  are  not  required 
to  take  out  Withdrawal  Cards  in  their  own  Lodge  before 
applying  for  the  necessary  consent  of  the  other  Lodges  in 


854  ^  Rebekah  Branch. 

the  district,  but  such  cards  must  accompany  an  application 
for  a  charter.— 1901  Journal,  411,  541,  567. 

3443.  When  members  may  apply  for  such  consent  of 
their  own  Lodge.  Members  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  may  ask 
permission  of  their  own  Lodge  to  institute  a  new  Rebekah 
Lodge  before  withdrawing  from  their  own  Lodge. — 1901 
Journal,  411,  541,  567. 

3444.  Who  must  apply  for  a  warrant  to  institute  a  Re- 
bekah Lodge — Withdrawal  Cards  and  Certificates  of  Resig- 
nation. Where  five  or  more  Certificates  of  Resignation  ac- 
companied a  petition  for  a  warrant  to  institute  a  Rebekah 
Lodge,  it  was  refused  because  five  of  the  petitioners  had  not 
unexpired  Withdrawal  Cards.  It  is  necessary  that  five  of 
the  petitioners  for  a  warrant  for  the  institution  of  a  new 
Rebekah  Lodge  shall  be  in  possession  of  the  Rebekah  De- 
gree, irrespective  of  sex,  and  have  and  file  with  the  petition 
their  unexpired  cards.  The  law  does  not  contemplate  that 
a  Resignation  Certificate  shall  be  equivalent  to  an  unex- 
pired Withdrawal  Card  for  this  purpose. — 1901  Journal, 
414,  541,  567. 

3445.  Initiatory  Degree — Charter  member.  An  Initia- 
tory Degree  member  is  qualified  to  become  a  charter  mem- 
ber of  a  Rebekah  Lodge.— 1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14240, 
14487,  14570;  1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15003,  15071,  15080. 

3446.  Rejected  applicant  and  charter  member.  If  a  can- 
didate for  membership  by  deposit  of  card  be  black  balled 
in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  she  cannot  become  a  charter  member 
of  a  new  Lodge  instituted  in  the  same  town  two  months 
thereafter.— 1903  Journal,  190,  204,  213. 

3447.  To  be  charter  member  must  be  present.  No  one 
can  be  a  charter  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  who  is  not 
actually  present  at  the  institution  thereof. — 1889  Journal, 
35,  122,  163. 

3448.  Eligibility  to  office  in  new  Lodges.  At  the  institu- 
tion of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  all  of  the  charter  members  are 
eligible  to  any  office  therein,  previous  service  in,  office  not 


Rebekah  Branch.  855 

being  a  necessary  qualification  in  such  cases. — 1889  Jour- 
nal, 33,  122,  163. 

3449.  When  no  Past  Noble  Grand  at  institution.  At  the 
institution  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  and  during  the  first  term 
of  such  Lodge,  when  no  Past  Noble  Grand  is  present,  any 
member  in  good  standing  may  be  selected  to  fill  the  Past 
Noble  Grand's  chair.— 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  867,  884. 

3450.  Election — Past  Noble  Grand.  At  the  institution 
of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  it  is  not  legal  to  elect  a  member  to  fill 
the  office  of  Past  Noble  Grand.  The  honors  of  that  office 
can  only  be  acquired  by  actual  service  as  Noble  Grand. — 
1889  Journal,  35,  123,  163. 

3451.  To  exemplify  the  secret  work.  The  instituting 
officer  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  in  the  absence  of  a  qualified 
Representative  of  the  jurisdiction,  may  invite  a  Past  Grand 
Master  of  another  jurisdiction,  who  happens  to  be  present, 
to  exemplify  the  secret  work  of  the  degree. — 1899  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  32,  365,  394. 

3452.  A  sister  as  instituting  officer.  A  sister  who  is  a 
Past  Noble  Grand  may  be  appointed  a  special  deputy  to  in- 
stitute a  Rebekah  Lodge.— 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  536,  752, 
820.  Such  appointment  must  come  from  the  Grand  Master. 
—1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14674,  14948,  15019. 

3453.  Charter  fee.  The  fee  for  a  charter  for  a  Rebekah 
Lodge  is  ten  dollars,  to  accompany  the  application  therefor. 
— Constitution  Grand  Lodge,  Art.  VIII,  Sec.  2. 

3454.  Report  of  institution  of  new  Lodge.  All  District 
Deputy  Grand  Masters,  and  all  special  deputies  instituting 
new  Lodges,  are  required,  immediately  upon  instituting  a 
Rebekah  Lodge,  to  report  the  same  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Rebekah  Assembly,  giving  name,  number  and  location  of 
Lodge,  and  a  full  report  of  all  business  done. — 1894  Jour- 
nal, 756,  773. 

3455.  Instituting  new  Lodge — District  Deputy  Grand 
Master.     A  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  cannot  assist  in 


856  Rebkkah  Branch. 

instituting  a  new  Rebekah  Lodge  who  is  himself  not  a  mem- 
ber of  a  Rebekah  Lodge.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  44,  219, 
243. 

3456.  Charters  refused  to  those  who  fail  to  respect 
authority  of  Grand  Lodge.  Where  the  Grand  Master  re- 
called a  charter  and  took  possession  of  the  property  of  a 
Rebekah  Lodge  because  its  officers  and  members  failed  to 
recognize  the  authority  and  respect  the  mandates  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  relative  to  giving  to  a  certain  member  all  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  a  sister,  and  after  this  recall  of 
the  charter  nearly  all  of  the  former  officers  and  members 
of  the  Lodge  whose  charter  was  recalled  petitioned  for  a 
warrant  to  institute  a  new  Rebekah  Lodge.  The  petition 
was  refused  by  the  Grand  Master  and  the  Grand  Lodge,  as 
the  granting  of  the  petition  would  be  absurd  and  ill-ad- 
vised.—1901  Journal,  413,  414,  541,  567. 

3457.  Forfeiture  of  charter.  Where  the  charter  of  a  Re- 
bekah Lodge  has  been  declared  forfeited  by  the  Grand 
Lodge,  although  the  charter  has  not  been  actually  taken  up, 
the  members  cannot  legally  work  as  a  Lodge  under  such 
charter.  They  must  petition  the  Grand  Lodge  either  for  the 
institution  of  a  new  Lodge  or  the  resuscitation  of  the  old 
one.— 1885  Journal,  288,  403,  432. 

CHILDREN. 

3458.  When  excluded  from  Lodge-room.  When  children 
reach  the  age  of  understanding  they  should  be  excluded 
from  the  Lodge-room.  As  a  matter  of  precaution,  all  chil- 
dren over  two  years  of  age  should  not  be  permitted  to  re- 
main in  the  Lodge-room. — 1896  Journal,  419,  587,  628. 

COMMITTEES. 

3459.  In  arrears  for  dues.  Arrearages  for  dues  do  not 
excuse  a  member  from  serving  on  committees. — 1895  Jour- 
nal, 24,  189,  234. 

(See  Finance  Committee;  Trials;  Social  Committee.) 


Rebekah  Branch. 


857 


CONSOLIDATION  OF  LODGES. 

3460.  Not  required  to  sign  Constitution.  ]\Iembers  of  a 
Rebekah  Lodge  which  was  consolidated  with  and  into  an- 
other Rebekah  Lodge  are  not  required  to  sign  the  Consti- 
tution of  the  latter  Lodge  before  becoming  members  thereof. 
They  are  to  be  treated  in  all  respects  as  regular  members 
of  the  latter  Lodge.— 1905  Journal,  746,  926,  944. 

3461.  When  Lodge  cannot  consolidate.  A  Lodge  cannot 
be  compelled  to  consolidate  with  another  while  the  mini- 
mum number  of  its  members  required  by  law  to  petition  for 
a  charter  are  willing  and  desirous  to  retain  the  charter. — 
1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  509,  827,  873. 

CONSTITUTIONS. 

3462.  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly.  It  will  be 
found  affixed  to  this  Digest.  It  was  adopted  in  1896,  and 
will  also  be  found  in  the  Journal  of  that  year.  It  was 
amended  in  1897,  1898,  1899,  1900,  1903,  1905.  For  matters 
contained  in  the  Constitution,  see  Index  to  this  Digest, 
under  the  head  of  Rebekah  Branch. — 1896  Journal,  568,  569, 
570  to  573,  595,  596,  626,  627;  1897  Journal,  1027,  1054; 
1898  Journal, -266,  267,  280;  1899  Journal,  678;  1900  Jour- 
nal, 238,  246,  247 ;  1903  Journal,  208,  213,  214 ;  1905  Jour- 
nal, 961,  964,  966,  967. 

3463.  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges.  It  will  be  found 
affixed  to  this  Digest.  It  was  enacted  in  1896,  and  will  also 
be  found  in  the  Journal  of  that  year,  and  was  amended  in 
1897,  1900,  1902,  1903,  1905.  For  matters  contained  in  the 
Constitution,  see  Index  to  this  Digest,  under  the  head 
of  Rebekah  Branch.— 1896  Journal,  639  to  648 ;  1897  Jour- 
nal, 1027,  1028,  1054,  1045,  1059,  1056,  1068 ;  1900  Journal, 
238,  246,  247,  248;  1902  Journal,  935,  945;  1903  Journal, 
207,  208,  213,  334;  1905  Journal,  939,  964. 

CONTEMPT. 

3464.  New  trial — Accused  fails  to  appear.  Where  a 
brother  appeared  and  underwent  a  trial  before  a  Trial  Com- 
mittee which  reported  him  not  guilty  and  the  Lodge  rejected 


858  Rebekah  Branch. 

the  report  and  referred  the  matter  to  a  new  committee  ''for 
a  new  trial,"  and,  although  notified,  the  brother  failed  to 
appear  before  the  new  committee,  he  was  not  guilty  of  con- 
tempt. In  such  cases  of  new  trial,  where  the  accused  does 
not  appear,  the  committee  may  proceed  with  the  new  trial. 
— ^Burns  vs.  Isabella  Rebekah  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  192, 
193,  215. 

3465.  Accused  appeared  before  Trial  Committee — Failed 
to  appear  thereafter.  Where  the  accused  recognized  the 
authority  of  the  Trial  Committee,  appeared  in  answer  to 
the  summons,  demurred,  examined  and  objected  to  mem- 
bers of  the  Trial  Committee,  but  left  a  meeting  of  the  com- 
mittee and  failed  to  appear  before  it  thereafter,  because 
she  was  not  allowed  an  assistant  counsel — this  is  not  con- 
tempt within  the  contemplation  of  Section  4,  Article  VI, 
of  the  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges.  Her  counsel  stated 
before  she  left  the  committee  that,  as  she  was  not  allowed 
assistant  counsel,  **she  would  not  stand  trial  or  have  any- 
thing further  to  do  with  the  matter." — Carrie  Budelman 
vs.  Vesper  Rebekah  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  545,  612. 

CONTINGENT  FUND. 

(See  Funds.) 

COUNSEL. 

3466.  In  the  matter  of  charges.  A  brother  in  good  stand- 
ing in  a  Subordinate  Lodge  may  appear  before  a  Trial 
Committee  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  as  attorney  or  counsel  for 
the  accused,  although  said  counsel  is  not  a  member  of  a  Re- 
bekah Lodge,  but  he  has  not  the  right  to  appear  before  the 
Rebekah  Lodge  in  secret  session  at  the  time  of  action  on 
the  report  of  the  Trial  Committee,  or  to  appear  in  the  Re- 
bekah Lodge.— 1898  Journal,  114,  204,  215 ;  Carrie  Budelman 
vs.  Vesper  Rebekah  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  545,  612 ;  1898  Jour- 
nal, 11,  204,  215. 

DEGREES. 

(See  Rebekah  Degree;  Assembly  Degree.) 


Rebekau  Branch.  859 

DEGREE  STAFF. 

3467.  Right  of  officers.  The  officers  of  the  Lodge  have 
the  right  to  their  respective  positions  upon  the  degree  staff 
in  the  regular  Lodge  work,  and  cannot  he  deprived  of  that 
right  except  by  their  consent. — 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14675, 
14949,  15019. 

3468.  Who  qualified  to  act.  A  member  cannot  occupy 
any  position  or  deliver  any  charge  in  a  degree  staff,  that  he 
is  not  qualified  to  fill  by  the  rank  he  has  attained  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Order.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14687,  14948, 
15019. 

3469.  Conductor.  The  Conductor  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge 
has  the  right  to  hold  the  position  in  the  team,  when  or- 
dered to  vacate  it  by  the  Noble  Grand  and  captain  of  the 
team.— 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  536,  752,  820. 

3470.  Officers*  collars.  When  the  regular  officers  of  a 
Lodge  surrender  their  chairs  to  the  degree  staff,  they 
should  surrender  their  collars  also. — 1903  Journal,  190,  204, 
213. 

3471.  Paraphernalia  or  robes  of  degree.  A  degree  team 
of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  has  no  right  to  appear  in  the  para- 
phernalia or  robes  of  the  degree  at  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  or 
any  other  place  outside  of  a  Subordinate  or  Degree  Lodge. 
—1901  Journal,  409,  551,  562. 

(See  Work  of  Rebekah  Degree.) 

DECISIONS. 
(See  President  of  Rebekah  Assembly.) 

DISMISSAL  CERTIFICATE. 

3472.  Dismissal  Certificates  for  Rebekah  Lodges.  They 
are  to  be  printed  and  sold  at  same  price  as  other  Dismissal 
Certificates.— 1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11722,  11770. 

(See  Supplies.) 


I 


860  Rebekah  Branch. 

3473.  Dismissal  Certificate,  no  ballot.  In  a  Rebekah 
Lodge  no  ballot  is  required  in  granting  a  Dismissal  Certifi- 
cate.—1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14674,  14948,  15019. 

3474.  Suspension  and  Dismissal  Certificate.  In  a  Re- 
bekah Lodge  a  member  suspended  for  the  non-payment  of 
dues  has  the  right  to  demand  a  Dismissal  Certificate  on  the 
payment  of  one  dollar  without  first  applying  for  reinstate- 
ment.—1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14674,  14949,  15019. 

3475.  Dismissal  Certificate  and  resignation.  A  member 
of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  who  owes  dues,  assessments  or  fines, 
is  not  entitled  to  a  Dismissal  Certificate.  On  payment  of  all 
charges  against  her  or  him,  he  or  she  may  resign;  then  the 
Lodge  must  give  a  certificate  of  such  resignation.  Dis- 
missal Certificates  can  be  granted  only  to  members  who 
have  been  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues. — 1897  Jour- 
nal, 805,  1030,  1054. 

DISPENSATIONS. 

3476.  Grand  Master.  The  Grand  Master  has  power  to 
issue  dispensations  to  Rebekah  Lodges  in  all  similar  in- 
stances in  which  he  possesses  such  power  in  regard  to  Sub- 
ordinate Lodges.— 1898  Journal,  274,  281. 

3477.  Nomination,  election  and  installation.  District 
Deputy  Presidents  have  no  authority  to  grant  dispensations 
to  Lodges  in  their  districts  to  nominate,  elect  and  install 
officers  the  same  evening. — 1898  Journal,  246,  278. 

3478.  To  install  one  not  nominated  or  elected.  A  Dis- 
trict Deputy  President  has  no  power  to  grant  a  dispensation 
to  install  into  the  office  of  Vice-Grand  a  sister  who  has  not 
been  either  nominated  or  elected.  Such  action  by  the  Deputy 
is  absolutely  without  authority  and  inexcusable. — 1898  Jour- 
nal, 246,  278. 

3479.  To  ballot  for,  elect  and  initiate.  A  District  Deputy 
Grand  Master  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  cannot  grant  a  dispen- 
sation to  receive  the  application  of,  ballot  upon,  and 
initiate  a  candidate  on  one  and  the  same  meeting  night  of 


fc 


Kebekah  Branch.  8G1 

the  Lodge,  unless  this  power  is  given  by  local  legislation. — 
1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  44,  219,  243. 

3480.  Admission  fees.  A  Rebekah  Lodge  cannot  have  a 
dispensation  to  reduce  the  admission  fee  for  three  months. 
—1894  Journal,  605,  734,  773. 

3481.  Series  of  socials.  When  a  series  of  socials  are 
given  it  is  necessary  to  have  a  dispensation  for  each  social. 
—1901  Journal,  411,  541,  567. 

3482.  To  be  in  writing  and  also  requests  therefor.  All 
dispensations  should  be  in  writing.  A  request  for  a  dis- 
pensation should  be  in  writing  and  under  seal  of  the  Lodge. 
—1903  Journal,  210,  216. 

3483.  Joint  installations  with  Subordinate  Lodges.  Dis- 
trict Deputy  Presidents  have  no  authority  to  grant  dispen- 
sations to  hold  joint  installations  with  Subordinate  Lodges, 
but  may  grant  dispensations  to  hold  public  installations. — 
1903  Journal,  216. 

3484.  Grand  Lodge  may  grant  power.  A  Grand  Lodge 
may  delegate  to  the  President  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly 
the  power  ad  interim  to  grant  dispensations  to  Rebekah 
Lodges  without  the  approval  of  the  Grand  Master  (1898 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15752,  16096,  16143),  and  may  delegate 
to  the  President  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  the  power  to 
grant  permission  to  restore  expelled  members. — 1898 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15753,  16071,  16116. 

3485.  Raffle — Orphans'  Home.  A  dispensation  cannot 
be  granted  to  raflfle  a  ring  for  the  benefit  of  the  Orphans' 
Home,  the  tickets  to  have  the  name 'of  the  Lodge  printed 
thereon.— 1905  Journal,  746,  926,  944. 

3486.  Sale  of  tickets  for  benefit  of  Orphans'  Home.  A 
member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  has  not  the  right  to  have 
printed  and  to  sell  tickets  in  the  name  of  the  Order  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Orphan's  Home  without  a  dispensation. — 
1905  Journal,  746,  926,  944. 


862  Rebekah  Branch. 

DISTRICT  DEPUTY  GRAND  MASTER. 

(See  Officers  of  Rebekah  Assembly;  Work  of  the  Degree.) 

DISTRICT  DEPUTY  PRESIDENT. 

(See  Officers  of  Rebekah  Assembly;  Dispensations;  Instal- 
lation; Rebekah  Degree.) 

DUES. 

3487.  Dues,  fractions  of  months,  motion,  By-Laws.  Dues 
are  fixed  by  the  By-Laws  of  the  respective  Rebekah  Lodges, 
and  commence  from  the  date  of  signing  the  Constitution. 
The  effect  of  the  By-Laws  cannot  be  set  aside  by  a  mere 
motion.  The  effect  of  the  By-Laws  as  to  fractions  of 
months  cannot  be  set  aside  on  motion. — 1903  Journal,  191, 
204,  213. 

3488.  Reading  names  of  members  in  arrears.  It  is  not 
legal  to  read  the  names  of  members  who  are  in  arrears  for 
dues  and  fines  when  the  amount  owed  for  dues,  fines  or 
assessments  are  equal  to  the  amount  of  one  year's  dues. 
The  names  of  members,  subject  to  suspension  for  non-pay- 
ment of  dues,  fines,  or  assessments,  can  be  read,  as  pro- 
vided by  Clause  1,  Section  10,  Article  VI,  Constitution  of 
Rebekah  Lodges,  only  after  such  members  shall  have 
become  delinquent  in  the  payment  of  either  dues,  fines  or 
assessments,  for  a  full  period  of  twelve  months. — 1903 
Journal,  24,  176,  210. 

3489.  When  suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues  is 
illegal.  If  a  Lodge  suspends  a  member  for  non-payment  of 
dues  on  June  26th,  he  not  being  twelve  months  in  arrears 
until  July  1st,  such. action  is  illegal.  A  Lodge  cannot 
legally  suspend  a  member  for  non-payment  of  dues  until 
he  is  more  than  twelve  months  in  arrears. — 1903  Journal, 
189,  204,  213. 

3490.  Inmate  of  insane  asylum,  dues  and  suspension.  A 
Lodge  cannot  legally  suspend  for  non-payment  of  dues  one 
of  its  members  who  is  an  inmate  of  an  insane  asylum. — 1903 
Journal,  190,  204,  213. 


} 


Rebkkah  Branch.  863 

3491.  Inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  dues  and  suspen- 
sion. If  a  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  becomes  an  inmate 
of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  of  California,  such  member  can- 
not be  legally  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  while  an 
inmate.— 1903  Journal,  190,  204,  213. 

3492.  Laws  governing  Rebekah  Lodges.  All  laws  of  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  in  regard  to  dropping  or  suspension 
for  non-payment  of  dues-  are  extended  to  and  govern 
Rebekah  Lodges,  the  same  as  Subordinate  Lodges. — 1893 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  358,  393,  421. 

FEES. 

3493.  Reduction  of  admission  fees.  A  Rebekah  Lodge 
cannot  have  a  dispensation  to  reduce  the  admission  fee  for 
three  months.— 1894  Journal,  605,  734,  773. 

3494.  When  admission  fee  to  be  returned.  When  the 
applicant  does  not  appear  in  a  reasonable  time  after  notifica- 
tion, the  Lodge  should  return  to  him  the  initiation  fee,  and 
by  this  act  rescind  his  election  to  membership. — 1896  Jour- 
nal, 415,  587,  628 ;  1895  Journal,  25,  189,  234. 

FINANCE  COMMITTEE, 

3495.  Its  duty  as  to  bills  and  accounts.  It  is  the  duty 
of  the  Finance  Committee  to  examine  all  bills  and  accounts 
previous  to  their  being  passed  upon  by  the  Lodge. — 1905 
Journal,  748,  926,  944. 

3496.  Minority  report  of  Finance  Committee.  In  the 
ab.sence  of  a  majority  report,  a  minority  report  of  the 
Finance  Committee  cannot  be  accepted  by  a  Lodge. — 1905 
Journal,  747,  926,  927,  944. 

FLAG. 

3497.  Rebekah  Lodge  can  purchase  and  use  one.  A 
Rebekah  Lodge  can  purchase  and  float  a  flag  emblematic  of 
the  Order,  of  the  design  prescribed  by  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge,  and  hoist  it  at  half  mast  on  the  death  of  a  sister. — 
1904  Journal,  369,  563,  569. 


864  Rebekah  Branch. 

FUNDS  AND  PROPERTY. 

3498.  Rebekah  Lodge  funds  are  trust  funds — Refresh- 
ments. The  funds  of  Rebekah  Lodges  are  trust  funds  for  the 
relief  of  distress  and  the  kindred  purposes  mentioned  in  the 
Rebekah  Code,  and  it  would  not  be  proper  or  lawful  for  a 
Rebekah  Lodge  to  vote  money  from  its  general  funds  for 
refreshments  when  entertaining  other  Lodges  or  at  installa- 
tion. If  a  Lodge  has  the  five  per  cent  contingent  fund,  it 
can  lawfuly  make  such  expenditures  from  such  fund. — 1904 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  537,  754,  820. 

3499.  Flowers  for  sick  or  deceased  members.  Rebekah 
Lodges  may  expend  moneys  from  their  general  fund  for  the 
purchase  of  flowers  for  their  sick  or  deceased  members. — 
1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  226,  297,  323. 

3500.  Nurse  fund  for  sisters.  A  Rebekah  Lodge  can 
make  provision  for  a  nurse  fund  for  sisters  only. — 1902 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  539,  988,  1004. 

3501.  To  aid  institution  of  Lodge.  A  Rebekah  Lodge 
may  appropriate  money  or  make  a  donation  from  its  funds 
to  aid  the  institution  of  a  new  Rebekah  Lodge. — Kelton  vs. 
Calaveras  Rebekah  Lodge,  1893  Journal,  347,  348,  363 ;  1898 
Journal,  15,  204,  205,  215. 

3502.  Bill  for  robes.  A  Rebekah  Lodge  may  expend  its 
funds  for  any  legitimate  purpose  at  any  regular  meeting  not 
contrary  to  its  By-Laws,  and  the  fact  that  the  committee 
incurring  the  bill  for  robes  was  appointed  at  a  special  meet- 
ing does  not  in  any  manner  affect  the  legality  of  the  charge 
or  the  right  of  the  Lodge  to  consider  or  pay  the  same  at  a 
regular  meeting.— 1898  Journal,  14,  204,  205,  215. 

3503.  Bills  for  services.  A  bill  *'for  services  rendered" 
is  sufficiently  specific  to  justify  drawing  a  warrant  on  the 
treasury,  if  not  objected  to ;  but  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Noble 
Grand  to  see  that  all  bills  are  paid  from  the  proper  fund. — 
1898  Journal,  14,  204,  205,  215. 

3504.  Rebekah  Veteran  Jewel.  Lodges  are  authorized  to 
expend  money  from  their  general  funds  in  the  purchase  of 
Veteran  Jewels  for  presentation  to  such  of  their  members 


Rebekah  Branch.  ^  865 

as  are  entitled  to  wear  the  same,  subject  to  the  provisions 
of  any  local  laws  governing  the  expenditure  of  Lodge 
funds.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  786,  827,  872. 

3505.  Jewel  for  member.  A  Rebekah  Lodge  has  no 
right,  except  for  a  Veteran  Jewel,  to  expend  its  funds  for 
a  jewel  for  a  member.— 1897  Journal,  807,  994,  1034. 

3506.  Cannot  donate  to  Christian  Endeavor  Society.  A 
Rebekah  Lodge  cannot  donate  from  its  funds  to  a  Christian 
Endeavor  Society.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  509,  827,  873. 

3507.  Present  to  District  Deputy  President.  A  Rebekah 
Lodge  cannot  use  its  money  for  the  purpose  of  making  a 
present  to  the  District  Deputy.— 1898  Journal,  14,  204,  205, 
215. 

3508.  Present  to  a  Subordinate  Lodge.  A  Rebekah 
Lodge,  in  consideration  of  ''love  and  affection,"  is  not 
justified  in  making  a  present  out  of  its  general  fund  to  a 
Subordinate  Lodge,  the  latter  being  in  funds  and  having 
money  at  interest.— 1902  Journal,  751,  916,  940.  (See 
Errata.) 

3509.  Traveling  expenses  of  installing  officers.  It  is  not 
legal  for  a  Rebekah  Lodge  to  appropriate  its  funds  for  the 
purpose  of  paying  the  traveling  expenses  of  the  installing 
officers,  except  the  District  Deputy  President. — 1901  Jour- 
nal, 411,  541,  567. 

3510.  Donation    by    Subordinate    Lodge — Purchase    of 

tickets.  A  Subordinate  Lodge  may  donate  to  Rebekah 
Lodge  to  aid  them  in  purchasing  necessary  and  appropriate 
paraphernalia  for  the  work  of  the  Rebekah  Lodge,  but  has 
no  right  to  buy  tickets  for  a  concert  or  ball  for  the  purpose 
of  raising  funds  for  that  purpose. — ^Leggett  vs.  Donner 
Lodpe,  1890  Journal,  443,  448. 

3511.  Special  or  Contingent  Fund.  Grand  Lodges  may 
authorize  Rebekah  Lodges  to  set  aside  five  per  cent  of  the 
receipts  for  dues  for  the  Special  or  Contingent  Fund. — 1897 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15171,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

XoTE.— As  to  Special  or  Contingent  Fund,  see  note  to  Sec.  1472  of  thia 
Digest. 
65 


866  Rebekah  Branch. 

3512.  When  may  draw  the  five  per  cent  from  General 
Fund.  It  is  not  legal  to  draw  any  part  of  the  five  per  cent 
of  the  annual  income  for  dues,  provided  for  in  our  By-Laws, 
from  the  General  Fund  for  the  Special  or  Contingent  Fund 
before  the  end  of  the  term.— 1898  Journal,  15,  204,  205,  215. 

3512a.    General    Fund — Special    Fund — Transfer — Loan. 

A  Lodge  cannot  borrow  money  from  the  General  Fund  and 
transfer  the  same  to  the  Special  or  Contingent  Fund. — 1898 
Journal,  14,  204,  205,  215. 

3513.  Moneys  from  socials  and  entertainments.  It  is 
legal  for  Rebekah  Lodges  to  provide  in  their  By-Laws  that 
moneys  received  from  socials  and  entertainments  be  placed 
in  the  Contingent  Fund  if  the  Grand  Lodge  of  their  juris- 
diction has  expressly  conferred  the  power  on  Rebekah 
Lodges  or  has  conferred  the  necessary  general  power  on 
the  Rebekah  Assembly,  and  if  in  the  latter  case  the  Assem- 
bly has  taken  action  authorizing  the  same,  but  not  otherwise. 
If  any  such  power  has  been  conferred  specifically  or  gener- 
ally by  the  Grand  Lodge,  then  provision  can  be  inserted 
in  the  By-Laws.  The  same  rule  applies  to  Rebekah  Lodges 
as  to  Subordinate  Lodges — 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  546,  547, 
752,  820. 

3514.  Funds  cannot  be  appropriated  for  a  ball,  supper, 
entertainment,  etc.,  but  Contingent  Fund  may.  The  funds  of 
a  Rebekah  Lodge  cannot  be  legally  appropriated  for  a  ball, 
supper,  entertainment,  party  or  any  other  amusement. 
Such  expenditures  cannot  be  made,  even  upon  the  celebra- 
tion of  the  anniversary  of  the  Order  or  institution  of  the 
Lodge.  If  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  provide  that  five  per 
cent  of  the  annual  income  from  dues  be  set  aside  and 
placed  in  a  special  fund,  this  money  can  be  expended  for 
such  purposes.  Though  the  Rebekah  Code  provides  that  the 
Rebekah  Lodge  shall  cultivate  the  social  feature  of  the 
Order,  it  is  not  intended  that  this  should  give  to  it  the 
license  to  expend  its  money  for  dinners,  parties,  entertain- 
ments, etc.— 1896  Journal,  417,  587,  628;  Durwater  vs. 
Evergreen  Rebekah  Lodge,  1895  Journal,  138,  178. 


Rebekah  Branch.  867 

3515.  Music,  parties,  entertainments.  A  Rebekah  Lodge 
cannot  pay  for  music  for  a  party  out  of  the  general  funds 
of  the  Lodge.  It  is  illegal  to  use  the  general  funds  for  par- 
ties, entertainments,  etc. — 1903  Journal,  24,  176,  210. 

FUNERAL. 

3516.  Proper  badges  at  funeral  for  brothers  and  sisters. 
At  the  funeral  of  a  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  the 
brothers  should  wear  the  badge  appropriate  to  their  stand- 
ing either  in  the  Subordinate  Lodge  or  Encampment.  The 
brothers  should  not  wear  the  funeral  badge  of  the  Rebekah 
Lodge;  sisters  alone  wear  this  badge. — 1896  Journal,  418, 
587,  628. 

Note. — The  Sovereign  Grand  and  sold  as  supplies  —  (1887 
Lodge  has  adopted  a  Rebekah  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10983,  11026, 
funeral  service,   which   is   printed      11031,  11037). 

FUNERAL  BENEFITS  AND  EXPENSES. 

(See  Benefits.) 

GRAND  LODGE. 

3517.  Control  of  Rebekah  Branch.  A  Grand  Lodge  can- 
not delegate  the  entire  Rebekah  branch  to  the  control  of 
Rebekah  Assemblies.— 1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14241,  14487, 
14570. 

3518.  Meetings  to  exemplify  work.  A  State  Grand  Lodge 
may  authorize  any  Rebekah  Lodge  within  its  jurisdiction 
to  open  a  session  of  such  Lodge,  presided  over  by  its  officers, 
to  meet  at  any  place  within  its  jurisdiction  during  the  ses- 
sion and  at  the  place  of  meeting  of  such  Grand  Lodge,  for 
the  purpose  of  exemplifying,  in  the  presence  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Order  entitled  to  witness  the  same,  the  Rebekah 
work.— 1889  Journal,  66. 

3519.  The  same — Member  of  Grand  Lodge.  No  mem- 
ber of  a  Grand  Lodge  is  entitled  to  witness  such  exempli- 
fication by  reason  of  his  being  such  member  of  or  a 
representative  to  a  Grand  Lodge. — 1889  Journal,  66. 


868  Rebekah  Branch. 

3520.  Degree  of  Rebekah.  The  work  of  the  Degree  of 
Rebekah  should  not  be  rehearsed  in  the  Grand  Lodge. 
Those  not  in  possession  of  it  have  no  right  to  witness  it. — 
1889  Journal,  123,  165. 

GRAND  MASTER. 

3521.  His  powers  and  authority  as  to  Rebekah  Lodges. 
Be  it  enacted  that  the  Grand  Master  shall  have  power  to 
issue  dispensations  to  Rebekah  Lodges  in  all  similar  in- 
stances in  which  he  possesses  such  power  in  regard  to  Sub- 
ordinate Lodges,  and  shall  possess  all  powers  and  authority 
in  regard  to  Rebekah  Lodges,  that  he  possesses  in  regard 
to  Subordinate  Lodges.— 1898  Journal,  274,  281. 

GRAND   REPRESENTATIVES. 

3522.  To  report  to  Rebekah  Assembly.  They  are  re- 
quired to  report  in  writing  to  the  Rebekah  Assembly  all 
legislation  in  regard  to  Rebekahs. — 1894  Journal,  735,  773. 

3523.  Elected  delegate  to  Rebekah  Assembly.  Should  a 
Grand  Representative  be  elected  by  his  Lodge  as  a  Repre- 
sentative to  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  he  should  take  the  obli- 
gation of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  Degree  before  entering 
upon  his  duties  as  a  member. — 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14676, 
14948,  15019. 

HONORS  OF  THE  DEGREE. 

3524.  Officers  of  Rebekah  Assembly  and  of  Grand  Lodge. 

The  Honors  of  the  Degree  are  to  be  given  to  officers  of  the 
Rebekah  Assembly  and  to  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge  when 
visiting  officially  and  when  so  announced,  and  this  includes 
officers  conducting  installations.  If  an  officer  of  the  Re- 
bekah Assembly  or  of  the  Grand  Lodge  should  not  be  visit- 
ing officially,  they  should  not  so  announce. — 1904  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  536,  538,  752,  820. 

3525.  Officers   outside   of  their  own  jurisdiction.     The 

law  providing  for  the  honors  of  the  Order,  for  elective  and 
past  elective  officers  of  a  Rebekah  Assembly,  contemplate 
that  these  honors  shall  be  paid  to  elective  and  past  elective 


I 


\ 


\ 


Rebekah  Branch. 

officers  of  a  Rebekah  Assembly  when  visiting  a  Rebekah 
Lodge  outside  of  their  own  jurisdiction,  provided  the  visit 
is  on  official  business,  or  in  an  official  capacity. — 1905 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  43,  219,  243. 

3526.  A  District  Deputy  President.  A  District  Deputy 
President,  when  visiting  officially,  is  entitled  to  the  Honors 
of  the  Degree.— 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  536,  537,  538,  752, 
820. 

3527.  When  admitting  new  members.  It  is  permissible 
to  illustrate  the  Honors  of  the  Degree  by  giving  them  im- 
mediately after  a  new  member  is  introduced  to  the  Lodge, 
both  for  instruction  to  the  new  member  and  for  practice, 
but  with  the  understanding  that  they  are  then  given  not 
as  an  honor  but  for  instruction  and  practice. — 1904  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  536,  752,  820. 

HONORS  OF  THE  OFFICE. 

(See  Officers.) 

INITIATION. 

(See  Rebekah  Degree.) 

INSIGNIA. 

3528.  Three  links.  The  law  permits  a  sister  of  the  Re- 
bekah Degree  to  wear  the  three  links. — 1901  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 35,  36,  360,  371,  372. 

INSTALLATION. 

3529.  Positions  in  installation.  Installing  officers  of 
Rebekah  Lodges  are  authorized  to  fill  various  positions  in 
the  installation  of  officers  of  such  Lodges  with  lady  Past 
Noble  Grands.— 1887  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  10982,  11026. 

3530.  Cases  of  emergency.  Only  in  cases  of  emergency 
can  other  than  Past  Grands  or  Past  Noble  Grands  be  per- 
mitted to  act  at  the  installation  of  officers. — 1902  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  540,  988,  1004. 


870 


Rebekah  Branch. 


3531.  Installing  officers  and  Past  Noble  Grands.  Install- 
ing officers,  representing  Grand  Officers,  should  be  Past 
Noble  Grands.  Escorts  and  minor  officers  need  not  be. — 
1901  Journal,  411,  541,  567. 

3532.  Illegal  installation.  A  Rebekah  Lodge  cannot  in- 
stall its  officers  before  the  first  regular  meeting  in  a  term. 
—1894  Journal,  604,  732,  771. 

3533.  Duty  of  District  Deputy  President.  The  District 
Deputy  President  should  install  the  officers  in  each  Lodge 
in  her  district,  as  it  is  the  duty  of  that  officer  to  see  that 
each  officer  installed  is  fully  qualified  and  that  the  reports 
of  the  Lodge  are  properly  made  out. — 1898  Journal,  14,  204, 
205,  215. 

3534.  Officers  not  elected.  A  District  Deputy  President 
visiting  a  Rebekah  Lodge  in  her  district  for  the  purpose  of 
installing  officers,  and  finding  the  officers  have  not  been 
elected,  may  cause  the  Lodge  to  proceed  to  nominate  and 
elect  officers,  after  which  she  may  install  the  officers. — 1905 
Journal,  748,  926,  944. 

3535.  Past  Grand  may  install.  Any  Past  Grand  in  good 
standing  may  install  the  officers  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  if  he 
be  a  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge. — 1887  Journal,  768,  875, 
888. 

3536.  When  Past  Grand  or  Past  Noble  Grand  may  install 
— ^District  Deputy  President  absent.  A  Past  Grand  or  Past 
Noble  Grand  in  good  standing  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  may, 
upon  request  from  the  Lodge,  install  the  officers  in  the  ab- 
sence of  the  District  Deputy  President.  If  the  District 
Deputy  President  be  not  present  at  the  first  meeting  in  the 
term,  courtesy  toward  that  officer  should  continue  the  in- 
stallation until  the  next  meeting. — 1898  Journal,  14,  204, 
205,  215;  1903  Journal,  209,  216. 

3537.  Past  Noble  Grands.  The  Grand  Master  and  Dis- 
trict Deputies  may,  at  their  option,  request  Past  Noble 
Grands  (sisters)  to  install  the  officers  of  Rebekah  Lodges, 


r 


Rebekah  Branch. 


871 


and  such  installations  shall  be  as  valid  as  though  performed 
by  a  District  Deputy.— 1886  Journal,  647,  661. 

3538.  In  arrears  for  dues.  A  member  who  is  in  arrears 
for  dues  cannot  legally  be  installed  into  finy  office,  but  such 
arrearages  do  not  excuse  the  member  from  serving  upon 
committees.— 1895  Journal,  24,  189,  234. 

3539.  Noble  Grand-elect  absent.  If  on  the  night  of  in- 
stallation the  Noble  Grand-elect  be  absent  from  any  cause, 
the  Lodge  may,  if  it  see  fit,  proceed  to  elect  another  person 
to  said  office.— 1895  Journal,  26,  189,  234. 

3540.  Who  may  be  present.  At  the  installation  of 
officers  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  none  but  members  of  Rebekah 
Lodges  can  be  present,  except  it  be  a  public  installation. 
—1889  Journal,  36,  123,  163,  and  Errata. 

3541.  Installing  one  not  elected.  A  District  Deputy 
President  has  no  power  to  grant  a  dispensation  to  install 
into  the  office  of  Vice-Grand  a  sister  who  had  not  been 
either  nominated  or  elected.  Such  action  by  the  Deputy 
is  absolutely  without  authority  and  inexcusable. — 1898 
Journal,  246,  278. 

3542.  A  member  not  qualified  or  eligible  elected.  Should 
a  Rebekah  Lodge  elect  to  the  office  of  Noble  Grand  a 
member  who  is  not  a  Past  Vice-Grand  when  there  is  a  Past 
Vice-Grand  in  nomination  for  the  office,  the  District  Deputy 
should  not  install  him  or  her.— 1881  Journal,  502,  601,  627. 

3543.  Joint  installation — Subordinate  Lodge — Rebekah 
Lodge.  A  joint  installation  is  where  the  officers  of  several 
Lodges  are  installed  by  the  same  Deputy  with  the  same 
ceremony  at  the  same  time  and  place.  A  Subordinate  Lodge 
Deputy,  as  such,  cannot  install  the  officers  of  a  Rebekah 
Lodge.  Where  a  Subordinate  Lodge  and  Rebekah  Lodge 
install  in  the  same  hall  on  the  same  evening,  and  each  Lodge 
by  its  own  Deputy,  the  same  is  a  public  installation  of  offi- 
cers, and  each  organization  should  procure  a  dispensation 
from  its  respective  Deputy.— 1898  Journal,  13,  221,  240. 


872  Rebekah  Branch. 

3544.  Charges  and  installation  of  Vice-Grand.  A  mem- 
ber who  has  been  regularly  and  legally  elected  to  the  office 
of  Vice-Grand  must  be  installed,  if  she  proves  herself  com- 
petent in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  our  law. 
The  preferring  of  charges  after  her  election  does  not  stop 
her  installation.— 1905  Journal,  746,  926,  944. 

3545.  Unwritten  work  and  Vice-Grand.  The  Vice-Grand 
of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  is  required  to  know  the  unwritten  work 
of  the  degree.— 1896  Journal,  417,  587,  628;  1887  Journal, 
770,  875,  880. 

3546.  Unwritten  work  and  the  charge  of  office.  A  Dis- 
trict Deputy  President  has  a  right  to  refuse  to  install  a 
Noble  Grand-elect  or  a  Vice-Grand-elect  who  has  not  com- 
mitted to  memory  the  charge  of  her  office.  The  Deputies 
are  expected  to  install  into  the  office  of  Noble  Grand  or 
Vice-Grand  no  one  who  has  not  committed  to  memory  the 
unwritten  work  and  the  charge  of  her  respective  office. — 
1903  Journal,  190,  204,  213. 

3547.  Examination    as    to    work — Past    Noble    Grand. 

When  a  Past  Noble  Grand  may  legally  install  an  officer  of 
a  Rebekah  Lodge,  it  is  illegal  for  such  Past  Noble  Grand  to 
install  such  officer  without  the  examination  prior  thereto 
of  such  officer  as  to  her  proficiency  in  the  work. — 1899  Jour- 
nal, 466,  628,  675. 

3548.  Traveling  expenses  of  installing  officers  and  Dis- 
trict Deputy  President.  It  is  not  legal  for  a  Rebekah  Lodge 
to  appropriate  its  funds  for  the  purpose  of  paying  the 
traveling  expenses  of  the  installing  officers,  except  the 
District  Deputy  President.— 1901  Journal,  411,  541,  567. 

3549.  Installation  in  Subordinate  Lodge.  The  sisters 
of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  cannot  be  present  at  the  installation  of 
the  officers  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  unless  it  be  a  public 
installation.— 1858  Journal,  331,  398. 

3550.  Not  subject  to  Constitution  of  Subordinates. 
Rebekah  Lodges  are  governed  in  the  installation  of  their 
officers  by  Article  IV,  Sections  6  and  7,  of  the  Constitution 


Rebekah  Branch. 


873 


of  Rebekah  Lodges,  and  are  in  no  way  subject  to  the  Con- 
stitution of  Subordinates  in  the  matter. — 1884  Journal,  16. 
116,  153. 

(See  Dispensations;  District  Deputy  President.) 

INSTITUTION. 

(See  Charter.) 


JEWELS. 

3551.  Jewel  of  Past  Presidents  of  Rebekah  Assemblies. 
Said  jewel  to  be  in  form  circular,  of  the  diameter  of  2i/^ 
inches ;  on  the  face  thereof,  on  the  upper  side  of  the  circle, 
seven  stars  set  in  the  center  thereof  with  diamonds;  on  the 
immediate  left  of  said  stars  a  raised  crescent ;  on  the  extreme 
lower  edge  of  said  circle,  a  raised  representation  of  a  bee- 
hive ;  and  immediately  thereunder,  three  links ;  on  the  imme- 
diate left  of  said  beehive,  a  raised  figure  of  a  lily,  and  on  the 
immediate  right,  and  on  a  line  with  the  top  of  said  beehive, 
the  figure  of  a  flying  dove,  holding  in  its  bill  an  olive  branch, 
the  figure  of  which  is  to  be  cut  into  the  surface  of  the  jewel. 
The  disc  of  said  jewel  to  be  milled;  the  back  thereof  to 
have  inscribed  thereon  the  words:  ** Presented  to  (name 
of  Past  President,  date  of  presentation)  by  (name  of  Assem- 
bly) Rebekah  Assembly.  "—1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  349,  360; 
1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  743,  869,  870,  886. 

3552.  Rebekah  Veteran  Jewel — Who  entitled  thereto. 
Any  sister  who  has  been  a  member  in  good  standing  of  a 
Rebekah  Lodge  for  fifteen  consecutive  years  shall  be  en- 
titled to  wear  a  jewel,  to  be  designated  the  Rebekah 
Veteran  Jewel,  I.  O.  O.  F.— 1891  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  12701. 

3553.  Rebekah  Veteran  Jewel.  Of  yellow  metal,  one  and 
one-quarter  inches  in  diameter.  A  round  bar  with  pin  is 
attached  to  the  jewel  by  two  chains  of  yellow  metal,  and 
between  the  chains  is  suspended  the  monogram,  V.  R.  D. 
The  round  bar  is  enameled  pink  and  green.  In  the  center 
of  the  jewel  are  the  figures  15,  in  white  enamel,  surrounded 
by  an  olive  wreath  on  a  dark  ground.    The  outer  edge  of 


874  Rebekah  Branch. 

the  jewel  is  finished  with  white  enamel.  The  entire  length 
of  the  jewel,  including  the  bar  and  chains,  is  two  and  one- 
quarter  inches.  The  design  is  patented  and  the  jewel  is 
sold  by  the  Grand  Secretary  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge, 
on  an  order  from  a  Grand  Secretary.  Prices:  Plated, 
$3.50  J  8-carat  gold,  $10.00;  10-carat  gold,  $20.00;  14-carat 
gold,  $25.00.-1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  294,  315. 

3554.  Authority  to  sell.  Grand  Secretary  of  the  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge  is  authorized  to  sell  Rebekah  Veteran 
Jewels  on  the  order  of  the  Secretary  of  a  Rebekah  Assembly 
in  jurisdictions  which  have  delegated  to  the  Rebekah  Assem- 
bly the  right  to  handle  Rebekah  Lodge  supplies;  provided, 
that  said  Rebekah  Assembly  shall  first  provide  for  securing 
and  retaining  the  record  of  membership  necessary  to  entitle 
a  sister  to  wear  the  Rebekah  Veteran  Jewel. — 1904  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  776,  846.  In  this  jurisdiction  the  Grand  Lodge  has 
delegated  to  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  I.  0.  0.  F.  of  California, 
the  right  to  handle  Rebekah  Lodge  supplies. — 1901  Journal, 
583,  584,  589. 

3555.  A  sister  cannot  own  or  wear  D.  D.  G.  M.  Jewel. 

The  District  Deputy  Grand  Master's  Jewel  cannot  be  sold  to 
be  worn  by  a  sister  who  is  a  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 
in  a  Rebekah  Lodge.  All  laws  enacted  upon  this  si:^ject  re- 
fer only  to  brothers  who  have  been  appointed  District 
Deputy  Grand  Masters.— 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  35,  360,  371, 
372. 

(See  Funds.) 

LIQUORS. 

(See  Membership.) 

LOTTERY. 

3556.  Raffles  unlawful.  It  is  unlawful  for  a  Rebekah 
Lodge  to  hold  a  raffle  either  at  open  meeting,  closed  meet- 
ing, or  at  any  meeting  whatsoever  of  the  Lodge,  either  in 
the  Lodge-room  or  ante-room  or  in  any  connection  there- 
with.   A  Rebekah  Lodge  violating  this  law  is  guilty  of  in- 


k 


Rebekah  Branch.  875 

subordination  and  is  liable  to  lose  its  charter. — 1898  Journal, 
11,  12,  221,  240. 

(See  Dispensations.) 

MARRIAGE. 

(See  Name;  Membership.) 

MEETINGS. 

(See  Rebekah  Lodge.) 

MEMBERSHIP. 

3557.  Proposing  a  person  for  membership.  A  person  can 
be  proposed  for  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  by  a  mem- 
ber of  another  Rebekah  Lodge.— 1905  Journal,  747,  926,  944. 

3558.  Report  of  Investigating  Committee — Names  of 
committee.  When  the  report  of  an  Investigating  Committee 
is  read  by  the  Secretary,  that  officer  must  read  the  names 
of  the  committee  and  their  report,  whether  favorable  or 
unfavorable,  thereby  making  known  to  the  Lodge  who  re- 
ported unfavorably  on  the  application. — 1905  Journal,  746, 
926,  944. 

3559.  Discharge  of  Investigating  Committee.  When  the 
report  of  an  Investigating  Committee  is  read,  a  motion  to 
discharge  the  committee  is  not  required. — 1905  Journal,  746, 
926,  944. 

3560.  Favorable  ballot  when  committees  report  unfavor- 
ably. When  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  Investigation  is 
unfavorable,  the  Lodge  must  proceed  to  ballot  upon  the 
application  the  same  as  upon  a  favorable  report,  and  if  the 
ballot  results  favorably  the  applicant  must  be  declared 
elected.— 1902  Journal,  751,  916,  940.    (See  Errata.) 

3561.  Residence.  A  lady  may  apply  for  and  receive  the 
Degree  of  Rebekah  as  soon  as  she  is  a  resident. — 1890  Jour- 
nal, 316,  407,  417,  436. 

3562.  Residence  of  brother.  Any  permanent  resident  of 
the  district,  designated  in  the  charter  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge, 


876  Rebekah  Branch, 

being  an  Odd  Fellow  in  good  standing,  is  eligible  for  mem- 
bership in  such  Rebekah  Lodge,  regardless  of  the  locality 
of  his  Subordinate  Lodge.— 1878  Journal,  820,  928,  965. 

3563.  Time  or  duration  of  residence.  No  specified  time 
is  required  to  reside  in  a  town  to  be  eligible  to  join  a 
Rebekah  Lodge.  It  is  only  necessary  that  he  or  she  be  a 
bona  fide  resident.— 1905  Journal,  747,  748,  926,  944. 

3564.  Resident  of  another  State.  A  Rebekah  Lodge  of 
this  State  may  acquire  as  a  member  a  person  whose  resi- 
dence is  in  another  State,  by  obtaining  the  consent  of  the 
Grand  Master  of  the  State  in  which  such  person  resides. 
—1903  Journal,  190,  204,  213. 

3565.  Wives  of  Odd  Fellows.  White  women,  who  are 
wives  of  Odd  Fellows  in  good  standing,  are  eligible  to  mem- 
bership in  Rebekah  Lodges.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31,  365, 
394. 

3566.  A  wife  undeir  18  years  of  age.  The  wife  of  an  Odd 
Fellow,  who  is  not  eighteen  years  of  age,  is  eligible  to  mem- 
bership in  a  Rebekah  Lodge.— 1905  Journal,  748,  926,  944; 
1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  397,  427,  428. 

3567.  Age  of  candidates  for  membership.  Under  the 
Rebekah  Code,  the  wife  of  an  Odd  Fellow  can  be  admitted 
to  membership  though  she  be  not  eighteen  years  of  age 
(Section  6.)  The  age  of  eighteen  years  is,  however,  neces- 
sary to  those  who  join  under  Subdivision  3,  Section  6. — 
1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  418,  587,  628;  1889  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
35,  123,  163;  1888  Journal,  1019,  1021,  1111,  1130,  1903 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  427,  428,  397. 

3568.  The  eighteen-year  age  limit.  The  eighteen-year 
age  limit  applies  to  all  applicants  except  the  wife  of  an  Odd 
Fellow.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  44,  219,  243. 

3569.  Unmarried  women.  Any  unmarried  woman, 
whether  any  of  her  relatives  belong  to  the  Order  or  not, 
is  eligible  to  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  if  she  be  a 
white  woman,  eighteen  years  of  age  or  more,  and  believe 


Rebekah  Branch.  877 

in  a  Supreme  Ruler  and  Preserver  of  the  Universe. — 1895 
Journal,  25,  189,  234. 

(See  Offenses,  Section  3684.) 

3570.  Certificate  of  relationship  from  unmarried  ladies. 
It  is  contrary  to  the  laws  of  our  Order  for  a  Rebekah  Lod^e 
to  demand  or  require  a  certificate  of  relation  from  unmar- 
ried ladies,  and  a  Lodge  persisting  in  such  demand  is  guilty 
of  insubordination.— 1898  Journal,  15,  204,  205,  215. 

3571.  A  widow.  A  widow — an  unmarried  woman — is  en- 
titled to  be  admitted  to  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  although  her 
husband  was  not  an  Odd  Fellow  in  good  standing  at  the 
time  of  his  death.— 1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14239,  14487,  14570. 

3572.  Widow.  A  widow — an  unmarried  woman — is  elig- 
ible to  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  although  she  has 
no  relation  as  a  basis  for  application. — 1904  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 537,  752,  820. 

3573.  * '  Grass  widow. "  If  by  * '  grass  widow ' '  is  meant 
one  living  apart  from  her  husband,  he  being  alive,  she  is  not 
eligible  to  membership.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14676,  14948, 
15019. 

3574.  Wife  of  non-Odd  Fellow.  If  an  applicant  has  never 
received  the  degree,  she  being  married  and  her  husband  not 
an  Odd  Fellow,  she  is  not  eligible  to  membership. — 1896 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14675,  14949,  15019. 

3575.  Divorced  woman.  A  woman  divorced  absolutely 
from  her  husband  is  an  "unmarried  woman"  and  eligible  to 
membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
14675,  14975,  15069;  1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31,  365,  394. 

3576.  Wife  of  Odd  Fellow,  though  living  separate  from 
husband.  A  married  lady  who  does  not  live  with,  but  is  not 
divorced  from  her  husband  (who  is  an  Odd  Fellow),  and  is 
likewise  the  sister  of  an  Odd  Fellow,  in  seeking  membership 
in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  may  apply  as  the  wife  or  as  the  sister 
of  an  Odd  Fellow,  as  she  may  choose. — 1902  Journal,  538, 
993,  1006. 


878  Rebekah  Branch. 

3577.  Daughter,  sister  and  mother  of  Odd  Fellow.  The 
daughter,  sister  or  mother  of  an  Odd  Fellow,  in  good  stand- 
ing, or  who  died  in  good  standing,  are  eligible  to  member- 
ship if  over  eighteen  years  of  age,  though  married  to  a  man 
not  an  Odd  Fellow.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  509,  827,  873; 
1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  536,  752,  820 ;  1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
43,  219,  243 ;  1905  Journal,  745,  748,  926,  944. 

3578.  Legally  adopted  daughter  of  Odd  Fellow.     The 

legally  adopted  daughter  of  an  Odd  Fellow,  in  a  jurisdiction 
where  the  laws  provide  that  such  child  possesses  all  the 
rights  of  a  natural-born  child,  is  eligible  to  membership  in 
a  Rebekah  Lodge.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  510,  827,  873. 

3579.  Stepmother  of  Odd  Fellow.  A  married  woman,  not 
the  wife  of  an  Odd  Fellow,  is  not  entitled  to  membership  be- 
cause she  is  the  stepmother  of  an  Odd  Fellow. — 1900  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  508,  827,  873. 

3580.  Married  stepdaughter.  A  married  stepdaughter  is 
not  eligible  to  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge. — 1901  Jour- 
nal, 411,  541,  567. 

3581.  A  wife  a  half-breed  Indian.  A  half-breed  Indian, 
the  wife  of  an  Odd  Fellow,  is  not  eligible  to  membership  in 
a  Rebekah  Lodge.— 1889  Journal,  35,  123,  163. 

Note. — A  woman  of  mixed  standing,  is  not  eligible  to  mem- 
blood,  Indian  or  negro,  who  is  the  bership — (1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
wife    of    an   Odd    Fellow    in   good       14240,  14487,  14570). 

3582.  Daughter  of  saloonkeeper.  A  lady  who  is  the 
daughter  of  a  saloonkeeper  is  not  by  that  fact  ineligible  to 
membership.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  32,  365,  394. 

3583.  Saloon  business  prior  to  September  18th,  1895,  and 
since.  A  brother  who  was  engaged  in  the  saloon  business 
prior  to  September  18th,  1895,  and  who  since  has  been  con- 
tinuously engaged  in  the  business,  is  eligible  to  membership 
in  a  Rebekah  Lodge.— 1903  Journal,  23,  176,  210 ;  1900  Jour- 
nal, 25,  213,  232. 

3584.  A  saloonkeeper — A  barkeeper.  A  brother  who  was 
in  good  standing  in  the  Order  at  the  time  of  the  enacting  of 


Rebekah  Branch.  879 

the  Liquor  Law  of  1895,  and  who,  prior  thereto  and  at  all 
times  since  has  been  engaged  in  the  liquor  business,  is  eligible 
to  nlembership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  upon  an  expired  With- 
drawal Card,  he  being  otherwise  qualified  at  the  time  of 
making  application.— 1898  Journal,  12,  221,  240. 

3585.  Brother  of  the  Initiatory  Degree.  A  brother  who 
has  received  the  Initiatory  Degree  in  his  Subordinate  Lodge 
is  eligible  to  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge. — 1905  Jour- 
nal, 745,  926,  944. 

3586.  One  who  received  the  degree  marries  a  non-Odd 
Fellow.  A  lady  who  has  heretofore  received  the  Degree  of 
Rebekah,  and  is  not  now  a  member  of  a  Lodge,  and  who, 
since  receiving  the  degree  has  married  a  man  not  an  Odd 
Fellow,  is  eligible  to  membership. — 1896  Journal,  415,  587, 
628. 

3587.  Expelled  members.  The  part  of  Section  6,  Rebekah 
Code,  ''all  persons  who  have  received  the  Degree  of  Re- 
bekah," does  not  embrace  an  expelled  Odd  Fellow  who  once 
had  the  degree,  nor  his  wife  if  she  had  been  expelled,  though 
she  may  have  had  the  degree. — 1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14241, 
14487,  14570. 

3588.  Suspended,  or  expelled,  and  Dismissal  Certificate. 

Though  a  person  has  once  had  the  Degree  of  Rebekah,  if 
such  person  be  now  under  expulsion  or  suspension  from  the 
Order,  either  for  cause  or  for  non-payment  of  dues,  such  per- 
son is  not  eligible  to  membership  in  another  Rebekah  Lodge 
without  first  becoming  reinstated  within  her  own  Lodge,  or 
receiving  a  Dismissal  Certificate  therefrom" — 1896  Journal, 
416,  587,  628. 

3589.  When  wife  of  expelled  member  not  eligible.  The 
wife  of  a  member  who  has  been  expelled  for  contempt,  and 
who  has  deserted  his  family,  cannot  become  a  member  of  a 
Rebekah  Lodge,  if  she  have  not  the  degree  already,  although 
she  may  possess  the  requisite  good  moral  character.  She 
occupies  no  better  position  than  if  her  husband  had  never 
been  a  member  of  the  Order.— 1882  Journal,  841,  875. 


880  Rebekah  Branch. 

3590.  Expelled  member  to  regain  membership.  A  brother 
expelled  from  his  Subordinate  Lodge,  his  membership  in  the 
Rebekah  Lodge  terminates.  To  regain  membership  therein, 
after  being  reinstated  in  his  Subordinate  Lodge,  he  must 
petition  the  Rebekah  Lodge  for  admission  as  provided  by 
Article  VI,  Section  7,  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges. — 
1905  Journal,  747,  926,  944. 

3591.  Members  of  defunct  Lodges.  They  can  regain  mem- 
bership by  obtaining  Withdrawal  Cards,  Dismissal  Certifi- 
cates or  defunct  certificates,  as  provided  in  Sections  806  to 
810  of  this  Digest. 

3592.  Grand  Lodge  card.  A  sister  may  join  a  Lodge  upon 
a  card  issued  by  a  Grand  Lodge  to  her  as  a  member  of  a  de- 
funct Lodge  of  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Lodge. — 1898 
Journal,  68,  246,  278. 

3593.  Wife  of  Odd  Fellow  holding  unexpired  or  expired 
Withdrawal  Card.  The  wife  of  an  Odd  Fellow  who  holds 
a  Withdrawal  Card,  unexpired  or  expired,  from  his  Subordi- 
nate Lodge,  is  not  eligible  to  membership. — 1902  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  538,  539,  988,  1004. 

3594.  A  sister  holding  expired  Withdrawal  Card.  A  sis- 
ter who  has  an  expired  Withdrawal  Card  must  gain  ad- 
mission into  a  Rebekah  Lodge  in  the  same  manner  as  an 
Ancient  Odd  Fellow  into  a  Subordinate  Lodge. — 1905  Jour- 
nal, 747,  926,  944. 

3595.  A  lady  who  holds  an  expired  or  unexpired  With- 
drawal Card  marries.  A  lady  who  holds  a  Withdrawal  Card, 
expired  or  unexpired,  is  eligible  to  membership  in  a  Rebekah 
Lodge,  and  the  question  as  to  whether  she  has  married  an 
Odd  Fellow  or  a  non-Odd  Fellow  in  no  way  affects  her  eli- 
gibility.—1898  Journal,  15,  204,  205,  215. 

3596.  Expired  Withdrawal  Card — Defunct  Lodge.  A 
person  can  make  application  for  membership  on  an  expired 
Withdrawal  Card,  issued  by  a  Lodge,  since  defunct. — 1905 
Journal,  748,  926,  944. 


I 


Rebekah  Branch.  881 

3597.  Expired  Withdrawal  Cards  of  husband  and  wife. 
A  wife  has  an  expired  Withdrawal  Card  from  her  Rebekah 
Lodgre.  Her  husband  has  an  expired  Withdrawal  Card  from 
his  Subordinate  Lodge.  She  can  regain  membership  in  a 
Rebekah  Lodge,  without  her  husband  first  joining  a  Subor- 
dinate Lodge.— 1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14241,  14487,  14514, 
14570. 

3598.  Withdrawal  Cards  from  Subordinate  and  Rebekah 
Lodges.  A  brother  holding  a  live  Withdrawal  Card  from  a 
Subordinate  Lodge,  and  also  a  live  Withdrawal  Card  from  a 
Rebekah  Lodge,  cannot  join  a  Rebekah  Lodge  by  deposit  of 
card,  without  first  having  renewed  his  membership  in  a 
Subordinate  Lodge.  To  join  a  Rebekah  Lodge  he  must  be 
a  member  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge. — 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
15172,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

3599.  Wife  and  husband  hold  Withdrawal  Cards  from 
Rebekah  Lodge.  The  wife  of  a  husband,  both  of  whom  once 
belonged  to  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  but  took  W^ithdrawal  Cards, 
now  out  of  date,  can  join  a  Rebekah  Lodge. — 1895  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  14240,  14487,  14570. 

3600.  Eligibility  of  husband  and  wife  when  husband's 
Subordinate  Lodge  becomes  defunct.  If  the  Subordinate 
Lodge  to  which  a  brother  belonged  has  become  defunct,  and 
both  he  and  his  wife  have  received  the  degree,  the  wife  is 
eligible  for  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  upon  produc- 
tion of  proof  of  being  in  possession  of  the  degree.  The  hus- 
band is  eligible  when  he  becomes  a  member  in  good  standing 
in  a  Subordinate  Lodge.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14676, 
14949.  15067. 

3601.  Wife — Husband — Subordinate  Lodge  refused  char- 
ter. A  Rebekah  Lodge  cannot  act  upon  the  report  of  its 
committee  and  receive  into  membership  the  wife  of  a  brother 
of  a  Ijodge  acting,  at  the  time  of  application,  under  dis- 
pensation, but  whose  Grand  Lodge  refused  it  a  charter  be- 
fore the  Rebekah  Lodge  had  acted  on  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee.—1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14673,  14949,  15067. 

56 


882  Rebrkah  Branch. 

3602.  Wife  of  a  suspended  member.  The  wife  of  a  sus- 
pended member,  if  she  have  never  had  the  degree,  is  in- 
eligible until  her  husband  regains  full  membership. — 1896 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14676,  14949,  15019. 

3603.  By  deposit  of  card.  A  person  desiring  to  join  a 
Rebekah  Lodge  by  deposit  of  card,  makes  out  the  usual 
form  of  petition  and  inserts  therein  by  ''Deposit  of  Card." 
Such  person  if  elected,  is  then  notified  of  such  election,  and 
should  be  introduced  to  the  Lodge  by  the  Warden,  after 
which  he  or  she  signs  the  Constitution. — 1896  Journal,  417, 
487,  628. 

3604.  By  deposit  of  card  when  card  lost.  A  person  de- 
siring to  join  a  Rebekah  Lodge  by  deposit  of  card,  which 
card  has  been  lost,  should  write  to  the  Lodge  which  issued 
said  card,  obtaining  therefrom  a  certificate,  under  the  seal 
of  the  Lodge,  that  on  a  certain  date  such  person  had  been 
issued  a  Withdrawal  Card  from  said  Lodge.  This  presented 
witli  the  petition  for  membership  in  the  Rebekah  Lodge 
would  be  sufficient  evidence  to  elect  such  person  a  member 
by  deposit  of  card.— 1896  Journal,  418,  587,  628. 

3605.  Introducing  members  by  card.  A  gentleman  and 
lady,  joining  a  Lodge  by  card,  should  be  introduced  as 
brother  and  sister  before  they  have  signed  the  Constitution. 
—1905  Journal,  747,  926,  944. 

3606.  Visiting  Card — OflBcial  certificate.  A  member  of  a 
Rebekah  Lodge  can  take  a  Visiting  Card  and  deposit  it  in 
another  Lodge,  and  then,  if  elected,  he  or  she  must  obtain 
a  Withdrawal  Card  before  he  or  she  can  be  admitted  to  the 
other  Lodge  as  a  member.— 1897  Journal,  809,  1000,  1046. 
Official  certificate  is  sufficient  guarantee  of  good  standing 
to  accompany  petition  for  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge 
in  another  jurisdiction.- 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  29,  365,  394. 

3607.  New  law  of  transfer  of  membership  by  card.  The 
law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  of  1904,  Transfer  of  Mem- 
bership by  Card  (see  S.  G.  L.  Journal  of  1904,  page  761,  and 
see,  also,  note  to  Section  1856  of  this  Digest),  does  not  apply 


b 


I 


Rebekah  Branch.  S83 

to  Rebekah  Lodges  or  the  Rebekah  Branch  of  the  Order. — 
1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  23,  219,  243,  39,  40,  43. 

3608.  Visiting  Card.  A  sister  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  in 
another  jurisdiction  and  holding  a  Visiting  Card,  wishing 
to  join  a  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction,  may  make  application 
and  be  balloted  for  in  the  second  Lodge  before  she  applies 
for  a  Withdrawal  Card  from  the  Lodge  of  which  she  is  a 
member.— 1893  Journal,  277,  391,  421. 

(See  Note  to  Section  1889.) 

3609.  A   brother   an   applicant  and  certificate   of   good 

standing.  When  a  brother  applies  for  membei^ship  in  a  Re- 
bekah Lodge  he  should  accompany  his  petition  with  a  certifi- 
cate of  good  standing  issued  by  the  Subordinate  Lodge  of 
which  he  is  a  member. — 1896  Journal,  417,  587,  628. 

3610.  Certificate  of  good  standing — Official  receipt. 
Though  the  official  receipt  is  sufficient  evidence  of  the 
brother's  standing,  yet  a  certificate,  under  seal  of  the  Lodge 
to  be  filed  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Rebekah  Lodge,  should 
accompany  an  application  for  membership. — 1905  Journal, 
746,  926,  944. 

3611.  Certificate  of  good  standing — Withdrawal  Card.  A 

brother  applying  for  admission  to  a  Rebekah  Lodge  upon  a 
Withdrawal  Card  must  furnish  a  certificate  showing  that  he 
is  in  good  standing  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge.  Good  standing 
in  a  Subordinate  Lodge  is  his  basis  of  admission  to  a  Re- 
bekah Lodge.— 1898  Journal,  15,  204,  205,  215. 

3612.  A  wife  an  applicant  and  certificate  of  husband's 
good  standing.  If  the  wife  of  an  Odd  Fellow  apply  for  mem- 
bership in  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  she  should  accompany  her  peti- 
tion with  a  certificate  from  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  certifying 
that  her  husband  is  an  Odd  Fellow  in  good  standing  of  such 
Lodge.— 1896  Journal,  416,  587,  628 ;  1895  Journal,  25,  189, 
234. 

3613.  Wife  of  member  of  Rebekah  Lodge— Certificate. 
The  wife  of  a  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  is  not  entitled  to 


884  Rebekah  Branch. 

be  admitted  into  the  Lodge  without  a  certificate  of  her  hus- 
band's good  standing  from  his  Subordinate  Lodge. — 1890 
Journal,  315,  410,  436. 

3614.  Reinstating  suspended  sister — Certificate.  To  rein- 
state a  suspended  sister  to  membership  a  certificate  of  her 
husband's  good  standing  in  his  Subordinate  Lodge  is  not 
required.— 1903  Journal,  33,  284,  314. 

3615.  Applicant  who  did  not  sign  the  application  for 
membership.  An  application  for  membership  was  presented 
to  a  Lodge  and  a  committee  of  investigation  was  appointed. 
At  the  next  meeting  of  the  Lodge  the  committee  were 
granted  further  time  in  which  to  report.  Some  of  said  com- 
mittee then  called  upon  the  applicant  and  requested  her  to 
withdraw  her  application,  stating  that  some  of  the  members 
objected  to  her  becoming  a  inember.  She  refused  to  with- 
draw the  application.  At  the  next  meeting  the  committee 
reported  favorably  on  the  application.  Before  the  ballot  was 
had  some  one  inquired  if  the  applicant  had  signed  the  appli- 
cation, when  the  proposer  of  the  applicant  stated  that  when 
she  got  the  application  blank  from  the  Secretary  she  stated 
that  she  would  take  it  to  the  applicant  and  have  her  sign  it 
and  fill  it  out ;  that  the  Secretary  stated  to  her  that  that  was 
not  necessary,  that  the  proposer  could  sign  it,  as  most  of  the 
applications  were  not  signed  by  the  applicants.  A  ballot 
was  then  had  and  the  applicant  was  declared  elected,  and 
the  Secretary  notified  her  to  appear  for  initiation  at  the  next 
meeting  of  the  Lodge.  She  was  elected,  even  though  she  had 
not  signed  the  application  in  the  first  place,  she  had  adopted 
it  as  her  application  when  she  refused  to  withdraw  it,  and 
if  she  had  been  rejected  she  could  not  have  taken  advantage 
of  the  failure  to  sign.— 1904  Journal,  369,  588. 

3616.  Candidate  must  present  petition.  Those  who  have 
taken  the  Degree  of  Rebekah  in  the  Subordinate  Lodge  can- 
not become  members  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  without  presenting 
a  petition  and  having  it  regularly  acted  upon. — 1880  Jour- 
nal, 256,  359,  375. 


I 


Rebekah  Branch.  885 

3617.  Applicant  for  membership  without  proper  certifi- 
cate rejected.  It  is  necessary  to  accompany  a  brother's 
application  for  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge, 
whether  by  deposit  of  card,  or  otherwise,  with  a 
certificate  of  good  standing  in  his  Subordinate  Lodge. 
Where  a  brother  knowingly  or  inadvertently  failed 
to  file  such  a  certificate  with  his  application,  but 
did  file  a  certificate  of  his  good  standing  in  a  Rebekah 
Lodge,  and  the  Lodge,  believing  the  proper  certificate  to  be 
on  file,  appointed  a  Committee  of  Investigation  and  received 
and  accepted  the  report  thereof,  and  balloted  upon  the  ap- 
plication, which  ballot  resulted  in  the  rejection  of  the  appli- 
cant, the  brother  cannot  take  advantage  of  his  own  wrong 
or  neglect,  and  have  the  action  of  the  Lodge  set  aside  or 
declared  illegal.— 1901  Journal,  412,  556,  562. 

3618.  Such  rejected  applicant  cannot  renew  his  applica- 
tion for  six  months.  When  such  ballot  was  taken  and  the 
applicant  rejected,  no  one  questioned  at  that  meeting  the 
legality  or  regularity  of  the  ballot,  and  the  Lodge  adjourned 
under  the  impression  that  the  petition  had  been  definitely 
acted  upon.  A  ballot  accepted  de  facto  becomes  by  law  after 
the  close  of  the  evening  de  jure,  and  cannot  be  repudiated, 
but  may  be  reconsidered,  as  provided  in  Article  III,  Section 
4,  Constitution  of  Subordinates.  A  brother,  after  his  appli- 
cation has  been  voted  upon  and  rejected,  cannot  take  advan- 
tage of  his  failure  to  file  with  his  application  the  required 
certificate  of  good  standing.  The  applicant  stands  rejected 
and  is  subject  to  the  law  in  such  cases,  which  provides  that 
a  candidate  rejected  cannot  renew  his  application  for  mem- 
bership until  the  expiration  of  six  months  after  such  rejec- 
tion.—1901  Journal,  412,  413,  556,  562. 

3619.  Rejected  applicants — New  application.  Rejected 
applicants  for  membership  cannot  apply  again  under  six 
months.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  510,  827,  873. 

3620.  Rejected  applicant  and  charter  member  of  new 
Lodge.  If  a  candidate  for  membership  by  deposit  of  card  be 
black  balled  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  she  cannot  become  a  char- 


886  Rebekah  Branch. 

ter  member  of  a  new  Lodge,  instituted  in  the  same  town  two 
months  after.— 1903  Journal,  190,  204,  213. 

3621.  Refusal  of  Rebekah  Lodge  to  reinstate — Applica- 
tion to  another  Lodge  upon  Dismissal  Certificate.  Section 
24  of  the  Rebekah  Code  does  not  prevent  a  brother,  who 
has  asked  to  be  reinstated  in  his  Rebekah  Lodge  and  been 
refused,  and  who  has  demanded  and  received  a  Dismissal 
Certificate  and  paid  the  price  required  by  Section  26,  from 
applying  upon  that  certificate  to  another  Rebekah  Lodge  for 
membership  immediately.  He  need  not  wait  six  months. — 
1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14673,  14948,  15019. 

3622.  Persons  elected  must  present  themselves  for  initia- 
tion within  a  reasonable  time.  A  person  elected  to  member- 
ship must  present  himself  for  initiation  within  a  reasonable 
time,  or  the  application  shall  be  deemed  to  be  withdrawn  and 
the  fee  returned.  A  person  having  applied  in  1895,  and  paid 
the  fee  then  required,  but  having  failed  to  present  himself 
for  initiation,  must  now  apply  in  regular  form  and  be  bal- 
loted for  again — pay  the  initiation  fee  now  required,  al- 
though the  fee  formerly  paid  was  not  returned — the  Lodge, 
of  course,  giving  the  applicant  credit  for  the  amount  former- 
ly paid.— 1898  Journal,  15,  204,  205,  215. 

3623.  Elected  to  become  a  member — Lapse  of  time — Re- 
ballot.  There  is  no  law  which  renders  the  election  of  a  per- 
son to  membership  by  initiation  void  on  account  of  lapse  of 
time ;  if,  however,  there  has  been  considerable  time  between 
the  election  and  the  time  the  candidate  appears  for  initiation, 
the  Lodge  should  reballot  upon  the  petition,  which  they  are 
authorized  to  do  at  any  time  previous  to  the  admission. — 
Rebekah  Constitution,  Art.  Ill,  Sec.  4;  1896  Journal,  415, 
587,  628. 

3624.  Elected  applicant — Return  of  initiation  fee.  If  the 
person  do  not  appear  in  a  reasonable  time  after  notification, 
the  Lodge  should  return  to  the  petitioner  the  initiation  fee, 
and  by  this  act  rescind  its  action  in  electing  a  person  to 
membership.— 1896  Journal,  415,  587,  628. 


Rebekah  Branch.  887 

3625.  Initiation  fee  returned.  When  the  election  of  a 
candidate  for  membership  is  rendered  void,  on  account  of  his 
or  her  non-appearance  for  initiation,  the  fee  should  be  re- 
turned.—1895  Journal,  25,  189,  234. 

3625a.  Illegally  initiated.  A  person  who  has  not  been  bal- 
loted for  and  elected  to  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge 
who  has  been  initiated  by  mistake  and  without  fault  on  the 
part  of  the  person  so  initiated  is  a  member. — 1898  Journal, 
15,  204,  205,  215. 

3626.  A  member  illegally  joins  another  Lodge.  A  sister 
who  had  not  applied  for  nor  received  a  card  from  her  Lodge, 
applied  to  become  a  member  of  another  Lodge  by  initiation 
and  is  duly  elected.  She  is  a  member  of  the  first  Lodge,  as 
she  did  not  legally  become  a  member  of  the  second  Lodge. 
The  Grand  Master  should  notify  the  second  Lodge  to  strike 
her  name  from  the  roll  of  membership  and  notify  the  Lodge 
to  which  she  belongs  to  prefer  charges  against  her. — 1898 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15753,  16071. 

3627.  Sister  illegally  initiated.  A  lady,  with  others,  was 
admitted  and  initiated.  There  had  been  no  petition  or  ap- 
plication from  her,  no  Investigating  Committee  or  ballot  in 
regard  to  her.  She  is  a  member.  If  she  has  been  guilty  of 
fraud  in  obtaining  admission,  she  is  liable  to  charges  and 
punishment.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  30,  365,  394. 

3628.  A  lady  ineligible  initiated.  A  lady  admitted  to 
membership  by  error  on  the  part  of  the  D.  D.  G.  M.  and 
innocently  on  her  part,  should  not  be  expelled. — 1902  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  539,  988,  1004. 

3629.  Standing  of  husband  and  wife's  standing.  The 
standing  of  a  brother  does  not  affect  the  standing  of  his 
wife  in  the  Rebekah  Lodge  of  which  she  is  a  member. — 
1898  Journal,  68,  72,  246,  278. 

3630.  A  sister  marries  a  non-Odd  Fellow.  Should  a 
sister,  a  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  marry  a  man  who  is 
not  an  Odd  Fellow,  she  does  not  thereby  forfeit  her  mem- 


888  Rebkkah  Branch. 

bership  in  the  Lodge.— 1889  Journal,  35,  122,  163 ;  1883  Jour- 
nal, 1003,  1150,  1174;  1882  Journal,  846,  853,  881;  1880  Jour- 
nal, 257,  359,  375 ;  1884  Journal,  12,  18,  116,  153. 

Note. — The   marriage   of   a   sis-       in     the     Lodge — (1898     S.    G.    L. 
ter  with  a  man  not  an  Odd  Fel-      Journal,  15753,  1G071,   16116). 
low  does  not   affect   her   standing 

3631.  Sister's  rights  as  to  office  and  membership — Hus- 
band. A  sister  can  retain  membership  in  her  Rebekah  Lodge 
and  hold  office  therein,  irrespective  of  the  standing  of  her 
husband  in  the  Order. — The  suspension  or  expulsion  of  a 
brother  does  not  affect  the  standing  of  his  wife. — 1880  Jour- 
nal, 257,  359,  375 ;  1883  Journal,  1003,  1150,  1175. 

3632.  Brother's  Withdrawal  Card  and  membership.  At 
the  expiration  of  one  year  from  the  date  of  the  issuance  of 
a  Withdrawal  Card  by  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  the  membership 
of  a  brother  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  ceases.  When  the  brother 
shall  have  been  restored  to  membership  in  his  Subordinate 
Lodge,  and  not  until  then,  he  will  be  entitled  to  reinstate- 
ment in  his  Rebekah  Lodge  in  the  manner  and  upon  the 
terms  fixed  by  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  the  latter. — 
1893  Journal,  358,  393,  421. 

3633.  The  same.  A  brother  taking  a  Withdrawal  Card 
from  his  Subordinate  Lodge  can  retain  membership  in  a  Re- 
bekah Lodge  for  only  one  year,  and  during  that  year  his 
membership  is  in  no  wise  disturbed  in  his  Rebekah  Lodge  on 
account  of  such  withdrawal.  To  retain  his  membership  in  a 
Rebekah  Lodge  he  must  deposit  his  card  in  some  Subordi- 
nate Lodge  within  one  year. — 1897  Journal,  805,  1000,  1046 ; 
1899  Journal,  467,  630,  675. 

3634.  A  brother's  standing  in  the  Rebekah  Lodge.     A 

brother's  standing  in  the  Rebekah  Lodge  depends  upon  his 
continuous  good  standing  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge  in  good 
standing,  except  in  case  of  a  brother  holding  a  Withdrawal 
Card  in  date,  his  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  is  not 
affected  thereby,  provided  he  keep  his  dues  in  the  Rebekah 
Lodge  paid  for  one  year  from  date  of  Withdrawal  Card. — 
1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15171,  15534,  15584,  15613. 


Rebekah  Branch.  «89 

3635.  Withdrawal  Card — Dues — Suspension.  A  brother 
taking  a  Withdrawal  Card  from  his  Subordinate  Lodge  re- 
tains his  membership  in  his  Rebekah  Lodge  for  one  year 
thereafter;  but  he  must  keep  in  good  standing  in  his  Re- 
bekah Lodge  in  that  year,  or  he  may  be  suspended  for  non- 
payment of  dues.  To  retain  membership  in  his  Rebekah 
Lodge,  he  must  deposit  his  card  with  some  Subordinate 
Lodge  within  the  year.— 1898  Journal,  72,  246,  278. 

3636.  Expelled  or  suspended  in  Subordinate  Lodge.  If 
a  brother  is  suspended  on  charges  or  expelled  from  his  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge,  his  membership  terminates  at  once  in  his 
Rebekah  Lodge.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  34,  284,  314;  1899 
Journal,  467,  630,  675. 

3637.  When  brother  suspended  for  a  year  for  cause.    A 

member  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge  who  has  been  suspended 
therefrom  for  any  cause  whatever,  for  the  term  of  one  year, 
shall  stand  suspended  from  any  Rebekah  Lodge  within  this 
Grand  Jurisdiction,  to  which  he  may  belong. — 1891  Journal, 
715,  718,  731. 

3638.  Suspended  for  cause  in  Subordinate  Lodge.  A 
brother  suspended  for  cause  from  his  Subordinate  Lodge 
stands  suspended  from  his  Rebekah  Lodge  during  the  same 
period,  according  to  Section  10,  Rebekah  Code.  During  the 
period  of  his  suspension  he  must  pay  his  dues  in  both  Lodges, 
or  he  may  be  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues.  At  the 
expiration  of  the  period  of  suspension  the  brother  is  rein- 
stated in  both  Lodges  without  a  vote,  provided  he  has  kept 
his  dues  paid  in  both. — 1897  Journal,  807. 

3639.  Resigns  from  Subordinate  Lodge.  If  a  brother  re- 
signs from  his  Subordinate  Lodge  his  membership  ceases 
immediately  in  his  Rebekah  Lodge. — 1899  Journal,  467,  630, 
675. 

3640.  Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  in  Subordinate 
Lodge — Reinstatement.  When  a  brother  is  suspended  from 
his  Subordinate  Lodge  for  non-payment  of  dues,  and  even 
though  his  dues  may  be  paid  in  advance  in  his  Rebekah 


890  Rebekah  Branch. 

Lodge,  his  membership  ceases  in  the  Rebekah  Lodge  with 
his  suspension  from  the  Subordinate  Lodge,  and  he  is  not 
entitled  to  visit  or  take  any  active  part  as  a  member  in  his 
Rebekah  Lodge.  Should  he  become  reinstated  in  his  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  within  one  year  from  the  time  of  his  sus- 
pension, and  no  other  disability  rests  against  him  in  his  Re- 
bekah Lodge,  then,  on  account  of  such  reinstatement  in  his 
Subordinate  Lodge,  he  becomes  ipso  facto  reinstated  in  his 
Rebekah  Lodge.  (That  the  laws  relative  to  membership  of 
brothers  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  may  be  fully  carried  out,  it 
becomes  necessary  for  the  Secretaries  of  both  the  Subordi- 
nate and  Rebekah  branches  of  the  Order  to  carefully  per- 
form the  duties  assigned  them  in  a  proper  exchange  of 
notices  as  required  by  law.) — 1899  Journal,  467,  630,  675. 

3641.  Husband  suspended  by  Rebekah  Lodge.  A  wife's 
standing  is  not  affected  by  her  husband  being  dropped 
from  the  roll  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  for  non-payment  of  dues. 
—1884  Journal,  12,  116,  153. 

3642.  Reinstatement.  The  legislation  of  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge  providing  for  the  reinstatement  of  brothers 
suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  is  applicable  to  Rebekah 
Lodges.— 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15172,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

3643.  By-Laws  and  terms  of  reinstatement.  Rebekah 
Lodges  may  provide  in  the  By-Laws  the  terms  of  reinstate- 
ment.—1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14241,  14487,  14570. 

3644.  Grand  Lodge's  control  of  the  question.  As  to  the 
Grand  Lodge's  control  of  the  question  of  the  reinstatement 
of  members  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  as  given  by 
legislation  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  in  1902,  see  Sec- 
tions 1914  and  1915  of  this  Digest. 

3645.  Reinstatement  within  one  year.  An  application  for 
reinstatement  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  may  be  made  orally,  if 
made  within  one  year  after  suspension  for  non-payment  of 
dues,  and  accompanied  with  the  amount  of  one  year's  dues. 
—1898  Journal,  14,  204,  205,  215. 


Rebekah  Branch.  891 

3646.  Amount  of  dues  to  be  paid  to  be  reinstated.     A 

brother  or  sister  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  and 
thereafter  the  dues  were  changed,  to  be  reinstated  within 
one  year  thereafter,  they  must  pay  the  one  year's  dues  re- 
quired at  the  time  of  their  reinstatement. — 1894  Journal, 
604,  734,  773;  1876  Journal,  391,  474,  508:  Constitution  Re- 
bekah Lodges,  Art.  VI,  Sec.  10,  Clause  2. 

3647.  Introduction.  It  is  not  necessary  when  a  member 
is  reinstated  to  introduce  him. — 1903  Journal,  209,  216. 

3648.  When  cannot  refuse  to  reinstate.  A  Lodge  cannot 
by  vote  refuse  to  reinstate  a  member  who  has  been  suspended 
for  non-payment  of  dues,  the  member  not  being  twelve 
months  in  arrears  at  time  of  such  suspension. — 1903  Journal, 
189,  204,  213. 

3649.  A  sister  who  marries  a  non-Odd  Fellow  and  is 
thereafter  suspended,  reinstated.  A  sister  who  marries  a  man 
not  an  Odd  Fellow,  and  is  thereafter  dropped  from  member- 
ship for  non-payment  of  dues,  may  be  re-instated  in  her 
Lodge.  Once  having  had  the  degree  entitles  her  to  regain 
membership.— 1896  Journal,  416,  587,  628.   . 

3650.  Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues — Marries — Re- 
instated. A  sister  who  was  suspended  for  non-payment  of 
dues,  and  marries  a  person  not  a  member  of  the  Order,  can 
be  reinstated.— 1904  Journal,  369,  563,  569. 

3651.  Husband  and  wife  suspended  by  Rebekah  Lodge — 
Wife  restored  to  membership.  Husband  and  wife  joined  a 
Rebekah  Lodge ;  subsequently  both  were  suspended  for  non- 
payment of  dues.  She  may  be  restored,  notwithstanding  his 
suspension,  after  she  became  a  member;  his  standing  cannot 
affect  hers.— 1889  Journal,  35,  122,  136. 

3652.  Husband  suspended  by  Subordinate  Lodge — Wife 
suspended — Wife  reinstated.  On  account  of  the  non-payment 
of  her  dues,  a  sister  stands  suspended  from  membership  in 
her  Lodge,  in  which  she  obtained  membership,  by  reason  of 
her  marital  relation  to  an  Odd  Fellow.    Her  husband  was 


892  Rebekah  Branch. 

suspended  from  his  Subordinate  Lodge.  The  husband's 
standing  in  his  Lodge  does  not  affect  her  standing  in  the 
Rebekah  Lodge  either  one  way  or  the  other.  She  is  eligible 
for  reinstatement. — 1895  Journal,  24,  189,  234. 

3653.  How  suspended  member  may  join  another  Lodge. 
A  brother  or  sister  who  has  been  suspended  from  a  Rebekah 
Lodge  for  non-payment  of  dues,  cannot  become  a  member  of 
another  Rebekah  Lodge  without  first  obtaining  a  Dismissal 
Certificate  or  being  reinstated  and  receiving  a  Withdrawal 
Card  from  the  Lodge  in  which  he  or  she  was  suspended. — 
1888  Journal,  1020,  1111,  1130;  1895  Journal,  24,  189,  234. 

3654.  Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  and  initiation. 
It  is  not  legal  for  a  sister  who  has  been  suspended  for  non- 
payment of  dues  to  join  another  Lodge  by  initiation.  She 
must  either  be  reinstated  in  the  Lodge  from  which  she  is  sus- 
pended and  take  a  Withdrawal  Card,  or  obtain  a  Dismissal 
Certificate  and  join  by  deposit  of  card  or  certificate. — 1903 
Journal,  23,  176,  210. 

3655.  Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues,  initiation  and 
election  to  office.  A  member  suspended  for  non-payment  of 
dues  in  one  Rebekah  Lodge  cannot  be  initiated  into,  and 
elected  and  installed  into  office,  in  another  Rebekah  Lodge. 
Such  admission,  election  and  installation  are  illegal  and  void. 
Such  suspended  member  is  not  an  officer  or  member  of  the 
Lodge  that  admitted,  elected  and  installed  her. — 1903  Jour- 
nal, 209,  216. 

3656.  Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  and  initiation. 
If  a  member  stands  suspended  from  a  Rebekah  Lodge  in 
another  jurisdiction,  it  is  not  proper  or  lawful  for  her  to 
make  application  and  enter  a  new  Lodge  in  this  State  as  an 
initiate  on  the  night  of  institution. — 1903  Journal,  189,  204, 
213. 

3657.  Members  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  g,nd 
members  of  a  defunct  Lodge.  Where  persons  suspended 
from  a  Rebekah  Lodge  for  non-payment  of  dues  and  others 
members  of  a  defunct  Rebekah  Lodge  joined  a  Rebekah 


I 


I 


Kebekah  Branch.  803 

Lodge  as  new  members  they  are  not  legally  members  of  the 
Lodge,  and  their  membership  should  be  cancelled.  In  the 
case  of  those  who  are  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues, 
they  can  apply  for  a  Dismissal  Certificate  from  the  Lodge 
which  suspended  them  and  then  the  Lodge  can  elect  them  to 
membership  on  such  certificates.  Those  who  are  members 
of  a  Lodge  which  has  surrendered  its  charter  may  obtain  a 
Grand  Lodge  Card  from  the  Grand  Secretary,  which  card 
they  may  deposit  with  any  Lodge  they  wish. — 1905  Journal, 
747,  926,  944. 

3658.  Lodge  may  refuse  to  reinstate  expelled  member.  It 

is  legal  for  a  Rebekah  Lodge  to  refuse  to  reinstate  a  sister 
who  was  under  suspension  for  two  years,  and  who  appealed 
to  the  Grand  Lodge,  which  reinstated  her,  if,  pending  such 
appeal,  other  charges  were  preferred  against  her  and  she 
was  expelled.— 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15171,  15534,  15584, 
15613. 

3659.  May  resign.  A  member  can  resign  membership  in 
a  Rebekah  Lodge  without  taking  a  Withdrawal  Card. — 1890 
Journal,  315,  410,  436. 

3660.  No  cancelling  membership  by  erasing  of  name.  If 
a  person  tender  his  resignation  from  membership  in  a  Re- 
bekah Lodge  the  Lodge  should  grant  it  if  there  be  no 
charges  pending  against  the  applicant.  There  is  no  such 
thing  as  cancelling  membership  by  erasing  the  name  of  the 
person  from  the  records.— 1896  Journal,  418,  587,  628. 

3661.  Resignation  must  be  in  writing — No  expense.  A 
member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  who  has  paid  all  demands 
again.st  him  or  her,  may  resign  his  or  her  membership,  but 
such  resignation  must  be  in  writing.  No  expense  is  attached 
to  such  resignation.— 1897  Journal,  806,  1000,  1046. 

3662.  Certificate  of  resignation.  No  charge  shall  be  made 
for  a  certificate  of  resignation  of  membership. — 1904  Jour- 
nal, 369,  563,  569. 

3663.  When  must  accept  resignation.  A  member  clear  on 
the  books  of  a  Lodge  can  resign  his  or  her  membership  in 


894  Rebekah  Branch. 

the  Lodge  without  first  applying  for  a  Withdrawal  Card,  and 
the  Lodge  must  accept  his  or  her  resignation.  He  cannot  be 
compelled  to  apply  or  pay  for  a  Dismissal  Certificate  or 
Withdrawal  Card,  but  is  entitled  to  a  certificate  of  resigna- 
tion without  charge.— 1897  Journal,  804,  1030,  1054;  1898 
Journal  14,  204,  205,  215. 

3664.  May  resign  before  applying  for  Withdrawal  Card. 
A  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  in  good  standing,  can  re- 
sign from  membership  in  the  Lodge  without  first  applying 
for  a  Withdrawal  Card.  And  the  resignation  of  a  member 
can  be  accepted,  even  if  a  final  card  have  been  refused. — 
1886  Journal,  610,  625,  647. 

3665.  May  apply  for  membership  after  resignation.  Where 
a  brother  pays  up  his  dues  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  and  at  his 
request  is  dropped  from  membership,  he  can  join  another 
Lodge  thereafter  by  making  application  and  depositing 
therewith  his  certificate  of  resignation. — 1893  Journal,  277, 
278,  391,  421. 

3666.  A  member  who  has  resigned,  how  readmitted.    A 

sister  can  regain  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  after  hav- 
ing resigned  her  membership,  by  making  application  the 
same  as  on  a  Withdrawal  Card  and  as  an  Ancient  Rebekah. 
—1904  Journal,  369,  563,  569. 

3667.  Resignation  and  applying  for  admission  to  same 
Lodge.  A  person  who  has  resigned  from  a  Rebekah  Lodge 
may  apply  for  membership  in  the  same  Lodge,  and  it  is  not 
necessary  to  initiate  him  or  her  again  if  he  or  she  can  pass 
a  satisfactory  examination  in  the  work,  otherwise  it  would 
be  proper  to  initiate  him  or  her. — 1901  Journal,  411,  541, 
567. 

3668.  Members  of  Lodge  whose  charter  was  arrested.  A 

dispensation  must  be  obtained  from  the  Grand  Master  to 
receive  the  applications  of  members  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge 
whose  charter  has  been  arrested  by  the  Grand  Lodge.  Said 
applications  must  then  be  acted  upon  as  in  the  case  of  new 
applications  for  membership. — 1905  Journal,  745,  746,  926, 
944. 


Rebkkah  Branch.  895 

3669.  Receiving  proposition  or  acting  on  report  or  ballot- 
ing for  membership  at  special  meetings.  See  Ballot  and 
Voting:,  Section  3404. 

3670.  Signing  the  Constitution.  Expulsion,  resignation 
or  the  taking  of  a  Withdrawal  Card  severs  the  member's 
connection  with  a  Lodge,  therefore  a  former  member  cannot 
regain  membership  after  expulsion,  resignation,  or  the  tak- 
ing of  a  Withdrawal  Card,  without  signing  the  Constitution 
of  a  Lodge  which  he  or  she  joins,  whether  he  or  she  join 
another  Lodge  or  the  one  to  which  he  or  she  formerly  be- 
longed.—1895  Journal,  24,  189,  234. 

3671.  Non-beneficial  members.  Members  in  a  Rebekah 
Lodge  are  each  and  all  of  the  same  consideration.  There  is 
no  such  membership  in  Rebekah  Lodges  as  a  "non-bene- 
ficiar'  member.— 1896  Journal,  416,  587,  628. 

MINUTES  AND  RECORDS. 

3672.  Keeping  minutes  on  slips  of  papery-Approval.    It 

is  not  right  or  proper  for  the  Secretary  of  the  Lodge  to  keep 
the  minutes  on  slips  of  paper  and  not  write  them  in  the 
minute  book  until  they  are  approved  by  the  Lodge.  The 
Secretary  must  write  up  the  minutes  of  previous  meeting. 
The  Lodge  should  refuse  to  approve  the  minutes  until  they 
are  so  written  in  full  in  the  minute  book. — 1903  Journal,  23, 
176,  210. 

3673.  Must  not  be  mutilated  or  torn.  ^linutes  of  a 
Rebekah  Lodge  can  be  corrected  by  a  resolution  or  motion 
duly  presented,  and  carried  by  the  Lodge.  The  records  can- 
not be  mutilated  or  torn  out.— 1896  Journal,  416,  587,  628. 

3674.  Reading  minutes  and  admission  to  Lodge.  ^lem- 
bers  can  be  admitted  to  the  Lodge-room  during  the  reading 
of  the  minutes  of  previous  meeting. — 1903  Journal,  24,  176, 
210. 

NAME  OF  LODGE. 

3675.  The  name  of  a  living  person  cannot  be  chosen.  A 
Rebekah  Lodge  cannot  have  the  Christian  or  surname  of  a 


896  Rebekah  Branch. 

living  person,  especially  when  intended  for  or  as  an  honor 
to  such  living  person.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31,  283,  314. 

NAME  OF  A  SISTER. 

3676.  Change  of  name  by  marriage.  The  Secretaries  of 
Rebekah  Lodges  should  change  on  their  records  the  names 
of  sisters  who  marry  persons  of  a  different  name,  and 
should  note  the  change  of  name  in  their  report  to  the  Grand 
Secretary.— 1880  Journal,  257,  359,  375. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

3677.  Fraternal  paper.  An  appropriation  may  be  made 
by  a  Lodge  from  its  five  per  cent.  Contingent  Fund  to  pay 
for  a  paper  published  exclusively  in  the  interest  of  the 
Order  for  each  of  its  members. — 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  27, 
284,  314. 

3678.  Fraternal  press.  Grand  Lodges  may  authorize 
Subordinate  and  Rebekah  Lodges  to  appropriate  from  their 
General  Funds  for  the  purpose  of  subscribing  for  a  paper 
or  journal  devoted  exclusively  to  Odd  Fellowship  for  each 
of  its  members.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  271,  272,  327,  353. 

NURSES  AND  WATCHERS. 

3679.  Nurse  Fund.  A  Rebekah  Lodge  can  make  pro- 
vision for  a  Nurse  Fund  for  sisters  only. — 1902  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 539,  988,  1004. 

3680.  A  sister  becomes  in  arrears  for  dues.  In  a  Re- 
bekah Lodge  which  has  a  Nurse  Fund  for  sisters  only,  if  a 
sister  entitled  to  this  Nurse  Fund  becomes  sick  while  in 
good  standing  and  a  nurse  be  provided  for  her  to  be  paid 
from  the  Nurse  Fund,  but  during  the  continuance  of  her 
sickness  she  becomes  in  arrears  for  dues,  she  is  not  entitled 
during  that  sickness  to  the  continuance  of  the  nurse  to  be 
paid  from  the  Nurse  Fund  after  the  date  when  she  becomes 
in  arrears.— 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  530,  752,  820. 

3681.  Attentive  benefits.  Rebekah  Lodges  are  now 
charged  with  the  duty  of  rendering  ''attentive  benefits" 


Rebekah  Branch. 


897 


the  same  as  Subordinate  Lodges. — 1895  S.   G.  L.  Journal, 
14241,  14487,  14570. 

3682.  Hiring  a  nurse  or  watcher  for  a  sister.  If  author- 
ized by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  its  jurisdiction,  a  Rebekah 
Lodge  may  provide  in  its  By-Laws  for  hiring  a  night 
watcher  or  nurse  for  a  sister  who  is  sick. — 1901  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  36,  360,  371,  372. 

3683.  Subordinate  Lodge  and  sick  sister.  A  Subordi- 
nate Lodge  cannot  compel  its  members  to  watch  with  a  sick 
sister  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah. — 1880  Journal,  503,  601, 
627. 

OFFENSES. 

3684.  To  black  ball  an  unmarried  woman  in  violation  of 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  law.  If  a  member  of  a  Rebekah 
Lodge  should  cast  a  black  ball  against  an  unmarried  lady, 
who  applies  for  membership  by  initiation,  on  the  sole 
grounds  that  said  applicant  is  not  related  to  an  Odd  Fellow, 
either  by  blood  or  by  marriage,  such  act  is  in  defiance  of 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  and  a  violation  of  the  Rebekah 
Code.  Such  a  person  should  have  charges  preferred  against 
him  or  her,  and,  if  it  be  proved  that  such  black  ball  was 
cast  for  no  other  reason  than  that  heretofore  given,  he  or 
she  should  be  found  guilty  and  expelled  from  the  Order. — 
1896  Journal,  417,  587,  628.  ! 

3685.  Threats  to  blackball  unmarried  women  not  related 
to  an  Odd  Fellow.  A  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  who 
openly  declares  that  he  or  she  will  at  all  times  when  oppor- 
tunity affords  blackball  any  and  all  applicants  applying 
for  membership  under  the  new  law  is  guilty  of  insubordina- 
tion, and  charges  should  be  preferred  against  said  members, 
and  if  found  guilty  they  should  be  dealt  with  according  to 
law.— 1898  Journal  16,  204,  205,  215. 

3686.  Statement  as  to  intent  to  blackball  candidate.  Say- 
ing at  the  Lodge-room,  in  presence  of  several  members,  and 
immediately  after  an  applicant  for  membership  had  been 
rejected,  "that  no  applicant  should  become  a  member  of 

67 


ad8  Rebekah  Branch. 

said  Lodge  during  the  term  of  office  of  the  then  Noble 
Grand  of  said  Lodge,"  and  of  further  saying  at  that  time, 
"I  will  not  let  any  applicant  come  into  this  Lodge  this 
term,"  is  an  offense. — ^Dunlap  vs.  Sunset  Rebekah  Lodge, 
1900  Journal,  136,  176. 

3687.  Conspiracy  to  blackball  applicants.  Conspiring 
with  three  other  sisters  of  the  Lodge  to  prevent  worthy 
applicants  from  becoming  members  of  the  Lodge  during 
the  term  of  then  Noble  Grand,  by  agreeing  together  to 
blackball  every  applicant  for  membership  ''that  might  apply 
during  that  term"  because  of  their  dislike  of  the  Noble 
Grand,  is  an  offense. — Dunlap  vs.  Sunset  Rebekah  Lodge, 
1900  Journal,  136,  176. 

3688.  Casting  two  black  balls  at  one  balloting.  A  mem- 
ber, in  balloting  for  a  candidate  or  for  any  other  purpose, 
who  casts  two  black  balls,  is  guilty  of  conduct  unbecoming 
an  Odd  Fellow,  and  subject  to  charges. — 1902  Journal, 
751,  916,  940.     (See  Errata.) 


Noble  and  Vice-Grand  and  secrecy  of  the  ballot. 

A  Noble  or  Vice-Grand  must  preserve  the  secrecy  of  the 
ballot,  and  if  either  of  them  reveal  the  condition  of  the 
ballot  they  are  guilty  of  an  offense  against  the  laws  of  the 
Order,  and  are  subject  to  charges. — 1902  Journal,  750,  751, 
916,  940.     (See  Errata.) 

3690.  Slander.  Slander,  in  saying  to  a  certain  member 
of  the  Lodge  that  Sister  (naming  her)  had  never  been  mar- 
ried, although  she  well  knew  that  the  sister  was  married 
and  was  the  mother  of  one  child,  now  living,  is  an  offense. 
— Dunlap  vs.  Sunset  Rebekah  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  136,  176. 

3691.  Noble  Grand  declaring  a  rejected  applicant  elected. 

If  any  Noble  Grand  or  acting  presiding  officer,  knowing 
that  there  are  three  or  more  black  balls  against  a  candidate, 
wilfully  and  knowingly  declare  such  candidate  elected, 
charges  should  be  preferred  and  the  offender  should  be  ex- 
pelled.—Bentley  vs.  Gem  of  the  Valley  Rebekah  Lodge, 
1896  Journal,  530,  558. 


Rebekah  Branch.  899 

3692.  Improperly  obtaining  password.  Surreptitiously 
obtaining  the  term  password  for  Rebekah  Lodges  for  the 
term  and  gaining  admission  to  the  Lodge  by  its  use,  when 
not  entitled  to  the  same,  is  an  offense. — Dunlap  vs.  Sunset 
Rebekah  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  136,  176. 

OFFICERS  OF  REBEKAH  ASSEMBLY. 

3693.  President.  As  to  questions  of  law  and  usage  and 
decisions  of  the  President  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  thereon, 
see  Questions,  Section  3796. 

3694.  Honors  as  Past  President,  when  entitled  to.     A 

Vice-President  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  of  Oregon,  who 
upon  the  death  of  the  President  discharged  the  duties  of 
that  office  during  a  major  portion  of  the  term,  is  not  en- 
titled, although  elected  and  installed  President  on  the  first 
day  of  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  to  the  rank  and  honors 
of  Past  President  at  the  close  of  the  session.  Regular  an- 
nual election  and  installation  on  the  last  day  of  the  session 
in  the  office  of  President,  and  service  rendered,  according 
to  the  provisions  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Rebekah  As- 
sembly of  that  jurisdiction,  are  essential  prerequisites. — 
1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31,  284,  314. 

3695.  Right  to  hold  office— Rebekah  Assembly.  A  Re- 
bekah A.ssembly  may,  with  approval  of  the  (inuid  Lodge, 
adopt  a  law  providing  that  only  Past  Noble  Grands  and 
Past  Grands  shall  hold  office  therein. — 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
34,  360,  371,  372. 

3696.  District  Deputies — Lady  Past  Noble  Grands. 
Grand  Masters  of  the  various  State  jurisdictions  in  which 
Rebekah  Lodges  exist  are  authorized  to  appoint  deputies 
from  among  the  Lady  Past  Noble  Grands  of  such  Lodges, 
to  exercise  the  duties  of  installation,  and  such  other  duties 
in  said  Lodges  as  their  office  empowers  them  to  do. — 1887 
8.  G.  L.  Journal,  10982,  11026;  1888  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  11094, 
11364,  11395. 

3697.  District  Deputies— President  of  Rebekah  As- 
mnbly.     Grand   Lodges  may  authorize   and   empower   the 


900  Rebekah  Branch. 

Presidents  of  their  Rebekah  Assemblies  to  appoint  and 
commission  District  Deputies  of  Rebekah  Lodges  in  their 
respective  jurisdictions. — 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15607, 
15633. 

3698.  Title  of  District  Deputy  appointed  by  President. 

The  title  of  the  District  Deputy  appointed  by  a  President 
of  a  Rebekah  Assembly  is  "District  Deputy  President." — 
1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15753,  16071,  16116. 

3699.  District  Deputy.  A  District  Deputy  for  Rebekah 
Lodges,  if  a  Past  Grand  and  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  in 
good  standing,  need  not  be  a  Past  Noble  Grand. — 1896 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14712,  14948,  15019. 

3700.  District  Deputy  Presidents — Rebekah    Assembly. 

A  District  Deputy  President  is  one  of  the  appointed  officers 
of  the  Rebekah  Assembly .-r-Constitution  Rebekah  Assembly, 
Art.  IV,  Sec.  2. 

3701.  District  Deputy  and  Withdrawal  Card.  A  District 
Deputy  of  a  Rebekah  District  who  applies  for  and  receives 
a  Withdrawal  Card  from  her  Lodge  can  hold  her  office  as 
such  District  Deputy  for  one  month  thereafter. — 1893  Jour- 
nal, 277,  379,  420. 

3702.  Expenses  of  District  Deputy.  A  Rebekah  Lodge 
has  a  right,  and  should  pay  the  District  Deputy  enough  to 
pay  her  expenses  in  performing  her  duties. — 1896  Journal, 
416,  587,  628. 

3703.  Expenses  of  District  Deputy  attending  installa- 
tion. A  Lodge  should  pay  the  expenses  of  the  District 
Deputy  incurred  in  attending  the  Lodge  at  the  time  of  in- 
stallation, and  an  order  may  be  drawn  on  the  General  Fund 
for  that  purpose.— 1898  Journal,  14,  204,  205,  215. 

3704.  Decision  of  District  Deputy.  A  Lodge  has  not  the 
authority  to  overrule  a  decision  of  the  District  Deputy. — 
1895  Journal,  25,  189,  234. 

3705.  District  Deputy  President  and  Lodge  seal.  A  Dis- 
trict Deputy  President  cannot  use  the  seal  of  the  Lodge  to 


I 


Rebekah  Branch.  901 

which   she  belongs   on  her   communications   as   a   District 
Deputy  President.— 1904  Journal,  369,  563,  569. 

3706.  Resignation  of  Noble  and  Vice-Grand — District 
Deputy  President.  When  both  the  Noble  and  Vice-Grand 
of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  have  resigned  and  the  resignations 
have  been  accepted,  it  is  not  the  duty  of  the  District  Deputy 
President  to  take  the  chair  of  the  Noble  Grand  until  an- 
other is  elected.  She  may,  if  a  member  of  the  Lodge,  be 
called  to  the  chair,  not  in  her  official  capacity,  but  only  as 
a  Past  Noble  Grand.— 1901  Journal,  412,  541,  567. 

3707.  Officers  of  Rebekah  Assembly  and  of  Rebekah 
Lodge.  The  officers  of  a  Rebekah  Assembly,  such  as  Presi- 
dent, Vice-President,  Treasurer  and  Secretary,  have  the 
right  to  hold  any  office  in  their  Rebekah  Lodge  in  which 
they  hold  membership.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  43,  219,  243. 

3708.  Recording  Secretary  and  District  Deputy.  A  per- 
son can  hold  the  office  of  Recording  Secretary  and  be  Dis- 
trict Deputy  at  the  same  time. — 1905  Journal,  747,  926,  944. 

3709.  Right  to  introduce  visitors  from  another  jurisdic- 
tion. As  to  right  of  elective  officers  of  the  Rebekah  Assem- 
bly to  introduce  visitors,  see  Section  3899. 

OFFICERS  OF  REBEKAH  LODGE. 

3710.  Officers  not  elected — District  Deputy  President — 
Installation.  A  District  Deputy  President  visiting  a  Re- 
bekah Lodge  in  her  district,  for  the  purpose  of  installing 
officers,  and  finding  the  officers  have  not  been  elected,  may 
cause  the  Lodge  to  proceed  to  nominate  and  elect  officers, 
after  which  she  may  install  the  officers. — 1905  Journal,  748, 
926,  944. 

3711.  Officers  must  be  elected  each  term.  A  Lodge 
should  not  permit  the  same  officers  to  remain  in  office  longer 
than  one  term,  without  a  regular  election  and  installation. 
—Rebekah  Constitution,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  7 ;  1896  Journal,  416, 
687,  628. 


902  Rebekah  Branch. 

3712.  New  Lodge — Election  of  officers.  A  Rebekah 
Lodge  having  been  instituted  the  second  quarter  in  the 
term  does  not  have  to  elect  a  new  set  of  officers  and  install 
them.— 1894  Journal,  604,  734,  773. 

3713.  Only  members  elected  or  appointed  to  office.    The 

Noble  Grand  cannot  appoint  a  member  of  another  jurisdic- 
tion to  fill  an  office  when  there  are  members  of  her  own 
Lodge  present  who  are  capable  of  filling  the  office.  Only- 
members  of  the  Lodge  can  be  elected  or  appointed. — 1905 
Journal,  748,  926,  944. 

3714.  An  absent  elective  officer — Who  to  act  for    her. 

An  elective  officer  cannot  select  a  member  to  act  for  him 
or  her  when  absent  from  the  Lodge  meeting.  It  is  the  duty 
of  the  Noble  Grand,  in  the  absence  of  an  officer,  to  appoint 
some  one  qualified  to  act  pro  tern. — 1904  Journal,  369,  563, 
569. 

3715.  Vice-Grand  for  remainder  of  term — Election.     It 

is  obligatory  upon  a  Lodge  to  elect  and  install  a  Vice- 
Grand  for  the  remainder  of  the  term,  the  Vice-Grand  hav- 
ing resigned.— 1903  Journal,  209,  216. 

3716.  When  all  nominees  have  declined.  It  is  permissible 
to  nominate  and  elect  on  election  night  in  case  all  nominees 
for  an  office  have  declined.— 1905  Journal,  748,  926,  944; 
1892  Journal,  14,  112,  127. 

3717.  Nominees  and  voting.  At  the  election  of  delegates 
or  officers,  a  nominee  is  not  debarred  from  voting. — 1898 
Journal,  72,  246,  278. 

3718.  Nominated  when  not  present.  A  member  not 
present  at  Lodge  meeting  can  be  nominated  for  office  unless 
the  By-Laws  otherwise  provide. — 1905  Journal,  747,  926, 
944;  1903  Journal,  190,  204,  213. 

3719.  Elected  when  not  present.  A  member  not  present 
at  Lodge  meeting  can  be  elected  to  office  unless  the  By- 
Laws  otherwise  provide. — 1905  Journal,  747,  926,  944. 

3720.  Name  of  one  nominee  not  read  by  Secretary,  and 
election.    If,  on  the  night  of  election,  the  Secretary  is  asked 


Kebekah  Branch.  903 

to  read  the  names  of  nominees,  and  she  omits  one  (that 
member  being  present  and  drawing  no  one's  attention  to 
the  omission),  the  election  held  at  that  time  is  legal. — 1903 
Journal,  190,  204,  213. 

3721.  Declining  nomination.  A  member  who  is  nom- 
inated for  office  on  the  last  evening  of  nominations  may 
decline  when  nominated.  She  is  not  required  to  wait  until 
the  night  of  election  to  withdraw. — 1905  Journal,  746,  926, 
944. 

3722.  Arrears  for  dues  and  office.  A  clause  in  a  Rebekah 
Constitution,  depriving  a  member  six  months  in  arrears 
for  dues  from  holding  office  or  taking  part  in  Lodge  pro- 
ceedings, does  not  violate  any  law  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14676,  14949,  15019. 

3723.  Eligibility  to  office  in  new  Lodges.  At  the  insti- 
tution of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  all  of  the  charter  members  are 
eligible  to  any  office  therein,  previous  service  in  office  not 
being  a  necessary  qualification  in  such  cases. — 1889  Jour- 
nal, 33,  122,  163. 

3724.  First  term  of  new  Lodge — Past  Noble  Grand's 
chair.  At  the  institution  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  and  during  the 
first  term  of  such  Lodge,  when  no  Past  Noble  Grand  is  pres- 
ent, any  member  in  good  standing  may  be  selected  to  fill  the 
Past  Noble  Grand's  chair.— 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  744,  867, 
876. 

3725.  Institution  of  new  Lodge  and  Past  Noble  Grand. 
At  the  institution  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  it  is  not  legal  to 
elect  a  member  to  fill  the  office  of  Past  Noble  Grand.  The 
honors  of  that  office  can  only  be  acquired  by  actual  service 
as  Noble  Grand.— 1889  Journal,  35,  123,  163. 

3726.  Past  Noble  Grand— First  term  of  Lodge— Vice- 
Grand.  A  si.ster  who  serves  as  Past  Noble  Grand  during 
the  first  term  of  the  Rebekah  Lodge  does  not  by  reason  of 
such  service  become  eligible  to  election  to  the  office  of  Vice- 
Grand.  She  can  be  legally  Vice-Grand  only  by  dispensation 
when  all  qualified  members  decline  to  serve. — 1901  Journal, 
411,  542,  567 ;  1905  Journal,  747,  926,  944. 


904  Rebekah  Branch. 

3727.  Past  Noble  Grand  not  an  officer.  The  chair  of  the 
Past  Noble  Grand  is  not  an  office,  nor  is  the  Past  Noble 
Grand  an  officer.— 1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14239,  14539,  14570; 
1901  Journal,  411,  542,  567. 

3728.  Past  Vice-Grand  of  any  Lodge  eligible  to  Noble 
Grand.  A  sister  who  has  rightfully  earned  the  honors  of 
Vice-Grand,  no  matter  in  what  Lodge  she  acquired  the 
same,  is  eligible  to  the  office  of  Noble  Grand.  Her  With- 
drawal Card  from  her  former  Lodge  should  show  that  she 
is  a  Past  Vice-Grand.— 1898  Journal,  15,  204,  205,  215. 

3729.  Vice-Grand  for  unexpired  term  and  honors  of 
office.  A  Vice-Grand  elected  and  installed  for  an  unexpired 
term,  and  serving  a  majority  of  the  meetings  and  to  the 
end  of  the  term,  is  entitled  to  the  honors  of  the  office. — 1903 
Journal,  209,  216. 

3730.  Service  as  Vice-Grand — Residing  at  a  distance 
from  Lodge.  A  sister  must  serve  as  Vice-Grand  a  majority 
of  the  meeting  nights  of  the  term  to  be  eligible  to  election 
to  the  office  of  Noble  Grand,  unless  excused  by  the  Lodge 
on  account  of  sickness.  Living  a  great  distance  from  the 
Lodge  or  out  of  the  district  is  not  an  excuse. — 1901  Journal, 
411,  541,  567. 

3731.  Election  of  Noble  Grand.  A  sister  can  be  elected 
from  the  floor  as  Noble  Grand  by  dispensation. — 1894  Jour- 
nal, 605,  734,  773. 

Note. — See  Section  12  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  as  to  the  eon- 
Rebekah  Code,  and  Article  V.  ditions  under  which  a  dispensa- 
Sections  1  and  6,  Constitution  of      tion  may  issue. 

3732.  Dispensation  to  elect,  when  all  qualified  refuse"!© 
serve.  A  sister  can  be  elected  to  the  office  of  Vice-Grand 
if  she  have  never  served  in  an  appointive  office  or  an  elective 
office,  provided  all  those  who  are  eligible  to  the  office  refuse 
to  serve,  and  a  dispensation  therefor  be  issued  by  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  or  the  District  Deputy  Presi- 
dent of  the  district.— 1896  Journal,  417,  587,  628 ;  Constitu- 
tion Rebekah  Assembly,  Art.  V,  Sees.  1  and  6. 


Rebekah  Branch.  905 

3733.  Past  Vice-Grand  in  nomination — An  ineligible 
member  elected.  \Yhere  there  is  a  Past  Vice-Grand  in  nom- 
ination for  the  office  of  Noble  Grand,  a  Rebekah  Lodge 
should  not  elect  to  that  office  a  member  who  is  not  a  Past 
Vice-Grand,  and  should  the  Lodge  elect  such  a  member,  the 
District  Deputy  Grand  Master  should  not  install  him  or 
her.— 1881  Journal,  502,  601,  627. 

3734.  Service  in  an  appointive  office  in  any  Lodge.    If  a 

member  have  held  and  rendered  sufficient  service  in  an  ap- 
pointive office  in  one  Lodge,  said  member  is  eligible  to  an 
elective  office  in  any  other  Lodge  of  which  he  or  she  may 
subsequently  become  a  member. — 1895  Journal,  25,  189,  234. 

3735.  Appointive  office  and  installation  to  qualify.  A 
sister,  who  has  served  in  an  appointive  office  without  being 
installed  therein,  has  not  acquired  the  qualifications  to  en- 
title her  to  the  office  of  Vice-Grand. — 1896  Journal,  417, 
587,  628. 

3736.  Junior  Past  Noble  Grand  and  Financial  Secretary. 
The  Junior  Past  Noble  Grand  may  legally  hold  the  office 
of  Financial  Secretary  without  conflicting  with  her  honors 
as  Past  Noble  Grand.— 1903  Journal,  210,  216. 

3737.  Officers  of  Rebekah  Assembly  and  of  Rebekah 
Lodge.  The  officers  of  a  Rebekah  Assembly,  such  as  Presi- 
dent, Vice-President,  Treasurer,  and  Secretary,  have  the 
right  to  hold  any  office  in  their  Rebekah  Lodge  in  which 
they  hold  membership.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  43,  219,  243. 

3738.  District  Deputy  and  Recording  Secretary.  A  Dis- 
trict Deputy  can  hold  the  office  of  Recording  Secretary  at 
the  same  time.— 1905  Journal,  747,  926,  944. 

3739.  Service  required  for  honors  of  Past  Noble  Grand. 
A  member  who  has  served  the  majority  of  the  nights  of  a 
term,  and  to  the  end  of  the  term  as  Noble  Grand,  is  entitled 
to  the  honors  of  Past  Noble  Grand,  whether  she  serve  in 
the  office  of  Past  Noble  Grand  or  not.  Such  honors  are  a 
reward  for  service  as  Noble  Grand,  irrespective  of  further 
nervice.    The  only  possible  method  of  obtaining  the  honors 


906  Rebkkah  Branch. 

of  Past  Noble  Grand  is  by  the  required  service  as  Noble 
Grand.— 1895  Journal,  24,  189,  234. 

3740.  When  Noble  Grand  becomes  Past  Noble  Grand.    A 

Noble  Grand  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  becomes  a  Past  Noble 
Grand  on  the  installation  of  his  or  her  successor,  if  he  or 
she  have  served  the  requisite  number  of  meetings  and  to 
the  end  of  the  term.  It  is  not  necessary  for  the  District 
Deputy  to  tell  her  to  take  her  seat  as  Past  Noble  Grand,  or 
for  the  Lodge  to  declare  it.  She  is  entitled  to  the  honor 
for  service  as  Noble  Grand. — 1897  Journal,  807,  1000,  1046. 

3741.  Past  Noble  Grand  and  installation.  A  Noble  Grand 
of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  becomes  a  Past  Noble  Grand  on  the 
installation  of  her  successor,  if  she  have  served  the  proper 
time,  whether  she  be  present  at  the  installation  or  not.  A 
Noble  Grand  becomes  a  Past  Noble  Grand  from  service  and 
not  from  installation.— 1897  Journal,  807,  1032,  1055. 

3742.  Re-election  as  Noble  Grand.  The  Noble  Grand 
becomes  a  Past  Noble  Grand  upon  the  expiration  of  her 
term  of  office,  regardless  of  whether  she  is  re-elected  to  the 
same  office  or  not.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  31,  284,  314. 

3743.  Insufficient  service  as  Noble  Grand.  A  sister 
elected  to  the  office  of  Noble  Grand,  who  does  not  serve  a 
majority  of  the  nights  of  the  term,  but  has  been  granted  a 
leave  of  absence  from  her  Lodge,  and  even  though  the 
Lodge  vote  to  confer  upon  her  the  honors  of  Noble  Grand, 
is  not  entitled  to  the  honors  of  that  office. — 1896  Journal, 
417,  587,  628. 

3744.  The  same.  The  Noble  Grand  of  a  Rebekah  Lodgo 
who  attended  three  meetings  of  her  term,  was  taken  sick, 
and  when  recovered  did  not  attend  any  more  during  tl^c 
term,  is  not  entitled  to  the  honors. — 1894  Journal,  605,  734, 
773. 

3745.  Honors  of  office,  and  not  signing  the  Constitution. 
A  person  admitted  to  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  but  who  did  not 
sign  the  Constitution,  and  was  elected  to  office,  served  in 
that  office,  went  to  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  and  afterwards 


Rebekah  Branch.  907 

signed  the  Constitution,  is  entitled  to  the  honors  of  the 
elective  office  if  he  or  she  served  in  the  elective  office  the 
required  time.— 1897  Journal,  805,  1000,  1046. 

3746.  Majority  of  meeting  nights  of  a  term.  In  deter- 
mining the  majority  of  the  meeting  nights  of  a  term  th-3 
time  must  be  computed  from  the  date  of  installation. — 1902 
Journal,  751,  916,  940.     (See  Errata.) 

3747.  Sickness  when  an  excuse  for  absence.  To  be  a 
legal  excuse  for  absence  the  illness  must  be  personal  to  the 
member,  not  among  his  or  her  family. — 1905  Journal,  748, 
926,  944. 

3748.  Absence  at  roll  call  and  honors  of  office.  Section 
13  of  the  Rebekah  Code  provides  that  service  for  a  majority 
of  the  meetings  held  in  a  term  and  to  the  end  of  the  term, 
shall  entitle  the  officer  to  the  honors  of  the  office,  and  if  the 
Vice-Grand  serves  the  Lodge  accordingly,  she  is  eligible 
to  become  Noble  Grand,  although  she  may  be  absent  at  roll 
call  a  majority  of  the  meeting  nights. — 1903  Journal,  190, 
204,  213. 

3749.  Noble  Grand  served  except  last  two  meeting 
nights.  A  Noble  Grand  who  serves  all  of  the  meeting  nights 
of  the  term  except  the  last  two,  and  moves  from  the  district 
and  resigns  her  office,  is  not  entitled  to  the  honors  of  the 
office.— 1905  Journal,  748,  926,  944. 

3750.  A  Noble  Grand  absent  the  last  of  the  term.  A 
Noble  Grand  who  has  served  a  majority  of  nights  of  her 
term,  even  though  absent  the  last  of  the  term  and  her  office 
was  not  declared  vacant  by  the  Lodge,  is  entitled  to  the 
honors  of  office.— 1905  Journal,  746,  926,  944. 

3751.  Elected  to  fill  a  vacancy  and  honors  of  Past  Noble 
Grand.  A  Noble  Grand  elected  to  fill  a  vacancy  must  serve 
a  majority  of  the  nights  after  her  installation  to  entitle  her 
to  the  honors  of  Past  Noble  Grand  and  to  make  her  eligible 
as  a  delegate  to  the  Assembly.— 1903  Journal,  190,  204,  213. 

3752.  Lodge  becomes  defunct  during  term.  The  Noble 
Grand  of  a  Kebekah  Lodge  is  not  entitled  to  a  Past  Noble 


908  Rebekah  Branch. 

Grand  *s  certificate,  even  though  she  served  a  majority  of 
nisrhts  in  the  term,  if  her  Lodge  becomes  defunct  before  the 
end  of  the  term.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  29,  365,  394. 

3753.  Minutes  failing  to  show  sickness  was  excused. 
Where  it  is  necessary  to  count  the  nights  when  absent  from 
sickness  in  order  to  entitle  to  honors  as  Past  Noble  Grand, 
the  minutes  of  the  Lodge  should  show  that  such  absence  has 
been  excused  by  the  Lodge.  The  certificate  of  the  Secre- 
tary, merely,  is  not  sufficient.  And  where  sickness,  that  has 
been  excused,  does  not  appear  of  record  on  the  minutes,  the 
Lodge  should  take  appropriate  action  authorizing  the  cer- 
tificate of  the  Secretary.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  33,  286, 
314. 

3754.  Meetings  prohibited  by  government.  A  sister  is 
entitled  to  the  honors  and  rank  of  Past  Noble  Grand  if  the 
nights  actually  served  as  Noble  Grand,  added  to  the  nights 
when  excused  for  sickness  and  the  nights  when  the  govern- 
ment prohibited  meetings  because  of  the  prevalence  of  an 
epidemic,  would  together  make  a  majority  of  the  meeting 
nights  of  the  term.— 1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  33,  286,  314. 

3755.  Absence  of  officer,  and  vacancy.  The  office  of 
Vice-Grand  cannot  be  declared  vacant  when  she  has  been 
absent  three  times  as  follows :  that  is,  twice  out  of  town  and 
once  sick  in  bed.— 1894  Journal,  603,  731,  771. 

3756.  Who  should  preside.  In  the  absence  of  the  Noble 
Grand,  the  Vice-Grand  must  preside,  and  perform  all  the 
duties  and  functions  of  that  office.  If  the  Noble  Grand  be 
present  the  Vice-Grand  cannot  preside. — 1896  Journal,  417, 

587,  628. 

3757.  When  duty  of  Vice-Grand  to  preside.  It  is  the 
duty  of  the  Vice-Grand  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  to  preside  in 
the  absence  of  the  Noble  Grand,  and  the  Vice-Grand  has  not 
the  right  to  request  a  Past  Noble  Grand  to  take  the  chair  of 
the  Noble  Grand  and  perform  the  duties  of  that  officer  while 
she,  the  Vice-Grand,  occupies  her  own  station.  In  the  ab- 
sence of  the  Noble  Grand,  should  there  be  initiatory  work, 


Rebekah  Branch.  909 

the  Vice-Grand  can  invite  a  Past  Noble  Grand  to  take  the 
chair  of  that  officer,  the  Vice-Grand  remaining  at  her  own 
station.— 1898  Journal,  72,  246,  278,  204,  205,  14,  215. 

3758.  Scene  Supporter,  Altar  Bearer,  Banner  Bearer. 
There  is  properly  no  such  office  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  as 
Scene  Supporter.  As  accessories  to  the  floor  work,  the 
Noble  Grand  may  appoint  Altar  Bearers  or  Banner  Bearers, 
but  service  as  such  is  not  qualifying  for  election  to  an 
elective  office,  as  they  are  not  among  the  appointive  offices 
provided  for  in  the  Rebekah  laws. — 1895  Journal,  24,  189, 
234. 

*  3759.  Altar  Supporter.  An  Altar  Supporter  is  not  an 
appointive  office.  Service  therein  does  not  qualify  the  mem- 
ber to  election  as  Vice-Grand.— 1896  Journal,  419,  587,  628. 

3760.  Salary  of  Outside  Guardian.  A  Lodge  cannot  pay 
a  salary  to  its  Outside  Guardian  unless  its  By-Laws  so  pro- 
vide.—1904  Journal,  369,  563,  569. 

3761.  Notice.  "When  a  brother  joins  a  Rebekah  Lodge 
the  Secretary  of  the  Rebekah  Lodge  should  immediately 
notify  his  Subordinate  Lodge  of  that  fact,  and  then  the 
Secretary  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge  must  make  a  record  of 
his  membership  in  the  Rebekah  Lodge,  so  as  to  be  able  to 
carry  out  Section  8  of  Article  VIII,  Constitution  of  Subor- 
dinates.—1897  Journal,  804. 

(See  Section  10a,  Rebekah  Code.) 

3762.  Not  subject  to  Constitution  of  Subordinates.  Re- 
bekah Lodges  are  governed  in  the  election  of  their  officers 
by  Article  IV,  Sections  6  and  7,  of  the  Constitution  of  Re- 
bekah Lodges,  and  are  in  no  way  subject  to  the  Constitution 
of  Subordinates  in  the  matter. — 1884  Journal,  16,  116,  153. 

OFFICIAL  CERTIFICATES. 

3763.  Must  be  used.  Only  the  official  receipt  should  be 
j^ven  for  the  payment  of  dues,  fines  or  assessments. — 1904 
Journal,  369,  563,  569. 


910  Rebekah  Branch. 

3764.  Rubber  stamps  and  signature.  It  is  illegal  for  the 
Secretary  to  use  a  rubber  stamp  in  signing  her  name  to 
official  receipts.— 1905  Journal,  746,  926,  944. 

3765.  Seal  and  signature  of  Noble  Grand.  It  is  neces- 
sary that  the  Noble  Grand  sign  and  the  seal  of  the  Lodge  be 
affixed  to  authenticate  a  receipt  for  dues. — 1903  Journal, 
190,  204,  213. 

3766.  Husband  and  wife.  In  making  out  official  receipts 
for  dues  it  is  not  right  for  the  Secretary  to  use  only  one 
receipt  for  husband  and  wife.  A  separate  one  should  be 
properly  filled  out  for  each.— 1903  Journal,  190,  204,  213. 

3767.  Order  for  password.  It  is  not  necessary  to  have  an 
order  for  the  password  in  addition  to  the  official  certificate. 
—1904  Journal,  369,  563,  569. 

3768.  Used  in  lieu  of  Visiting  Card.  The  official  certifi- 
cate, when  dues  are  paid  to  a  date  later  than  when  the  same 
is  presented,  is  to  be  recognized  as  evidence  of  good  stand- 
ing to  be  used  in  lieu  of  a  Visiting  Card. — 1897  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  15561,  15565,  15174,  15534,  15584,  15613,  15616, 
15663 ;  1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14953,  15067. 

3769.  Passwords.  As  to  when  holders  of  official  certifi- 
cates are  entitled  to  the  Semi-Annual  Password  or  the 
Annual  Password,  see  Passwords,  Section  3791. 

(See  Visiting  and  Visitors.) 

ORPHANS. 

(See  Orphans'  Home,  Sections  2481,  2483.) 

PARAPHERNALIA. 

(See  Work  of  the  Degree.) 

PASSWORDS. 

3770.  Password  at  opening  of  Lodge — Noble  Grand — 
Warden.  In  taking  up  the  password  at  the  opening  of  the 
Lodge  the  Noble  Grand  gives  the  password  to  the  Warden. 
—1904  Journal,  369,  563,  569. 


Rebekah  Branch.  911 

3771.  What  passwords  required  upon  opening.  In  open- 
ing a  Rebekah  Lodge  the  Warden  and  Conductor  must 
require  both  the  Semi-Annual  Password  of  the  degree  and 
the  permanent  password  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah. — 1886 
Journal,  537.  620,  646. 

3772.  Conductor  may  assist  Warden  in  taking  up  pass- 
word. By  direction  of  the  Noble  Grand,  the  Conductor  may 
assist  the  Warden  in  taking  up  the  password. — 1899  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  31,  365,  394. 

3773.  Giving  password  outside  of  Lodge-room.  The 
Noble  Grand  may  give  a  member,  in  good  standing,  the  pass- 
word outside  of  the  Lodge-room. — 1905  Journal,  747,  926, 
944. 

3774.  Noble  Grand's  power  to  communicate.  In  the 
absence  of  any  limiting  local  legislation,  the  declaration  of 
the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  ("or  cause  them  to  be  com- 
municated") gives  the  Noble  Grands  of  Rebekah  Lodges 
the  same  power  in  communicating  the  passwords  that  is 
given  to  the  Noble  Grands  of  Subordinate  Lodges. — 1896 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14675,  14948,  15019. 

3775.  Duty  of  Noble  Grand  to  communicate  passwords. 
The  Noble  Grand  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  should  communicate 
both  Annual  and  Semi-Annual  Passwords  of  the  degree  to 
members  of  her  own  Lodge  in  good  standing ;  and  the  Noble 
Grand  can  delegate  any  member  of  the  Lodge  (who  is  him- 
self or  herself  entitled  to  it)  to  communicate,  in  the  Lodge- 
room,  the  Semi-Annual  Password  to  a  member  known  to  be 
in  good  standing.— 1880  Journal,  256,  359,  375. 

3776.  When  Noble  Grand  may  authorize  password  to  be 
communicated.  The  Noble  Grand  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  is 
now  authorized  to  direct  an  officer  to  communicate  the  Semi- 
Annual  Password  to  the  members  of  the  Lodge.  This  ap- 
plies only  to  that  particular  meeting — such  powers  could 
not  be  conferred  upon  an  officer  for  the  term. — 1896  Jour- 
nal, 419,  587,  628. 

3777.  Password  and  arrears.  The  Noble  Grand  should 
not  communicate  the  password  to  any  member  who  is  more 


912  Rebekah  Branch. 

than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  dues  at  the  time  he  or 
she  asks  for  the  word.— 1897  Journal,  808,  994,  1034. 

3778.  Vice-Grand  and  password.  The  Vice-Grand  of  a 
Rebekah  Lodge  has  no  right  to  give  the  password  at  any- 
time, except  when  acting  in  the  place  of  the  Noble  Grand 
in  the  absence  of  that  officer,  and  except  at  any  one  particu- 
lar meeting  when  authorized  by  the  Noble  Grand  so  to  do. 
—1897  Journal,  1032,  1055. 

3779.  Noble  Grand  out  of  jurisdiction — Vice-Grand's 
power.  The  Vice-Grand  has  the  power  to  give  the  pass- 
words to  members  in  good  standing,  at  any  time,  when  the 
Noble  Grand  is  out  of  the  jurisdiction. — 1905  Journal,  748, 
926,  944. 

3780.  Password,  but  no  installation.  A  Lodge  is  entitled 
to  the  password  at  the  time  fixed  for  installation  if  the  re- 
quired reports  be  made  and  tax  paid,  even  if  the  installa- 
tion do  not  then  take  place. — 1897  Journal,  1032,  1055. 

3781.  Not  compelled  to  receive  password.  A  member  is 
not  by  law  compelled  to  be  invested  with  the  password. — 
1895  Journal,  24,  189,  234. 

3782.  Without  the  password.  A  member  may  enter  or 
sit  in  his  or  her  own  Lodge  without  it. — 1895  Journal,  24, 
189,  234. 

3783.  Annual  Password — When  given.  The  Annual  Pass- 
word is  given  by  the  Noble  Grand  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  after 
the  candidate  has  signed  the  Constitution. — 1901  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  35,  360,  371,  372. 

3784.  Annual  Password — How  communicated.  The  An- 
nual Password  in  Rebekah  Lodges  is  to  be  communicated 
to  all  members  at  initiation  in  a  whisper  (privately). — 1897 
Journal,  809,  1000,  1046,  1030,  1054. 

3785.  Annual  Password  to  visitors.  The  Noble  Grand 
must  personally  communicate  the  Annual  Password  to 
visitors.— 1905  Journal,  748,  926,  944. 


Rebekab  Branch.  913 

3786.  Passwords  in  Rebekah  Lodges.  The  term  pass- 
word of  the  Subordinate  Lodj?e  shall  not  be  applicable  to, 
or  be  used  in,  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  and  the  passwords  of  the 
Rebekah  Degree  shall  alone  be  used  by  both  sexes  therein. 
—1877  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  7456,  7503. 

3787.  Proper  password — ^Withdrawal  Card  and  visiting 
— Order  for  password  when  required.  At  the  time  a  With- 
drawal Card  is  issued  to  a  sister  she  is  given  the  Annual 
Password  then  in  force.  She  may  visit  on  such  Withdrawal 
Card  and  this  password  for  one  year  thereafter,  and  on  no 
other  password  whatever.  She  is  not  entitled  to  any  other 
password — Annual  or  Semi-Annual.  The  Noble  Grand  of 
another  Lodge,  on  presentation  of  such  Withdrawal  Card, 
has  no  right  to  communicate  the  Annual  Password  without 
an  order  therefor  from  the  Lodge  issuing  the  Withdrawal 
Card.  When  a  Withdrawal  Card  and  an  order  for  the  pass- 
word is  presented  to  a  Lodge  by  a  sister  it  is  the  duty  of 
the  Noble  Grand  to  communicate  to  such  sister  the  Annual 
Password  in  force  at  the  date  of  issue  of  such  card,  or  dele- 
gate some  other  member  to  do  so  who  she  knows  to  be  in 
possession  of  such  password. — 1901  Journal,  412,  557,  562. 

3788.  Withdrawal  Card  and  password.  The  District 
Deputy  exceeded  her  authority  when  slie  told  a  Noble  Grand 
to  admit,  without  password,  on  ^larch  28th,  1898,  a  sister 
who  had  taken  a  Withdrawal  Card,  February,  1898.  The 
Noble  Grand  should  have  given  the  member  the  password 
when  she  took  the  card,  and  it  was  not  too  late  to  correct 
the  oversight.  To  enable  a  person  holding  a  Withdrawal 
Card  to  visit  a  Lodge  he  or  she  must  present  the  card  and 
give  the  password  within  one  year. — 1898  Journal,  246,  278. 

3789.  Annual  Traveling  Password.  The  Noble  Grand  of 
a  Rebekah  Lodge  has  no  right  to  receive  the  Annual  Travel- 
ing Password.  This  word  should  never  be  used  in  Rebekah 
Lodge8.--1874  Journal,  21,  104,  117;  1880  Journal,  258,  359, 
375. 


914  Rebekah  Branch. 

3790.  Orders  for  Annual  and  Semi-Annual  Passwords 
for  Rebekah  Lodges.  (See  Forms  Nos.  17  and  18  of  the 
Forms  affixed  to  this  Digest.) 

3791.  Annual  Password  and  Semi-Annual  Password  and 
official  certificates  and  Visiting  Cards.  The  possession  of  a 
Visiting  Card,  the  date  of  which  extends  to  a  date  later 
than  when  the  same  is  presented,  or  an  official  certificate 
for  dues  paid  to  a  date  later  than  that  when  the  same  is  pre- 
sented, properly  signed  and  sealed,  is  sufficient,  proper  and 
legal  authority  for  any  Noble  Grand  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge, 
upon  proper  identification,  to  communicate  to  the  holder 
thereof  the  Annual  Password  of  the  Rebekah  Degree,  and 
if  the  holder  of  a  Visiting  Card  or  official  certificate,  as  above 
mentioned,  is  a  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  in  the  same 
jurisdiction  as  the  Rebekah  Lodge  to  which  the  said  Visit- 
ing Card  or  official  certificate  is  presented,  then  and  in  that 
event  the  Noble  Grand  of  the  Rebekah  Lodge  is  authorized 
to  communicate  to  the  holder  of  said  Visiting  Card  or  official 
certificate  the  Semi-Annual  Password. — 1900  Journal,  103; 
1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  344,  347. 

(See  Section  2492.) 

3792.  District  Deputy  and  password.  A  District  Deputy 
of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  cannot  give  the  password  to  visiting 
brothers;  he  can  only  give  it  to  the  proper  officers  at  in- 
stallation.—1894  Journal,  604,  734,  773. 

PAST  GRANDS. 

3793.  Rank  in  Rebekah  Lodge.  A  Past  Grand  who  be- 
comes a  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  holds  the  same  rank 
in  the  Rebekah  Lodge  that  he  holds  in  his  Subordinate. — 
1888  Journal,  1094,  1104,  1128. 

(See  Rebekah  Lodge;  Officers  of  Rebekah  Assembly.) 

PAST  NOBLE  GRAND. 

(See  Officers  of  Rebekah  Lodge;  Officers  of  Rebekah  As- 
sembly.) 


Rebekah  Branch.  915 

PAST  NOBLE  GRAND'S  CHARGE. 
(See  Rebekah  Degree.) 

PRESIDENT  OF  REBEKAH  ASSEMBLY. 

(See  Questions;  Officers  of  Rebekah  Assembly.) 

PIANIST. 

3794.  Salary  of  organist  or  pianist.  An  organist  or  pian- 
ist is  not  an  officer  of  a  Lodge  as  provided  by  the  Constitu- 
tion, therefore  the  payment  of  a  salary  to  the  organist  is  a 
matter  to  be  adjusted  by  the  Lodge,  like  other  of  its  ex- 
penses, unless  otherwise  specially  provided  by  its  By-Laws. 
—1904  Journal,  369,  563,  569. 

3795.  Member  of  another  Lodge  and  roll  call.  A  Lodge 
has  the  right  to  engage  the  services  of  a  member  of  another 
Rebekah  Lodge  as  pianist,  and  to  have  her  name  entered  on 
the  roll  book  and  called  by  the  Recording  Secretary  every 
meeting  night.  The  pianist  is  not  an  officer  of  the  Lodge, 
and  the  Lodge  may  choose  this  way  of  ascertaining  whether 
or  not  the  pianist  is  present  to  perform  the  work  for  which 
she  has  been  hired.— 1903  Journal,  191,  204,  213. 

QUESTIONS. 

3796.  Questions  to  and  decisions  by  President  of  Rebekah 
Assembly — Grand  Master.  Resolved,  That  the  President  of 
the  Rebekah  A.ssembly  shall  not  answer  in  an  official  manner 
questions  of  law,  or  usage,  unless  submitted  to  her  by  a 
Rebekah  Lodge,  in  writing,  under  the  seal  of  the  Lodge; 
provided,  that  this  resolution  shall  not  apply  to  the  work 
of  the  Rebekah  Branch,  and  that  the  President  of  the  Re- 
bekah Assembly  shall  report,  as  soon  as  practicable,  each 
decision  to  the  Grand  Master  for  his  decision  thereon,  and 
the  Grand  Master  shall  embody  his  decisions  thereon  in  his 
annual  report.— 1898  Journal,  274,  281. 

QUORUM. 
(See  Rebekah  Lodge.) 


916  Rebekah  Branch. 

RAFFLES. 

(See  Lottery.) 

RECONSIDERATION. 

(See  Ballot  and  Voting.) 

REBEKAH  ASSEMBLY. 

3797.  Charter,   institution,   etc.,   of  Rebekah  Assembly. 

The  Rebekah  Assembly  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows of  California  chartered  and  instituted  in  1895 — peti- 
tion for  charter — form  of  charter.  This  Rebekah  Assembly 
is  the  successor  of  the  Rebekah  State  Convention,  I.  0.  0.  F. 
of  California,  and  all  funds,  records,  history,  books,  papers 
and  other  property  belonging  to  the  Rebekah  State  Conven- 
tion, and  all  rights  and  privileges  that  it  owned  or  possessed, 
were  transferred  to  and  became  the  property  of  this  Rebekah 
Assembly;  and  all  past  officers  of  the  Rebekah  State  Con- 
vention are  entitled  to  the  same  rights,  privileges  and 
honors  as  the  past  officers  of  this  Rebekah  Assembly. — 1895 
Journal,  6,  208,  228,  238,  252,  241,  242,  247. 

3798.  Only  authorized  Rebekah  Grand  Body.  A  Grand 
Lodge  cannot  authorize  the  existence  of  any  other  Rebekah 
Grand  Body  than  an  Assembly. — 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal, 
15172,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

3799.  Legislative  work  and  voting  for  officers.    No  one 

shall  be  permitted  or  entitled  to  take  part  in  the  legislative 
work  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  or  vote  for  officers  thereof 
excepting  those  designated  in  the-  Constitution  of  the  Re- 
bekah Assembly. — Rebekah  Code,  Section  33. 

3800.  Rebekah  Assembly's  authority  over  Lodges.    In  a 

jurisdiction  where  a  Rebekah  Assembly  is  instituted,  all 
Rebekah  Lodges  therein  are  controlled  by  the  same  to  the 
extent  that  power  is  delegated  to  it  by  the  Grand  Lodge. — 
1903  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  35,  284,  314. 

3801.  Grand  Master  and  official  visits.  A  Grand  Master 
has  the  right  to  visit,  officially,  the  Rebekah  Assembly  of 
his  own  jurisdiction.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  510,  827,  873. 


I 


Rebekah  Branch.  917 

3802.  Membership.  To  be  a  member  of  a  Rebekah  As- 
sembly one  must  be  qualified  as  required  or  provided  in 
Section  33,  Rebekah  Code,  and  must  be  a  member  of  a  Re- 
bekah Lodge  in  the  jurisdiction  in  which  the  Rebekah 
Assembly  exists.— 1901  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  33,  34,  360,  371, 
372. 

3803.  Form  of  charter.  The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  has 
prescribed  a  fonn  of  charter  for  Rebekah  Assemblies. — 1897 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15611,  15634. 

(See  Assembly  Degree.) 

REBEKAH  DEGREE. 

3804.  An  integral  part  of  Odd  Fellowship.  The  Degree 
of  Rebekah  is  a  necessary  part  of  the  Order  and  is  recog- 
nized as  a  regular  degree  of  the  I.  0.  0.  F.,  to  be  conferred 
in  a  regularly  chartered  Rebekah  Lodge.  It  is  in  the  same 
position  as  the  other  degrees  of  the  Order,  which  cannot  be 
revoked  by  a  mere  majority  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 
It  has  become  strongly  entrenched  in  the  chartered  rights 
of  a  Rebekah  Lodge.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15006,  15071. 

3805.  Must  be  conferred  in  Lodge  electing  candidate.  A 
person  elected  to  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  must 
have  the  degree  conferred  upon  him  in  the  Lodge  in  which 
he  was  elected.  The  right  and  duty  of  conferring  this 
degree,  which  is  equivalent  to  initiation,  cannot  be  trans- 
ferred to  another  and  different  Lodge. — 1892  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 12791,  13050,  13076. 

3806.  Resident  of  another  jurisdiction.  It  is  a  violation 
of  law  to  initiate  in  a  Kebekah  Lodge  persons  known  to  be 
residents  of  a  jurisdiction  other  than  the  one  where  they 
are  initiated.— 1902  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  538,  998,  1004. 

(See  Membership.) 

3807.  Cannot  authorize  another  Lodge  to  confer.  One 
Rebekah  Lodge  cannot  authorize  another  to  confer  the 
degree  upon  a  person  elected  to  membership  in  the  first 
named  Lodge.— 1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  509,  827,  873. 


918  Rebekah  Branch. 


Special  meeting.  After  a  candidate  has  been 
elected  at  a  regular  meeting,  a  special  meeting  may  be 
called  to  initiate  such  a  candidate. — 1897  Journal,  808, 
1030,  1054. 

3809.  When  former  member  may  be  initiated.  A  Lodge 
may  initiate  an  applicant,  who  has  formerly  held  member- 
ship in  the  Order,  if  he  or  she  cannot  pass  a  satisfactory 
examination  in  the  work. — 1905  Journal,  748,  926,  944. 

3810.  A  deaf  person.  It  is  not  unlawful  to  initiate  a 
person  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  if  not  totally  deaf,  who  is  so 
deaf  that  she  has  to  use  an  ear  trumpet,  but  is  otherwise 
eligible.— 1905  Journal,  746,  926,  944. 

3811.  Robes,  regalia,  team,  badge.  A  Rebekah  Lodge 
during  initiation  must  wear  robes  or  regalia.  When  the 
members  of  the  team  wear  white  dresses  they  must  wear 
the  regalia  of  office.  A  badge  of  pink  and  green  ribbon  can- 
not be  worn  in  lieu  of  regalia  or  robes. — 1903  Journal,  24, 
176,  210. 

3812.  Brother  and  Subordinate  Lodge  regalia.  A  brother 
should  wear  the  regalia  he  is  entitled  to  wear  in  his  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge,  when  entering  for  initiation  in  a  Rebekah 
Lodge.— 1904  Journal,  369,  563,  569. 

3813.  Brother  and  initiatory  work.  In  the  initiation  of 
a  brother  the  entire  initiatory  work  should  be  given. — 1905 
Journal,  749,  926,  944. 

3814.  Brother — Vice-Grand's  charge.  At  the  initiation 
of  a  brother  the  Vice-Grand's  charge  must  be  given.  The 
new  Ritual  contains  no  provision  authorizing  or  providing 
for  the  omission  of  any  portion  of  the  work  of  initiation  in 
conferring  the  degree  on  a  brother. — 1898  Journal,  246,  278, 
68. 

3815.  Obligation.  It  is  optional  with  the  Lodge  whether 
the  obligation  be  read  or  recited. — 1896  Journal,  416,  587, 
628. 

3816.  Obligation,  by  whom  administered.  The  obliga- 
tion to  a  candidate  for  membership  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge 


Rebekah  Branch.  919 

must  be  administered  by  a  Vice-Grand  or  a  Past  Vice- 
Grand.  If  a  team  do  the  work,  the  Vice-Grand  in  the  team 
should  therefore  be  a  Vice-Grand  or  a  Past  Vice-Grand. 
Any  Past  Noble  Grand  is  qualified  to  act  as  Vice-Grand. — 
1897  Journal,  806,  1000,  1046. 

3817.  Instructions  how  to  enter  Lodge.  The  Noble 
Grand  may  instruct  the  Warden  to  retire  with  the  candi- 
dates, for  the  purpose  of  instructing  them  how  to  work  their 
way  into  the  Lodge.— 1896  Journal,  417,  587,  628. 

3818.  New  Lodge  and  Past  Noble  Grand's  charge.  At 
the  institution  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  and  during  the  first 
term  of  such  Lodge,  when  no  Past  Noble  Grand  is  present, 
any  member  in  good  standing  may  be  selected  to  fill  the 
Past  Noble  Grand's  chair.— 1904  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  744,  867, 
876. 

3819.  After  first  term— Past  Noble  Grand's  charge.  After 
the  first  term  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  only  Past  Noble  Grands 
or  a  Noble  Grand  can  deliver  the  Past  Noble  Grand's 
charge.— 1897  Journal  807,  1000,  1046. 

3820.  Who  may  deliver  Past  Noble  Grand's  charge.  If 
no  Past  Noble  Grand  be  present  at  initiation,  the  Past  Noble 
Grand's  charge  may  be  delivered  by  the  Noble  Grand;  but 
no  member  who  has  not  attained  either  of  these  ranks  can 
legally  deliver  the  Past  Noble  Grand's  charge. — 1895  Jour- 
nal, 25,  189,  234. 

(See  Section  3818.) 

3821.  A  qualified  past  officer  may  confer  the  degree.  The 
Noble  Grand  may  invite  a  qualified  past  officer  to  occupy 
the  chair  during  the  conferring  of  the  degree,  but  it  must 
be  under  the  Noble  Grand's  authority  and  control,  and  this 
right  to  invite  a  qualified  officer  appertains  solely  to  the  pre- 
siding officer.— 1882  Journal,  735.,  844,  879;  1896  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  14675.  14949.  15019. 

3822.  The  same — Noble  Grand  absent.  In  the  absence 
of  the  Noble  Grand,  the  Vice-Grand  can  invite  a  Past  Noble 
Grand  to  take  the  chair  of  the  Noble  Grand  and  perform 


920  Rebekah  Branch. 

the  duties  of  that  officer  during  initiation,  the  Vice-Grand 
remaining  at  her  own  station. — 1898  Journal,  72,  246,  278, 
204,  205,  14,  215. 

3823.  Officers  at  initiation.  The  Noble  Grand  and  officers 
of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  have  a  right  to  give  up  their  chairs 
during  initiation.— 1894  Journal,  604,  734,  773. 

3824.  Initiation,  when  complete.  The  initiation  of  a 
candidate  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  is  not  complete  until  he  or 
she  has  been  introduced  to  the  Lodge,  which  is  after  he  or 
she  has  signed  the  Constitution. — 1895  Journal,  24,  189,  234. 

3825.  A  German  Lodge  may  give  the  degree  in  English. 

A  Rebekah  Lodge  working  in  the  German  language  may, 
when  it  considers  it  for  the  best  interests  of  the  Order,  give 
the  degree  in  English ;  but  the  officers  giving  the  work  must 
have  it  committed  to  memory,  so  that  they  will  not  have  to 
read  it  from  the  book.— 1895  Journal,  24,  189,  234. 

(See  Work  of  the  Degree.) 

REBEKAH  LODGE. 

3826.  An  independent  organization.  A  Rebekah  Lodge 
is  an  entirely  independent  organization  from  that  of  a  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge.  It  is  auxiliary  to  the  Subordinate  Lodge 
only  by  reason  of  being  engaged  in  kindred  work  and  being 
a  division  of  the  same  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  but  in  its  gov- 
ernment and  chartered  existence  it  is  independent  of  and 
not  auxiliary  to  the  Subordinate  Lodge. — 1899  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  30,  365,  394. 

3827.  Rebekah  Lodge  the  proper  title.  The  title  of 
Lodges  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah  has  been  changed  from 
Rebekah  Degree  Lodge  to  Rebekah  Lodge,  and  the  word 
*' degree"  has  been  stricken  out  wherever  the  three  words 
** Rebekah  Degree  Lodge"  occurred. — 1896  Journal,  417, 
588,  628. 

3828.  Rebekah  Lodge  not  called  a  Subordinate    Lodge. 

"Subordinate  Lodge"  has  and  holds  a  technical  meaning, 


> 


Rebekah  Branch.  921 

and  does  not  include  a  Rebekah  Lodge. — 1895  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 10139,  10185. 

3829.  Special  meetings.  After  the  close  in  regular  form 
of  a  regular  meet  in  ^j,  the  Noble  Grand  and  a  few  members 
held  a  meeting  and  transacted  some  business,  and  the 
minutes  thereof  were  entered  on  the  records.  The  By-Laws 
require  the  Secretary  to  notify  the  members  of  special  meet- 
ings. No  notice  was  given  to  the  members.  The  only  ones 
who  were  informed  were  those  who  attended.  The  meeting 
was  illegal  and  its  acts  void,  and  they  were,  on  appeal,  an- 
nulled by  the  Grand  Lodge. — Hancock  vs.  Elmwood  Re- 
bekah Lodge.  1897  Journal,  953,  977. 

3830.  Special  meeting  and  business.  A  Lodge  cannot 
transact  any  business  at  a  special  meeting  other  than  that 
for  which  the  special  meeting  was  called.  If  Lodge  funds 
are  to  be  expended  the  call  must  particularly  provide  for 
the  same.— 1898  Journal,  14,  204,  205,  215. 

3831.  Meetings — Past  Grands  and  presiding  officer.  Five 
Past  Grands  who  are  members  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  but  none 
of  whom  has  ever  passed  the  chairs  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge, 
cannot  legally  hold  and  conduct  a  Rebekah  Lodge  meeting. 
A  Rebekah  Ix)dge  meeting  must  be  presided  over  by  the 
Noble  Grand,  Vice-Grand  or  a  Past  Noble  Grand  of  a  Re- 
bekah Lodge.— 1903  Journal,  190,  204,  213. 

(See  Section  2794.) 

3832.  Who  has  charge  of  the  door  of  the  Lodge.  The 
door  of  the  Lodge  is  in  charge  of  the  Noble  Grand,  and, 
unless  placed  in  charge  of  the  Vice-Grand,  remains  in  charge 
of  the  Noble  Grand  at  all  times  during  the  session.  It  is. 
necetfiary  for  the  Noble  Grand  to  place  the  inside  door  in 
charge  of  the  Vice-Grand  at  each  meeting  after  the  opening 
of  the  Jjodgc  if  she  desire  that  officer  to  take  charge  of  it. 
The  mere  fact  that  she  has  once  placed  it  in  charge  of  that 
oflBcer  at  a  former  meeting  does  not  continue  that  charge 
after  the  meeting  during  which  it  is  so  placed. — 1898  Jour- 
nal, 15,  204,  205,  215. 


922  Rebekah  Branch. 

3833.  Admission  without  term  password.  When  a  sister 
or  brother  presents. herself  or  himself  at  the  outer  door  and 
is  without  the  term  password,  and  the  Outside  Guardian 
is  instructed  by  the  Noble  Grand  to  admit  the  brother  or 
sister  to  the  ante-room,  the  brother  or  sister  should  work 
into  the  Lodge  in  regular  form. — 1903  Journal,  24,  176,  210. 

3834.  Addressing  the  chair.  On  entering  or  retiring  from 
a  Rebekah  Lodge,  members  should  address  the  Noble  Grand, 
not  the  Vice-Grand.— 1898  Journal,  16,  204,  205,  215. 

RECESS. 

3835.  Non-member.  A  Rebekah  Lodge  may  pass  resolu- 
tion to  not  allow  anyone  who  is  not  a  Rebekah  to  enter  the 
Lodge-room  during  a  recess. — 1903  Journal,  24,  176,  210. 

3836.  Sisters  admitted  to  Subordinate  Lodge-room.  Dur- 
ing a  recess  of  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  sisters  of  the  Degree 
of  Rebekah,  and  others,  may  be  admitted  to  its  Lodge- 
room.  They  should  not  be  admitted  under  ''Good  of  the 
Order."— 1897  Journal,  808,  994,  1036. 

REGALIA. 

3837.  Brothers'  and  sisters'  regalia.  The  regalia  to  be 
worn  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  is  for  brothers  who  are  not  officers 
of  the  Rebekah  Lodge  the  same  that  they  are  entitled  to  wear 
in  a  Subordinate  Lodge,  and  for  sisters  who  are  not  officers 
thereof  nor  Past  Noble  Grands,  the  badge  or  collar  of  pink 
and  green  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah. — 1889  Journal,  35, 
122,  163 ;  see  Section  25,  Rebekah  Code ;  1898  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 15802,  16071,  16116. 

3838.  Floral  bouquets.  Floral  bouquets  of  pink  and 
green  cannot  be  worn  in  lieu  of  regalia. — 1900  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 510,  827,  873. 

3839.  Encampment  regalia.  A  brother,  not  an  officer, 
may  wear  his  Encampment  regalia  while  sitting  in  a  Re- 
bekah Lodge.— 1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15172,  15534,  15584, 
15613. 


Rebekah  Branch.  923 

3840.  Regalia  of  brothers.  Brothers  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge 
must  wear  the  regalia  they  are  entitled  to  wear  in  a  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge  as  brothers,  and  not  as  officers  of  the 
Subordinate  Lodge.— 1897  Journal,  808,  1000,  1046. 

3841.  A  brother,  an  officer  and  regalia.  A  brother  who 
holds  an  office  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  should  wear  the  regalia 
pertaining  to  such  office,  and  not  the  regalia  pertaining  to 
a  similar  office  in  a  Subordinate  Lodge. — 1892  Journal,  14, 
112,  127;  1898  Journal,  14,  204,  205,  215. 

Note. — An  officer  of  a  Rebekah  vided  by  law  for  such  office — 
Lodge,  whether  a  brother  or  a  (1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15172, 
sister,  must  wear  the  regalia  pro-       15534,  15584,  15613). 

3842.  Regalia  of  Noble  Grand.  The  Noble  Grand  of  a 
Rebekah  Lodge  has  no  right  to  wear  the  regalia  of  a  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge.— 1898  Journal,  246,  278. 

3843.  Sister  Noble  Grand  and  regalia.  It  is  not  legal  for 
a  sister,  when  Noble  Grand  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  to  wear  the 
regalia  prescribed  for  Noble  Grands  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 
—1878  Journal,  827,  946,  974. 

3844.  Noble  Grand  of  Subordinate  Lodge.  A  brother, 
who  is  a  Noble  Grand  of  his  Subordinate  Lodge,  cannot 
wear  his  Noble  Grand  regalia  in  the  Rebekah  Lodge  of 
which  he  is  a  member.— 1905  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  44,  219,  243. 

3845.  Sister  Past  Noble  Grand  and  Past  Grand  collar. 
It  is  not  permissible  for  a  sister  Past  Noble  Grand  to  wear 
a  Past  Grand  collar  belonging  to  a  Subordinate  Lodge.^ 
1904  Journal,  369,  563,  569. 

3846.  Voting.  A  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  cannot 
vote  upon  an  application  for  membership  unless  clothed  in 
appropriate  regalia.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  32,  365,  394. 

3847.  Locked  in  wardrobe.  In  a  Rebekah  Lodge  the 
regalia  must  be  worn  by  the  officers,  if  possible.  It  is  not 
sufficient  excuse  for  omitting  to  do  so  that  it  is  locked  up  in 
the  wardrobe.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14674,  14948,  15019. 


924  Rebekah  Branch. 

3848.  Rebekah  Assembly.  Rebekah  Assemblies  cannot 
authorize  or  permit  wearing  of  other  regalia  than  that  pre- 
scribed by  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 1899  S.  G.  L.  Jour- 
nal, 32,  365,  394. 

3849.  May  make  its  own  regalia.  Any  Lodge  may  make 
its  own  regalia,  provided  the  same  is  made  as  prescribed  by 
law.— 1898  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15753,  16071,  16116. 

REINSTATEMENT. 

(See  Membership.) 

REJECTIONS. 

(See  Membership.) 

REPORTS  AND  RETURNS. 

3850.  When  annual  and  semi-annual  reports  to  be 
adopted.  The  annual  or  semi-annual  reports  may  be 
adopted  at  the  first  meeting  night  of  the  term,  but  must  not 
be  adopted  before  such  meeting. — 1902  Journal,  751,  916, 
940.     (See  Errata.) 

3851.  Failure  to  make  returns — Grand  Lodge — Penalty. 

Grand  Lodges  have  the  power  to  fix  the  penalty  for  neglect 
to  make  returns.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14676,  14949,  15019. 

3852.  Blank  forms  for  reports.  In  future,  Grand  Lodges 
must  prepare  and  furnish  to  the  Rebekah  Lodges  in  their 
jurisdictions  blank  forms  for  reports,  which  forms  must 
require  all  the  information  demanded  by  the  law  of  the 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.— 1902  Journal,  979,  1002. 

RESIGNATION  OF  MEMBERSHIP. 

(See  Membership.) 

RITUALS. 

3853.  Lodge-room.  Rituals  cannot  be  taken  from  the 
Lodge-room  even  for  binding.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14675, 
14949,  15019. 


Rebekah  Branch.  925 

3854.  For  Rebekah  Lodges  only.  The  Ritual  of  Rebekah 
Lodges  is  for  the  exclusive  use  of  such  Lodges,  and  it  is 
unlawful  for  the  officers  of  Rebekah  Lodges  to  give  that 
work  before  a  Subordinate  Lodge. — 1887  Journal,  781. 

3855.  Encampment  Ritual.  No  portion  of  the  Encamp- 
ment Ritual  can  be  used  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  under  any 
circumstances.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  32,  365,  394. 

3856.  Grand  Warden.  A  Grand  Warden,  not  a  member 
of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  has  no  right  to  the  Rebekah  Ritual. — 
1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15175,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

SEAL. 

3857.  Seal.  All  seals  used  by  Rebekah  Lodges  should 
bear  the  legal  designation  ** Rebekah  Lodge,"  and  not  that 
of  "Degree  of  Rebekah,"  ''D.  of  R.,"  etc.— 1898  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  15754,  16071,  16116. 

3858.  District  Deputy  President.  A  District  Deputy 
President  cannot  use  the  seal  of  the  Lodge  to  which  she 
belongs  on  her  communications  as  a  District  Deputy  Presi- 
dent.— 1904  Journal,  369,  563,  569. 

SECRET  WORK. 

(See  Work  of  the  Degree.) 

SEMI-ANNUAL  PASSWORD. 

(See  Passwords.) 

SESSION. 
(See  Rebekah  Lodge;  Assembly  Degree.) 

SOCIAL  COMMITTEE. 

3859.  Debts  for  social  purposes.  The  Social  Committee 
has  not  the  right  to  incur  a  debt  for  social  purposes  without 
authority  from  the  Lodge,  and  the  Lodge  should  not  pay 
such  a  bill,  so  incurred,  out  of  its  General  Fund,  not  having 
any  money  in  its  Special  or  Contingent  Fund. — 1898  Jour- 
nal, 15,  204,  205.  215. 


926  Rebekah  Branch. 

SPECIAL  FUND. 

(See  Funds.) 

SPECIAL  SESSION  OF  REBEKAH  ASSEMBLY. 

(See  Assembly  Degree.) 

SUPPLIES. 

3860.  Secretary  of  Rebekah  Assembly.  The  Grand  Lodge 
authorizes  the  Secretary  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly, 
I.  O.  0.  F.,  of  California,  to  purchase  direct  from  the  Grand 
Secretary  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  I.  0.  0.  F.,  all 
supplies  to  be  used  by  Rebekah  Lodges  of  this  jurisdiction. 
—1901  Journal,  583,  584,  589;  1900  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  834, 
903,  916. 

3861.  Schedule  of  prices  for  supplies.  The  following 
supplies  must  be  obtained  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Re- 
bekah Assembly,  I.  0.  O.  F.,  of  California : 

Anniversary  Ceremonies,   each $  0.25 

Book  of  Forms   (for  public  use),  each 1.00 

Burial   Ceremonies,   each 15 

Charter  Fee,  including  two  Rituals 10.00 

Cards,  Withdrawal  and  Visiting,  each 25 

California    Beautified    Work 50 

Cipher  Key 50 

Constitutions,  in  sheets  for  binding,  per  100 2.20 

Constitution  Book,  for  members  to  sign 1.50 

Digest  Grand  Lodge  of  California,  per  volume 3.00 

Digest  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  (1904  edition),  Busbee,  per  volume     3.50 

Diplomas 25 

Dismissal  Certificates,  each 25 

Floor  Work    (Sovereign  Grand  Lodge) 50 

Memorial    Ceremonies,    each 25 

Orders  for  Password,  per  50,  75  cents;  per  100 1.00 

Ode  Cards,  each OH 

Ode  Cards    (with  music),   each 12i/L' 

Ode  Books    ( with  music ) ,  each 75 

Official  Certificates  (receipts  for  dues,  etc.),  per  100 1.00 

Propositions  for  Membership,  per  50,  $1.00;  per  100 1.50 

Rebekah  Codes  and  Digest  of  Laws 40 

Rituals,  each 2.50 

Roll  Book  of  Officers,  each 1.25 

Seal  and  Press,  design  to  be  furnished  by  Lodge 5.00 


Rebekah  Branch.  927 

The  following  supplies  may  also  be  obtained  from  her: 

Treasurer's  Receipt  Book $  2.00 

Treasurer's   Warrant   Book 3.50 

Visitor's  Register 1.50 

Notices  of  Suspension,  per  50,  75  cents;  per  100 1.00 

Notices  of  Arrearages,  per  125 1.00 

letter  Heads,  one  ream,  $4.50;  one-half  ream,  $2.50;  one-fourth 

ream,  $1.50 ;  one-eighth  ream 1.00 

Record  Books  and  Ledgers,  according  to  size. 

Orders  for  supplies  should  be  under  seal  of  the  Lodge. 

The  Secretary  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  is  forbidden  to 
sell  any  supplies,  or  fill  any  orders  for  the  same,  except  on 
the  receipt  of  the  money  therefor. 

SUSPENSION  FOR  NON-PAYMENT  OF  DUES. 
(See  Dues.) 

TERMS. 

3862.  Meeting  semi-monthly.  Rebekah  Lodge  having 
six  months'  terms  and  meeting  semi-monthly,  thirteen  meet- 
ings would  constitute  a  term,  and  seven  a  majority  of  the 
nights  of  the  term.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14674,  14949, 
15019. 

TRIALS. 

3863.  Trial  of  brothers  or  sisters.  A  Rebekah  Lodge 
may  try,  suspend  or  expel  a  member,  male  or  female. — 1875 
Journal,  281,  295 ;  1873  Journal,  871,  892. 

3864.  Subordinate  and  Rebekah  Lodge.  A  brother 
under  charges  for  the  same  ofl'ense  in  both  his  Subordinate 
and  Rebekah  Lodge  should  be  tried  in  each. — 1903  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  34,  284,  314. 

3865.  Charges  of  altering  a  Treasurer's  receipt.  In  an 
accusation  of  this  kind,  a  copy  of  the  receipt  should  be  set 
out  in  the  charges,  and  the  alteration  thereof  specified. — 
Carrie  Budelman  vs.  Vesper  Rebekah  Lodge,  1899  Journal. 
545,  612. 


928  Rebekah  Branch. 

3866.  Slander  by  accusing  of  theft.  In  such  cases,  when 
the  language  used  does  not  directly  or  clearly  charge  theft, 
the  facts  or  allegations  should  be  set  forth  in  the  charges, 
showing  that  the  language  means  or  imports  theft. — Carrie 
Budelman  vs.  Vesper  Rebekah  Lodge,  1899  Journal,  545, 
612. 

3867.  Venue  in  charges.  Charges  should  aver  the  place 
where  the  alleged  offense  occurred.  They  should  give  at 
least  the  county. — Howard  vs.  Martha  Washington  Rebekah 
Lodge,  1891  Journal,  666,  674. 

3868.  Venue  and  circumstances.  Charges  must  specify 
the  venue  and  other  circumstances  necessary  to  constitute 
an  offense. — Sitton  vs.  Harmony  Rebekah  Lodge,  1905  Jour- 
nal, 912,  919. 

3869.  Frivolous  charges..  Frivolous  charges  are  charges 
which  do  not  state  facts  constituting  an  offense  in  Odd  Fel- 
lowship.— Dunlap  vs.  Sunset  Rebekah  Lodge,  1900  Journal, 
136,  176. 

3870.  One  who  has  resigned  cannot  prefer  charges.     A 

member  who  has  resigned  from  the  Order  has  no  rights  nor 
privileges  therein,  and  cannot  prefer  charges  against  a 
member  of  the  Order.— 1902  Journal,  751,  916,  940.  (See 
Errata.) 

3871.  Request  to  withdraw  charges — Motion.  A  motion 
to  request  the  complainant  to  withdraw  the  charges  is  not  a 
proper  motion,  as  it  is  the  Lodge's  duty  to  appoint  a  Trial 
Committee  as  provided  in  Section  3,  Article  VI,  and  Section 
1,  Subdivision  12,  Article  V,  of  the  Constitution  of  Rebekah 
Lodges.  When  the  testimony  is  taken  as  provided  in  said 
Section  3,  and  reported  to  the  Lodge  with  the  verdict  of  the 
committee,  then  the  Lodge,  being  in  the  possession  of  the 
testimony  or  evidence,  will  be  enabled  to  pass  upon  the 
sufficiency  of  the  evidence. — Dunlap  vs.  Sunset  Rebekah 
Lodge,  1900  Journal,  136,  176. 

3872.  Lodge's  duty  when  charges  preferred.  Where 
charges  specify  an  oft'ense  the  Lodge  has  no  right  to  refuse 


i 


Rebekah  Branch.  929 

to  entertain  them;  they  must  be  referred  to  a  committee. — 
Dunlap  vs.  Sunset  Rebekah  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  136,  176. 

3873.  Appointment   of  Trial   Committee — Noble   Grand 

disqualified.  The  Xoble  Grand  appoints  a  majority  of  the 
committee.  If  the  Noble  Grand  be  disqualified,  the  Vice- 
Grand  should  take  her  place  and  as  acting  Noble  Grand 
appoint  the  majority  of  the  Trial  Committee. — Wheeler  vs. 
Friendship  Rebekah  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  165,  197. 

3874.  Filling  a  vacancy  in  Trial  Committee — Vice- 
Grand.  A  vacancy  caused  by  the  resignation  of  a  member 
appointed  by  the  Vice-Grand  should  be  filled  by  a  Vice- 
Grand. — Wheeler  vs.  Friendship  Rebekah  Lodge,  1898 
Journal,  165,  197. 

3875.  Objections  to  Trial  Committee  and  examination, 
lere  the  accused  duly  objects  to  a  member  of  the  Trial 

'Committee  the  accused  has  the  right  to  question  and  exam- 
ine the  member  as  to  his  qualifications  to  act  thereon  and 
alleged  bias  and  prejudice. — Wheeler  vs.  Friendship  Re- 
ibekah  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  165,  197. 

3876.  When  charges  preferred  by  Noble  Grand.  When 
Icharges  stating  an  offense  are  submitted  to  the  Lodge  by 
[the  Noble  Grand,  the  Noble  Grand  should  vacate  the  Noble 
[Grand's  chair  and  the  same  should  be  taken  by  the  Vice- 
Grand,  who,  as  acting  Noble  Grand,  should  appoint  three 
[of  the  Trial  Committee,  and  the  acting  Vice-Grand — that 
[is,  the  member  who  takes  the  Vice-Grand's  chair  while  the 

'^ice-Grand  occupies  the  Noble  Grand's  chair — should  ap- 
[point,  as  acting  Vice-Grand,  two  of  the  Trial  Committee. — 
[Dunlap  vs.  Sunset  Rebekah  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  136,  137, 
176. 

3877.  When  charges  preferred  against  Noble  Grand. 
:W^hen  charges  are  preferred  against  the  Noble  Grand  of  a 
Rebekah  Lodge,  the  Vice-Grand  takes  the  chair  of  the 
[Noble  Grand  and  thus  becomes  the  acting  Noble  Grand, 
^and  as  such  appoints  three  members  of  the  Trial  Commit- 
[tee.    The  member  appointed  to  take  the  chair  of  the  Vice- 

69 


930  Rebekah  Branch. 

Grand  becomes  the  acting  Vice-Grand,  and  as  such  appoints 
the  other  two  members  of  the  committee. — 1897  Journal, 
805,  1000,  1046. 

3878.  New  Trial  Committee.  When  a  trial  has  been 
had  and  a  new  Trial  Committee  is  to  be  appointed,  none 
of  the  members  on  the  former  Trial  Committee  should  be 
appointed  on  the  new  committee. — Solomon  vs.  Myrtle  Re- 
bekah Lodge,  1903  Journal,  124,  154. 

3879.  Witnesses  obligated  or  sworn.  A  witness  who  is 
a  member  of  the  Order  must  be  obligated  on  the  honor  of 
an  Odd  Fellow,  or,  if  not  a  member,  must  be  sworn  after 
the  manner  of  witnesses  in  Courts  of  Justice  by  a  member 
of  the  Trial  Committee,  The  minutes  of  the  committee 
must  state  that  such  oath  or  obligation  was  administered. 
— Solomon  vs.  Myrtle  Rebekah  Lodge,  1903  Journal,  124, 
154. 

3880.  All  the  Trial  Committee  must  act.  All  of  the  Trial 
Committee  must  be  present  to  see  and  hear  all  the  wit- 
nesses and  all  the  testimony. — Solomon  vs.  Myrtle  Re- 
bekah Lodge,  1903  Journal,  124,  154 ;  Sitton  vs.  Harmony 
Rebekah  Lodge,  1905  Journal,  912,  919. 

3881.  Reading  over  and  signing  testimony.  Article  VI, 
Section  3,  of  the  Rebekah  Lodge  Constitution,  does  not 
require  the  testimony  of  witnesses  in  trials  to  be  read  over 
to  the  witness,  or  to  be  signed  by  the  witness,  but  the 
Trial  Committee  may  pursue  that  practice. — Solomon  vs. 
Myrtle  Rebekah  Lodge,  1903  Journal,  125,  154;  Dunlap  vs. 
Sunset  Rebekah  Lodge,  1900  Journal,  145,  176. 

3882.  Wife  as  witness — Cross-examination.  If  the  ac- 
cused introduces  his  wife  as  a  witness,  she  is  subject  to 
cross-examination,  and  must  answer  all  proper  questions 
like  other  witnesses. — Solomon  vs.  Myrtle  Rebekah  Lodge, 
1903  Journal,  125,  154. 

3883.  Testimony  by  questions  and  answers.  In  trial  of 
charges  the  testimony  must  be  taken  by  questions  and 
answers,  and  be  reduced  to  writing  in  the  words  employed 


I 


Rebekah  Branch.  d32 

in  propounding:  the  questions  and  in  the  words  used  in 
response  thereto. — Sitton  vs.  Harmony  Rebekah  Lodge, 
1905  Journal,  912,  919 ;  Solomon  vs.  Myrtle  Rebekah  Lodge, 
1903  Journal,  124,  154. 

3884.  All  questions  and  answers  must  be  taken  down. 
The  examination  of  witnesses  in  the  trial  of  charfres  is  by 
questions  and  answers,  and  all  the  questions  and  answers 
should  be  taken  down  by  the  Trial  Committee  so  that  the 
Lodge,  and  also  the  Grand  Lodge,  in  case  of  appeal,  may 
be  placed  in  possession  of  all  the  proceedings  and  evidence. 
— Solomon  vs.  Myrtle  Rebekah  Lodge,  1903  Journal,  124, 
154. 

3885.  Testimony  and  proceedings  in  trials — Minutes. 
The  Trial  Committee  must  keep  full,  true  and  correct 
minutes  of  all  testimony  and  proceedings.  It  is  illegal  for 
the  Trial  Committee  to  adopt  a  motion  that  the  witnesses 
be  allowed  to  testify  in  their  own  way  and  also  a  motion 
that  the  substance  of  the  testimony  be  put  on  record.  It 
is  a  fatal  error.  The  testimony  should  be  produced  in 
accordance  with  the  manner  in  Courts  of  Justice,  that  is, 
by  questions  and  answers,  and  the  questions  as  put  and  the 
answers  as  griven  should  be  taken  down. — Wheeler  vs. 
Friendship  Rebekah  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  165,  197. 

3886.  Trial  Committee  must  keep  full  minutes.  The 
Trial  Committee  must  keep  full  minutes  of  the  evidence  and 
of  their  proceedings  (Article  VI,  Section  3,  Rebekah  Lodge 
Constitution),  and  it  must  reduce  all  the  testimony  to 
writing  and  must  not  omit  any  portion  of  the  testimony 
of  any  witness  and  must  embody  in  its  minutes  all  the 
evidence,  objections,  exceptions,  acts  and  proceedings. — 
Solomon  vs.  Myrtle  Rebekah  Lodge,  1903  Journal,  124,  154. 

3887.  Absence  of  accuser  from  trial.  The  fact  that  the 
accuser  was  not  present  at  or  a  witness  at  the  trial  is 
immaterial.  If  the  accused  desires  his  testimony,  he  can 
have  him  subpoenaed  and  introduced  as  a  witness,  or  the 
Trial  Committee,  if  it  considers  it  necessary  or  proper,  may 
do  likewise. — Solomon  vs.  Myrtle  Rebekah  Lodge,  1903 
Journal.   124.   154. 


932  Rebekah  Branch. 

3888.  Notice    of    filing    report    and    exceptions.      The 

Secretary  must  forthwith,  on  the  filing  or  the  submission  to 
the  Lodge  of  the  report  of  the  Trial  Committee,  notify  the 
party  against  whom  the  verdict  is  rendered,  of  the  filing 
or  making  of  the  report,  and  the  accused  must  have  two 
weeks  after  the  receipt  of  such  notice  in  which  to  file  ex- 
ceptions thereto,  if  he  shall  so  desire. — Sitton  vs.  Har- 
mony Rebekah  Lodge,  1905  Journal,  912,  919. 

3889.  Verdict  of  acquittal  by  Trial  Committee  and  new 
committee.  A  Lodge  may,  in  acting  on  the  report  of  a 
Trial  Committee,  even  though  the  report  be  one  of  acquittal, 
refer  the  matter  to  a  new  committee  for  trial. — Burns  vs. 
Isabella  Rebekah  Lodge,  1898  Journal,  192,  215. 

3890.  Motion  to  accept  a  report.  To  accept  a  report 
means  to  receive  for  further  action,  and  to  receive  a  report 
is  not  equivalent  to  adopt. — Carrie  Budelman  vs.  Vesper 
Rebekah  Lodge,  1899  Journal  545,  612. 

3891.  Lodge  must  pronounce  its  judgment — Bill  of  Ex- 
ceptions. A  Lodge,  after  passing  upon  a  Bill  of  Exceptions, 
or  after  having  resolved  that  the  exceptions  are  not  well 
founded,  should  then  pass  upon  or  come  to  some  conclu- 
sion upon  the  report  of  the  Trial  Committee.  It  should 
pronounce  its  judgment.  In  pronouncing  its  judgment,  it 
may  or  may  not  adopt  the  report  of  the  Trial  Committee, — 
that  is,  may  find  the  brother  guilty  or  not  guilty,  or  take 
such  other  action  as  may  be  proper.  It  must  pronounce  its 
judgment  that  the  accused  is  guilty  before  it  can  affix  a 
penalty. — Solomon  vs.  Myrtle  Rebekah  Lodge,  1903  Journal, 
124,  154;  1898  Journal,  165,  197. 

3892.  Lodge  must  pronounce  judgment — No  Bill  of  Ex- 
ceptions. The  Lodge  is  required  to  pronounce  judgment, 
whether  a  Bill  of  Exceptions  is  filed  or  not,  and  in  pro- 
nouncing its  judgment  it  may  find  the  accused  guilty  or  not 
guilty;  but  it  must  pronounce  its  judgment  of  conviction 
of  some  offense  before  it  is  authorized  to  proceed  to  ballot 
on    the    penalty    or    to    impose    a    penalty.      Where    the 


Rebekah  Branch.  933 

Lodge  took  no  action  on  the  Trial  Committee's  report, 
or  in  any  regard  thereto,  or  in  regard  to  the  question 
of  guilt  or  innocence  of  the  accused,  but  proceeded  and 
voted  on  the  penalty,  there  is  no  judgment. — Sitton  vs. 
Harmony  Rebekah  Lodge,  1905  Journal,  912,  919. 

TRUSTEES  OF  ORPHANS'  HOME. 

(See  Orphans'  Home,  Section  2483.) 

TRUSTEES  OF  REBEKAH  LODGE. 

3893.  Election  of  Trustees  for  different  terms.  Where 
three  Trustees  are  to  be  elected  for  different  specified 
terms  they  cannot  be  elected  collectively.  The  three  may  be 
elected  on  one  ballot,  but  the  ballot  must  specify  the  length 
of  term  for  which  each  candidate  is  to  be  elected. — 1905 
Journal,  746,  926,  944. 

3894.  When  no  By-Law  provides  for  Trustees.  Only 
such  Rebekah  Lodges  as  have  provided  for  the  election  of 
Trustees  in  their  By-Laws  are  required  to  elect  Trustees. — 
1903  Journal,  190,  204,  213. 

UNWRITTEN  WORK. 
(See  Work  of  Rebekah  Degree.) 

VISITATION. 

(See  Honors  of  the  Degree.) 

VISITORS  AND  VISITING. 

3895.  Committee  to  examine  visitors  and  annual  pass- 
word. All  members  of  the  committee  appointed  to  exam- 
ine visitors  are  not  required  to  be  in  possession  of  the 
annual  password.  The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  requires 
that  at  least  one  member  shall  be  in  possession  of  the  an- 
nual password.— 1903  Journal,  190,  204,  213. 

3896.  Suspended  from  Subordinate  Lodge.  A  brother 
su.spended  from  his  Subordinate  Lodge  tor  a  definite  time 
cannot  visit  a  Rebekah  Lodge  during  such  suspension. — 
1897  Journal,  807,  1000,  1046. 


934  Rebekah  Branch. 

3897.  Withdrawal  card  and  annual  password.  A  per- 
son granted  a  Withdrawal  Card  by  a  Rebekah  Lodge  is 
entitled  to  visit  Rebekah  Lodges  for  one  year  after  the 
date  of  said  card  on  the  annual  password  that  was  used  at 
the  date  of  the  issuance  of  the  card. — 1896  Journal,  419, 
587,  628;  1880  Journal,  258,  359,  375. 

3898.  Withdrawal  Card  and  proper  password.  At  the 
time  a  Withdrawal  Card  is  issued  to  a  sister  she  is  given 
the  annual  password  then  in  force.  She  may  visit  on  such 
Withdrawal  Card  and  this  password  for  one  year  there- 
after, and  on  no  other  password  whatever.  She  is  not  en- 
titled to  any  other  password — annual  or  semi-annual. — 1901 
Journal,  412,  557,  562. 

3899.  Right  to  introduce  visitors  from  another  jurisdic- 
tion. Grand  Representatives,  elective  officers  of  a  Grand 
Lodge  and  elective  officers  of  a  Rebekah  Assembly  may 
introduce  visiting  members  from  another  jurisdiction  into 
Rebekah  Lodges  within  their  jurisdiction  under  the  limita- 
tions of  existing  laws. — 1900  Journal,  889,  915;  Article 
XIV,  By-Laws  S.  G.  Lodge. 

3900.  The  same — Grand  Representative  and  elective 
officers  of  Grand  Lodge.  A  Representative  to  the  Sover- 
eign Grand  Lodge,  or  any  elective  officer  of  a  Grand  Lodge 
who  is  a  member  in  good  standing  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge, 
has  the  right  to  introduce  a  visitor  into  a  Rebekah  Lodge  in 
his  own  jurisdiction  whom  he  knows  to  be  a  member  of  a 
Rebekah  Lodge  in  good  standing  of  another  jurisdiction. — 
1892-1895  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  13614,  13196,  14249,  14525,  14570. 

3901.  Elective  Grand  Officer  and  non-member  of  Rebekah 
Lodge.  An  elective  officer  of  the  Grand  Lodge  has  no 
power  to  introduce  into  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  a  member  of  the 
Order  who  is  not  a  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge. — 1885 
Journal,  436. 

VISITING  CARDS. 

(See  Cards.) 


Rebekah  Branch.  985 

VOTE  AND  VOTING. 

(See  Ballot  and  Voting.) 

WATCHERS  AND  WATCHING  WITH  THE  SICK. 

(See  Nurses  and  Watchers.) 

WITHDRAWAL  CARDS. 

(See  Cards.) 

WITNESSES. 

(See  Trials.) 

WORK  OF  REBEKAH  DEGREE. 

3902.  No  deviations  from  Ritual.  Rebekah  Assemblies 
cannot  permit  any  deviation  from  the  work  in  the  Ritual  of 
the  Rebekah  Degree.— 1899  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  32,  365,  394. 

3903.  Additional  robes.  There  is  nothing  prohibiting 
additional  robes  to  those  prescribed  in  the  Ritual,  but  others 
cannot  be  substituted  in  place  of  those  prescribed. — 1895 
S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14241,  14487,  14570. 

3904.  Instruction  in  secret  work.  Only  the  Grand  blas- 
ter or  a  Deputy  or  the  Noble  Grand  has  authority  to  impart 
instruction  in  the  secret  work.  A  delegate  to  the  Rebekah 
Assembly  has  no  authority  to  impart  such  instruction. — 
1903  Journal,  210,  216.  The  President  of  the  Rebekah  As- 
sembly is  the  State  Deputy  of  the  Grand  Master. — Constitu- 
tion Rebekah  Assembly,  Art.  V,  Sec.  1. 

3905.  Instruction  in  secret  work — Assisting  officer-elect. 
Any  member  in  possession  of  it  may  a.ssist  an  officer-elect 
in  becoming  proficient  in  the  secret  work;  but  such  assist- 
ance must  not  in  any  wise  interfere  with  the  official  instruc- 
tions authorized  by  the  laws  of  the  Order. — 1904  Journal, 
369,  563,  569. 

3906.  District  Deputy  of  Subordinate  Lodg^es — Past 
Grands.  A  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  of  Subordinate 
Lodjjes  has  no  ripht  to  instruct  all  Past  Grands  of  his  dis- 
trict in  the  work  of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah.— 1889  Jounial, 
119,  123,  166. 


936  Rebekah  Branch. 

3907.  Public  anniversary.  The  paraphernalia  used  in 
the  secret  work  cannot  be  worn  by  the  officers  on  the  occa- 
sion of  a  public  anniversary  of  a  Lodge. — 1896  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  14676,  14949,  15019. 

3908.  Costumes,  robes,  exhibitions  and  photographs.     A 

Rebekah  Lodge  cannot  legally  give  an  exhibition  drill  in 
costume,  before  persons  not  members  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge, 
using  the  drill  or  floor  work  pertaining  to  the  degree;  nor 
use  the  costumes  in  giving  a  public  exhibition;  nor  have 
photographs  of  the  staff  taken  in  the  robes  and  costumes 
used  in  conferring  the  degree,  nor  place  such  photographs 
on  sale  to  Odd  Fellows,  nor  have  them  taken  for  the  use  of 
its  members.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14676,  14949,  15019; 
1897    S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15170,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

3909.  Photographs  of  Rebekah  Lodge  Staff.  A  Rebekah 
Lodge  Staff  cannot  have  photographs  taken  in  the  robes 
and  costumes  of  the  staff  work. — 1905  Journal,  748,  926, 
944. 

3910.  Robes  or  costumes  not  worn  in  public  or  at  pub- 
lic entertainment.  A  Rebekah  Lodge  cannot  appear  in  pub- 
lic in  the  robes  or  costumes  worn  by  them  in  conferring  the 
degrees.  They  may  only  appear  in  public  in  the  prescribed 
regalia.  Nor  is  it  permissible  to  give  an  entertainment  to 
the  public  where  the  robes  of  the  officers  are  used. — 1896 
Journal,  418,  587,  628. 

3911.  Robes  not  worn  in  public ;  no  dispensation.  There 
is  nothing  in  the  law  which  permits  the  Grand  Master  to 
issue  to  Rebekah  Lodges  a  dispensation  to  appear  in  pub- 
lic in  the  robes  worn  by  the  officer  in  conferring  the  Re- 
bekah Degree.— 1896  Journal,  417,  587,  628. 

3912.  Exemplification  of  work — Rebekah  Assembly.      It 

is  legal  for  Rebekah  Assemblies  to  provide  for  exemplifica- 
tions of  the  unwritten  work  of  the  Rebekah  Degree  in  open 
Lodge,  by  order  of  the  installing  officer  of  the  Assembly. — 
1897  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  15171,  15534,  15584,  15613. 

(See  Grand  Lodge,  Section  1584.) 


Rebekah  Branch.  937 

3913.  Work  not  issued  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.    It 

is  a  gross  violation  of  law  for  a  Lodge  to  use,  or  have  in  its 
possession,  any  work  purporting  to  be  the  secret  work  of 
Odd  Fellowship,  except  that  issued  by  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge.— 1896  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  14683,  14948,  15019. 

3914.  Spurious  degree.  The  laws  of  the  Order  do  not 
permit  such  a  degree  to  be  conferred  in  the  Lodge-room  or 
any  room  over  which  the  Lodge  has  jurisdiction, — 1896 
Journal,  419,  587,  628. 

3915.  Mock  initiation.  A  Rebekah  Lodge  has  no  right 
to  give  or  permit  a  mock  initiation.  There  is  but  one  form 
of  initiation  known  to  the  Order,  and  that,  the  form  pro- 
vided in  the  Ritual,  and  no  Lodge  should  undertake  any 
other.  *'Mock  initiation,"  or  forms  of  pretended  or  false 
initiation  of  a  candidate  into  the  Order,  are  liable  to  lessen 
and  to  some  extent  destroy  the  solemnity  and  impressive- 
ness  of  the  real  initiation.— 1896  Journal,  582,  628,  419. 

3916.  Floor  work.  A  Rebekah  Lodge  may  use  any  form 
of  floor  work  it  prefers,  provided  it  conforms  in  all  respects 
to  the  Ritual.  The  forms  authorized  by  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  are  only  guides,  and  are  not  obligatory.  But  if  a 
Lodge  uses  any  other  form  than  that  provided  by  the  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge  it  is  not  proper  to  print  and  publish  the 
same,  as  it  must  of  necessity  contain  reference  to  the  Ritual 
and  ceremonies  of  the  Order,  which  can  only  be  printed  or 
published  by  authority  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 
1892  S.  G.  L.  Journal,  12797,  13050,  13076 

3917.  The  unwritten  work  of  Rebekah  Degree.  The 
Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  now  prints  the  unwritten  work  of 
the  Rebekah  Degree  with  illustrations  and  sells  the  same  to 
the  Secretary  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  in  all  jurisdictions 
where  the  Grand  Lodge  has  granted  permission  to  the  Re- 
bekah Assembly  to  purchase  supplies  direct  from  the  Grand 
Secretary  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. — 1903  S.  G.  L. 
Journal,  292,  293,  315.  In  this  jurisdiction  the  Grand  Lodge 
has  granted  such  permission  to  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  I.  0. 
O.  F.  of  California.— 1901  Journal,  583,  584,  589. 


938 


CONSTITUTION 


OF 


SUBORDINATE    LODGES 

UNDER  THE  JURISDICTION   OF  THE 

GRAND  LODGE,  I.  0.  0.  F.  OF  THE  STATE  OF  CALIFORNIA. 


PREAMBLE. 

For  the  purpose  of  effecting  uniformity  in  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  privileges,  honors  and  benefits  of  Odd  Fel- 
lowship withi*Q  this  jurisdiction,  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  of  the  State  of  Califor- 
nia ordains  the  following  Constitution  of  Subordinate 
Lodges  under  its  jurisdiction: 

ARTICLE  I. 

Section  1. — Name.  This  Lodge  shall  consist  of  at  least 
five  members  of  the  Degree  of  Truth,  including  one  qual- 
ified to  preside  at  its  meetings,  to  be  hailed  and  entitled 

Lodge,  No ,  of  the  Independent  Order 

of  Odd  Fellows,  of  California,  holding  a  legal  charter  grant- 
ed by  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows  of  the  State  of  California.  It  cannot  voluntarily 
surrender  its  charter  so  long  as  five  Third  Degree  members 
in  good  standing  object  thereto. 

ARTICLE  II. 

Section  1. — Membership.  Every  applicant  for  initiation 
must  be  a  free  white  male  of  the  age  of  twenty-one  years; 
of  sound  health;  of  good  moral  character  and  industrious 
habits,  having  some  known  respectable  means  of  support; 
must  believe  in  the  existence  of  a  Supreme  Being,  the  Cre- 


Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  989 

ator  and  Preserver  of  the  Universe,  and  be  proposed  in  the 
Lodge  nearest  his  residence,  except  that  Lodge  grant  per- 
mission for  his  joining  another  Lodge;  provided^  that  ap- 
plication for  membership  may  be  made  to  any  Lodge  near- 
est the  residence  of  the  applicant  in  the  same  county  or 
district.  A  candidate  may  be  admitted  in  any  Lodge  in  the 
city  or  village  in  which  he  resides;  but  all  candidates  for 
initiation  must  reside  in  this  jurisdiction,  except  such  can- 
didates as  may  apply  from  other  States  or  Territories  where 
there  is  no  Grand  Lodge  or  District  Deputy  Grand  Sire 
located. 

Sec.  2. — Deposit  of  card,  Dismissal  Certificate  or  Ancient 
Odd  Fellow.  Every  applicant  for  membership  by  deposit 
of  card,  or  certificate  of  dismissal,  or  as  an  Ancient  Odd 
Fellow,  shall  deposit  his  card  or  certificate  with  his  propo- 
sition, or  furnish  satisfactory  evidence  that  such  card  or 
certificate  has  been  lost. 

Sec.  3. — Suspended  or  expelled  members.  No  suspended 
or  expelled  member  of  the  Order  can  be  admitted  to  mem- 
bership in  this  Lodge  except  on  a  Dismissal  Certificate  or  on 
being  reinstated  and  receiving  a  Withdrawal  Card  from 
the  Lodge  which  suspended  or  expelled  him,  or  from  the 
Grand  Secretary,  as  prescribed  by  law. 

Sec.  4. — Non-beneficial  members.  An  Odd  Fellow  who 
has  been  regularly  initiated  into  the  Order,  and  has  retained 
membership  therein  for  at  least  five  consecutive  years,  and 
who  at  the  time  of  making  application  for  reinstatement 
or  membership  shall  be  over  fifty  years  of  age,  may  be  ad- 
mitted to  membership  in  this  Lodge  as  a  non-beneficial 
member  upon  such  terms  as  the  By-Laws  may  prescribe,  by 
presenting  a  petition  as  required  under  Section  1,  Article 
III,  for  proposals  for  membership  by  initiation,  which  shall 
be  disposed  of  according  to  said  section. 

Sec.  5. — Applicant  residing  nearer  another  Lodge.  When 
an  application  for  membership  is  received  from  a  person 
residing  nearer  to  another  Lodge  than  the  one  to  which  the 
application  is  made,  the  Lodge  receiving  such  application 


940  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

shall  communicate  the  fact  to  the  Lodge  nearest  the  resi- 
dence of  such  applicant,  and  shall  inquire  whether  such 
person  is  a  fit  and  proper  person  to  be  admitted  into  our 
Order,  and,  if  in  the  same  county  and  district,  shall  also  ask 
the  consent  of  such  Lodge  to  receive  and  act  upon  such 
application;  and  it  shall  take  no  further  action  upon  such 
application  until  an  answer  is  received  tc  such  communica- 
tion. The  Lodge  receiving  such  communication  shall  ap- 
point a  committee  of  three  to  investigate  the  character, 
standing  and  health  of  the  petitioner,  in  the  same  manner 
as  if  the  application  was  made  directly  to  such  Lodge. 
Such  committee  shall  report  at  the  next  regular  meeting  of 
the  Lodge,  and  a  certified  copy  of  the  report,  together  with 
a  certified  copy  of  the  minutes  showing  the  action  of  the 
Lodge  upon  the  request  for  consent  to  receive  and  act  upon 
the  application  (if  such  consent  was  necessary),  shall  be 
forthwith  forwarded  to  the  Lodge  in  which  such  application 
is  filed,  and  said  last-named  Lodge  may  then  proceed  upon 
such  application  as  in  other  cases,  except  that  if  it  be  a  case 
where  the  consent  of  the  other  Lodge  is  necessary,  and  that 
consent  be  refused,  the  petitioner's  money  (if  any  has  been 
paid)  shall  be  returned,  and  no  further  action  shall  be  had 
in  the  premises. 

Sec.  6. — Saloon-keeper,  bartender  and  gambler.  No 
saloon-keeper,  bartender  or  professional  gambler  shall  be 
eligible  to  membership  in  this  Order. 

ARTICLE  III. 

Section  1.  Propositions  for  membership.  The  name  of 
a  person  offered  for  membership,  with  his  age,  nativity, 
residence  and  occupation,  must  be  proposed  by  a  member, 
in  writing,  signed  by  the  applicant,  with  the  names  of  two 
persons  as  references  attached,  and  entered  upon  the  record, 
and  forthwith  be  referred  to  a  committee  of  three  members 
for  investigation,  who  shall  report  at  the  next  succeeding 
regular  meeting  (unless  extraordinary  circumstances  pre- 
vent), when  the  candidate  shall  be  balloted  for  with  ball 
ballots,  and  if  not  more  than  two  black-balls  appear,  he 


^  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  941 

shall  be  elected ;  but  if  three  or  more  black-balls  appear,  the 
candidate  shall  be  declared  rejected. 


upc 


Sec.  2. — Transfer  of  membership  by  deposit  of  card.  A 
mber  of  the  Order  entitled  to  a  Withdrawal  Card,  who 
on  change  of  his  residence  may  desire  to  join  this  Lodge 
by  deposit  of  card  may  make  application  for  admission  be- 
fore severing  his  connection  with  his  Lodge  by  sending  in 
his  petition  setting  forth  the  fact,  together  with  such  other 
matter  as  is  usually  contained  in  petitions  for  membership. 
In  case  of  the  election  of  such  applicant,  the  Secretary  shall 
immediately  notify  the  Lodge  to  which  the  brother  belongs, 
and  when  the  brother's  Withdrawal  Card  shall  have  been 
received  by  the  Secretary  of  this  Lodge  he  shall  be  entitled 
to  sign  the  Constitution  and  thereby  be  received  in  full 
membership  without  being*  required  to  pay  any  card  or  ad- 
mission fee.  A  ballot  under  this  section  cannot  be  recon- 
sidered. 

Sec.  3. — Withdrawal  Card  on  transfer  of  membership. 
Should  this  Lodge  receive  notification  that  one  of  its  mem- 
bers has  been  elected  to  membership  by  another  Lodge,  upon 
application  as  provided  in  Section  2  of  this  Article,  this 
Lodge  shall,  at  the  meeting  when  such  notification  is  re- 
ceived, grant  such  brother  a  Withdrawal  Card  if  he  is  clear 
on  the  books  of  the  Lodge  and  free  from  all  charges,  upon 
the  payment  of  the  actual  cost  of  the  card  to  the  Lodge, 
and  the  Secretary  shall  immediately  forward  the  card  to 
tlie  Lodge  from  which  the  notification  of  the  brother's  elec- 
tion to  membership  comes. 

Sec.  4. — Reconsideration  of  ballot — Re-ballot.    No  recon- 
sideration of  an  unfavorable  ballot  can  be  had  unless  all 
he  brothers  who  may  cast  black  balls  against  an  applicant 
or  membership  voluntarily  make  a  motion  for  reconsidera- 
tion of  the  ballot;  provided,  such    reconsideration    be    had 
within  four  regular  meeting  nights  next  succeeding  such 
•  jection;  and  in  such  case  the  vote  on  the  reconsideration 
hall  be  taken  by  ball  ballots,  and  if  all  the  balls  cast  be  in 
;  avor  of  it,  the  reconsideration  shall  be  had ;  whereupon  the 


942  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

application  shall  lie  over  till  the  succeeding  meeting,  wh 
another  ballot  shall  be  had  with  ball  ballots,  and  if  the  sa 
be  unanimously  in  favor  of  the  applicant,  he  shall  thereb; 
be  elected;  but  if  one  or  more  black  balls  appear  in  either 
ballot,  the  applicant  shall  be  rejected;  and  in  no  case  shall 
a  reconsideration  be  had  except  upon  a  voluntary  motion 
of  all  those  who  cast  black  balls;  and  never  more  than  one 
motion  for  a  reconsideration  in  the  same  case  shall  be  al- 
lowed. A  favorable  balloting  can  be  reconsidered  at  any 
meeting  prior  to  the  admission  of  a  candidate;  provided,  a 
majority  of  the  members  present  agree  thereto.  In  case 
one  or  more  black  balls  appear  in  a  ballot  for  a  candidate 
for  membership,  the  Lodge  may  immediately  retake  the  bal- 
lot for  such  candidate,  in  order  to  verify  the  fact  that  such 
black  balls  may  not  have  been  cast  by  error. 

Sec.  5. — Rejection  notice — Renewal  of  application.  When 
a  candidate  for  initiation  has  been  rejected,  notice  thereof 
shall  be  sent,  without  delay,  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  and  to 
all  the  Lodges  in  the  county  and  district,  and  he  cannot  be 
proposed  again  in  any  Lodge  for  the  space  of  one  year  after 
such  rejection.  All  other  applications  for  membership  may 
be  renewed  at  any  time. 

Sec.  6. — Withdrawing  application.  An  application  for 
membership  may  be  withdrawn  without  the  permission  of 
the  Lodge  before  the  report  of  the  committee  is  read  to  the 
Lodge ;  but  after  the  report  of  the  committee  has  been  read, 
the  candidate  must  be  balloted  for. 

Sec.  7. — False  representations.  If  any  person  shall  gain 
admittance  to  any  Lodge  upon  a  petition  containing  any 
false  representations,  he  shall  be  expelled. 

Sec.  8. — Change  of  name  on  records.  In  case  the  name 
of  any  member  of  the  Order  shall"  at  any  time  appear — upon 
memorial  duly  presented  by  him — not  to  be  his  correct 
name,  the  Lodge  may,  upon  motion  duly  made  therefor, 
order  such  name  changed  upon  the  records  of  the  Lodge  to 
his  true  name;  provided,  a  motion  therefor  shall   be  sub- 


Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  943 

mitted  in  writing  at  least  two  weeks  prior  to  action  thereon ; 
and  provided  further,  that  two-thirds  of  the  members  pres- 
ent at  the  meeting  of  the  Lodge  consent  thereto;  and  the 
Secretary  shall  report  such  action  to  the  Grand  Secretary, 
who  shall  report  the  same  to  all  the  Lodges  in  the  jurisdic- 
tion. 

ARTICLE  IV. 
Section  1. — Fees,  dues  and  assessments.  The  fees  of  the 
Lodge  shall  not  be  less  than  $10.00  for  initiation;  $5.00  for 
admission  by  card;  $5.00  for  each  degree;  $8.00  for  an  An- 
cient Odd  Fellow,  and  $10.00  by  deposit  of  Dismissal  Cer- 
tificate. No  card  or  admission  fee  shall  be  required  in  case 
of  those  who  become  members  on  an  unexpired  Withdrawal 
Card  on  transfer  of  membership.  The  dues  of  this  Lodge 
shall  not  be  less  than  twelve  and  one-half  cents  per  week  for 
beneficial  members,  and  five  cents  per  week  for  non-bene- 
ficial members,  both  payable  weekly  in  advance;  provided, 
that  the  dues  of  non-beneficial  members  shall  not  be  more 
than  one-half  the  amount  charged  to  beneficial  members. 
In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  the  Lodge  may  provide  by  its 
By-Laws  for  a  widows',  orphans'  and  educational  fund,  and 
funeral  tax,  and  for  extraordinary  assessments  for  Lodge 
purposes. 

Sec.  2. — Benefits  and  dues,  assessments  and  fines.  Every 
member  qualified  as  required  by  tlie  By-Laws  shall  in  case 
of  being  disabled  by  sickness  or  bodily  accident  from  earn- 
ing a  livelihood,  be  entitled  to,  and  may  receive  such  weekly 
benefits  as  may  be  fixed  by  law,  from  the  funds  of  the 
Lodge,  which  shall  in  no  case  be  less  than  four  dollars  per 
week  for  Third  Degree  members;  provided,  that  Lodges  may 
provide  in  their  By-Laws  that  when  a  brother  shall  have 
received,  in  the  aggregate,  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dollars 
as  sick  benefits  from  the  funds  of  the  Lodge,  he  shall  there- 
after be  entitled  to  receive  two  dollars  per  week  as  sick 
benefits.  But  the  Lodge  may  provide  in  its  By-Laws  that 
none  but  Third  Degree  members  shall  be  entitled  to  weekly 
benefits;  also,  that  benefits  shall  not  be  allowed  for  the  first 


944  Constitution  of  Suboudinate  Lodges. 

week's  sickness.  Such  benefits  shall  commence  six  months 
from  the  date  of  admission  to  membership  in  this  Lodge, 
whether  the  same  be  by  initiation,  deposit  of  card,  as  an 
Ancient  Odd  Fellow,  or  by  Dismissal  Certificate;  provided, 
the  brother  shall  have  attained  the  degree  required  by  the 
By-Laws,  and  all  brothers,  if  otherwise  qualified,  shall  be 
entitled  to  benefits  if  not  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in 
arrears  for  dues,  assessments  or  fines ;  provided,  that  all  pay- 
ments by  a  member  shall  be  on  his  general  account,  unless 
otherwise  directed  by  him,  and  shall  be  applied  to  the  pay- 
ment of  dues,  assessments  and  fines  in  the  order  in  which 
they  become  due,  but  this  proviso  shall  not  be  applicable 
to  fines  imposed  as  penalties  upon  conviction  upon  charges. 
Benefits  are  rights  personal  to  the  member,  his  family  and 
dependent  relatives,  and  are  not  payable  to  the  legal  repre- 
sentatives of  a  member's  estate. 

Sec.  3. — Funeral  expenses  and  funeral  benefits.  In  case 
of  the  death  of  a  member,  irrespective  of  his  standing  rela- 
tive to  sick  benefits,  there  shall  be  allowed  from  the  Lodge 
a  uniform  sum  of  not  less  than  thirty  dollars  to  defray  the 
expenses  of  the  burial,  to  be  paid  by  the  Noble  Grand  on 
account  of  the  funeral;  provided,  the  brother  be  buried  by 
the  Order  or  at  the  expense  of  the  family  of  the  deceased. 
In  the  absence  of  competent  relations  the  Noble  Grand  shall 
take  charge  of  the  funeral  and  render  an  account  of  the 
disbursements.  In  addition  to  the  above,  the  Lodge  may 
provide  in  its  By-Laws  for  a  funeral  benefit. 

Sec.  4. — Funeral  and  sick  benefits)  funeral  expenses  and 
inmates  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home.  The  funeral  and  sick  ben- 
efits shall  be  regulated  by  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge,  and 
all  orders  drawn  for  the  above  benefits  shall  be  by  vote  of 
the  Lodge.  No  brother  who  shall  have  been  admitted  to  the 
Odd  Fellows'  Home  as  an  indigent  shall  be  entitled  to  sick 
or  funeral  benefits  during  the  time  he  shall  remain  an  in- 
mate of  the  Home,  but  the  funeral  expenses  allowed  by  the 
By-Laws  of  his  Lodge,  in  case  of  his  death  and  burial  by 
the  Home,  shall  be  paid  into  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  Fund. 


Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  945 

No  brother  shall  be  required  to  pay  Lodge  dues  or  assess- 
ments while  an  inmate  of  the  Home  as  an  indigent. 

Sec.  5. — Benefit  investigations — Appeal.  If  a  Lodge  re- 
fuses or  neglects  to  grant  sick  benefits  to  a  brother  he  may, 
at  any  time  within  four  weeks  thereafter,  demand,  in  writ- 
ing, that  the  Lodge  appoint  a  committee  to  investigate  the 
matter;  whereupon  the  Lodge  shall  appoint  a  committee  of 
five  to  hear  the  evidence  and  report  the  facts  and  their  con- 
clusions to  the  Lodge.  The  Noble  Grand  shall  appoint  three 
members  of  such  committee,  and  the  Vice-Grand  shall  ap- 
point two  members.  The  committee  shall  be  governed  by 
the  laws  applicable  to  Trial  Committees  upon  charges.  Such 
committee  shall,  without  unnecessary  delay,  notify  the 
brother  of  the  time  and  place  of  their  meeting,  and  investi- 
gate the  case.  Objections  to  the  appointment,  or  to  any  of 
the  committee  must,  if  the  claimant  is  present  in  the  Lodge 
when  the  committee  is  appointed,  be  made  then,  unless  the 
brother  requests  a  continuance,  which  s?iall  be  granted  for 
at  least  one  week,  and  each  member  of  the  committee  may  be 
examined  as  to  their  qualifications  to  act  thereon,  and  if  the 
claimant  is  not  present  when  the  committee  is  appointed, 
he  must  make  his  examination  of,  and  his  objections  to,  the 
committee  before  it  proceeds  to  receive  the  testimony  or 
evidence.  Such  objections,  when  made  to  the  committee  as 
herein  provided,  shall  be  forthwith  referred  and  reported  to 
the  Lodge  for  its  action  thereon.  The  committee  shall  keep 
full  minutes  of  the  evidence,  and  of  their  proceedings,  and 
report  the  same  to  the  Lodge  with  their  conclusion.  The 
claimant  has  the  affirmative  of  the  issue.  If  a  witness  be  a 
member  of  the  Order,  he  shall  be  obligated  and  give  his  testi- 
mony on  the  honor  of  an  Odd  Fellow.  If  he  be  not  a  member 
then  on  oath  or  affirmation,  and  the  proceedings  must  state 
that  such  oath,  affirmation  or  obligation  was  administered. 
The  obligation,  oath  or  affirmation  may  be  administered  by 
any  member  of  the  committee.  Hearsay  and  ex-parte  state- 
ments must  not  be  received,  but  the  witness  must  personally 
appear  and  testify,  or  his  deposition  must  be  taken  as  pro- 
vided by  the  laws  of  the  Order.  No  testimony  shall  be  taken 
60 


946  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

without  notice,  or  opportunity  for  cross-examination  by  the 
opposing  party.  Each  witness,  at  the  conclusion  of  his  testi- 
mony, or  if  the  committee  adjourn  before  its  conclusion,  then 
at  each  adjournment,  shall  have  his  testimony  as  taken  down 
by  the  committee  read  over  to  him,  and  after  making  such 
corrections  thereof  as  he  may  desire,  shall  then  sign  each 
page  of  said  testimony.  The  fact  that  his  testimony  has  not 
been  concluded  shall,  in  case  of  adjournment,  be  noted  in 
the  minutes.  Upon  report  being  made  by  the  committee  to 
the  Lodge,  notice  thereof  shall  be  given  by  the  Secretary  to 
the  claimant,  and  he  shall  have  two  weeks  after  service  of 
such  notice  in  which  to  file  his  exceptions  thereto.  The  Sec- 
retary shall  file  a  written  certificate  or  proof  of  such  service. 
If  a  Bill  of  Exceptions  to  the  report  of  the  committee  is 
filed,  as  above  provided,  the  Lodge  may  determine  upon  its 
merits,  and  either  change,  modify  or  sustain  the  report  of 
the  committee;  or  refer  it  back  to  the  same  or  another  com- 
mittee, or  order  a  new  investigation.  If  the  Lodge  shall  deem 
the  exceptions  not  well  taken,  or  if  no  exceptions  have  been 
filed  within  two  weeks  as  above  provided,  it  shall  pronounce 
its  judgment  and  decision.  An  appeal  from  the  judgment  of 
the  Lodge  may  be  taken  at  any  time  within  two  weeks  there- 
after to  the  Grand  Lodge,  on  questions  of  law,  or  fact,  or 
both,  and  if  no  such  appeal  is  taken,  the  judgment  of  the 
Lodge  is  final.  In  lieu  of  the  taking  down  of  the  testimony 
by  the  committee  and  the  signing  of  the  same  as  herein  pro- 
vided, the  same  may,  by  consent,  duly  signed,  be  taken  down 
by  a  shorthand  reporter,  and  as  soon  as  possible  thereafter 
written  out  by  him  in  long-hand,  and  duly  certified  by  him 
to  be  correct,  but  any  witness  may,  if  he  desires,  correct  his 
testimony  after  it  is  so  written  out,  and  in  such  case  of  cor- 
rection shall  sign  the  same.  The  Lodge  shall  not  be  liable 
for  the  expenses  of  the  stenographer  or  any  part  thereof, 
except  it  shall  have  authorized  the  employment  of  said 
stenographer  by  vote,  at  a  regular  meeting  prior  to  his 
employment. 

Sec.  6. — A  member  no  right  to  resort  to  courts  of  law  for 
benefits,  etc.    This  Constitution  and  all  laws,  rules  and  regu- 


Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  947 

lations  providing  for  the  granting  of  sick,  funeral  and  other 
benefits,  or  of  any  aid,  relief,  assistance,  allowance,  expenses, 
or  money  to  any  member,  wife,  widow,  orphan  or  any  person 
whatever,  or  providing  for  the  payment  to  the  Lodge  of  dues, 
assessments  and  demands  by  a  member,  are  not  intended  and 
shall  not  be  construed  to  create  the  relation  of  debtor  and 
creditor,  nor  to  create  legal  rights,  liabilities,  nor  responsi- 
bilities, nor  any  legal  contractual  relation,  nor  to  confer  any 
right  to  enforce  the  granting  or  payment  of  the  same  by 
resort  to  courts  of  law ;  on  the  contrary,  all  questions,  whether 
of  law  or  fact,  relative  to  the  granting,  payment,  or  refusal 
of  the  same,  relate  to  moral  duties  or  obligations,  and  not 
to  legal  ones,  and  appertain  to  the  sole  jurisdiction  of  this 
Lodge  and  the  authorities  of  this  Order,  and  their  decisions 
in  the  premises  shall  be  binding,  conclusive  and  final  upon 
all  members,  wives,  widows,  orphans,  or  persons.  Every 
person  by  becoming  or  continuing  a  member  of  this  Lodge 
consents  to  and  agrees  to  abide  by  all  the  laws  and  decisions 
of  this  Lodge  and  of  the  authorities  of  the  Order. 

Sec.  7. — Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  and  Grand  Lodge.    The 

Constitution,  Laws  and  Decisions  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the 
Constitution,  Laws  and  Decisions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  of  the  State  of  Cali- 
fornia, are  laws  of  this  Lodge,  and  all  persons,  by  becoming 
or  continuing  members  of  this  Lodge,  consent  to,  and  agree 
to  abide  by  the  same. 

Sec.  8. — When  benefits  and  allowance  not  payable — In- 
vestigation— Appeal.  No  benefits  shall  be  paid  for  any 
injury  or  disability  received  in  the  commission  of  a  crime 
or  an  immoral  act,  nor  for  any  sickness  or  disability  arising 
from  any  criminal  or  immoral  acts,  conduct,  causes  or  con- 
siderations, nor  in  cases  where  the  same  contribute  thereto. 
No  benefit  or  allowance  shall  be  paid  to  any  widow  of  an 
Odd  Fellow,  except  while  she  maintains  a  good  moral  char- 
acter in  fact,  and  in  case  a  Lodge  neglects  or  refuses  to  grant 
the  same  on  account  of  any  immoral  act  or  conduct,  or  other- 
wise, she  may  demand  within  four  weeks  thereafter  the 


948  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

appointment  of  a  committee,  as  provided  in  Section  5  of  this 
Article,  and  said  section  shall,  in  all  matters,  including  man- 
ner and  time  of  appeal,  be  applicable  thereto.  In  cases  where 
the  Lodge  refuses  or  neglects  to  pay  any  benefit  or  relief, 
or  allowance,  which  our  laws  provide  shall  be  paid,  the 
person  may,  within  four  weeks  thereafter,  likewise  demand 
a  committee,  as  provided  in  said  Section  5,  and  the  section 
shall  likewise,  in  all  matters,  including  the  time  and  manner 
of  appeal,  be  applicable  thereto. 

Sec.  9. — Death  and  substitution  of  parties.  If  any  member 
shall  die  before  the  time  for  making  any  demand  or  exer- 
cising any  right  under  our  laws  has  expired,  his  widow,  or 
other  relative  or  person  pecuniarily  interested  in  the  matter 
under  our  laws,  may  be  substituted  in  the  place  of  such  de- 
ceased member  within  eight  weeks  after  said  death,  and 
thereafter  prosecute  the  matter  to  final  determination  in  the 
Order.  Such  substitution  may  be  made  by  serving  the  Lodge 
with  a  written  notice,  stating  the  death  and  the  date  thereof, 
the  facts  showing  the  person  to  be  such  beneficiary,  and  that 
the  person  desires  to  prosecute  the  matter,  and  also,  within 
the  said  eight  weeks,  make  the  demand  on  the  Lodge  or 
exercise  the  right  by  notice,  in  writing,  to  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  10. — Benefits — Arrears  —  Assignment  —  Executor  or 
administrator — Nurses.  A  brother  who  is  not  entitled  to 
sick,  funeral  or  other  benefits,  by  reason  of  non-payment  of 
dues  or  demands  against  him,  cannot,  during  his  sickness,  by 
the  payment  of  arrearages,  reinstate  himself  in  good  stand- 
ing, so  as  to  be  entitled  to  benefits  during  that  sickness.  A 
sick  brother  claiming  benefits  must  report  himself,  or  cause 
himself  to  be  reported,  sick  to  the  Lodge  without  delay.  Sick, 
funeral  or  other  benefits,  allowance  to  defray  burial  or 
funeral  expenses,  relief,  donation,  aid,  assistance  or  allow- 
ance, are  not  assignable  and  are  not  payable  to  an  executor 
or  administrator.  In  any  case  in  which  neither  this  Consti- 
tution nor  the  laws  of  the  Lodge,  nor  of  the  Order,  designate 
the  person  to  whom  the  benefits,  expenses,  allowance,  relief, 
etc.,  shall  be  paid,  the  Lodge  may  determine  the  same.  If 
the  By-Laws  provide  for  nurse  hire  for  a  member  the  Lodge 


Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  949 

cannot  discriminate  between  brothers  who  are  at  the  location 
of  the  Lodge  and  those  absent  therefrom,  but  all  members 
are  equally  entitled  to  the  same. 

ARTICLE  V. 

Section  1. — Degrees.  Application  for  election  to  either  of 
the  three  Subordinate  Degrees  shall  be  accompanied  with  the 
amount  required  therefor,  and  presented  to  the  Lodge,  under 
the  proper  head,  when  the  Lodge  shall  ballot  upon  the  appli- 
cation, and  if  not  more  than  two  black  balls  or  cubes  are 
cast,  he  shall  be  declared  elected;  and  if  the  Lodge  does 
not  confer  the  degrees  upon  its  own  members,  a  certificate 
shall  be  given  the  applicant,  addressed  to  a  Degree  Lodge, 
or  officer  authorized  to  confer  degrees,  showing  that  he  is  a 
member  of  this  Lodge,  and  has  been  authorized  to  receive 
them;  provided,  that  no  brother  shall  have  conferred  upon 
him  a  higher  degree  in  the  Order  until  he  has  been  found 
proficient  by  examination  in  open  Lodge  in  the  secret  work 
and  the  signs,  passwords  and  grips  of  the  highest  degree  he 
has  attained. 

Sec.  2. — Conferring  degrees — Renewal  of  application.  Not 
more  than  two  degrees  shall  be  conferred  upon  a  candidate 
at  any  one  meeting,  except  by  dispensation  from  the  Grand 
Master  only.  If  any  degree  be  refused  a  brother,  no  appli- 
cation shall  be  again  received  from  him  within  three  months. 

Sec.  3. — Balloting  on  two  or  more  applicants  for  degrees. 
Two  or  more  applications  for  the  same  degree  may  be  bal- 
loted upon  at  the  same  time,  and  if  not  more  than  two  black 
balls,  or  cubes,  be  cast,  all  shall  be  declared  elected  to  the 
degree  balloted  for;  but  if  more  than  two  black  balls,  or 
cubes,  be  cast,  the  Lodge  shall  then  proceed  to  ballot  upon 
each  application  for  such  degree  separately. 

ARTICLE  VI. 
Section  1. — Elective  officers.     The  elective  officers  shall 
consist  of  a  Noble  Grand,  Vice-Grand,  Secretary,  and  Treas- 
urer: providedt  that  Lodges  may  elect  officers  annually  in 


950  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

December  for  the  ensuing  year  when  so  provided  in  the  By- 
Laws  of  the  Lodge.  The  Lodge  may  also  elect  a  Financial 
Secretary  to  serve  for  one  year,  and  three  Trustees  to  serve 
for  such  terms  as  the  By-Laws  shall  prescribe;  provided, 
further,  that  no  member  shall  hold  any  two  of  said  offices 
at  the  same  time. 

Sec.  2. — Appointed  oflacers.  The  appointed  officers  shall 
consist  of  a  Warden,  Conductor,  Outside  Guardian,  Inside 
Guardian,  Right  Supporter  to  Noble  Grand,  Left  Supporter 
to  Noble  Grand,  Right  Supporter  to  Vice-Grand,  Left  Sup- 
porter to  Vice-Grand,  and  Right  and  Left  Scene  Supporters, 
who  shall  each  serve  a  regular  term ;  and  the  Lodge  may  also 
appoint  a  Chaplain  for  a  regular  term. 

Sec.  3. — Qualifications  for  office — Dispensation.  No  mem- 
ber of  this  Lodge  shall  be  installed  as  Noble  Grand  unless 
he  has  served  a  term  as  Vice-Grand,  or  a  majority  of  the 
nights  of  the  last  of  a  term  to  fill  a  vacancy;  or  as  Vice- 
Grand,  unless  he  has  served  twenty-six  weeks  in  an  inferior 
office  other  than  Trustee.  Service  in  office,  whether  elected 
or  appointed,  is  qualifying  in  any  other  Lodge  as  well  as  in 
this  Lodge,  providing  a  brother  has  a  certificate  to  that 
effect  under  seal  of  a  Lodge  in  good  standing;  provided, 
that  any  member  of  the  Degree  of  Truth  may  be  elected  if 
all  qualified  brothers  refuse  to  serve,  and  a  dispensation  be 
granted  by  the  Grand  Master  or  Deputy  of  the  District 
previous  to  the  election. 

Sec.  4. — Officers — Secret  work — Pecuniary  charges.     The 

Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand,  prior  to  installation,  must,  in 
open  Lodge,  pass  an  examination  in  the  secret  work  of  the 
Order  and  in  the  opening  and  closing  charges,  satisfactory 
to  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master.  All  officers  shall  be 
clear  of  all  pecuniary  charges  on  the  books  at  the  time  of 
installation. 

Sec.  5. — Nominations.  Nominations  for  elective  offices 
shall  be  made  only  on  the  two  meetings  immediately  pre- 
ceding that  of  a  regular  election,  except  when  the  nominees 
for  an  office  all  decline. 


Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  951 

Sec.  6.  Election — Installation.  Officers  shall  be  elected  by 
ballot  at  the  first  regular  meeting  in  June  and  December  of 
each  year,  unless  othenvise  provided  in  the  By-Laws; 
provided,  that  if  any  officer  so  elected  declines  to  serve,  then 
the  Lodge  may  proceed  to  nominate  and  elect  to  fill  such 
vacancy  at  any  regular  meeting  prior  to  installation,  and  be 
installed  at  the  first  regular  meeting  in  January  and  July 
of  each  year,  unless  a  term  of  one  year  is  provided  in  the 
By-Laws,  when  such  installation  shall  be  held  on  the  first 
regular  meeting  in  January  of  each  year,  providing  the 
installing  officers  be  present;  if  absent,  the  Lodge  may,  by 
vote,  defer  it  for  one  week,  or  call  a  special  meeting  for  that 
purpose  at  the  request  of  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master. 

Sec.  7. — Absence  of  officer — Removal.  Any  officer  absent- 
ing himself  from  the  Lodge  for  three  successive  meetings, 
except  in  case  of  sickness,  or  any  officer  for  misconduct  or 
neglect  as  such,  may  be  removed  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of 
the  members  voting  at  the  next  regular  meeting  after  a  reso- 
lution therefor  has  been  offered  in  the  Lodge  at  a  regular 
meeting. 

Sec.  8. — Vacancies,  how  filled.  Vacancies  in  any  elective 
office  may  be  filled  by  the  Lodge  by  nomination,  and  election 
by  ballot  at  the  next  regular  meeting  after  nominating,  and, 
imtil  so  filled,  the  Noble  Grand  shall  appoint  a  member  to  the 
office  pro  tern. 

Sec.  9. — Duties  of  officers.  The  duties  of  the  various 
officers  shall  be  as  laid  down  in  the  charges  of  office,  and  as 
specified  by  this  Constitution  and  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  10. — Committees  on  candidates  and  charges.  The 
Xoble  Grand,  or  officer  acting  as  such,  shall  appoint  the 
majority,  and  the  Vice-Grand,  or  officer  acting  as  such,  the 
minority  of  all  committees  on  candidates  and  charges. 

Sec.  11. — Representatives.  The  Lodge,  at  the  last  regular 
meeting  in  March  of  each  year,  shall  elect  one  Representa- 
tive to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  its  members  of  fifty  or  under; 
also,  one  Representative  for  every  fifty  members  over  and 
above  said  first  number  of  fifty,  and  one  for  every  fraction 


952  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

exceeding  thirty  members  in  good  standing  as  shown  by  its 
report  on  the  31st  day  of  December  of  the  previous  year. 

Sec.  12. — Holding  different  offices.  No  member  holding 
an  office  relating  to  the  management  or  disbursement  of 
Lodge  funds  shall  be  eligible  to  any  other  office  of  similar 
character  in  the  same  Lodge  during  the  term  of  office  to 
which  he  was  first  elected. 

Sec.  13. — Election  by  acclamation.  At  all  elections  pro- 
vided for  by  Sections  6  and  8  of  this  Article,  if  there  be  but 
one  candidate  for  an  office,  such  candidate  may  be  elected 
by  acclamation. 

Sec.  14. — Treasurer,  Trustee,  and  funds.  No  member  shall 
be  eligible  for  election  of  Treasurer  or  Trustee  of  a  Lodge 
who  is  indebted  to  the  Lodge  for  any  borrowed  money,  or 
held  as  security  to  the  Lodge  for  any  indebtedness  due  the 
Lodge;  nor  shall  a  Treasurer  or  Trustee  be  permitted  to 
borrow  or  use  any  funds  of  the  Lodge,  or  become  surety  for 
the  same. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

Section  1. — Duties  of  Noble  Grand.  It  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  Noble  Grand  to  preside  at  all  sessions  of  the  Lodge 
and  enforce  a  due  observance  of  the  Constitution  and  By- 
Laws  ;  to  see  that  all  officers,  members  and  committees  of  the 
Lodge  perform  their  respective  duties,  as  enjoined  by  the 
several  charges  and  laws;  to  appoint  all  officers  and  com- 
mittees not  otherwise  provided  for;  to  see  that  brothers  are 
instructed,  to  enable  them  to  meet  the  requirements  of 
Article  V  of  this  Constitution;  he  shall  not  be  entitled  to 
vote,  except  at  the  election  of  officers  and  when  balloting 
for  candidates;  when  the  members  are  equally  divided  on 
other  questions  he  shall  give  the  casting  vote,  excepting  in 
cases  of  appeal  from  his  decision;  he  shall  inspect  and  an- 
nounce the  result  of  all  ballotings,  or  other  votes  by  the 
Lodge;  sign  all  orders  drawn  by  the  Recording  Secretary  on 
the  Treasury  for  moneys  legally  voted,  and  previous  to  clos- 
ing require  the  Financial  Secretary  to  read  the  receipts  of 
the  evening,  and  ask  the  Treasurer  if  he  has  received  the 


Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  953 

same.  He  shall,  also,  on  the  evening  of  installation,  appoint 
a  Finance  Committee  to  serve  for  the  term,  consisting  of 
three  members  not  having  charge  of  the  Lodge  funds. 

Sec.  2.— Duties  of  Vice-Grand.  The  Vice-Grand  shall 
assist  the  Noble  Grand  in  the  performance  of  his  duties ; 
under  his  direction  have  charge  of  the  door;  preside  over 
the  Lodge  in  the  absence  of  the  Noble  Grand ;  shall  examine 
and  ascertain  the  condition  of  the  ballot  in  all  cases  where 
the  vote  is  required  to  be  taken  by  ball  ballots,  and  perform 
all  other  duties  required  by  the  charges  and  usages  of  the 
Order. 

Sec.  3. — Duties  of  Recording  Secretary.  The  Recording 
Secretary  shall  keep  accurate  minutes  of  Lodge  proceed- 
ings; endorse  and  file  all  papers  and  documents  pertaining 
to  Lodge  transactions;  issue,  sign  and  attest,  when  required 
by  the  Lodge  or  the  laws  and  usages  of  the  Order,  all  cards, 
certificates,  drafts  and  other  official  documents,  and  affix 
thereto  the  Lodge  seal,  which  shall  be  in  his  charge  and  keep- 
ing; number  serially  and  file  all  communications  from  the 
Grand  Master  or  Grand  Secretary  and  enter  an  abstract 
thereof,  and  the  number,  on  the  minutes ;  make  out  with  the 
assistance  of  the  Financial  Secretary  (if  any)  the  term  and 
relief  reports;  give  without  vote,  to  any  qualified  brother, 
a  certificate  of  his  standing  in  the  Lodge  to  enable  him  to 
join  an  Encampment  or  a  Rebekah  Lodge;  give  the  notice 
required  by  Section  8  of  Article  VIII  of  this  Constitution; 
endorse  on  proposition  for  membership  the  names  of  the 
Committee  of  Investigation  and  notify  them  of  their  appoint- 
ment; notify  persons  elected  to  membership  when  to  appear 
for  initiation  or  admission ;  keep  a  roll  of  the  members,  with 
a  record  of  the  degrees  and  rank  they  have  attained;  and 
perform  such  other  duties  as  are  or  may  be  required  by  the 
laws,  charges  and  usages  of  the  Order.  He  shall,  immediately 
after  the  installation  of  officers  of  his  Lodge  at  the  com- 
mencement of  each  term,  fonvard  an  order  for  the  Semi- 
Annual  Password  to  each  member  of  his  Lodge  who  is  an 
inmate  of  the  Odd  Fellows*  Home.  He  may  receive  such 
compensation  for  his  services  as  the  Lodge  may  determine. 


954  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

Sec.  4. — Duties  of  Financial  Secretary.  The  Financial 
Secretary  (or  Secretary,  should  there  be  no  Financial  Sec- 
retary) shall  keep  just  and  true  accounts  between  the  Lodge 
and  its  members,  or  others,  in  a  regular  set  of  books,  includ- 
ing ledger,  iournal,  receipt  and  cash  books,  and  such  others 
as  may  be  required  by  the  Lodge  and  the  laws  and  usages 
of  the  Order.  And  he  shall  give  each  member  credit  for 
money  when  paid  to  him,  and  the  brother's  credit  and  stand- 
ing shall  date  from  such  payment.  He  shall  also  keep  a  book 
in  which  the  residence  of  each  member  is  recorded,  and  in 
which  he  shall  note  any  change  of  the  same  He  shall  receive 
and  receipt  for  all  money  due  the  Lodge.  He  shall  pay  the 
same  to  the  Treasurer  at  each  meeting.  He  shall  give  the 
notices  required  by  Section  1  of  Article  VIH  of  this  Consti- 
tution, and  shall  keep  a  copy  of  the  same,  or  the  substance 
thereof,  with  the  date,  on  a  stub  to  be  retained  by  him  in  a 
book  prepared  for  that  purpose;  endorse  cards  of  visitors; 
during  the  months  of  June  and  December  of  each  year,  and 
previous  to  the  last  meeting  of  said  months,  notify  each  mem- 
ber who  is  in  any  way  indebted  to  the  Lodge,  of  the  state  of 
his  account;  assist  the  Recording  Secretary  in  making  his 
term  reports  and  render  to  the  Lodge  at  the  closing  of  each 
term  an  abstract  of  all  accounts  on  the  Lodge  books,  together 
with  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the  term.  He  shall  also 
furnish  at  each  election  a  list  of  members  entitled  to  vote  to 
the  Noble  Grand;  under  his  direction  call  the  same,  and 
perform  such  other  duties  as  may  be  required  by  the  Lodge 
and  the  laws  and  usages  of  the  Order;  The  Financial  Secre- 
tary may  receive  such  compensation  for  his  services  as  the 
Lodge  may  determine. 

Sec.  5. — Duties  of  Treasurer.  The  Treasurer,  prior  to 
installation,  shall  give  a  joint  and  several  bond,  payable  to 
the  Trustees,  in  trust  for  the  Lodge,  in  the  sum  of  not  less 
than  one  thousand  dollars,  with  two  or  more  sureties,  for 
the  faithful  performance  of  his  duty ;  receive  from  the  Finan- 
cial Secretary,  each  Lodge  night,  the  money  in  his  hands; 
pay  all  orders  drawn  on  him  by  the  Noble  Grand  by  author- 


CONSTITXJTION  OF  SUBORDINATE   LODGES.  955 

ity  of  the  Lodge,  and  attested  by  the  Recording  Secretary 
under  the  seal  thereof;  give,  when  requested  by  the  Noble 
Grand,  a  statement,  in  writing,  of  money  on  hand;  report 
at  the  first  meeting  in  each  month  the  receipts  and  expendi- 
tures of  the  preceding  month,  with  balance  on  hand ;  at  the 
last  meeting  of  each  term  report  the  term  receipts  and  ex- 
penditures, and  exhibit  vouchers,  and  have  his  books  written 
up  for  examination  by  the  Finance  Committee  within  twenty- 
four  hours  thereafter. 

Sec.  6.— Duties  of  Trustees.  The  Trustees  (if  there  be 
any)  shall  give  a  joint  and  several  bond  in  such  sum  as  may 
be  required,  for  the  faithful  performance  of  their  duties,  to 
be  approved  by  the  Lodge,  and  made  payable  to  the  Noble 
Grand  and  Vice-Grand,  with  two  good  and  sufficient  sureties 
for  each  Trustee ;  provided,  that  each  Trustee  may  execute  a 
separate  bond  with  two  sureties  as  aforesaid,  if  he  so  elect, 
or  the  By-Laws  so  prescribe. 

The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  hold  in  trust  all  stocks,  securi- 
ties, investments,  property  and  funds  belonging  to  this 
Lodge,  and  transfer,  exchange,  or  deposit  the  same,  or  any 
part  thereof,  when  required  by  the  Lodge  so  to  do;  and 
.  shall  also  keep  the  funds  invested  for  the  best  interests  of  the 
Lodge,  in  such  stocks,  bonds,  or  other  securities  as  shall  be 
approved  of  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  present  at 
a  regular  meeting,  or  deposit  the  same  in  some  savings  bank. 
It  shall  be  their  duty  to  have  the  general  supervision  of  the 
widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  members  of  the  Lodge,  and 
render  them  such  assistance  as  the  Lodge  may  direct,  or  the 
rules  and  usages  of  the  Order  may  require.  On  the  expira- 
tion of  their  term  of  office,  or  removal  therefrom,  they  shall 
deliver  to  their  successors  in  office,  or  such  persons  as  shall 
be  appointed,  all  the  books,  papers,  bonds  or  other  property 
they  may  have  in  their  hands  belonging  to  the  Lodge.  They 
shall  keep  a  full  and  correct  account  of  all  moneys  received, 
expended  or  invested,  and  at  the  close  of  each  semi-annual 
term  make  a  full  report,  in  writing,  of  all  business  transacted 
by  them  during  the  term,  together  with  a  particular  state- 
ment of  the  funds  and  investments  belonging  to  the  Lodge. 


956  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

Sec.  7. — Duties  of  Warden.  The  Warden  shall  canvass  all 
votes,  when  directed  by  the  Noble  Grand,  and  perform  the 
other  duties  of  his  office. 

Sec.  8. — Duties  of  the  Outside  Guardian.  The  Outside 
Guardian,  in  addition  to  the  duties  of  his  office,  shall,  under 
the  Warden,  take  care  of  the  regalia  and  Lodge-room,  and 
may  receive  such  compensation  for  his  services  as  the  Lodge 
may  determine. 

Sec.  9. — Chaplain.  The  Noble  Grand  may  appoint  a  Chap- 
lain, \Vho  shall  open  and  close  regular  meetings  with  prayer, 
and  perform  such  other  appropriate  duties  as  the  Lodge  may 
direct. 

Sec.  10. — Duties  of  Acting  Past  Grand.  The  Acting  Past 
Grand  shall  attend  all  regular  meetings,  deliver  the  charge 
of  his  office,  and  act  as  Outside  Conductor  when  required  by 
the  Noble  Grand,  and  prefer  charges  when  violations,  of  the 
law  are  called  to  his  attention  by  brothers  of  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  11. — Other  officers.  All  other  officers  shall  perform 
such  duties  as  are  prescribed  for  them  by  the  regulations  of 
the  Order,  this  Constitution,  or  the  By-Laws  of  this  Lodge. 

Sec.  12. — Official  bonds  or  guarantee.  Any  Lodge  may 
provide  in  its  By-Laws  for  the  acceptance  of  the  guarantee 
of  an  incorporated  security  company  in  place  of  the  bonds 
provided  for  in  this  Article,  for  the  faithful  performance  of 
their  respective  duties  by  the  financial  officers  of  the  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 
Section  1. — Suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues  or  de- 
mands. Clause  1.  Any  member  neglecting  or  refusing  to 
make  payment  of  his  dues,  or  demands  against  him,  to  the 
Lodge  according  to  its  By-Laws,  for  the  space  of  twelve 
months,  the  fact  that  he  is  in  arrears  more  than  twelve 
months  shall  be  announced  by  the  Financial  Secretary,  or  if 
there  is  none,  by  the  Recording  Secretary,  in  open  Lodge,  at 
least  two  regular  meetings,  and  he  shall  be  suspended  from 
membership  and  shall  be  so  declared  by  the  Noble  Grand, 


\ 


Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  957 

[unless  otherwise  determined  by  a  vote  of  the  Lodg:e.  When  a 
brother  is  eleven  months  in  arrears,  the  Financial  Secretary, 
or  if  there  be  none,  the  Recording  Secretary,  shall  give  him 
personally  or  shall  send  him  by  mail,  to  his  last  given  ad- 

^dress,  a  written  notice  of  the  state  of  his  account.  The  fail- 
or  neglect  to  give  or  send  this  notice  shall  not  delay  or 
affect  the  validity  of  the  suspension;  and  provided  that  no 
person  shall  be  suspended  under  this  section  while  charges 
are  pending  against  him,  and  provided  that  a  member  may, 
prior  to  suspension,  pay  a  sufficient  portion  of  the  amount  due 
to  avoid  suspension.  Provided,  that  no  member  shall  be  sus- 
pended for  non-payment  of  dues  who  is  over  60  years  of  age, 
and  who  has  been  a  contributing  member  for  twenty-five 
consecutive  years,  but  he  shall  be  retained  as  a  non-bene- 
ficial member,  and  as  such  shall  be  entitled  to  the  password 
and  all  the  privileges  of  active  members,  except  benefits.  The 
Lodge  shall  not  be  compelled- to  pay  per  capita  tax  on  such 
non-beneficial  members.  Such  non-beneficial  members  may 
be  reinstated  in  the  manner  as  provided  for  the  reinstatement 
of  suspended  members  for  non-payment  of  dues. 

Clause  2. — Reinstatement.  Any  member  suspended  from 
membership  for  non-payment  of  dues  may  be  reinstated  in 
the  Lodge  from  which  he  was  suspended  within  one  year 
thereafter,  by  paying  the  amount  of  one  year's  dues  and  by 
receiving  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present — a 
motion  to  that  effect  having  been  laid  over  one  week,  and 
said  vote  shall  be  by  ballot;  but  after  one  year  he  may  be 
reinstated  upon  the  payment  of  the  amount  of  one  year's 
dues  or  such  greater  sum  as  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  may 
prescribe;  and  he  shall  petition  the  Lodge  in  writing  to  be 
reinstated,  which  shall  be  disposed  of  as  provided  for  in 
Article  III,  Section  1,  for  petitions  for  membership  by  ini- 
tiation. 

Clause  3. — Reinstatement  and  Withdrawal  Card.  A  mem- 
ber suspended  from  membership  for  non-payment  of  dues, 
and  who  makes  application  for  reinstatement  and  for  a 
Withdrawal  Card  for  the  purpose  of  uniting  with  another 
Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction,  may  be  reinstated  and  granted  a 


958  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

final  card  at  any  time  within  five  years  from  the  date  of 
suspension,  upon  the  payment  of  one  year's  dues  and  the 
usual  price  of  a  card. 

Clause  4. — Dismissal  Certificate.  A  member,  after  being 
suspended  in  this  jurisdiction  for  non-payment  of  dues  for 
the  space  of  five  years,  wishing  to  join  a  Lodge  in  this  juris- 
diction, shall  be  entitled  to  receive,  and  the  Lodge  shall  grant 
him,  upon  proper  application,  a  Dismissal  Certificate,  upon 
the  receipt  of  one  dollar. 

Clause  5. — Dismissal  Certificate.  A  member  suspended 
from  membership  in  this  jurisdiction  for  non-payment  of 
dues,  wishing  to  regain  membership  in  another  jurisdiction, 
shall,  upon  proper  application,  be  entitled  to  receive  from 
the  Lodge  from  which  he  was  so  suspended  a  Dismissal 
Certificate,  upon  the  payment  to  said  Lodge  of  one  dollar. 

Clause  6. — Dismissal  Certificate.  In  all  cases,  when  a  mem- 
ber has  been  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues,  and  his 
Lodge  has  refused  to  reinstate  him,  he  shall,  upon  proper 
application,  be  entitled  to  receive,  and  the  Lodge  shall  grant, 
a  Dismissal  Certificate,  upon  the  receipt  therefor  of  one 
dollar. 

Clause  7. — Dismissal  Certificate.  Dismissal  Certificates 
may  be  received  from  the  holders  thereof,  on  application  for 
membership  in  Subordinate  Lodges,  in  the  same  manner  and 
with  the  same  effect  as  Withdrawal  Cards ;  and  applications 
made  on  such  certificates  shall  be  received  and  acted  upon 
in  like  manner  as  upon  Withdrawal  Cards.  But  the  holders 
of  such  certificates  shall  in  no  case  be  allowed  to  visit 
thereon. 

Clause  8. — Dismissal  Certificate.  The  certificates  named 
in  this  section  shall  be  only  those  provided  by  the  Grand 
Secretary  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  2. — Offenses  and  penalties.  Any  member  who  shall 
be  guilty  of  any  immoral,  dishonest,  fraudulent  or  criminal 
act,  or  who  shall  violate  any  of  the  principles  of  the  Order, 
or  be  guilty  of  conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow,  or  offend 


Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  959 

against  the  Constitution,  By-Laws  or  Rules  of  Order  of  the 
Lodge,  shall  be  fined,  reprimanded,  suspended  or  expelled, 
as  the  Constitution  or  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  direct,  or,  in 
absence  of  such  direction,  as  the  Lodge  may  determine. 

Sec.  3. — Charges  and  trial.  Every  member  shall  be  en- 
titled to  a  fair  trial  for  any  offense  involving  reprimand, 
suspension  or  expulsion.  Charges  shall  duly  specify  the 
offense,  so  as  to  fully  apprise  him  of  the  nature  thereof  and 
to  enable  him  to  prepare  for  his  defense,  and  shall  be  sub- 
mitted to  the  Lodge,  in  writing,  and  signed  by  a  member  of 
a  Lodge  within  this  jurisdiction,  and  a  copy  thereof,  under 
seal  of  the  Lodge,  be  served  upon  him. 

Sec.  4. — Trial  Committee — Trial — Appeal.  Such  charges 
shall  be  referred  to  a  committee  of  five  members,  who  shall, 
without  unnecessary  delay,  summon  the  parties  and  try  the 
case.  Objections  to  the  appointment  or  to  any  of  the  com- 
mittee must,  if  the  accused  is  present  in  the  Lodge  when 
committee  is  appointed,  be  made  then,  unless  the  brother 
requests  a  continuance,  which  shall  be  granted  for  at  least 
one  week,  and  each  member  of  the  committee  'may  be  exam- 
ined as  to  his  qualifications  to  act  thereon,  and  if  the  accused 
is  not  present  when  the  committee  is  appointed,  he  must 
make  his  examination  of  and  his  objections  to  the  committee 
before  he  demurs  or  pleads.  The  accuser  must  make  his 
objections  at  the  same  time  that  the  accused  objects  or  is 
required  to  object.  Such  objections,  when  made  to  the  com- 
mittee, shall  forthwith  be  referred  and  reported  to  the  Lodge 
for  its  action  thereon.  The  accused  may  demur  to  the  charges 
for  insufficiency.  If  the  committee  sustains  the  demurrer, 
it  shall  forthwith  report  the  same  to  the  Lodge,  which,  if  it 
approves  the  action  of  the  committee,  may  permit  amended 
charges  to  be  filed  at  any  time  within  two  weeks.  The 
accused  may  plead  orally  guilty  or  not  guilty.  The  com- 
mittee shall  keep  full  minutes  of  the  evidence  and  of  their 
proceedings,  and  report  the  same  to  the  Lodge,  with  their 
verdict.  If  a  witness  be  a  member  of  the  Order,  he  shall  be 
obligated  and  give  his  evidence  on  the  honor  of  an  Odd 


t 


• 


9G0  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

Fellow ;  if  he  be  not  a  member,  then  on  oath  or  affirmation, 
and  the  proceedings  must  state  that  such  obligation  or  oath 
was  administered.  Any  member  of  the  committee  may  ad- 
minister the  obligation  or  oath.  Hearsay  and  ex-parte  state- 
ments must  not  be  received,  but  the  person  must  personally 
appear  as  a  witness  and  testify,  or  his  deposition  must  be 
taken  as  provided  by  the  laws  of  the  Order.  No  testimony 
shall  be  taken  without  notice,  or  opportunity  for  cross- 
examination  by  the  opposing  party.  Each  witness,  at  the 
conclusion  of  his  testimony,  or,  if  the  committee  adjourn 
before  its  conclusion,  then  at  each  adjournment,  shall  have 
his  testimony,  as  taken  down  by  the  committee,  read  over  to 
him,  and  shall  make  such  corrections  thereof  as  he  may  deem 
proper,  and  shall  thereupon  sign  each  page  of  said  testimony. 
The  fact  that  his  testimony  has  not  been  concluded  shall,  in 
case  of  adjournment,  be  noted  on  the  minutes.  Upon  the 
report  being  made  to  the  Lodge,  notice  thereof  shall  forth- 
with be  given  by  the  Secretary  to  the  party  against  whom 
the  verdict  is  rendered,  and  he  shall  have  two  weeks  after 
service  of  the  notice  in  which  to  file  his  exceptions.  The 
Secretary  shall  file  a  written  certificate  or  proof  of  such 
service.  If  a  Bill  of  Exceptions  to  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee is  filed,  as  above  provided,  the  Lodge  may  determine 
upon  its  merits,  and  either  change,  modify  or  sustain  the 
report  of  the  committee,  or  refer  the  same  back  to  the  same, 
or  another  committee,  or  grant  a  new  trial.  If  the  Lodge 
shall  deem  the  exceptions  not  well  taken,  or  if  no  exceptions 
have  been  filed  within  two  weeks,  it  shall  proceed  to  pro- 
nounce its  judgment,  and  if  it  is  a  judgment  of  conviction, 
shall  affix  the  penalty.  An  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  the 
Lodge  may  be  taken  at  any  time  within  two  weeks  there- 
after to  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  if  no  such  appeal  is  taken, 
the  judgment  of  the  Lodge  is  final.  In  lieu  of  taking  and 
signing  the  testimony,  as  herein  provided,  the  same  may,  by 
consent,  duly  signed,  be  taken  down  by  a  short-hand  re- 
porter, and  as  soon  as  possible  thereafter  written  out  by 
him  in  long-hand  and  duly  certified  by  him  to  be  correct, 
but  any  witness  may,  if  he  desires,  correct  his  testimony 
after  it  is  so  written  out,  and  in  such  case  of  correction  shall 


Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  961 

sign  the  same,  and  the  Lodge  shall  not  be  liable  for  the 
expenses,  or  any  part  thereof,  except  it,  at  a  regular  meet- 
ing, and  prior  to  the  taking  of  the  same  by  the  reporter, 
agrees  to  pay  for  the  same. 

Sec.  5. — Contempt.  If  the  accused  refuse  or  neglect  to 
stand  trial  when  duly  summoned,  the  committee  shall  report 
him  guilty  of  contempt  of  the  Lodge,  and,  if  the  Lodge  sus- 
tains the  report,  and  finds  the  accused  guilty  of  contempt, 
the  punishment  shall  be  expulsion,  and  the  Noble  Grand 
shall  enforce  it  and  declare  the  accused  expelled. 

Sec.  6. — Penalties.  If  a  specific  penalty  for  an  offense  be 
provided  in  the  Constitution  or  By-Laws,  the  Noble  Grand 
shall  enforce  it.  If  none  be  so  provided,  the  Lodge  shall 
decide  by  paper  ballot  whether  the  penalty  shall  be  expul- 
sion, suspension,  or  reprimand  and  fine.  During  the  ballot 
the  accused  brother  shall  withdraw  from  the  Lodge-room. 
If  upon  the  first  ballot  it  shall  appear  that  two-thirds  of  the 
ballots  are  cast  for  expulsion,  such  shall  be  the  penalty.  If 
two-thirds  of  the  ballots  are  not  cast  for  expulsion,  then  the 
Lodge  shall  proceed  to  ballot  for  suspension,  and  if  two- 
thirds  of  the  ballots  are  cast  for  suspension,  suspension 
shall  be  the  penalty,  and  the  Lodge  shall  proceed  to  fix  the 
duration  of  such  suspension,  which  shall  not  exceed  two 
years.  If  neither  expulsion  nor  suspension  is  determined 
as  the  penalty,  as  above  provided,  then  the  penalty  shall 
either  be  reprimand,  fine,  or  both ;  if  fine  is  determined  upon, 
then  the  Lodge  shall  fix  the  amount,  not  exceeding  ten 
dollars ;  if  reprimand  is  decided  upon,  then  the  accused  shall 
be  reprimanded  in  open  Lodge  by  the  acting  Noble  Grand. 
No  ballot  held  under  this  section  shall  be  reconsidered.  All 
fines  imposed  under  this  section  shall  be  paid  within  thirteen 
weeks  from  date  of  their  imposition,  or  the  brother  shall 
stand  suspended  from  all  the  rights  and  benefits  of  the  Order 
until  such  fine  is  paid ;  and  if  he  ceases  to  be  a  member,  he 
shall,  prior  to  reinstatement,  pay  the  whole  amount  of  such 
fines  and  dues. 

61 


9G2  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

Sec.  7. — Reprimand.  When  a  member  shall  be  subject  to 
the  penalty  of  reprimand,  he  shall  be  summoned  to  attend  at 
some  regular  meeting,  to  be  fixed  by  the  Noble  Grand,  to  be 
reprimanded  from  the  chair  of  the  Noble  Grand;  and  until 
he  so  attend  and  be  reprimanded  he  shall  be  suspended  from 
all  benefits  and  privileges  of  membership. 

Sec.  8. — Notices  of  suspensions,  expulsions,  etc.  Notice  of 
all  suspensions,  expulsions,  rejections  and  reinstatements, 
and  of  brothers  who  have  been  suspended  in  accordance  with 
Section  1  of  this  Article,  shall  forthwith  be  forwarded  to 
every  Lodge  in  the  county ;  to  the  Subordinate  Encampment 
and  Rebekan  Lodge  of  which  the  brother  is  a  member,  and  to 
the  Grand  Secretary. 

Sec.  9. — To  reinstate  an  expelled  member.  An  expelled 
member  can  be  reinstated  only  after  a  proposition,  reference 
and  election  by  ballot,  as  in  the  case  of  a  newly  proposed 
member,  permission  having  first  been  obtained  from  the 
Grand  Master.  A  brother  suspended  for  any  cause  may  be 
reinstated  on  the  removal  of  the  cause  or  the  expiration  of 
the  term  for  which  he  was  suspended  without  action  of  the 
Lodge,  and  the  Noble  Grand  shall  declare  in  open  Lodge 
his  being  reinstated. 

Sec.  10. — Appeals,  transcript,  etc.  All  appeals  shall  be 
taken  by  filing  with  the  Secretary  a  notice  of  appeal  and  the 
grounds  thereof.  The  Secretary  shall  forthwith  send  to 
the  Grand  Secretary  a  certified  copy  of  all  minutes  and  docu- 
ments of  the  Lodge  relating  thereto.  In  cases  of  charges  the 
Secretary  shall  forthwith  send  a  certified  copy  of  the  Notice 
of  Appeal,  together  with  a  certified  copy  of  all  charges,  re- 
ports, evidence,  minutes,  documents  and  proceedings  of  the 
Lodge  and  of  the  Trial  Committee  relating  to  the  case,  to 
the  Grand  Secretary,  to  be  presented  to  the  Committee  on 
Appeals  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  In  cases  involving  the  good 
standing  of  the  member  with  his  Lodge,  if  such  member  shall 
die  before  the  time  for  filing  his  Notice  of  Appeal  has  ex- 
pired, any  person  pecuniarily  interested  in  the  result  of  the 
case  as  a  beneficiary  under  our  laws,  may  be  substituted  in 


Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  963 

place  of  such  deceased  member  within  eight  weeks  there- 
after, and  thereafter  prosecute  said  case  to  final  determina- 
tion. Such  substitution  shall  be  made  by  serving  the  Lodge 
with  a  written  notice,  stating  the  death  and  the  date  thereof, 
the  facts  showing  the  person  to  be  such  beneficiary,  and 
that  the  person  desires  to  prosecute  the  case ;  and  filing  with 
the  Secretary  a  Notice  of  Appeal. 

Sec.  11. — When  an  appeal  operates  as  a  stay.  The  filing 
of  a  Notice  of  Appeal,  by  any  member,  from  the  action  of 
the  Lodge  authorizing  the  payment  of  money  from  the  funds 
thereof,  shall  stay  the  payment  of  such  money  by  the  Lodge 
and  its  ofiicers  until  the  appeal  has  been  heard  and  deter- 
mined by  the  proper  authority  of  this  jurisdiction  on  such 
appeal,  and  then  the  Lodge  and  its  officers  shall  be  gov- 
erned by  such  decision.  This  section  shall  not  be  applicable 
to  an  order  for  the  payment  of  sick  benefits  not  exceeding 
twenty  dollars,  or  to  an  order  for  the  payment  of  a  charitable 
donation  to  a  brother  or  his  widow,  child  or  orphan,  not 
exceeding  fifty  dollars,  or  to  an  order  for  money  to  secure  a 
proper  burial  of  a  member,  or  his  widow,  child  or  orphan. 

Sec.  12. — ^Limitations  as  to  offenses.  There  shall  be  no 
limitation  within  which  charges  must  be  preferred  for  reveal- 
ing the  secrets  of  the  Order,  or  for  gaining  admission  by 
any  false  representation,  or  for  embezzlement  or  wrongful 
appropriation  of  the  funds  or  property  appertaining  to  a 
Lodge  or  the  Order,  or  for  fraud  or  dishonesty  toward  the 
Lodge  or  the  Order  or  for  being  an  unworthy  person  at  the 
time  of  initiation,  or  for  homicide  or  felony.  All  charges 
for  other  conduct  unbecoming  an  Odd  Fellow  must  be  pre- 
ferred within  two  years  after  the  commission  of  the  same. 

Sec.  13. — Members  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears.  No  member 
who  is  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  weekly  or 
funeral  dues  shall  be  entitled  to  the  term  password  or  to 
vote  in  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  14. — Funeral  of  brother  of  another  Lodge.  This 
Lodge  may,  if  it  so  provide  in  its  By-Laws,  impose  a  fine  on 
its  members  for  refusing  to  attend  the  funeral  of  a  brother 


964  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

belonging  to  another  Lodge ;  providing^  the  deceased  brother, 
at  the  time  of  his  death,  was  under  the  care  of  this  Lodge. 

Sec.  15. — Appeals.  Appeals  may  be  taken  from  the  action, 
refusal  or  neglect  of  a  Lodge  within  two  weeks  thereafter 
by  any  brother  deeming  himself  aggrieved  thereby.  All 
appeals  shall  be  taken  directly  to  the  Grand  Lodge  unless 
otherwise  provided. 

Sec.  16. — Badges,  lapel  buttons,  rosettes  and  other  in- 
signia. When  a  member  of  this  Order  is  suspended  or  ex- 
pelled therefrom  it  shall  be  unlawful  for  such  person  to  wear 
any  badge,  lapel  button,  rosette,  or  other  recognized  and 
established  insignia  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows, during  such  suspension  or  expulsion. 

ARTICLE  IX. 

Section  1. — Funds  and  property.  The  funds  and  property 
of  this  Lodge  shall  be  held  exclusively  as  a  Trust  Fund  to 
be  devoted  to  no  other  purpose  than  the  charitable  uses  of 
the  I.  0.  0.  F.,  and  expenditures  legitimately  made  for 
Lodge  purposes,  and  the  advancement  of  the  interests  of  the 
Lodge  or  Order  and  the  uses  and  purposes  mentioned  in 
Section  2  of  this  Article.  The  funds  may  be  invested  from 
time  to  time  as  the  Lodge  shall  direct,  but  no  part  thereof, 
or  of  the  Lodge  property,  or  of  the  proceeds  of  any  sales 
of  such  property,  shall  ever  be  divided  among  the  members ; 
and  in  case  of  a  surrender  or  forfeiture  of  the  Lodge  charter, 
all  the  funds  and  property  of  the  Lodge  of  whatsoever  kind 
shall  be  immediately  surrendered  and  delivered  up  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  this  jurisdiction,  or  to  its  officers  or  agents 
properly  authorized  to  receive  them. 

Sec.  2. — Contingent  or  Special  Fund.  This  Lodge  may 
provide  in  its  By-Laws  for  the  setting  apart  of  a  sum  not 
exceeding  five  per  cent,  of  its  annual  receipts  for  dues  as  a 
Contingent  or  Special  Fund,  to  be  expended,  in  its  discre- 
tion, in  the  payment  of  necessary  and  proper  obligations 
incurred  by  the  Lodge,  not  included  in  or  provided  for  by 
Section  1  of  this  Article. 


Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  965 

Sec.  3. — Incorporation.    This  Lodge  shall  not  incorporate. 

Sec.  4. — Loaning  funds.  The  funds  of  this  Lodge  shall 
not  be  loaned  to  a  member  of  this  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  X. 
Section  1. — Certain  offenses — Motions.  No  member  of 
this  Lodge  shall  be  concerned  in  organizing  or  visiting  any 
illegal,  spurious,  expelled,  extinct  or  suspended  Lodge  of 
Odd  Fellows.  No  member  shall  receive  or  put  any  motion 
from  the  chair  of  the  Noble  Grand,  unless  he  be  a  present  or 
past  Noble  Grand  or  Vice-Grand,  except  that  the  Right  Sup- 
porter to  the  Noble  Grand,  when  occupying  the  chair  of  the 
Noble  Grand  temporarily,  may  entertain  a  motion,  put  the 
question  and  declare  the  result. 

Sec.  2. — Processions,  celebrations,  balls,  etc.  This  Lodge 
shall  not  have  a  public  procession,  unless  to  attend  the 
funeral  of  a  member,  nor  have  any  public  celebration  of  any 
kind,  nor  get  up  any  ball  or  public  entertainment  in  the 
name  of  the  Order,  nor  reinstate  an  expelled  member  of  this 
Lodge  or  one  suspended  upon  charges,  without  permission 
of  the  Grand  Master.  This  Lodge  may  attend  a  funeral  in 
full  regalia  without  asking  permission  of  the  Grand  Master. 

Sec.  3. — Emblems  and  name  of  the  Order.  No  member  of 
this  Lodge  shall  exhibit,  or  in  any  way  use  for  business  pur- 
poses, or  upon  his  businiess  card  or  sign,  any  emblem  of  the 
Order,  nor  any  name  by  which  this  Order  or  any  of  its 
branches  are  known;  and  no  member  of  this  Lodge  shall 
become  or  continue  a  member  or  officer  of  any  association  or 
corporation  using  such  emblem  or  name  for  business  pur- 
poses. Any  member  violating  any  of  the  provisions  of  this 
section  shall,  upon  conviction  thereof,  be  suspended  for 
not  less  than  one  year,  or  expelled,  as  the  Lodge  may  deter- 
mine. The  provisions  of  this  section  shall  not  apply  to  any 
Odd  Fellows*  Librar>%  Hall  or  Cemetery  As-sociation,  nor  to 
corporations  or  associations  now  existing  which  are  bona 
fide  in  process  of  dissolution,  and  which  sbjill  in  ^rood  faith 


966  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

prosecute  such  dissolution  to  completion  within  a  reasonable 
time. 

Sec.  4. — Spirituous  or  malt  liquors.  No  Lodge  shall  per- 
mit the  use  of  spirituous  or  malt  liquors  at  any  celebration, 
entertainment,  banquet,  supper  or  other  repast  given  by  the 
Lodge  or  held  in  the  name  of  the  Order,  whether  held  in 
the  building  or  Lodge-room  controlled  by  the  Lodge  or  at  any 
other  place. 

ARTICLE  XI. 

Section  1. — Terms.  All  terms  shall  commence  on  the  first 
day  of  January  and  July  of  each  year,  and  end  on  the  day  on 
which  the  succeeding  one  commences. 

Sec.  2. — Semi-annual  report.  The  officers  for  the  term 
about  expiring  shall  prepare  and  deliver  to  the  officers  who 
shall  install  their  successors,  the  result  of  the  elections,  and 
a  report  of  the  work  of  the  term,  including  the  names  of 
those  admitted,  whether  by  initiation,  by  card,  as  an  Ancient 
Odd  Fellow,  or  by  Dismissal  Certificates,  together  with  their 
age,  nativity,  occupation  and  rank ;  also  those  suspended  and 
expelled  and  the  cause  thereof,  those  reinstated  and  de- 
ceased, the  number  of  degrees  conferred,  the  whole  number 
in  membership,  and  amount  of  receipts,  accompanied  by 
whatever  amount  may  be  due  to  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  3. — Annual  return  or  report.  In  addition  to  the 
above,  the  officers  for  the  term  expiring  on  the  first  meeting 
in  January  shall  annually  make  to  the  Grand  Lodge  a  full 
return  of  the  members  of  the  Lodge,  ranked  according  to  the 
degrees  attained,  and  a  statement  of  the  number  of  members 
relieved  in  the  past  year;  the  number  of  widowed  families 
relieved;  the  number  of  members  buried;  number  of  sister 
buried ;  the  amount  of  money  applied  for  each  of  these  pur- 
poses; the  amount  paid  for  the  education  of  orphans;  the 
amount  of  money  in  the  treasury;  the  amount  of  Widows^ 
and  Orphans'  Fund;  the  amount  and  nature  of  investments; 
the  amount  paid  for  charity,  and  the  amount  paid  for  cur- 
rent expenses. 


Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges.  967 

Sec.  4. — Failure  to  make  returns.  Should  this  Lodge  fail 
to  make  any  of  its  returus,  as  required  by  the  two  preced- 
ing sections,  for  one  year,  it  shall  thereby  forfeit  its  charter 
and  become  extinct;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Grand 
Master,  or  District  Deputy  Grand  Master,  to  withhold  the 
Annual  Traveling  Password  and  Semi-Annual  Password  until 
such  returns  are  made  and  the  amount  due  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  paid.  And  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  last  installed 
oflBcers  to  transmit  or  surrender  to  the  Grand  Master  or  his 
Deputy  the  charter,  books,  papers,  furniture  and  funds  of 
the  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  XII. 
Section  1. — ^Withdrawal  Cards — Resignation.  Withdrawal 
Cards  may  be  granted  to  members  who  are  clear  of  the 
books,  according  to  law,  by  a  majority  vote,  by  ballot,  of  the 
members  present  when  the  application  is  made.  Should  the 
Lodge  refuse  to  grant  the  card,  the  applicant,  on  tendering 
a  written  resignation  of  membership,  and  paying  all  dues, 
shall  be  entitled  to  receive  from  the  Secretary  a  certificate, 
under  seal  of  the  Lodge,  to  that  effect;  and  such  certificate 
shall  be  sufficient  evidence  of  good  standing  at  the  time  of 
such  resignation. 

Sec.  2. — Visiting  Cards.  Visiting  Cards  may  be  granted 
upon  application  in  open  Lodge,  or  they  may  be  issued  by 
the  Noble  Grand  and  Recording  Secretary  to  members  in 
good  standing,  upon  application  in  writing,  but  in  either  case 
the  dues  of  the  applicant  must  be  paid  up  to  the  end  of  the 
time  for  which  the  card  is  granted,  which  time  shall  not 
exceed  one  year  from  the  date  of  the  card. 

ARTICLE  Xni. 
Section  1. — Interpretation.    When  any  doubt  arises  as  to 
the  true  meaning  of  any  part  of  these  Articles,  it  shall  be 
determined  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  2. — Amendments.  These  Articles,  or  any  part  thereof, 
shall  not  be  altered,  amended  or  annulled,  except  as  pro- 
vided in  Section  5  of  Article  IX,  Constitution  of  the  Grand 
Lodge. 


968  Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges. 

ARTICLE  XIV. 
Section  1. — By-Laws,  Rules  and  Resolutions.  This  Lodge 
may  make,  alter  or  rescind  such  By-Laws,  rules  and  resolu- 
tions, from  time  to  time,  as  may  be  deemed  expedient,  pro- 
vided that  they  do  not  in  any  wise  contravene  this  Constitu- 
tion, or  the  Constitution,  By-Law^s  or  Regulations  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  the  State  of  California,  or  of  the  Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F. 

Sec.  2. — By-Laws.  The  By-Laws  of  this  Lodge  shall  be  in 
force  from  the  time  the  Lodge  shall  have  received  notice  of 
their  approval  by  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates; 
or,  where  such  By-Laws  themselves  fix  a  date  subsequent  to 
the  time  of  the  receipt  of  such  notice  for  their  going  into 
effect,  then  from  such  subsequent  date,  subject  to  the  ap- 
proval of  the  Grand  Lodge ;  and  the  manuscript  copy  of  such 
By-Laws  shall,  immediately  after  their  adoption  by  the 
Lodge,  and  before  being  printed,  be  transmitted  to  the 
Grand  Secretary,  to  be  submitted  to  the  Committee  on  Laws 
of  Subordinates  for  their  approval ;  and,  where  a  session  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  shall  have  intervened  since  the  By-Laws 
of  a  Lodge  were  approved  by  the  Committee  on  Laws  of 
Subordinates,  such  By-Laws  shall  not  be  printed  or  re- 
printed until  they  shall  have  been  again  submitted  to  and 
approved  by  that  committee. 


969 

CONSTITUTION 

OF  TH  K  

REBEKAH  ASSEMBLY 

OF  THE 

INDEPENDENT  ORDER  OF  ODD  FELLOWS  OF  CALIFORNIA. 


ARTICLE  I. 
Section  1. — Name.    This  Rebekah  Assembly  shall  be  known 
by  the  name,  style  and  title  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  of  California. 

ARTICLE  n. 

Section  1. — Sessions.  The  Rebekah  Assembly  shall  hold 
the  regular  annual  session  at  the  city  of  San  Francisco  (un- 
less otherwise  ordered),  commencing  on  the  second  Tuesday 
of  May  of  each  year  at  10  o'clock  and  shall  continue  to  meet 
at  such  hours  as  may  be  agreed  upon  from  day  to  day  con- 
secutively (Sunday  excepted)  until  the  close  of  the  session. 

Sec.  2. — Special  sessions.  Special  sessions  may  be  called 
at  the  option  of  the  President  at  such  time  and  place  as  she 
may  deem  advisable;  at  which  sessions  no  business  shall  be 
transacted  except  the  conferring  of  the  Assembly  Degree 
and  the  exemplification  of  the  work;  ahvays  provided^  that 
such  special  session  shall  not  be  held  unless  either  the  Presi- 
dent, Vice-President  or  Warden  and  Secretary  of  the  Re- 
bekah Assembly  shall  be  present. 

Sec.  3. — Quomm.  The  Rebekah  Assembly  cannot  be  opened 
unless  delegates  from  six  Lodges  are  present. 


970  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly. 

ARTICLE  III. 
Section  1.— Membership.  The  membership  of  the  Rebekah 
Assembly  shall  consist  of  the  duly  elected  delegates,  officers 
and  past  elective  officers  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  of  Cali- 
fornia, in  good  standing  in  any  Rebekah  Lodge,  who  shall 
be  entitled  to  a  seat  in  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  and  no  one 
shall  be  permitted  to  vote  upon  questions  before  the  Rebekah 
Assembly  but  the  officers,  past  elective  officers,  and  duly 
elected  delegates.  Delegates  must  be  Past  Noble  Grands  or 
Past  Grands  in  good  standing  in  Rebekah  Lodges. 

Sec.  2. — Delegates  and  election.  The  basis  of  representa- 
tion shall  be  to  each  Rebekah  Lodge  of  this  jurisdiction,  one 
delegate  for  a  membership  of  fifty  members  or  less,  and  one 
delegate  for  every  additional  fifty  members  or  fraction 
thereof  exceeding  thirty  members,  as  shown  by  its  report  of 
December  31st  of  the  previous  year.  Such  election  shall 
take  place  at  the  last  regular  meeting  of  the  Lodge  in  March 
of  each  year. 

Sec.  3. — Votes  of  absentees.  Delegates  in  the  annual  ses- 
sions of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  of  California,  representing 
Rebekah  Lodges  not  having  their  full  number  of  delegates 
present,  shall  be  entitled  to  east  the  full  number  of  votes  to 
which  their  respective  Lodges  are  entitled. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

Section  1. ^Officers  and  elections.  The  elective  officers  of 
this  Rebekah  Assembly  shall  consist  of  a  President,  Vice- 
President,  Warden,  Secretary,  and  Treasurer, 'who  shall  also 
constitute  the  Executive  Committee,  which  shall  serve  as 
such  during  their  respective  terms  of  office,  and  who  shall  be 
elected  annually  by  ballot  by  the  officers,  past  elective  officers 
and  duly  elected  delegates. 

Sec.  2. — Appointed  officers.  The  appointed  officers  shall 
consist  of  a  Marshal,  Conductor,  Chaplain,  Inside  Guardian, 
Outside  Guardian  and  a  District  Deputy  President  for  each 
District  of  Rebekah  Lodges. 


Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly.  971 

Sec.  3. — Eligibility  to  oflBce.  None  but  officers,  past  elective 
officers,  and  regularly  elected  delegates  shall  be  eligible  to 
any  elective  office  in  this  Rebekah  Assembly,  and  all  officers 
shall  be  of  the  female  sex. 

Sec.  4. — Election  and  installation.  The  election  for  elective 
officers  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly  shall  be  the  order  of  busi- 
ness on  the  third  day  of  the  session  after  reception  and  refer- 
ence of  credentials  and  admission  of  new  members,  by  ballot, 
in  the  following  manner:  When  open  in  that  order  of  busi- 
ness each  member  present  shall  have  the  privilege  to  nom- 
inate, and  there  shall  be  provided  the  necessary  ballot-box 
in  which  to  deposit  the  ballots,  and  the  members  shall  pro- 
ceed to  vote,  and  when  all  have  voted  that  wish,  the  Presi- 
dent shall  proclaim  the  ballot  closed.  Nominations  shall  be 
made  for  all  offices  to  be  filled  before  balloting  for  any  is 
commenced.  After  the  nominations,  and  before  balloting 
commences,  there  shall  be  appointed  by  the  President  four 
tellers  for  each  office  for  which  there  is  more  than  one  person 
in  nomination.  The  Assembly  shall  then  immediately  pro- 
ceed to  successively  ballot  for  each  and  every  office  to  be 
filled,  and  the  tellers  appointed  for  the  respective  contests 
shall  receive  the  votes  on  such  contest  and  shall  retire  to 
the  ante-room,  or  to  some  other  part  of  the  Assembly-room, 
where  they  will  not  interfere  with  the  business  of  the  As- 
sembly, where  they  shall  publicly  count  and  canvass  the 
votes,  and  shall,  immediately  upon  the  conclusion  of  the 
same,  report  the  result  thereof  to  the  Assembly.  While  the 
tellers  are  counting  and  canvassing  the  votes,  the  Assembly 
may  proceed  with  its  other  business,  and  it  shall  always  be 
in  order  to  receive  the  report  of  the  tellers  and  declare  the 
result  thereof,  and  immediately  take  another  ballot  if  no 
election  has  resulted,  which  ballot  shall  be  confined  to  the 
three  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  (provided  there 
are  three  voted  for),  and  if  there  then  be  no  choice,  the  bal- 
lot shall  be  confined  to  the  two  receiving  the  greatest  number 
of  votes.  Any  qualified  candidate  of  this  Assembly  having 
received  a  majority  of  votes  shall  be  declared  elected,  and 
shall  be  installed  into  her  respective  office  on  the  last  day  of 


972  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly. 

the  session ;  provided,  that  in  all  cases  where  only  one  person 
is  in  nomination  for  an  office,  the  election  may  be  held  znva 
voce;  provided,  also,  that  this  Assembly  may,  after  a  four- 
fifths  vote,  install  any  officer  or  officers  at  any  time  after  her 
election,  but  the  duties  of  said  officer  or  officers  shall  not 
commence  until  the  last  day  of  the  session 

Sec.  5. — Appointment  of  officers.  The  appointed  officers 
shall  be  appointed  by  the  President,  by  and  with  the  consent 
and  approval  of  this  Rebekah  Assembly,  after  her  installa- 
tion, excepting  the  District  Deputy  Presidents,  who  shall  be 
appointed  in  accordance  with  Article  XI  of  this  Constitu- 
tion. 

ARTICLE  V. 

Section  1. — Duties  of  President.  The  President  shall  pre- 
side at  all  sessions  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  and  preserve 
order  therein,  and  enforce  a  due  observance  of  the  Consti- 
tution and  Laws  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  and  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  and  of  this  Rebekah  Assembly. 

Appeal.  All  questions  of  order,  and  all  decisions  made  by 
her  on  any  point  growing  out  of  the  Constitution  or  By- 
Laws  of  this  Rebekah  Assembly  shall  be  subject  to  appeal 
from  her  decision  to  the  Rebekah  Assembly ;  and  it  shall  be 
her  duty  to  put  the  question  on  all  such  appeals  to  the  Re- 
bekah Assembly. 

Officers  pro  tern,  and  committees.  She  may  appoint  all 
officers  pro  tern.,  and  all  committees  not  otherwise  provided 
for  in  this  Constitution,  or  ordered  by  the  Rebekah  Assembly. 

Votes — Order  on  Treasurer.  She  shall  give  the  casting 
vote  in  all  cases  where  the  votes  are  equally  divided,  except 
in  cases  of  election  of  officers.  When  any  demand  shall  have 
been  approved  by  a  majority  of  the  Finance  Committee,  she 
shall  order  the  Treasurer  to  pay  the  same. 

State  Deputy — Dispensations.  The  President  shall  be  a 
State  Deputy  of  the  Grand  Master.  She  may  grant  dispensa- 
tions— 


Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly.  973 

1st.  To  allow  Lodges  to  admit  to  membership  persons 
who  reside  near  some  other  Lodge. 

2nd.    To  authorize  the  installation  of  officers  in  public. 

3rd.     To  give  entertainments  for  the  benefit  of  the  Order. 

4th.  To  authorize  the  balloting  for,  and  initiation  of, 
a  candidate  at  the  time  his  or  her  proposition  is  presented  to 
the  Lodge. 

5th.  To  empower  a  Lodge  to  elect  members  to  any  office 
in  such  Lodge ;  provided,  that  all  qualified  members  refuse  to 
serve. 

Password — Assembly  Degree.  The  President  shall  make 
and  cause  to  be  properly  distributed,  a  Semi-Annual  Pass- 
word for  use  in  the  Rebekah  Lodges  of  this  jurisdiction.  She 
may,  in  person,  confer  the  Assembly  Degree;  and,  when 
present  at  meetings  of  Rebekah  Lodges,  shall  give  such  in- 
structions in  the  work  of  the  Order  as  she  may  deem  proper, 
and  may  install  officers.  She  may  also,  when  attending  a 
special  meeting  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  exercise  the  powers 
conferred  on  her  by  the  fourth  sub-division  of  this  section. 

Sec.  2. — Duties  of  Vice-President.  The  Vice-President  shall 
assist  the  President  in  the  performance  of  her  duties.  She 
shall  preside  over  the  Assembly  during  the  absence  of  that 
officer;  and  should  the  President  be  absent  from  the  juris- 
diction, or  be  unable,  from  any  cause,  to  discharge  the  duties 
of  her  office,  the  Vice-President  shall  exercise  all  the  duties 
of  the  President. 

Sec.  3. — Duties  of  Secretary.  The  Secretary  shall  keep 
an  accurate  record  of  the  proceedings  of  each  session  of  the 
Rebekah  Assembly,  and  transmit  as  soon  as  practicable  after 
the  close  of  the  annual  session,  to  the  Rebekah  Lodges,  each 
one  copy  thereof.  She  shall  countersign  all  orders  on  the 
Treasurer,  keep  correct  accounts  between  this  Rebekah  As- 
sembly and  the  several  Lodges ;  she  shall  issue  all  necessary 
notices  and  circulars  to  Lodges,  delegates  and  officers;  she 
shall  provide  all  stationery  for  the  use  of  the  Rebekah  As- 


974  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly. 

sembly,  and  superintend  such  printing  as  the  Rebekah  As- 
sembly may  direct ;  she  shall  receive  all  moneys  due  and  pay- 
able to  this  Rebekah  Assembly,  pay  the  same  over  to  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Rebekah  Assembly,  without  delay,  taking 
the  Treasurer's  receipt  for  the  same;  and  perform  such  other 
duties  as  may  be  required.  She  shall  receive  such  salary  as 
may  be  fixed  upon  at  each  annual  session,  which  shall  be  paid 
monthly.  She  shall,  previous  to  installation,  give  such  bonds 
as  may  be  fixed  and  approved  from  time  to  time,  by  the  Re- 
bekah Assembly. 

Sec.  4. — Assistant  Secretary.  During  the  session  of  the 
Rebekah  Assembly  the  Secretary  may  appoint  an  Assistant 
Secretary  for  the  session. 

Sec.  5. — Duties  of  Treasurer.  The  Treasurer  shall  receive 
and  receipt  for  all  moneys  belonging  to  or  placed  in  her 
charge  by  this  Rebekah  Assembly,  and  deposit  the  same  im- 
mediately on  receipt  thereof  by  her  in  some  bank,  to  be 
designated  to  her  in  writing  by  the  Finance  Committee  of 
this  Rebekah  Assembly,  in  the  name  of  and  to  the  credit  of 
this  Rebekah  Assembly;  she  shall  pay  all  orders  drawn  on 
her  by  the  President,  under  seal  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly, 
by  check  or  draft  on  said  bank,  signed  by  said  Treasurer  and 
countersigned  by  the  Secretary,  with  the  seal  of  the  Rebekah 
Assembly  affixed  thereto.  Each  month  the  Treasurer  shall 
furnish  to  the  President  an  account  of  all  moneys  received 
during  the  month,  showing  the  amount  of  money  in  bank  to 
the  credit  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly.  The  Finance  Committee 
shall  have  power  to  change  the  bank  where  such  money  shall 
be  deposited,  and  in  case  of  a  change,  the  committee  shall  be 
charged  with  the  duty  of  seeing  that  their  directions  as  to 
change  of  deposit  are  carried  out.  The  7  reasurer  shall  at- 
tend all  regular  sessions  of  this  Rebekah  Assembly ;  she  shall 
keep  her  accounts  in  such  a  manner  as  will  exhibit  the 
sources  and  amount  of  receipts,  and  to  whom  paid;  have 
her  accounts  closed  up  on  the  31st  of  March,  annually,  and 
submit  them  to  the  Finance  Committee.  She  shall  produce 
for  the  examination  of  said  Finance  Committee  the  funds  in 
ficr  hands,  or  the  evidence  of  the  deposit  thereof  in  said  bank, 


Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly.  975 

and  shall  annually  report  to  this  Rebekah  Assembly  a  full 
and  true  account  of  all  moneys  received  and  paid  out  by 
her.  She  shall,  previous  to  installation,  give  a  good  and 
sufficient  bond,  in  such  form  and  in  such  amount  as  shall  be 
required  by  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  for  the  faithful  per- 
formance of  her  duties.  The  Treasurer's  account  and  books, 
including  the  bank  book,  shall  at  all  times  be  open  and  sub- 
ject to  the  inspection  of  the  President  or  the  Finance  Com- 
mittee of  the  Rebekah  Assembly. 

Sec.  6. — Duties  of  District  Deputy  President.  The  District 
Deputy  President  shall,  in  the  absence  of  the  Grand  IMaster 
or  President,  install  the  officers  of  all  Lodges  in  her  district, 
and  enforce  a  due  observance  of  the  Constitution,  By-Laws 
and  Resolutions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  and  of  the  Rebekah 
Assembly;  be  the  organ  of  the  Grand  Master  and  President 
with  the  Rebekah  Lodges  in  her  jurisdiction;  have  power 
to  grant  dispensations  to  Rebekah  Lodges  in  her  district  for 
the  following  purposes,  viz :  The  election  of  any  unqualified 
member  of  the  Lodge  to  any  office  in  such  Lodge,  in  case  all 
qualified  members  refuse  to  serve ;  for  holding  public  instal- 
lation of  officers  and  for  the  giving  of  social  parties  in  the 
name  of  the  Order ;  she  shall  see  that  the  work  of  the  Order 
is  performed  according  to  the  Ritual  and  the  regulations  of 
the  Order;  collect  from  the  Rebekah  Lodges  in  her  district 
all  returns  and  money  due  the  Grand  Lodge  or  Rebekah 
Assembly,  and  forward  them  immediately  to  the  Secretary 
of  the  Rebekah  Assembly;  decide  all  questions  of  law  that 
may  be  submitted  to  her  by  the  Lodges  under  her  charge; 
she  must  report  immediately  such  decisions  to  the  Grand 
Master  for  his  approval ;  and  report  annually  to  the  Grand 
Master  all  other  proceedings  had  or  taken  by  her;  she  shall 
forthwith  report  to  the  Grand  Master  all  cases  of  violation, 
on  the  part  of  Rebekah  Lodges,  of  the  Constitution  and 
By-Laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge  or  Rebekah  Assembly,  or  dis- 
obedience to  her  lawful  commands. 

Sec.  7. — Duties  of  appointive  officers.  The  duties  of 
appointed  officers  shall  be  those  which  usually  appertain  to 
such  offices. 


97G  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly. 

Sec.  8.  The  President  shall  be  the  custodian  of  the  bonds 
of  the  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

Section  1. — Removal  of  officers.  Any  officer  may  be 
removed  from  her  office  by  the  Rebekah  Assembly  for  mis- 
conduct or  neglect  of  duty ;  but  she  shall  be  entitled  to  a  fair 
trial,  and  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  present  shall  be 
necessary  for  removal. 

Sec.  2. — Expulsion  of  member.  Any  member  may  be 
expelled  from  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  as  such,  for  miscon- 
duct, on  the  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present,  at 
any  meeting  after  a  copy  of  the  resolution  of  expulsion  shall 
have  been  served  upon  her. 

Sec.  3. — Vacancies,  how  filled.  Vacancies  in  the  offices, 
except  that  of  President,  shall  be  filled  by  the  Rebekah 
Assembly,  if  in  session ;  if  not,  then  by  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee, for  the  remainder  of  the  term. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

Section  1. — Regular  committees.  There  shall  be  appointed 
at  each  annual  session  the  following  regular  committees 
from  the  members  present,  to  serve  for  the  term  of  one  year : 

1. — Committee  on  Credentials. 

2. — Committee  on  State  of  the  Order. 

3. — Committee  on  Legislation. 

4. — Committee  on  Petitions. 

5. — Committee  on  Finance. 

6. — Committee  on  Laws  of  Rebekah  Lodges. 

7. — Committee  on  Correspondence. 

Sec.  2. — Credentials.  The  Committee  on  Credentials  shall 
consist  of  three  members,  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
President  who  is  holding  over,  or  the  incumbent  of  the  chair 
at  the  time  of  opening  the  session,  and  whose  duty  it  shall 
be  to  examine  and  report  to  the  Rebekah  Assembly  on  the 
credentials  and  certificates  of  members. 


Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly.  977 

Sec  3.— State  of  the  Order.  The  Committee  on  State  of 
the  Order  shall  consist  of  five  members,  who  shall  be  ap- 
pointed by  the  President,  with  the  consent  of  the  Rebekah 
Assembly,  and  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  examine  all  reports 
appertaining:  to  the  Order,  and  such  other  matters  as  may  be 
referred  to  them,  and  report  thereon  to  the  Rebekah  As- 
sembly; and  they  shall  annually  present  to  the  Rebekah 
Assembly  an  exhibit  of  the  condition  and  progress  of  the 
Order  in  this  jurisdiction,  and  recommend  such  measures 
for  the  good  of  the  Order  as  from  time  to  time  they  may 
deem  proper. 

Sec.  4. — Legislation.  The  Committee  on  Legislation  shall 
consist  of  five  members,  who  shall  examine  and  report  on  all 
proposed  amendments  of  the  Constitution,  By-Laws,  Rules 
of  Order  and  Resolutions  governing  this  Rebekah  Assembly, 
and  such  other  matters  as  may  be  referred  to  them  by  the 
Rebekah  Assembly  or  President. 

Sec.  5. — ^Petitions.  The  Committee  on  Petitions  shall  con- 
sist of  five  members,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  examine  all 
petitions  referred  to  them,  and  report  to  the  Rebekah  As- 
sembly .such  action  thereon  as  they  may  deem  proper. 

Sec.  6. — Finance.  The  Committee  on  Finance  shall  con- 
sist of  five  members,  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, by  and  with  the  consent  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  and 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  examine  and  report  on  all  accounts 
and  claims  against  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  previous  to  their 
being  passed  for  payment  by  the  Rebekah  Assembly ;  to  ex- 
amine the  accounts  of  the  Secretary  and  Treasurer  annually; 
ascertain  the  amount  of  funds  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer, 
and  report  the  result  of  their  examination  and  the  condition 
of  the  finances  immediately  thereafter  to  the  Rebekah  As- 
sembly ;  to  ascertain  and  report  at  the  commencement  of  each 
annual  session  the  amount  required  for  the  expenses  of  the 
Rebekah  Assembly  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  suggest  such 
measures  of  finance  as  they  may  deem  expedient.  A  majority 
of  the  members  of  tlip  Finance  Committee  must  reside  in 
San  Francisco. 
82 


978  Constitution  of  Rkbekah  Assembly. 

Sec.  7. — Laws  of  Rebekah  Lodges.  The  Committee  on 
Laws  of  Rebekah  Lodges  shall  consist  of  five  members,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  examine  and  report  on  the  By-Laws  of 
such  Lodges  as  may  be  referred  to  them;  and  also  to  ex- 
amine and  approve  of  the  By-Laws  of  Rebekah  Lodges  that 
may  be  submitted  to  them  previous  to  being  printed,  and 
when  approved  by  them  or  by  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  they 
shall  be  submitted  to  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordi- 
nates of  the  Grand  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  of  the  State  of  Cali- 
fornia, for  their  approval. 

Sec.  8. — Correspondence.  The  Committee  on  Correspond- 
ence shall  consist  of  three  members,  whose  duty  it  shall  be: 
First,  to  report  on  the  growth  and  condition  of  the  Order  at 
large;  second,  on  interstate  laws  and  customs  and  all  com- 
pleted or  attempted  legislation  of  interest  to  the  Order; 
third,  to  suggest  any  measure  in  the  nature  of  the  business 
of  their  appointment. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

Votes — Yeas  and  nays.  Each  person  as  named  in  Article 
III  of  this  Constitution,  except  the  President,  shall  be  entitled 
to  one  vote.  All  questions  and  votes  before  the  Rebekah 
Assembly  not  in  this  Constitution  otherwise  provided  for, 
shall  be  determined  by  a  majority  of  the  votes  given,  and 
when  five  of  the  members  call  for  a  vote  by  the  yeas  and 
nays,  or  when  the  same  are  in  this  Constitution  required  to 
be  taken,  they  shall  be  so  taken  and  recorded  on  the  journal. 

ARTICLE  IX. 
Section  1. — Revenue  and  capitation  tax.  The  revenue  of 
this  Rebekah  Assembly  shall  be  raised  by  a  capitation  tax 
on  the  Rebekah  Lodges  of  the  jurisdiction,  and  at  such  a  rate 
per  member  as  the  Rebekah  Assembly  may  deem  proper, 
such  revenue  being  for  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  neces- 
sary expenses  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly. 

Sec.  2. — Expenses  of  delegates.  The  traveling  expenses  of 
one  delegate  from  each  Rebekah  Lodge  to  the  Rebekah  As- 
sembly  shall    be    paid    from    the    funds    of    the    Rebekah 


Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly.  979 

Assembly.  The  Finance  Committee  shall,  at  each  annual 
session  of  this  Rebekah  Assembly,  ascertain  what  amount 
will  be  necessary  to  pay  the  mileage  of  the  succeeding  an- 
nual session,  and  provide,  in  its  report,  for  an  assessment  to 
be  levied  on  the  Rebekah  Lodges  in  this  jurisdiction  for  that 
purpose.  Such  assessment  shall  be  levied  on  each  Rebekah 
Lodge  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  its  members  returned 
in  the  semi-annual  report  thereof  of  December  31st  of  that 
year,  and  shall  be  on  all  members  not  suspended  on  that  date. 
Such  assessment  shall  be  paid  by  the  respective  Lodges  at 
the  first  meeting  in  January  following  to  the  District  Deputy 
President,  or  other  officer  authorized  to  receive  the  same, 
who  shall  remit  it,  without  delay,  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Rebekah  Assembly. 

ARTICLE  X. 
Laws,  uniform  Constitution  and  legislation.  This  Rebekah 
Assembly  may  enact,  amend  or  rescind  laws  for  its  govern- 
ment, and  a  uniform  Constitution  for  Rebekah  Lodges,  and 
legislation  for  the  government  of  the  same;  but  such  laws, 
uniform  Constitution  and  legislation,  and  also  the  By-Laws 
of  Rebekah  Lodges,  shall  not  be  in  force  till  approved  by 
the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
L  0.  0.  F.,  of  the  State  of  California,  and  the  action  of  said 
Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates  shall  be  reported  to  said 
Grand  Lodge  for  its  action  thereon.  This  Rebekah  Assembly 
may  enact,  amend  and  repeal  rules  of  ordej-,  for  its  guidance. 

ARTICLE  XI. 
District  Deputies.  District  Deputies  shall  be  appointed  by 
the  Grand  Master  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  President, 
and  they  may  be  suspended  or  removed  by  the  Grand  Master 
for  neglect  of  duty  or  inefficiency.  The  President,  as  State 
Deputy,  shall,  in  all  matters  and  in  all  districts,  have  prece- 
dence in  authority  and  rank  over  all  District  Deputies. 

ARTICLE  Xn. 
Duties  of  District  Deputies.    The  Deputy  of  the   Grand 
Master,  in  the  absence  of  the  Grand  Master  and  President, 


980  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly, 

shall  install  the  officers  of  all  Lodges  in  the  district,  be  the 
organ  of  the  Grand  Master  with  the  Lodges  in  her  jurisdic- 
tion; she  shall  see  that  the  work  of  the  Order  is  performed 
uniformly;  collect  from  Lodges  in  her  district  all  reports 
and  moneys  due  this  Rebekah  Assembly,  and  forward  them 
immediately  to  the  Secretary  of  this  Rebekah  Assembly; 
decide  such  questions  as  any  Lodge  in  her  district  shall  vote 
to  submit  to  her,  and  report  annually  to  the  Grand  Master 
her  proceedings;  she  shall  forthwith  report  all  cases  of  vio- 
lation on  the  part  of  Lodges  of  the  Constitution  and  laws  of 
this  Rebekah  Assembly,  or  disobedience  to  her  lawful 
commands. 

ARTICLE  XIII. 
Appeals  to  the  Grand  Lodge.  All  appeals  from  the 
decision  or  action  of  this  Rebekah  Assembly  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  I.  O.  0.  F.,  of  the  State  of  California,  shall  be  taken 
within  five  days  thereafter,  by  filing  notice  of  appeal,  stating 
the  grounds  thereof,  with  the  Secretary  of  the  Rebekah  As- 
sembly, who  shall  forthwith  transmit  to  the  Grand  Lodge 
a  transcript  of  the  proceedings  therein. 

ARTICLE  XIV. 

Charters  and  dispensations.  All  charters  to  Rebekah 
Lodges  shall  be  signed  by  the  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Sec- 
retary of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  may  also  be  signed  by  the 
President  and  Secretary  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly.  All 
applications  for  dispensations  or  charters  for  the  institution 
of  Rebekah  Lodges  shall  be  first  presented  to  the  President, 
who  shall  present  the  same  to  the  Grand  Master  with  her 
recommendation  relative  thereto. 

(See  Section  3440  of  this  Digest.) 

ARTICLE  XV. 
Reports  and  returns.  The  reports  and  returns  from  Re- 
bekah Lodges  shall  be  transmitted  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Rebekah  Assembly,  to  be  by  her  transmitted  to  the  Grand 
Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  The  Secretary  of  the  Rebekah 
Assembly  shall  present  to  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  in  her  an- 
nual report,  a  statement  of  the  condition  and  progress  and 


Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly.  981 

work  of  the  year  as  the  same  appears  in  said  reports  and 
returns. 

ARTICLE  XVI. 
Section  1. — By-Laws.  The  Rebekah  Assembly  may  enact, 
alter  or  awend  such  By-Laws  as  may  be  necessary  to  carry 
into  effect  the  provisions  of  this  Constitution,  and  of  regu- 
lating the  proceedings  of  its  oflficers  and  of  committees,  and 
of  providing  for  the  safety  and  security  of  the  funds  and 
property;  provided,  at  least  one  day's  notice  in  writing  be 
given  at  the  annual  session,  of  such  By-Law  or  amendment, 
and  that  the  same  do  not  in  anywise  contravene  this  Con- 
stitution. Such  By-Laws  or  amendments  shall  not  be  in 
force  until  approved  by  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subor- 
dinates of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  2. — Rules  of  order.  The  Rebekah  Assembly  may,  in 
like  manner,  make  such  rules  of  order  as  may  be  necessary 
for  the  regulation  of  its  sessions  and  for  securing  good  order 
and  the  dispatch  of  business.  Such  rules  of  order  may  be 
suspended  at  any  meeting  by  a  two-thirds  vote;  provided, 
that  such  suspension  shall  not  extend  beyond  the  meeting 
which  voted  therefor. 

ARTICLE  XVIL 
Amending  Constitution.  Any  amendment  or  alteration 
may  be  made  to  this  Constitution  at  any  regular  annual 
session  of  this  Rebekah  Assembly,  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of 
the  delegates  present ;  provided,  all  such  alterations  shall  be 
proposed  one  day  before  action  thereon.  Such  amendments 
or  alterations  shall  not  take  effect  until  approved  by  the 
Grand  Lodge. 


982 

CONSTITUTION 

OF  THK 

REBEKAH    LODGES 

OF  THK 

INDEPENDENT  ORDER  OF  ODD  FELLOWS  OF  CALIFORNIA. 


PREAMBLE. 
Objects  and  purposes.     The  objects  and  purposes  of  Re- 
bekah  Lodges  are  declared  to  be : 

1st.  To  aid  in  the  establishment  and  maintenance  of 
Homes  for  aged  and  indigent  Odd  Fellows  and  their  wives, 
and  for  the  widows  of  deceased  Odd  Fellows;  and  Homei;* 
for  the  care,  education  and  support  of  orphans  of  deceased 
Odd  Fellows. 

2nd.  To  visit  the  sick,  relieve  the  distressed,  and  in  every- 
way to  assist  Subordinate  and  sister  Rebekah  Lodges  in 
kindly  ministrations  to  the  families  of  Odd  Fellows  who  are 
in  trouble  or  want. 

3rd.  To  cultivate  and  extend  the  social  and  fraternal  re- 
lations of  life  among  Lodges  and  the  families  of  Odd  Fellows. 

ARTICLE  I. 

Section  1. — Name  and  number  and  charter.  This  Lodge 
shall  consist  of  at  least  five  members,  including  one  qualified 
to  preside  at  its  meetings;  and  shall  be  hailed  and  entitled 

Rebekah  Lodge,  No.  . .,  of  the  Independent  Order 

of  Odd  Fellows  of  California.  It  cannot  voluntarily  sur- 
render its  charter  or  dissolve,  so  long  as  five  members  in 
good  standing  desire  to  retain  such  charter  and  work  under 


I 


Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges.  983 

it;  providedy  that  when  a  vote  upon  the  surrendering  of  a 
charter  is  to  be  taken,  notice  shall  be  sent  to  all  members  of 
the  Lodge  in  good  standing. 

Sec.  2. — Quonim.  Five  members,  including  one  qualified 
to  preside,  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of 
business. 

Sec.  3. — Sex.  All  the  above  requirements  are  to  be  con- 
strued as  applying  to  members,  irrespective  of  sex. 

ARTICLE  II. 
Section  1. — Powers    and    privileges.     This    Lodge    shall 
possess  the  powers  and  enjoy  the  privileges  following: 

Clause  1. — Degree  of  Rebekah.  To  confer  the  Degree  of 
Rebekah  on  properly  qualified  applicants  for  membership. 

Clause  2. — ^Election  and  appointment  of  officers.  To  elect 
and  appoint  its  own  officers,  in  the  manner  prescribed  by 
the  Grand  Lodge  and  by  its  own  By-Laws.  Service  in  office 
in  a  Subordinate  Lodge  shall  not  be  a  qualification  for  office 
in  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  and  a  past  officer  in  a  Subordinate 
Lodge  shall  not  be  entitled,  by  reason  thereof,  to  any  special 
privilege  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  other  than  wearing  the  collar 
of  the  highest  rank  attained. 

Clause  3. — Fees  and  dues.  To  fix  and  establish  initiation 
fees  and  dues,  to  be  paid  at  such  time  and  in  such  manner 
as  the  Constitution  or  By-Laws  may  provide. 

Clause  4. — Disbursements.  To  pay  and  disburse  from  the 
funds  of  the  Lodge,  from  time  to  time,  as  a  majority  of  the 
members  present  shall,  by  vote,  determine,  for  any  of  the 
declared  purposes  of  this  degree. 

Clause  5. — By-Laws.  To  establish  such  By-Laws  not  incon- 
sistent herewith,  or  with  the  rules,  usages  and  general  regu- 
lations of  the  Order,  as  they  may  deem  proper,  subject,  how- 
ever, to  the  approval  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Clause  6. — Charges  and  trials.  To  try  charges  preferred 
against  members  for  the  violation  of  the  Constitution  and 


984  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges. 

By-Laws  of  the  Lodge,  or  the  general  rules,  regulations  and 
usages  of  the  Order. 

ARTICLE  III. 

Section  1. — Membership.  The  persons  herein  specified  shall 
be  eligible  to  membership  in  this  Lodge : 

1.  All  persons  who  have  received  the  Degree  of  Rebekah. 

2.  All  Odd  Fellows  in  good  standing,  their  wives,  daugh- 
ters, sisters  and  mothers.  Also,  the  daughters,  sisters 
and  mothers  of  deceased  Odd  Fellows  who  at  the  time  of 
their  death  were  members  of  our  Order. 

3.  All  unmarried  white  women  who  have  attained  the 
age  of  eighteen  years,  who  believe  in  a  Supreme,  Intelligent 
Creator  and  Ruler  of  the  Universe,  and  who  are  of  good 
moral  character. 

Sec.  2. — Residence.  Any  person  applying  for  membership 
in  a  Rebekah  Lodge  must  be  proposed  in  the  Lodge  nearest 
his  or  her  residence,  except  that  Lodge  grant  permission  for 
joining  another  Lodge;  provided,  an  applicant  may  be  ad- 
mitted into  any  Rebekah  Lodge  in  the  city  or  village  in  which 
he  or  she  resides. 

Sec.  3. — Clause  1.  Propositions  for  membership  and  com- 
mittee. The  name  of  any  person  qualified  as  above,  apply- 
ing for  membership,  by  initiation,  with  his  or  her  age,  • 
nativity,  residence  and  occupation,  and,  if  a  brother,  with  a 
certificate  of  good  standing  from  the  Lodge  to  which  he 
belongs,  and,  if  a  married  woman,  who  has  not  previously 
received  the  Rebekah  Degree,  with  a  certificate  from  the 
Lodge  to  which  her  husband,  father,  son  or  brother  belongs, 
must  be  proposed  by  a  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  in  writ- 
ing, signed  by  the  applicant,  with  the  names  of  two  persons 
as  referees  attached,  and  entered  upon  the  record. 

Such  proposition  shall  be  referred  to  a  committee  of  three 
members  for  investigation,  who  shall  report  at  the  next  regu- 
lar meeting  (unless  further  time  be  granted),  when  the 
candidate  shall  be  balloted  for  with  ball  ballots,  and  if  three 


CJONSTITUTION   OF   ReBEKAH    LoDGES.  985 

or  more  black  balls  appear,  the  candidate  shall  be  declared 
rejected. 

Clause  2. — Applicants  by  deposit  of  card.  Applicants  for 
membership  by  deposit  of  card  may  be  admitted  in  the 
same  manner  as  provided  for  the  admission  of  other  mem- 
bers; provided,  that  no  certificate  from  a  Subordinate  Lodge 
for  a  sister  applying  for  membership  by  deposit  of  card, 
shall  be  required. 

Clause  3. — Fees.  Every  application  for  membership  must 
be  accompanied  by  the  admission  fee  prescribed  by  the  By- 
Laws  of  the  Lodge,  which  shall  not  be  less  than  $1.50,  except 
by  deposit  of  an  unexpired  Withdrawal  Card,  which  must 
not  be  less  than  $1.00. 

Sec.  4. — Reconsideration  of  ballot  and  re-ballot.  No  recon- 
sideration of  an  unfavorable  ballot  shall  be  had  unless  all 
members  who  cast  black  balls  against  an  applicant  for  mem- 
bership voluntarily  make  a  motion  for  a  reconsideration  of 
the  ballot ;  provided,  such  reconsideration  be  had  within  four 
regular  meeting  nights  next  succeeding  such  rejection;  and 
in  such  ca.se  the  vote  on  the  reconsideration  shall  be  taken 
by  ball  ballots,  and  if  all  the  balls  cast  be  in  favor  of  it,  the 
reconsideration  shall  be  had ;  whereupon  the  application  shall 
lie  over  until  the  succeeding  meeting,  when  another  ballot 
shall  be  had  with  ball  ballots,  and  if  the  same  be  unanimous- 
ly in  favor  of  the  applicant,  he  or  she  shall  thereby  be 
elected ;  but  if  one  or  more  black  balls  appear  in  either  ballot, 
the  applicant  shall  be  rejected ;  and  in  no  case  shall  a  recon- 
sideration be  had  except  upon  a  voluntary  motion  of  all  those 
who  cast  black  balls;  and  never  more  than  one  motion  for  a 
reconsideration  in  the  same  case  shall  be  allowed.  A  favor- 
able balloting  can  be  reconsidered  at  any  meeting  prior  to 
the  admission  of  the  candidate ;  provided,  a  majority  of  the 
members  present  agree  thereto.  In  case  one  or  more  black 
balls  appear  in  a  ballot  for  a  candidate  for  membership,  the 
Lodge  may  immediately  retake  the  ballot  for  such  candidate, 
in  order  to  verify  the  fact  that  such  black  balls  may  not  have 
been  cast  bv  error. 


986  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges. 

Sec.  5. — Rejection  and  renewal  of  application.  Candidates 
rejected  in  this  Lodge  cannot  renew  their  application  for 
membership  until  the  expiration  of  six  months  after  such 
rejection. 

Sec.  6. — Signing  Constitution.  The  Lodge  shall  keep  a 
book  in  which  shall  be  recorded  at  large  the  Constitution  of 
the  Lodge,  and  at  the  end  of  such  record  the  following  shall 
be  recorded,  to  be  signed  by  all  new  members,  to-wit:  *'We, 
the  undersigned,  each  for  himself  or  herself,  promise  to  obey 
and  comply  with  the  foregoing  Constitution  and  amendments 
thereto,  and  agree  that  all  our  rights  and  duties  thereunder 
shall  be  determined  solely  by  the  laws  and  tribunals  of  this 
Order. '^ 

After  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  Investigation,  and 
before  the  candidate  is  balloted  for,  the  Noble  Grand  shall 
charge  the  members  as  follows : 

''Sisters  and  Brothers— You  are  about  to  ballot  upon  the 
application  of  a  candidate  for  membership  in  this  Lodge. 
Let  me  warn  you  that  no  personal  prejudices  must  control 
your  action,  but  the  law,  the  Golden  Rule,  and  true  nobility 
of  purpose  must  prevail.  You  must  judge  of  this  applicant 
by  the  standard  of  true  merit,  and  as  you  would  wish  your- 
self to  be  judged.  We  must  be  governed  by  the  law  of  har- 
mony and  overruling  justice.  Remember  that  white  balls 
elect  and  black  balls  reject;  look  well  to  your  ballots.'' 

ARTICLE  IV. 

Section  1. — Elective  officers.  The  elective  officers  of  this 
Lodge  shall  be  a  Noble  Grand,  a  Vice-Grand,  a  Secretary,  a 
Financial  Secretary  (if  the  By-Laws  so  provide),  and  a 
Treasurer.  The  appointed  officers  shall  be  a  Warden,  Con- 
ductor, Inside  Guardian,  Outside  Guardian,  Right  and  Left 
Supporters  to  the  Noble  Grand,  and  Right  and  Left  Sup- 
porters to  the  Vice-Grand,  and  Chaplain. 

Sec.  2. — Eligibility  to  office.  No  member  shall  be  eligible 
to  the  chair  of  Noble  Grand  after  the  first  term,  unless  such 


Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges.  987 

member  shall  have  served  a  regular  term  as  Vice-Grand.  No 
member  shall  be  eligible  to  the  chair  of  Vice-Grand  after 
the  first  term,  unless  previous  service  is  shown  in  some 
elective  or  appointive  office. 

Sec.  3. — Honors  of  the  office.  Officers  must  serve  a  majority 
of  the  meetings  held  in  the  term  in  order  to  be  entitled  to 
the  honors  of  the  office.  Officers  elected  to  fill  vacancies 
shall  be  entitled  to  the  honors  of  said  office. 

Sec.  4. — Terms  of  office.  All  officers  shall  hold  their  offices 
for  six  months,  except  the  Recording  Secretary,  Treasurer 
and  Financial  Secretary,  who  may  be  elected  for  one  year, 
if  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  so  provide.  The  Lodge  may  also 
elect  three  Trustees,  to  serve  for  such  terms  as  the  By-Laws 
shall  prescribe ;  provided,  that  no  member  shall  hold  any  two 
of  said  offices  at  the  same  time. 

Sec.  5. — Officers  and  pecuniary  charges.  All  officers  shall 
be  clear  of  all  pecuniary  charges  on  the  books  at  the  time  of 
installation. 

Sec.  6. — Nominations.  Nominations  for  elective  offices  shall 
be  made  only  on  the  two  meetings  immediately  preceding 
that  of  the  regular  election,  except  when  all  the  nominees  for 
an  office  decline. 

Sec.  7. — Election  and  installation.  Officers  shall  be  elected 
by  ballot  at  the  first  regular  meeting  in  June  and  December 
of  each  year ;  provided^  that  if  any  officer  so  elected  declines 
to  serve,  then  the  Lodge  may  proceed  to  nominate  and  elect 
to  fill  such  vacancy  at  any  regular  meeting  prior  to  installa- 
tion ;  and  be  installed  at  the  first  regular  meeting  in  January 
and  July  of  each  year;  protndedy  the  installing  officers  be 
present;  if  absent,  the  Lodge  may,  by  vote,  defer  it  for  one 
meeting,  or  call  a  special  meeting  for  that  purpose,  at  the 
request  of  the  District  Deputy  President,  or  President. 

Sec.  8. — Absence  of  officer  and  removal.  Any  officer  absent 
from  the  Lodge  for  three  successive  meetings,  except  in  case 
of  sickness,  or  any  officer  for  misconduct  or  neglect  as  such, 


988  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges. 

may  be  removed  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members 
voting  at  the  next  regular  meeting  after  a  resolution  therefor 
has  been  offered  in  the  Lodge  at  a  regular  meeting. 

Sec.  9. — Vacancies,  how  filled.  Vacancies  in  any  elective 
ofifice  may  be  filled  by  the  Lodge  by  nomination,  and  election, 
by  ballot,  at  the  next  regular  meeting  after  nominating,  and, 
until  so  filled,  the  Noble  Grand  shall  appoint  a  member  to 
the  office  pro  tern. 

Sec.  10. — Representatives.  The  Lodge,  at  the  last  meeting 
in  March  of  each  year,  shall  elect  one  Representative  to  the 
Rebekah  Assembly,  I.  0.  0.  F.,  of  the  State  of  California, 
for  its  members  of  fifty  or  under;  also  one  Representative 
for  every  fifty  members  over  and  above  said  first  number  of 
fifty,  and  one  for  every  fraction  exceeding  thirty  members 
in  good  standing,  as  shown  by  its  report  on  the  31st  day  of 
December  of  the  previous  year.  Lodges  instituted  after  the 
31st  day  of  December  shall  be  entitled  to  only  one  delegate 
to  the  next  succeeding  Assembly,  irrespective  of  the  number 
of  members. 

Sec.  11. — Election  by  acclamation.  At  all  elections  pro- 
vided for  by  Sections  7  and  10  of  this  Article,  if  there  be  but 
one  candidate  for  an  office,  such  candidate  may  be  elected  by 
acclamation. 

Sec.  12. — Duties  of  officers.  The  duties  of  the  various 
officers  shall  be  as  laid  down  in  the  charges  of  office,  and  as 
specified  by  this  Constitution  and  the  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  V. 
Section  1. — Duties  of  Noble  Grand.    It  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  Noble  Grand: 

1st. — To  preside.  To  preside  at  all  meetings  of  the  Lodge ; 
to  preserve  strict  order  and  decorum,  and  enforce  the  Con- 
stitution and  laws. 

2nd. — Questions  of  order.  To  decide  all  questions  of  order, 
subject  to  appeal,  by  two  members,  from  his  or  her  decision, 
to  the  Lodge. 


Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges.  989 

3rd. — Vote.  To  give  the  casting  vote  on  all  questions  on 
which  there  may  be  an  equal  division  of  members,  except  in 
the  election  of  officers  and  appeals  from  his  or  her  decision. 

4th. — Inspection  of  ballot.  To  inspect  the  ballot-box  be- 
fore candidates  are  balloted  for,  and  to  inspect  all  ballots  on 
application  for  membership,  after  the  same  have  been  in- 
spected by  the  Vice-Grand,  and  to  declare  the  result  to  the 
Lodge. 

5th. — Certificates  and  notices.  To  sign  all  certificates  or 
notices  as  may  require  his  or  her  signature  to  authenticate 
them. 

6th. — Appointment  of  officers.  To  appoint  the  officers  here- 
inbefore specified,  except  the  Right  and  Left  Supporters  of 
the  Vice-Grand,  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Vice-Grand. 

7th. — Committees.  To  appoint  such  Standing  Committees 
as  the  Lodge  may  prescribe,  and  such  other  committees,  from 
time  to  time,  as  may  be  required  by  the  Constitution  and 
laws,  as  directed  by  the  law. 

8th. — To  visit  the  sick.  To  visit  a  sister  immediately  upon 
being  notified  of  her  illness,  and  continue  to  do  so  at  least 
once  a  week  during  such  illness ;  see  that  she  is  duly  provided 
with  attendance,  if  required. 

9th. — Funeral.  Upon  the  death  of  a  sister  in  good  stand- 
ing, to  call  upon  the  family  of  the  deceased,  and  ascertain 
whether  it  is  their  desire  that  the  funeral  be  conducted  ac- 
cording to  the  ceremonies  of  the  Order,  and  if  it  is  their 
desire,  to  make  all  necessary  arrangements  for  the  funeral. 

10th.— Finance  Committee.  On  the  night  of  installation,  to 
appoint  a  Finance  Committee  of  three,  whose  duty  it  shall 
be  to  examine  all  bills  or  claims  against  the  Lodge. 

11th. — Other  duties.  To  generally  do  and  perform  such 
other  duties  as  may  be  required  by  the  laws  and  usages  of  the 
Order. 


990  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges. 

12th. — Committees  on  candidates  and  charges.  The  Noble 
Grand,  or  member  acting  as  such,  shall  appoint  the  majority, 
and  the  Vice-Grand,  or  member  acting  as  such,  the  minority, 
of  all  committees  on  candidates  or  charges. 

Sec.  2. — Duties  of  Vice-Grand.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Vice-Grand : 

1st. — Order  and  decorum.  To  assist  the  Noble  Grand  in 
executing  the  duties  of  that  office ;  preserving  order  and  de- 
corum in  the  Lodge. 

2nd. — Inspect  ballot-box  and  ballot.  To  examine  the  bal- 
lot-box before  balloting  for  candidates,  and  to  inspect  the 
ballot  after  such  balloting. 

3rd. — When  to  preside.  To  preside  over  the  Lodge  in  the 
absence  of  the  Noble  Grand. 

4th. — To  visit  the  sick.  To  visit  a  sister  immediately  upon 
being  notified  of  her  illness,  and  continue  to  do  so  at 
least  once  a  week  during  such  illness. 

5th. — Other  duties.  To  generally  perform  such  other  duties 
as  may  be  required  by  the  Lodge  and  the  laws  and  usages  of 
the  Order. 

6th. — When  to  act  as  Noble  Grand.  Should  the  Noble 
Grand,  at  any  time,  be  absent  from  the  territorial  jurisdiction 
of  the  Lodge,  the  duties  and  powers  of  the  Noble  Grand  shall 
devolve  upon  the  Vice-Grand. 

Sec.  3. — Duties  of  Recording  Secretary.  The  Recording 
Secretary  shall : 

1st. — Minutes.  Keep  accurate  minutes  of  Lodge  proceed- 
ings. 

2nd. — Papers  and  documents.  Endorse  and  file  all  papers 
and  documents  pertaining  to  Lodge  transactions. 

3rd. — What  to  sign,  attest  and  issue.  Sign  and  attest  and 
issue,  when  required  by  the  Lodge  or  the  laws  and  usages 
of  the  Order,  all  cards,  certificates,  drafts  and  other  official 


Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges.  991 

documents,  and  affix  thereto  the  Lodge  seal,  which  shall  be  in 
his  charge  and  keeping. 

4th. — Communications.  Number  serially  and  file  all  com- 
munications from  the  Grand  Master  or  Grand  Secretary  of 
the  Grand  Lodge,  and  from  the  President  and  Secretary  of 
the  Rebekah  Assembly,  and  enter  an  abstract  thereof  and  the 
number  on  the  minutes. 

5th. — Term  and  relief  reports.  Make  out  (with  the  assist- 
ance of  the  Financial  Secretary,  if  any)  the  term  and  relief 
reports. 

6th. — Committee  of  Investigation.  Endorse  on  proposi- 
tions for  membership  the  names  of  the  Committee  of  Investi- 
gation, and  notify  them  of  their  appointment. 

7th. — Notices  and  roll  of  members.  Notify  persons  elected 
to  membership  when  to  appear  for  initiation  or  admission; 
kepp  a  roll  of  the  members,  with  a  record  of  the  rank  they 
have  attained. 

8th. — Notices  of  suspension,  etc.  Send  to  the  Secretary  of 
the  Rebekah  Assembly,  and  to  all  Rebekah  Lodges  in  the 
district  and  county,  notices  of  all  suspensions,  expulsions, 
rejections,  resignations  and  reinstatements ;  also  notify  mem- 
bers of  their  8U.spension  for  non-payment  of  dues ;  and,  in  the 
case  of  the  suspension  or  expulsion  of  a  brother,  send  notice 
to  the  Subordinate  Lodge  in  which  he  holds  membership. 

9th. — Other  duties.  Perform  such  other  duties  as  are,  or 
may  be,  required  by  the  laws,  charges  and  usages  of  the 
Order. 

10th. — Compensation.  The  Secretary  shall  receive  such 
compensation  for  services  rendered  as  the  Lodge  may  deter- 
mine. 

Sec.  4. — Duties  of  Financial  Secretary.  The  Financial  Sec- 
retary (or  Secretary,  should  there  be  no  Financial  Secretary) 
flhall  keep  just  and  true  accounts  between  the  Lodge  and  its 
members,  or  others,  in  a  regular  set  of  books,  including 
ledger,  journal,  receipt  and  cash  books,  and  such  others  as 


992  Constitution  of  Rebe'kah  Lodges. 

may  be  reqiyred  by  the  Lodge  and  the  laws  and  usages  of 
the  Order.  And  shall  give  each  member  credit  for  money 
when  paid,  and  the  member's  credit  and  standing  shall  date 
from  such  payment.  Shall  also  keep  a  book  in  which  the 
residence  of  each  member  is  recorded  and  in  which  shall  be 
noted  any  change  of  the  same.  Shall  receive  and  receipt  for 
all  money  due  the  Lodge.  Shall  pay  the  same  to  the  Treas- 
urer at  each  Lodge  meeting.  Shall  give  the  notices  required 
by  Section  10  of  Article  V,  of  this  Constitution,  and  shall 
keep  a  copy  of  the  same,  or  the  substance  thereof,  with  the 
date,  on  a  stub  to  be  retained  in  a  book  prepared  for  that 
purpose;  endorse  cards  of  visitors;  during  the  months  of 
June  and  December  of  each  year,  and  previous  to  the  last 
meeting  of  said  months,  notify  each  member  who  is  in  any 
way  indebted  to  the  Lodge,  of  the  state  of  his  or  her  ac- 
count; assist  the  Recording  Secretary  in  making  his  or  her 
term  reports,  and  render  to  the  Lodge  at  the  closing  of  each 
term  an  account  of  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the 
term.  Shall  also  furnish  to  the  Noble  Grand  at  each  election 
a  list  of  members  entitled  to  vote ;  under  his  or  her  direction 
call  the  same,  and  perform  such  other  duties  as  may  be  re- 
quired by  the  Lodge  and  the  laws  and  usages  of  the  Order. 
The  Financial  Secretary  may  receive  such  compensation  for 
services  as  the  Lodge  may  determine. 

Sec.  5. — Duties  of  Treasurer.  The  Treasurer,  prior  to  in- 
stallation, shall  give  a  joint  and  several  bond,  payable  to  the 
Noble  Grand  (or  Trustees,  if  any),  in  trust  for  the  Lodge,  in 
such  sum  as  the  By-Laws  shall  provide,  with  two  or  more 
sureties,  for  the  faithful  performance  of  duty;  receive  from 
the  Financial  Secretary,  each  Lodge  night,  the  money  in  his 
or  her  hands ;  pay  all  orders  drawn  on  the  Treasurer  by  the 
Noble  Grand  by  authority  of  the  Lodge,  and  attested  by  the 
Recording  Secretary  under  the  seal  thereof;  give,  when  re- 
quested by  the  Noble  Grand,  a  statement,  in  writing,  of 
money  on  hand;  report  at  the  first  meeting  in  each  month 
the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the  preceding  month,  with 
balance  on  hand ;  at  the  last  meeting  of  each  term  report  the 
term  receipts  and  expenditures  and  exhibit  vouchers,  and 


Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges.  993 

have  the  books  ready  for  examination  by  the  Finance  Com- 
mittee within  twenty-four  hours  thereafter. 

Sec.  6. — Duties  of  Trustees.  The  Trustees  (if  there  be  any) 
shall  give  a  joint  and  several  bond  in  such  sum  as  may 
be  required,  for  the  faithful  performance  of  their  duties,  to 
be  approved  by  the  Lodge,  and  made  payable  to  the  Noble 
Grand  and  Vice-Grand,  with  two  good  and  sufficient  sureties 
for  each  Trustee ;  provided,  that  each  Trustee  may  execute  a 
separate  bond  with  two  sureties  as  aforesaid,  if  he  so  elect,  or 
the  By-Laws  so  prescribe.  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  hold 
in  trust  all  stocks,  securities,  investments,  property  and 
funds  belonging  to  this  Lodge,  and  transfer,  exchange,  or  de- 
posit the  same,  or  any  part  thereof,  when  required  by  the 
Lodge  so  to  do ;  and  shall  also  keep  the  fund  invested  for  the 
best  interests  of  the  Lodge,  in  such  stocks,  bonds,  or  other 
securities  as  shall  be  approved  of  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the 
members  present  at  a  regular  meeting,  or  deposit  the  same 
in  some  savings  bank.  On  the  expiration  of  their  term  of 
office,  or  removal  therefrom,  they  shall  deliver  to  their  suc- 
cessors in  office,  or  such  persons  as  shall  be  appointed,  all  the 
books,  papers,  bonds  or  other  property  they  may  have  in 
their  hands  belonging  to  the  Lodge.  They  shall  keep  a  full 
and  correct  account  of  all  money  received,  expended  or  in- 
vested, and  at  the  close  of  each  semi-annual  term,  make  a 
full  report  in  writing  of  all  business  transacted  by  them  dur- 
ing the  term,  together  with  a  particular  statement  of  the 
funds  and  investments  belonging  to  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  7. — Other  oflftcers.  All  other  officers  shall  perform 
such  duties  as  are  prescribed  for  them  by  the  regulations  of 
the  Order,  this  Constitution  or  the  By-Laws  of  this  Lodge. 

ARTICLE  VI. 
Section  1. — Offenses  and  penalties.  Any  member  who  shall 
violate  any  of  the  principles  of  the  Order,  or  offend  against 
the  Constitution,  By-Laws  or  Rules  of  Order  of  this  Lodge, 
or  the  penal  laws  of  the  land,  shall  be  fined,  reprimanded, 
suspended  or  expelled,  as  the  By-Laws  may  direct  or  the 
Lodge  determine. 
63 


994  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges. 

Sec.  2. — Charges  and  trials.  All  members  shall  be  entitled 
to  a  fair  trial  for  any  oti'ense  involving  reprimand,  suspen- 
sion or  expulsion.  Members  shall  not  be  put  upon  trial  unless 
charges  duly  specifying  the  offense,  so  as  to  fully  apprise 
them  of  the  nature  thereof,  and  to  enable  them  to  prepare 
for  their  defense,  shall  be  submitted  to  the  Lodge,  in  writing, 
and  signed  by  a  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  within  this 
jurisdiction,  and  a  copy  thereof,  under  seal  of  the  Lodge,  be 
served  upon  them. 

Sec.  3. — Trial  Committee — Trial — Appeal.  Such  charges 
shall  be  referred  to  a  committee  of  five  members,  who  shall, 
without  unnecessary  delay,  summon  the  parties  and  try  the 
case.  They  shall  keep  full  minutes  of  the  evidence  and  of 
their  proceedings,  and  report  the  same  to  the  Lodge,  with 
their  verdict.  A  witness,  if  a  member  of  the  Order,  shall 
give  evidence  on  the  honor  of  an  Odd  Fellow;  if  not  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Order,  then  on  oath  or  affirmation,  and  the  pro- 
ceedings must  state  that  such  obligation  or  oath  was  admin- 
istered. No  testimony  shall  be  taken  without  notice,  or 
opportunity  for  cross-examination  by  the  opposing  party. 
Upon  the  report  being  made,  notice  thereof  shall  forthwith 
be  given  by  the  Secretary,  to  the  party  against  whom  the 
verdict  is  rendered,  and  he  or  she  shall  have  two  weeks  in 
which  to  file  exceptions.  If  no  exceptions  be  filed  within  two 
weeks,  the  Lodge  shall  proceed  to  pronounce  judgment  upon 
the  verdict  and  affix  the  penalty.  An  appeal  from  the  judg- 
ment of  the  Lodge  may  be  taken  at  any  time  within  two 
weeks  thereafter,  to  the  Grand  Lodge ;  and  if  no  such  appeal 
is  taken,  the  judgment  of  the  Lodge  shall  be  final.  When  a 
Bill  of  Exceptions  to  the  report  of  the  committee  is  filed,  as 
above  provided,  the  Lodge  may  determine  upon  its  merits, 
and  either  sustain  the  report  of  the  committee,  or  refer  the 
same  back  to  the  same  or  another  committee,  or  grant  a  new 
trial.  If  the  Lodge  deems  the  exceptions  not  well  taken,  it 
shall  proceed  to  pronounce  judgment  and  affix  the  penalty. 

Sec.  4. — Contempt.  If  the  accused  refuse  or  neglect  to 
stand  trial,  when  duly  summoned,  the  committee  shall  report 


Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges.  995 

him  or  her  guilty  of  contempt  of  the  Lodge,  which  report 
shall  be  conclusive,  and  the  punishment  shall  be  expulsion. 

Sec.  5. — ^Penalties — Ballot.  If  a  specific  penalty  for  an 
offense  be  provided  in  the  Constitution  or  By-Laws,  the  Noble 
Grand  shall  enforce  it.  If  none  be  so  provided,  the  Lodge 
ghall  decide  by  paper  ballot,  whether  the  penalty  shall  be 
expulsion,  suspension  or  reprimand,  and  fine.  During  the 
ballot,  the  accused  shall  withdraw  from  the  Lodge-room.  The 
ballot  shall  be  first  taken  on  expulsion,  and  if  it  shall  appear 
that  two-thirds  of  the  ballots  are  cast  for  expulsion,  such 
shall  be  the  penalty.  If  two-thirds  of  the  ballots  are  not  cast 
for  expulsion,  then  the  Lodge  shall  proceed  to  ballot  for  sus- 
pension, and  if  two-thirds  of  the  ballots  are  cast  for  suspen- 
sion, suspension  shall  be  the  penalty,  and  the  Lodge  shall 
proceed  to  fix  the  duration  of  such  suspension,  which  shall 
not  exceed  two  years.  If  neither  expulsion  nor  suspension  is 
determined  as  the  penalty,  as  above  provided,  then  the 
penalty  shall  be  reprimand,  fine,  or  both,  to  be  determined 
by  a  majority  ballot;  if  fine  be  determined  upon,  then  the 
Lodge  shall  fix  the  amount,  not  exceeding  ten  dollars;  if 
reprimand  is  decided  upon,  then  the  accused  shall  be  repri- 
manded in  open  Lodge  by  the  acting  Noble  Grand.  No  ballot 
held  under  this  section  shall  be  reconsidered.  All  fines  im- 
posed under  this  section  shall  be  charged  to  the  member's 
account,  and  considered,  in  determining  his  or  her  standing 
in  the  Lodge,  as  dues;  and  when  the  fine  thus  imposed,  added 
to  the  dues,  brings  him  or  her  under  the  penalty  provided  in 
the  By-Laws,  he  or  she  shall  be  notified,  and  allowed  the 
usual  time  to  make  payment.  In  all  cases,  as  above,  if  mem- 
bership ceases,  the  member,  prior  to  reinstatement,  shall  pay 
the  whole  amount  of  such  fine  and  dues. 

Sec.  6. — Reprimand.  When  a  member  shall  be  subject  to 
the  penalty  of  reprimand,  he  or  she  shall  be  summoned  to 
attend  at  some  regular  meeting,  to  be  fixed  by  the  Lodge, 
to  be  reprimanded  from  the  chair  of  the  Noblp  Grand ;  and 
until  he  or  she  so  attend  and  be  reprimanded,  shall  be  sus- 
pended from  all  benefits  and  privileges  of  membership. 


996  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges. 

Sec.  7. — To  reinstate  expelled  member.  An  expelled  mem- 
ber can  be  reinstated  only  after  a  proposition,  reference,  and 
election  by  ballot,  as  in  the  case  of  a  newly-proposed  member, 
permission  having  first  been  obtained  from  the  Grand  Master. 
A  member  suspended  for  any  cause  may  be  reinstated  on  the 
removal  of  the  cause  or  the  expiration  of  the  term  for  which 
he  or  she  was  suspended,  without  action  of  the  Lodge,  and 
the  Noble  Grand  shall  declare  in  open  Lodge  his  or  her  rein- 
statement. 

Sec.  8. — Appeals  and  notice.  Any  member  intending  to 
appeal  from  the  action  of  the  Lodge,  either  on  a  decision  of 
law  or  where  charges  have  been  preferred,  shall  file  with  the 
Secretary  a  notice  of  appeal  and  the  grounds  thereof;  upon 
which  the  Secretary  shall  forthwith  send  the  notice,  or  a  true 
copy  of  the  same,  together  with  a  certified  copy  of  all 
charges,  reports,  evidence  and  proceedings  of  the  Lodge 
relating  to  the  case,  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  to  be  presented 
to  the  Committee  on  Appeals  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  9. — Member  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears.  No  member 
who  is  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  weekly  or 
funeral  dues  shall  be  entitled  to  the  term  password  or  to 
vote  in  the  Lodge. 

Sec.  10. — Clause  1.  Suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues. 
Any  member  neglecting  or  refusing  to  make  payment  of 
dues,  or  demands  against  him  or  her  to  the  Lodge,  according 
to  its  By-Laws,  for  the  space  of  twelve  months,  the  fact  that 
he  or  she  is  in  arrears  more  than  twelve  months,  shall  be 
announced  by  the  Financial  Secretary,  or,  if  there  be  none, 
by  the  Recording  Secretary,  in  open  Lodge,  at  least  two 
regular  meetings,  and  he  or  she  shall  be  suspended  from 
membership  and  shall  be  so  declared  by  the  Noble  Grand, 
unless  otherwise  determined  by  a  vote  of  the  Lodge.  When 
a  member  is  eleven  months  in  arrears,  the  Financial  Secre- 
tary, or,  if  there  be  none,  the  Recording  Secretary,  shall 
pve  personally,  or  shall  send  by  mail,  to  his  or  her  last 
given  address,  a  written  notice  of  the  state  of  his  or  her 
account.    The  failure  or  neglect  to  give  or  send  this  notice 


Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges.  997 

shall  not  delay  or  affect  the  validity  of  the  suspension ;  and 
provided,  that  no  person  shall  be  suspended  under  this  sec- 
tion while  charges  are  pending  against  him  or  her,  and 
provided,  that  a  member  may,  prior  to  suspension,  pay  a 
sufficient  portion  of  the  amount  due  to  avoid  suspension. 

Clause  2. — Reinstatement.  Any  member  suspended  from 
membership  for  non-payment  of  dues  may  be  reinstated  in 
the  Lodge  from  which  he  or  she  was  suspended  within  one 
year  thereafter,  by  paying  the  amount  of  cue  year's  dues  and 
by  receiving  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present — 
a  motion  to  that  effect  having  been  laid  over  one  meeting; 
but  after  one  year,  he  or  she  may  be  reinstated  upon  the  pay- 
ment of  the  fee  charged  for  an  initiate,  as  provided  by  the 
By-Laws,  or  such  greater  sum  as  may  be  fixed  by  the  By- 
Laws  of  the  Lodge  to  which  such  application  is  made,  and 
shall  petition  the  Lodge,  in  writing,  to  be  reinstated,  which 
shall  be  disposed  of,  in  all  respects,  as  provided  for  in  Article 
III,  Section  3,  for  petitions  for  membership  by  initiation. 

Clause  3. — Reinstatement  and  Withdrawal  Card.  A  mem- 
ber suspended  from  membership  for  non-payment  of  dues, 
and  who  makes  application  for  reinstatement,  may  be  rein- 
stated and  granted  a  final  card  at  any  time  upon  the  pay- 
ment of  one  year's  dues  and  the  usual  price  of  a  card. 

Clause  4. — Dismissal  Certificate.  A  member,  after  being 
suspended  in  this  jurisdiction  for  non-payment  of  dues, 
wishing  to  join  a  Lodge  in  this  jurisdiction,  shall  be  entitled 
to  receive,  and  the  Lodge  shall  grant,  upon  proper  applica- 
tion, a  Dismissal  Certificate  upon  the  receipt  of  one  dollar. 

Clause  5. — Dismissal  Certificates.  Dismissal  Certificates 
may  be  received  from  the  holders  thereof,  on  application  for 
membership  in  Lodges,  in  the  same  manner  and  with  the 
same  effect  as  Withdrawal  Cards;  and  applications  made 
upon  such  certificates  shall  be  received  and  acted  upon  in 
like  manner  as  Withdrawal  Cards.  But  the  holders  of  such 
certificates  shall  in  no  case  be  allowed  to  visit  thereon. 


99S  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges. 

Clause  6. — Dismissal  Certificates.  The  certificates  named 
in  this  section  shall  be  only  those  provided  by  the  Grand 
Secretary  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  11. — Appeals.  Appeals  may  be  taken  from  the  action, 
refusal  or  neglect  of  a  Lodge,  within  two  weeks  thereafter, 
by  any  member  deeming  himself  or  herself  aggrieved  there- 
by, and  all  appeals  shall  be  taken  directly  to  the  Grand 
Lodge,  unless  otherwise  provided. 

ARTICLE  VII. 
Section  1. — Funds  and  property.  The  funds  and  property 
of  this  Lodge  shall  be  held  exclusively  as  a  Trust  Fund,  to 
be  devoted  to  no  other  purpose  than  the  charitable  uses  of 
the  I.  0.  0.  F.,  and  expenditures  legitimately  made  for 
Lodge  purposes  and  the  advancement  of  the  interests  of  the 
Lodge  or  the  Order.  The  funds  may  be  invested  from  time 
to  time  as  the  Lodge  shall  direct ;  but  no  part  thereof,  or  of 
the  Lodge  property,  or  the  proceeds  of  any  sale  of  such 
property,  shall  ever  be  divided  among  the  members,  and  in 
case  of  a  surrender  or  forfeiture  of  the  Lodge  charter,  all 
the  funds  and  property  of  the  Lodge  of  whatsoever  kind 
shall  be  immediately  surrendered  and  delivered  up  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  this  jurisdiction,  or  to  its  officers  or  agents 
properly  authorized  to  receive  them. 

Sec.  2. — Contingent  or  Special  Fund.  This  Lodge  may 
provide  in  its  By-Laws  for  the  setting  apart  of  a  sum  not 
exceeding  five  per  cent,  of  its  annual  receipts  for  dues,  as  a 
Contingent  or  Special  Fund,  to  be  expended  in  its  discre- 
tion in  payment  of  necessary  and  proper  obligations  in- 
curred by  the  Lodge  not  included  in  or  provided  for  by 
Section  1  of  this  Article. 

ARTICLE  VIII. 

Terms.  All  terms  shall  commence  on  the  first  day  of 
January  and  July  in  each  year,  and  end  on  the  day  on 
which  the  succeeding  one  commences. 


CJONSTITUTION  OF  Rt:BEKAH   LODGES.  999 

ARTICLE  IX. 
Section  1. — Semi-annual  report.  The  officers  for  the  term 
about  expiring  shall  prepare  for  the  Grand  Lodge  and  de- 
liver to  the  installing  officer  the  result  of  the  elections,  and 
a  regular  report  of  the  work  of  the  term,  including  the 
names  of  those  admitted  and  withdrawn,  also  those  sus- 
pended and  expelled,  and  the  cause  thereof;  those  rein- 
atated,  and  deceased ;  the  names  and  numbers  of  those  upon 
whom  the  degree  is  conferred ;  the  whole  number  in  mem- 
bership ;  the  amount  of  receipts  and  the  amount  of  disburse- 
ments. 

Sec.  2. — Annual  returns  or  reports.  In  addition  to  the 
above,  the  officers  of  the  term  expiring  on  the  first  meeting 
in  January  shall  annually  make  to  the  Grand  Lodge  a  full 
return  of  the  members  of  the  Lodge,  and  a  statement  of  the 
number  of  brothers  and  sisters  relieved  in  the  past  year; 
the  amount  of  relief  granted;  the  number  of  widows  re- 
lieved ;  the  number  of  orphans  relieved ;  the  number  of  mem- 
bers buried,  and  the  amount  of  money  applied  to  each  of 
these  purposes,  designating  the  amount  paid  for  the  educa- 
tion of  orphans,  the  amount  of  money  in  the  treasury  and 
the  amount  of  investments. 

ARTICLE  X. 
Section  1. — Withdrawal  Cards — Voting  in  Rebekah 
Lodges.  Withdrawal  Cards  may  be  granted  to  members 
who  are  clear  on  the  books,  according  to  law,  by  a  majority 
Tote,  by  ball  ballot,  of  the  members  present  when  the  appli- 
cation is  made.  Should  the  Lodge  refuse  to  grant  the  card, 
the  applicant,  on  tendering  a  written  resignation  of  member- 
ship and  paying  all  dues,  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  from 
the  Secretary  a  certificate,  under  seal  of  the  Lodge,  to  that 
effect;  and  such  certificate  shall  be  sufficient  evidence  of 
good  standing  at  the  time  of  snch  resignation. 

Sec.  2. — Visiting  Cards.  Visiting  Cards  may  be  granted 
upon  application  in  open  Lotlge,  or  they  may  be  issued  by 
the  Noble  Grand  and  Recording  Secretary  to  members  in 


1000  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges. 

good  standing,  upon  application  in  writing;  but  in  either 
case  the  dues  of  the  applicant  must  be  paid  up  to  the  end 
of  the  time  for  which  the  card  is  granted,  which  time  shall 
not  exceed  one  year  from  the  date  of  the  card. 

ARTICLE  XI. 

Section  1. — By-Laws  and  rules.  This  Lodge  may  make, 
alter  or  rescind  such  By-Laws,  rules  and  resolutions,  from 
time  to  time,  as  may  be  deemed  expedient;  provided,  that 
they  do  not  in  anywise  contravene  this  Constitution,  or  the 
Constitution,  By-Laws  or  regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
the  State  of  California,  or  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

Sec.  2. — By-Laws.  The  By-Laws  of  this  Lodge  shall  be  in 
force  from  the  time  the  Lodge  shall  have  received  notice  of 
their  approval  by  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates, 
subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  a  manu- 
script copy  of  such  By-Laws  shall,  immediately  after  their 
adoption  by  the  Lodge  and  before  being  printed,  be  trans- 
mitted to  the  Secretary  of  the  Assembly,  and  also  to  the 
Grand  Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  to  be  submitted  by 
him  to  the  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates  for  their 
approval. 


1001 


FORMS. 


Form  No.  1. 

PETITIONS    OF    BROTHERS    FOR    A    WARRANT    FOR    A 
SUBORDINATE  LODGE. 

To  the  Grand  Master,  Officers  and  Members  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  of  the  State  of  California: 

The  petition  of  the  undersigned  brothers  of  the  Order  who  have 
attained  the  Third  Degree,  holding  unexpired  Withdrawal  Cards  from 
Lodges  legally  recognized  by  your  Grand  Body,  respectfully  represents 
that  it  would  be  consistent  with  the  advantage  of  the  Order  to  estab- 
lish a  Subordinate  Lodge,  to  be  located  at of , 

in  the  County  of ,  State  of  California. 

Wherefore,  your  petitioners  pray  that  a  warrant  may  duly  issue  in 
pursuance  of  the  laws  of  your  Grand  Body  for  such  Lodge,  to  be 
known  and  hailed  as  Lodge,  No of  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

Dated    at this day    of 19 


NAMR  AND  NUMBBB  OF  LODOK. 


Form  No.  2. 

PETITION    OF   PERSONS    FOR   A    WARRANT    FOR   A 
SUBORDINATE  LODGE. 

The  petition  of  the  undersigned  persons  eligible  for  membership 
in  your  Order  respectfully  represent  that  it  would  be  consistent  with 
the  advantage  of  the  Order  to  establish  a  Subordinate  Lodge  to  be 

located  at of in  the  County  of , 

State  of  California.  Your  petitioners  further  represent  that  they 
entertain  a  favorable  opinion  of  your  benevolent  Order  and  request 
admission  to  the  same  and  in  consideration  of  such  admission  each 
promises  and  agrees  that  if  admitted  he  will  conform  to  the 
Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  the  Lodge  of  which  he  may  become  a 
member  and  the  Constitution  and  Laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F. 
of  the  State  of  California  and  those  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge, 


1002 


Forms. 


I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  that  he  will  seek  his  remedy  for  all  rights  on  account 
of  said  membership  or  connection  therewith  in  the  tribunals  of  the 
Order  only  without  resorting  in  any  event  or  for  any  purpose  to  the 
civil  courts;  that  the  health  of  each  petitioner  is  good  and  that  the 
age,  occupation,  residence  and  place  of  business  of  each  petitioner  is 
set  opposite  to  his  signature  hereto. 

Wherefore,  your  petitioners  pray  that  a  warrant  may  duly  issue  in 
pursuance  of  the  laws  of  your  Grand  Body  for  such  Lodge,  to  be 
known  and  hailed  as  Lodge  No ,  of  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

Dated  at this  day  of ,  19  .. 


AGK.       NATIVITY.       OCCUPATION.      RK8IDEN0E.      PLACE  OP  BUSINESS 


DIRECTIONS    AND    INSTRUCTIONS    REGARDING   THE 
INSTITUTION  OF  NEW  LODGES. 

First. — Where  there  is  no  Lodge  established,  secure  the  assent  of 
five  or  more  brothers  of  the  Order,  who  have  attained  the  Third  De- 
gree, holding  Withdrawal  Cards  less  than  one  year  old,  and  having 
obtained  that  number,  others  who  hold  cards  out  of  date,  or  Dis- 
missal Certificates,  may  become  petitioners ;  and  where  there  is  a 
Lodge  already  established,  secure  the  assent  of  seven  or  more  brothers 
of  th?  Order  who  have  attained  the  Third  Degree,  holding  Withdrawal 
Cards  less  than  one  year  old,  etc.,  or  secure  the  assent  of  twenty  or 
more  persons  who  are  not  members  of  the  Order  but  who  are  eligible 
for  membership  in  the  Order. 

Second. — Having  secured  the  assent,  as  above,  write  to  the  Grand 
Secretary  for  a  blank  form  of  petition  appropriate  to  the  petitioners  to 
organize  a  new  Lodge,  which  petition  must  be  signed  by  the  petitioners. 

Third. — Obtain  the  recommendation  or  consent  of  three-fourths 
of  the  Lodges  in  the  county  in  which  the  new  Lodge  will  be  located, 
without  which  no  dispensation  or  charter  will  be  issued. 

Fourth. — Have  three  Past  Grands,  in  good  standing,  examine  the 
hall  in  which  the  new  Lodge  proposes  to  meet,  and  give  certificate, 
certifying  that  such  hall  is  a  safe  and  suitable  one  in  which  to  hold 
the  meetings  and  do  the  work  of  a  Lodge  of  Odd  Fellows. 

Fifth. — Transmit  to  the  Grand  Secretary  all  the  papers  mentioned 
in  Clauses  2,  3  and  4;  also  all  the  cards  of  the  petitioners,  accompanied 
by  the  charter  fee,  which  is  $30.00. 


FORM.^.  1003 

Sixth. — ^Upon  receipt  of  the  foregoing  by  the  Grand  Secretary, 
and  upon  the  approval  of  the  Grand  Master — (should  the  Grand  Lodge 
be  in  session,  the  petition,  etc.,  will  be  submitted  directly  to  that  Body, 
and  if  approved) — a  dispensation  or  charter  will  be  issued,  empower- 
ing the  institution  of  the  Lodge. 

Seventh. — The  Grand  Master,  or  some  qualified  brother  duly 
commissioned  by  him,  will  institute  the  Lodge  on  the  date  fixed  upon 
by  the  petitioners.  None  but  those  petitioners  who  are  present  at  the 
institution  can  become  charter  members. 

Eighth. — Lodges  take  precedence  in  numbers,  as  they  are  insti- 
tuted. The  Grand  Lodge  has  permitted  new  Lodges  to  take  the  num- 
bers of  extinct  Lodges. 

Ninth. — A  suitable  appropriation  should  be  made  by  the  new 
Lodge  to  defray  the  act u'aT  expenses  of  the  instituting  officer. 

Tenth. — The  minimum  fees  for  admission  have  been  fixed  by  the 
Constitution  of  Subordinate  Lodges,  and  are  as  follows: 

For  admission  by  Initiation $10  00 

For  admission  by  deposit  of  Card 5  00 

For  admission  as  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow 8  00 

For  admission  by  deposit  of  Dismissal  Certificate  10  00 

For  each  Degree 5  00 

For  dues,  not  less  than  12V2  cents  per  week. 

It  is  recommended,  though,  that  a  uniform  admission  fee  for 
charter  members  be  fixed  at  the  preliminary  meetings  of  the  charter 
members. 

Eleventh. — New  Lodges  are  entitled  to  receive  two  Rituals,  one 
Digest  of  the  Laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  bound  Journals  of  the 
Proceedings  of  the  Grand  Lodge  free  of  charge.  Other  appropriate 
supplies  may  be  procured  of  the  Grand  Secretary,  as  follows:  One 
Question  Book,  one  Degree  Chart,  Ode  Cards,  one  Members'  Register 
(Constitution  Book),  one  Visitors'  Register,  one  Roll  of  Officers,  one 
Record  Book,  one  Ledger,  one  Secretary's  Cash  Book,  one  Treasurer's 
Cash  Book,  one  book  of  Warrants  on  Treasurer,  one  book  of  Official 
Certificates  (receipts  for  dues,  etc.),  one  Treasurer's  Receipt  Book 
(receipts  of  the  evening),  Blank  Applications  for  Membership,  Letter 
Heads,  Notices  and  other  supplies,  and  Seal  (seal  should  be  procured 
immediately  after  the  institution  of  the  Lodge),  all  orders  for  which 
must  be  accompanied  by  the  cash,  in  accordance  with  the  resolution  of 
the  Grand  Lodge.  A  price-list  of  Supplies  will  be  sent  with  the  blank 
petition. 


1004  Forms. 

Form  No.  3. 

PETITION  FOR  A  WARRANT  FOR  A  REBEKAH  LODGE. 

To  the  Grand  Master,  Officers  and  Members  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  of  the  State  of  California: 

The  petition  of  the  undersigned  members  in  possession  of  the 
Rebekah  Degree,  holding  unexpired  Withdrawal  Cards  from  Rebekah 
Lodges,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  recognized  by  your  Grand  Body,  respectfully 
represent : 

That  it  would  be  consistent  with  the  advantage  of  the  Order  to 

establish  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  to  be  located  at  the of  , 

in  the  County  of ,  State  of  California. 

That  those  petitioners  who  are  brothers  are  members  in  good 
standing  of  the  Subordinate  Lodges,  L  O.  O.  F.,  named  after  their 
respective  signatures  hereto. 

Wherefore,  your  petitioners  pray  that  a  warrant  may  duly  issue, 
in  pursuance  of  the  laws  of  your  Grand  Body,  for  the  institution  of  a 

Rebekah    Lodge,    to    be    known    and    hailed    as Rebekah 

Lodge,  No ,  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows. 

Dated  at this day  of ,  19  .. 

DIRECTIONS  AND  INSTRUCTIONS  REGARDING  THE 
INSTITUTION    OF    REBEKAH    LODGES. 

First. — Secure  the  assent  of,  at  least,  five  members  in  possession 
of  the  Degree  of  Rebekah,  irrespective  of  sex,  holding  Withdrawal 
Cards  less  than  one  year  old,  from  Rebekah  Lodges,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  to  the 
organization  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge. 

Second. — Having  secured  the  assent,  as  above,  write  to  the  Grand 
Secretary  for  a  blank  form  of  "Petition  for  a  warrant  for  a  Rebekah 
Lodge" ;  on  receiving  which,  have  it  signed  by  the  petitioners  with 
their  full  names,  care  being  taken  that  the  sisters  sign  with  their  own 
given  names  as  "Mrs.  Jane  Smith"  not  ''Mrs.  John  Smith." 

Third. — Obtain  the  consent  of  three-fourths  of  the  Rebekah 
Lodges  in  the  county  where  the  proposed  Lodge  is  to  be  located;  pro- 
vided, there  are  four  or  more  in  the  county.  Without  such  consent,  no 
dispensation  or  charter  will  be  issued. 

Fourth. — Present  the  petition  to  the  President  of  the  Rebekah 
Assembly,  I.  O.  O.  F,  of  California,  who  will  present  the  same  to  the 
Grand  Master  with  her  recommendation  relative  thereto. 

Fifth. — Transmit  the  charter  fee,  which  is  $10.00,  to  the  Grand 
Secretary  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.  of  the  State  of  California. 


Forms.  1005 

Sixth. — Upon  the  approval  of  the  Grand  Master — (should  the 
Grand  Lodge  be  in  session,  the  petition  will  be  submitted  directly  to 
that  Body,  and  if  approved) — a  dispensation  or  charter  will  be  issued, 
empowering  the  institution  of  the  Lodge. 

Seventh. — The  Grand  Master,  or  some  qualified  person  duly  com- 
missioned by  him,  will  institute  the  Lodge  on  the  date  fixed  upon  by 
the  petitioners.  None  but  those  petitioners  who  are  present  at  the 
institution  are  charter  members. 

Eighth. — Lodges  take  precedence  in  numbers,  as  they  are  insti- 
tuted. 

Ninth. — A  suitable  appropriation  should  be  made  by  the  new 
Lodge  to  defray  the  actual  expenses  of  the  instituting  officer. 

Tenth. — The  minimum  fees  for  admission  have  been  fixed  by  the 
Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges,  and  are  as  follows: 

Admission  by  deposit  of  unexpired  Withdrawal  Card  $1  00 
All    other   admissions 1  50 

It  is  recommended  that  a  uniform  admission  fee  for  charter  mem- 
bers be  fixed  at  the  preliminary  meetings  of  the  charter  members. 

Eleventh. — New  Rebekah  Lodges  are  entitled  to  receive  two 
Rituals  free  of  charge.  Other  appropriate  supplies  may  be  procured 
of  the  Secretar>'  of  the  Rebekah  Assembly,  L  O.  O.  F.  of  California, 
as  follows:  One  Seal  (this  should  be  procured  immediately  after 
institution),  one  Roll  of  Officers,  one  Record  Book,  one  Ledger,  one 
Secretary's  Cash  Book,  one  Treasurer's  Cash  Book,  one  Book  of  War- 
rants on  Treasurer,  one  book  of  Official  Certificates  (receipts  for  dues, 
etc.),  one  Treasurer's  Receipt  Book  (receipts  of  the  evening),  Blank 
Applications  for  Membership,  Letter  Heads,  Notices,  Ode  Cards,  etc. 
All  orders  for  supplies  must  be  accompanied  by  the  cash.  A  Price 
List  of  Supplies  will  be  sent  with  the  blank  petition. 


Form  No.  4. 

WARRANT  FOR  CONSOLIDATING  LODGES. 
To  all  whom  it  may  concern: 

We Grand  Master  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 

Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  of  the  State  of  California. 

Friendship,  Love  and  Truth. 

Know  Ye,  That  petitions  having  been  received  from 

Lodge,  No I.  O.  O.  F.,  and Lodge,  No I.  O.  O.  F., 

respectively,   wherein  petitioners   ask  that   said   Lodges   become   con- 
solidated into Lodge,  No I.  O.  O.  F,,  located  at  the 


1006  Forms. 

,    County ,    State    of    California,    and 

thereafter  to  be  known  as Lodge,  No. . . .,  I.  O.  O.  F, 

And  that  on  due  proof  that  each  and  all  of  said  Lodges  petition- 
ing as  aforesaid,  had  carried  the  question  of  such  consolidation  by  the 
necessary  two-thirds  vote,  as  required  by  the  Constitution  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  of  the  State  of  Cali- 
fornia, we  do,  vby  virtue  of  the  power  in  us  vested,  hereby  grant  this 

warrant,    consolidating    said    Lodges    into    said Lodge, 

No ,  L  O.  O.  F.,  located  at  the. ,  County  of , 

State  of  California,  and  to  be  thereafter  governed  by  such  laws,  rules 
and  regulations  as  in  said  Grand  Lodge  Constitution  are  made  and 
provided. 

In  Witness  Whereof,  We  have  hereunto  subscribed  our  names 
and  affixed  the  seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of 

Odd  Fellows  of  the  State  of  California,  this day  of , 

A.  D ,  and  of  our  Order,  the 

Grand    Master. 

[seal.]  Grand   Secretary. 

(1896  Journal,  393,  593,  635.) 


Form  No.  5. 

ACTIONS  BY  LODGES  ON   CONSOLIDATION. 

Hall  of Lodge,  No ,  I.  O.  O.  F. 

19 

To  the  Officers  and  Members  of 

Lodge,  No....,  I.  O.  O.  F. 

Dear  Sirs  and  Brothers  :     We,    your    committee    appointed    to 
consider   the   advisability   of   consolidating   this    Lodge   with   and   into 

Lodge,  No ,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  beg  leave  to  submit  the 

following : 

Resolved,  That  this  Lodge  consolidate  with  and  into 

Lodge,  No ,  I,  O.   O.  F.,  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of 

Article  IX,  Section  6,  Constitution  of  Grand  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.  of  the 
State  of  California. 

Resolved,    That    the    above    resolution    be    read    at    each    regular 

meeting  of  this  Lodge  for  one  month  from  the day  of , 

19 ,  and  that  final  action  on  the  same  shall  take  place  on  the  even- 
ing of ,  19. . . . 


,  Committee. 


Forms.  1007 

IV e  Hereby  Certify,  That  the  above  resolutions,  having  been  read 
the  requisite  number  of  times  as  called  for  in  same,  were  adopted  this 

the day   of 19 You   are    respectfully   requested 

to  issue  a  Warrant  for  said  consolidation,  to  take  effect  on  the 

day  of 19.... 

[seal.]  Noble    Grand. 

Recording    Secretary. 


Form  No.  6. 
ACTIONS  BY  LODGES  ON  CONSOLIDATION. 

Hall  of Lodge,  No.  . . .,  I.  O.  O.  F. 

19... 

Whereas,  It  is  understood  tllat Lodge,  No 

I.  O.  O.  F.,  is  desirous  of  consolidating  with  this  Lodge,  under  Article 
IX,  Section  6,  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.  of  Cali- 
fornia, and  it  being  evident  that  such  action  is  for  the  best  interests 
of  both  Lodges,  therefore,  be  it 

Resolved,  That Lodge,   No....,  I.   O.  O.   F.,  be 

allowed  to  consolidate  with  and  into  this  Lodge,  and  that  this  Lodge 

receive  the  members  of  said Lodge,   No ,  into  full 

membership  in  this  Lodge  in  accordance  with  the  above  mentioned 
provision  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  this  jurisdiction. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  resolution  be  read  at  each  regular  meet- 
ing of  this  Lodge  for  one  month  from  the day  of , 

19 ,  and  that  final  action  on  the  same  shall  take  place  on  the  even- 
ing of 19 


IVe  Hereby  Certify,  That  the  above  resolutions,  having  been  read 
the  requisite  number  of  times  as  called  for  in  same,  were  adopted  this 

the day  of 19...     You  are  respectfully  requested  to 

issue  a  warrant  for  said  consolidation,  the  same  to  take  place  on  the 
day  of ,  19... 

[seal.]  Noble    Grand. 

Recording    Secretary. 


1008  Forms. 

Form  No.  7. 

DISPENSATION  FROM  DISTRICT  DEPUTY  GRAND 
MASTER. 

Office  of  the 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  L  O.  O.  F., 

OF  the  State  of  California. 

19.... 

District  No 

To  the  Noble  Grand,  Vice-Grand,  Officers  and  Brothers  of 

Lodge,  No....,  I.  O.  O.  F. 

In  compliance  with  the  request  for  a  dispensation  contained  in  a 

communication  from  your  Lodge,  dated  the day  of , 

19 

Now,   therefore,    I District    Deputy   Grand 

Master,  for  District  No of  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 

I.  O.  O.  F.,  of  the  State  of  California,  do,  by  virtue  of  the  power  and 
authority  in  me  vested,  hereby  authorize  and  empower  you  to 

In   Witness  Whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  this 

day  of 19 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master. 


Form  No.  8. 

CERTIFICATE  OR  APPLICATION  FOR  ADMISSION  OF  A 
BROTHER  TO  ODD  FELLOWS'  HOME. 

Hall  of Lodge,  No ,  I.  O.  O.  F. 

19.... 

To  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  of  California  •' 

This  Certifies,  That is,  and  for  the  five  years 

next  preceding  this  date  has  been,  a  member  of  this  Lodge  in  good 

standing;    that   he   was   admitted   to  this   Lodge   on   the day   of 

19 ,  by ,  and  ranks  as  a 

member  of  the Degree,  and  according  to  our  Register 

is  now years  of  age.     He  is,  by  reason  of  the  infirmities  of 

age,  unable  to  earn  a  livelihood,  and  is  in  indigent  circumstances  and 
is  not  in  receipt  of  a  pension  or  other  revenue,  or  entitled  to  a  resi- 
dence in  a  "Soldiers"  or  "Sailors"  Home,  and  without  the  necessary 
means  of  support.  He  is  not  no\y  sick,  or  entitled  to  attentive  or 
pecuniary  benefits,  nor  has  he  had  for  the  six  months  last  past.  He  is 
able  to,  and  now  does  attend  to  his  personal  needs,  and  agrees  to  care 


Forms.  1009 

for  his  room,  and  do  such  other  work  in  and  about  "The  Home,"  as 
his  heahh  and  physical  condition  may  permit,  and  as  may  be  deemed 
beneficial  to  him.  under  medical  guidance  and  direction. 

The  applicant  will  present  himself  before  the  Trustees  at  a  regular 
meeting  unless  otherwise  directed. 

He  will,  upon  arrival  at  "The  Home,"  submit  himself  to  the  Resi- 
dent Physician  for  examination  as  to  his  mental  and  physical  condi- 
tion, and  upon  the  report  of  said  Resident  Physician,  approved  by  the 
Board  of  Trustees,  it  is  agreed  his  residence  in  ''The  Home"  shall 
depend;  compliance  with  the  rules  of  "The  Home"  being  the  general 
condition  of  permanent  residence.  If  dismissed  from  "The  Home" 
for  cause,  or  rejected  by  the  Resident  Physician  at  the  final  examina- 
tion for  admission  thereto,  this  Lodge  agrees  to  take  charge  of  the 
applicant  at  "The  Home"  and  assume  payment  of  the  transportation 
charges  therefrom. 

We  therefore  request  that  he  be  admitted  as  an  Aged  and  Indi- 
gent Odd  Fellow,  as  a  resident  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  of  Cali- 
fornia, and  certify  that  as  a  condition  of  such  admission  he  has  waived 
all  claims  for  sick  or  funeral  benefits  while  he  remains  such  inmate. 
Our  Lodge  agrees,  in  case  of  death  at  "The  Home,"  to  pay  to  the 
Home  Fund  the  funeral  expense  incurred  by  said  "Home"  (not  less 
than  $50.00). 

Witness  our  hands,  and  the  seal  of  the  Lodge,  the  day  and  year 
first  above  written. 

[seal.]  Noble    Grand. 

Attest : Recording    Secretary. 

I  Agree  to  the  foregoing  and  promise  to  conform  to  the  same. 

Applicant. 


Form  No.  9. 

MEDICAL  CERTIFICATE  FOR  ADMISSION  TO  ODD 
FELLOWS'  HOME. 

1.  Name    of    applicant .\j?e Years. 

2.  Is    applicant    blind? 

3.  Has  applicant  had  any  disease  of  the  brain  or  of  the  nervous  cen- 

ters ?    If    so,    give    particulars 

4.  Are  there  any  signs  of  apoplexy,  epilepsy,  insanity,  or  other  ner- 

vous affections,  or  of  predisposition  to  them  ? 

6.    Or  of  paralysis,  gout,  dropsy,  aneurism,  rupture,  tumor,  scrofula, 

phthisis  or  disease  of  the  kidneys  ? 

64 


1010  Forms. 

6.  Are  there  any  effects  of  chronic  disease  or  mechanical  injury,  or 
of  ulcers,  varicose  veins,  or  any  other  forms  of  disease  requir- 
ing special  medical  treatment  or  the  services  of  a  constant 
attendant  ?    


Remarks  

The  examination  as  above  was  made  by  me  this. . .  .day  of . . . . 
19.... 

M.  D. 

Have  practiced years ;  now  practicing  at 

Attest:  Noble   Grand. 

[seal.]  Secretary. 

Lodge,  No 

At 


Form  No.  10. 

CERTIFICATE  OR  APPLICATION  FOR  ADMISSION  OF  A 
WIDOW  TO   ODD  FELLOWS'  HOME. 

Hall  of Lodge,  No I.  O.  O.  F. 

,   Gal 19.... 

To  the  Trustees  of  the  Odd  Felloias'  Home  of  California: 

This  certifies.  That is  the  widow  of  Brother 

who   for  the   five  years  next  preceding  his 

death,  had  been  a  member  in  good  standing  of  this  Lodge ;  that  he  was 

admitted  to  this  Lodge  on  the day  of 19 , 

and  ranked  as  a  member  of  the Degree.    The  applicant  is  now 

years  of  age,  without  necessary  means  of  support,  and  is,  by 

reason  of  the  infirmities  of  age,  unable  to  earn  a  livelihood.  She  is  not 
now  sick,  nor  has  she  been  for  the  six  months  last  past.  She  is  able 
to,  and  now  does  attend  to  her  personal  wants,  and  agrees  to  care  for 
her  room,  and  do  such  other  work  as  her  health  and  physical  condition 
may  permit,  and  as  may  be  deemed  beneficial  to  her  under  medical 
guidance   and   direction. 

She  will  present  herself  to  the  Trustees  residing  most  conveniently, 
there  to  be  examined  by  a  Physician  selected  by  said  Trustee.  She 
will,  upon  arrival  at  the  Home,  submit  herself  to  the  Resident  Physi- 
cian for  examination  as  to  her  mental  and  physical  condition,  and  upon 
the  report  of  said  physician,  approved  by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  it  is 
agreed  her  residence  in  the  Home  shall  depend.  Gompliance  with  the 
rules  of  the  Home  being  the  general  condition  of  permanent  residence, 


Forms.  1011 

If  dismissed  from  the  Home  for  cause,  this  Lodge  agrees  to  take  charge 
of  the  applicant  at  the  Home,  and  assume  paj-ment  of  transportation 
charges  therefrom. 

We  therefore  request  that  she  be  admitted  as  a  resident  of  the 
Odd  Fellows'  Home  of  California.  Our  Lodge  agrees,  in  case  of 
death  at  the  Home,  to  pay  the  Home  Fund  the  funeral  expenses  in- 
curred by  said  Home  (not  less  than  $50.00). 

IVitness,  our  hands  and  the  seal  of  the  Lodge,  the  day  and  year 
first  above  written. 

[seal.]  Noble  Grand. 

Recording    Secretary. 

I  Agree  to  the  foregoing  and  promise  to  conform  to  the  same. 

Applicant. 


Form  No.  11. 

APPLICATION  FOR  ADMISSION  TO  THE  I.   O.  O.  F. 
ORPHANS'  HOME. 

No.    Applicant No.    Admission 

I.  O.  O.  F.  Orphans'  Home  of  California. 

Date  of  Admission |     Date   of   Leaving 

Inmate  Term 

Application    of 

Of I     Made  by 

Date  of 

Date  and  place  of  birth 

Age I     Sex    

Condition    

Has  applicant  been  vaccinated? |     Is  applicant  in  good  health?. 

Paternal  Relations: 

Father's   full   name 

Date  and  place  of  birth 

Came  to  California |     Occupation  

If  deceased,  date  and  place  of  death 

If  living,  place  of  re.sidence 

Name,  number  and  location  of  I.  O.  O.  F.  Lodge 

Name,  number  and  location  of  Rebekah  Lodge 

What  estate  to  which  applicant  is  heir 

What    Life    Insurance 

Father's    Brothers  

Father's  Sisters 


1012  Forms. 

Maternal  Relations. 

Mother — Date  and  place  of  birth 

Name   before    marriage Age . 

Came  to  California 

If  deceased,  date  and  place  of  death 

tf  living,  place  of  residence 

Name,  number  and  location  of  Rebekah  Lodge 

Mother's   Brothers 

Mother's    Sisters 

Estate  of  which  applicant  is  heir 


Marriage  : 

Father  and   Mother  married  at Date 

By  

Present  residence  of  person  officiating 

Marriage    certificate — where    recorded 

/  Hereby   Certify,   That   the    statements    contained    in    the   above 
answers  to  questions  are  true,  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  belief. 

Signed 

Date    

(If  anything  is  promised  in  the  way  of  support  of  the  child,  the 
following  blank  will  be  filled  and  signed:) 

/  do  Hereby  Promise  and  agree  to  pay  to  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Orphans' 

Home,   the    sum    of Dollars,    per ,    payable 

for    and   in   consideration   of   the   support   and 

maintenance  of the  applicant   for  admission  herein. 

Signed  

Relation    

EXAMINING  physician's  CERTIFICATE. 

This  is  to  Certify,  That  I  have  this  day  carefully  examined 

and,  as  a  result  of  said  examination,  I 

find  the  above  named  child free   from  contagious   disease, 

and  a  proper  subject mentally  and  physically  for  admission 

to  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Orphans'  Home. 


M.  D. 

Examining  Physician. 
190.. 


Memoranda. 
(Here  record  all  souvenirs,  heir-looms,  mementoes,  or  articles  of  any 
kind  that  are  placed  in  keeping  of  the  Home  for  the  child.) 


Forms.  1013 

■^In  filling  up  the  blanks  within,  it  is  intended  to  preserve  from 
oblivion  such  facts  of  family  history  as  will  be  of  interest  to  the  child 
when  it  arrives  at  maturity. 

■^It  is  desired  that  all  facts  ascertainable  will  be  written  down 
plainly  and  as  fully  as  the  blanks  will  admit. 

■^Applications  which  exhibit  carelessness  or  negligence  of  the 
information  sought  to  be  obtained,  will  be  returned  for  amendment 
before  the  applicant  is  accepted. 

■■Tin  answering  questions  concerning  the  estate  to  which  appli- 
cant may  be  a  possible  heir,  special  inquiry  should  be  instituted. 
This  is  due  to  the  child,  and  is  recognized  as  a  solemn  duty  of  guar- 
dianship. 

■^Orphans  and  half  orphans  are  admitted,  but  none  over  four- 
teen years  of  age. 


Form  No.  12. 

CERTIFICATE  OF  DECEASED  FATHER'S  STANDING. 

Hall  of Lodge,  No ,  I.  O.  O.  F. 

Gal 19.... 

To  the  Board  of  Trustees,  I.  O.  O.  F.  Orphans'  Home  of  California: 

This  is  to  Certify,  That deceased  father  of 

who  seek,  .admission  into  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Orphans'  Home  of  Califor- 
nia, was  at  the  time  of  his  decease, 19 ,  a  member  in 

good   standing  of Lodge,   No L   O.   O.   F., 

located  at 

[seal.]        Attest:    Noble    Grand. 

Secretary. 

EXAMINING  physician's  CERTIFICATE. 

This  is  to  Certify,  That  I  have  this  day  carefully  examined 

and,  as  a  result  of  said  examination,  I 

find  the  above  named  child free  from  contagious  disease,  and 

a  proper   subject mentally   and   physically   for   admission   to 

the  L  O.  O.  F.  Orphans'  Home. 

M.  D., 

Examining  Physician. 
19.... 


1014  Forms. 

Form  No.  13. 

CERTIFICATE  OF  DECEASED  MOTHER'S  STANDING. 

Hall  of Rebekah  Lodge,  No ,  I.  O.  O.  F. 

Gal 19.... 

To  the  Board  of  Trustees,  I.  O.  O.  F.  Orphans'  Home  of  California: 

This  is  to  Certify,  That deceased  mother  of 

who  seek,  .admission  into  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Orphans'  Home  of  Califor- 
nia, was  at  the  time  of  her  decease 19 ,  a  member 

in  good   standing  of    Rebekah   Lodge,   No , 

L  O.  O.  F.,  located  at ■ 

Noble  Grand. 

[seal.]  Attest : Secretary. 

EXAMINING  physician's  CERTIFICATE. 

This  is  to  Certify,  That  I  have  this  day  carefully  examined 

and,   as  a  result  of  said  examination,   I 

find  the  above  named  child.. free  from  contagious  disease,  and 

a   proper    subject mentally   and    physically    for    admission   to 

the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Orphans'  Home. 

M.  D., 

Examining  Physician. 
19... 


Form  No.  14. 

CERTIFICATE  OF  LIFE  MEMBERSHIP  IN  ODD 
FELLOWS'  HOME. 

Odd  Felloivs'  Home  of  California: 

This  Certifies,  That  Lodge,  No ,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  has 

paid  the  sum  of  One  Thousand  Dollars  for  a 

Life  Membership 
in  said  Home,  and  in  consideration  thereof  is  entitled  to  board,  lodg- 
ing and  care  thereat,  as  an  inmate  thereof,  during  life,  subject  only 
to    conformity    with    the    rules    and    regulations    established    for    the 
government  of  said  Home. 

Granted  by  order  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  this  . .  day  of ,  19. . 

President. 

Secretary. 


i 


Forms.  1015 

Form  No.  15. 

ORDER    FOR   THE    SEMI-ANNUAL    PASSWORD. 

,  Cal.,  19... 

To  the  Noble  Grand  of  any  Lodge  of  the 

Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  in  the  State  of  California : 

This  is  to  Certify,  That  the  bearer,  Brother has  paid 

all  demands  against  him  in Lodge,  No ,  I.  O.  O.  F., 

up  to  ihe   day  of ,  19 ,  and  is  entitled 

to  the  Semi-Annual  Password  for  the  term  commencing  on  the  first 

day  of 19 which  you  will  please  communicate  to 

him    after    due    examination,    whereupon    you    will    retain    or    destroy 
this  letter. 

Yours  in  F.,  L.  and  T., 

Noble  Grand. 

[seal.]  Attest: Secretary. 


Form  No.  16. 

ORDER  FOR  ANNUAL  TRAVELING  PASSWORD. 

If  a  brother  applying  for  a  Withdrawal  Card  be  absent  from  the 
location  of  his  Lodge,  so  that  he  cannot  obtain  the  Annual  Traveling 
Password  with  his  card  in  person,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  proper  officers, 
upon  granting  such  card,  to  transmit  the  same  to  the  brother;  and 
also  send  therewith  a  letter  in  the  following  form,  to-wit : 

Lodge,  No ,  L  O.  O.  F.,  of 

State  of  California,  this  day  of  ,  19 

To  the  Noble  Grand  of  any  Lodge  of  the 

Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows: 

The  bearer.  Brother  holding  a  legal  card  from 

this  Lodge,  dated  this   day  of   19 for 

the  period  of months,  is  entitled  to  the  Annual  Traveling 

Password  for  the  current  year,  which  please  communicate  to  him 
after  due  examination ;  whereupon  you  will  retain  or  destroy  this 
letter. 

Noble  Grand. 

Attest : Secretary. 

Note.— Should  the  letter  be  sent  in  another  year  subsequent  to  the 
year  in  which  the  card  is  issued,  as,  for  instance,  when  the  card  is 
dated  in  December  of  one  year,  and  the  letter  dated  in  January  of  the 


101 G  Forms. 

ensuing  year;  or  in  the  case  of  issuing  a  duplicate  card  in  the  place  of 
the  one  lost,  then  the  words  "current  year"  in  the  letter  should  be 
omitted,  and  the  words  year  in  which  the  card  is  dated,  or  the  words 
that  year,  should  be  inserted.  The  Annual  Traveling  Password 
required  of  a  brother  to  prove  himself  in  possession  of,  when  he  offers 
to  visit  a  Subordinate  Lodge  on  an  unexpired  Withdrawal  Card,  is 
the  Annual  Traveling  Password  for  the  year  in  which  the  card  was 
issued  and  bears  date. — (See  1866-1868-1890  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
Journal,  3876,  3953,  3987,  4240,  4374,  4404,  4414,  4430, 11898, 12217, 12281). 
Care  should  be  taken  in  writing  the  order  or  letter  in  all  cases,  so  that 
the  brother  to  whom  it  is  sent  should  receive  the  proper  Annual  Trav- 
eling Password. 


Form  No.  17. 

ORDER  FOR  THE  SEMI-ANNUAL  PASSWORD  FOR 
REBEKAH  LODGES. 

To  the  Noble  Grand  of  any  Rebekah  Lodge  of  the  Independent 

Order  of  Odd  Fellows  of  the  State  of  California: 

This  is  to  Certify,  That  the  bearer,  ,  has  paid  all 

demands    against    in    the    Rebekah    Lodge, 

No. . .,  L  O.  O.  F.  of  the  State  of  California,  up  to day  of , 

19 ,  and  is  entitled  to  the   Semi- Annual   Password  for  Rebekah 

Lodges,  for  the  term  commencing  on  the  first  day  of ,  19. . . ., 

which  you  will  please  communicate  to after  due  examination; 

whereupon  you  will  retain  or  destroy  this  letter. 

Noble  Grand. 

[seal.]  Attest: Secretary. 


Form  No.  18. 

ORDER  FOR  ANNUAL  PASSWORD  USED  AS  A 
TRAVELING  PASSWORD. 

If  a  brother  or  sister  applying  to  his  or  her  Rebekah  Lodge  for  a 
Withdrawal  Card  be  absent  from  the  location  of  the  Rebekah  Lodge, 
so  that  he  or  she  cannot  obtain  the  Annual  Password  with  his  or 
her  card  in  person,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  proper  officers,  upon  granting 
such  card,  to  transmit  the  same  to  the  brother  or  sister;  and  also 
send  a  letter  therewith  in  the  following  form,  to-wit: 

Cal,  19.... 

Rebekah    Lodge,    No I.   O.    O.   R, 

State  of  California.    This day  of 19 


Forms.  1017 

To  the  Noble  Grand  of  any  Rehekah  Lodge  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellozvs: 

The  bearer,   holding  a  legal  card  from  this 

Lodge,  dated  this  day  of ,  19 ,  for  the  period  of 

months,  is  entitled  to  the  Annual  Password  for  the  current 

year,  which  please  communicate  to  h after  due  examination;  where- 
upon you  will  retain  or  destroy  this  letter. 

Noble  Grand. 

[seal.]  Attest: Secretary. 


Form  No.  19. 

PHYSICIAN'S    CERTIFICATE    OF    EXAMINATION    OF 
CANDIDATE   FOR  MEMBERSHIP. 
The  Grand  Lodge  has  prescribed  the  following  form  thereof.     It 
is  not  compulsory  upon  Lodges  to  require  a  certificate,  but  this  form 
must  be  used  if  any: 

Physician's  Certificate   of  Examination  of  Candidates  for 
Membership. 

(Physician  to  write  in  answers.) 

What  is  your  name  ? 

What  is  your  present  health  ? 

Has  change  of  climate    ever    been  sought    for    the    benefit    of    your 

health? 

^ave  you  ever  been  confined  to  the  house  by  sickness  or  any  physical 

injury? 

If  so,  when  and  for  what  period  of  time? 

Are  your  parents  living  ? 

If  dead«  at  what  age  did  they  die  and  what  was  the  cause  of  their 

death? 

Has  any  member  of  your  family,  or  any  near  relative,  ever  had  disease 

of  lungs,  heart,  brain,  or  any  hereditary  disease? 

Do  you  use  alcoholic  stimulants  ? 

If  so,  to  what  extent  ? 

Do  you  use  opium  ? 

Do  you  know  of  anything,  either  in  your  business  or  personal  habits, 

that  would  tend  to  impair  your  health  ? 

Signature :  

physician's  certificate. 

I  hereby  certify  that  I  have  this  day  examined  Mr 

and  that  I  find  him  in  every  respect  physically  sound,  with  no  indica- 
tions of  ever  having  had  any  serious  disease,  nor  any  predisposition  to 

disease,  except 

M.  D. 

—1888  Journal,  1119,  1152;  1889  Journal,  34,  122,  163. 


1018  Forms. 

A  Subordinate  Lodge  may  add  to  the  form  prescribed  by  the  Grand 
Lodge  any  questions  which  it  may  deem  advisable  in  regard  to  the 
physical  condition  of  the  applicant. — 1895  Journal,  185,  228,  54. 


Form  No.  20. 

BOND  OF  TRUSTEES  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents : 

That  we, as  principal,  and and 

as  sureties,  all  of ,  County  of ,  California, 

are   held   and    firmly  bound   unto    ,    Noble    Grand,   and 

,  Vice-Grand,  of Lodge,  No ,  of  the 

Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  of  the  State  of  California,  or  their 

successors    in   office,    in   the   sum   of    dollars,    in   United 

States  gold  coin,  for  which  payment,  well  and  truly  to  be  made,  we 
bind  ourselves,  our  and  each  of  our  heirs,  executors  and  administrators, 
jointly  and  severally,  firmly  by  these  presents. 

Dated  this day  of ,  19 

Whereas,  the  above  boundeh was,  on  the 

day    of    ,    19...,,    elected    to    the    office   of    Trustee    of 

Lodge,    No ,  of  the   Independent   Order   of   Odd 

Fellows  of  the  State  of  California,  for  the  term  commencing  on  the 
day  of   ,  19 

Now,  therefore,  the  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such  that  if  the 

said   shall  well  and  truly  discharge  and  perform  the 

duties   of  Trustee   of  said    Lodge,    No.    ....,    for   and 

during  his  official  term  and  until  his  successor  is  elected  and  qualified, 
and  shall,  at  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  office,  surrender  and  deliver 
up  all  books,  papers,  money  and  property  received  by  him  under  or 
by  virtue  of  any  order  or  resolution  or  law  of  said  Lodge,  and  all 
books,  papers,  money  and  property  of  said  Lodge,  to  his  successor  in 
office,  or  to  such  other  person  or  persons  as  such  Lodge  shall  direct, 
according  to  the  provisions  of  the  Constitution,  By-Laws,  rules,  regu- 
lations, resolutions,  orders  or  votes  of  said  Lodge,  now  existing,  or 
which  may  hereafter  be  adopted  by  said  Lodge,  and  shall  keep  true 
and  just  accounts  of  all  money  and  property  that  he  may  receive  as 
such  Trustee,  and  shall  exhibit  and  submit  to  said  Lodge,  or  to  the 
persons  by  said  Lodge  thereunto  appointed,  his  said  accounts  and  the 
vouchers  therefor,  whenever  thereto  requested,  then  this  obligation  to 
be  void,  otherwise  to  remain  in  full  force  and  virtue. 

Witness : 

[seal.] 

[seal.] 

[seal.] 

(Each  Trustee  must  file  a  separate  bond,  with  two  sureties.) 


Forms.  1019 

Form  No.  21. 

BOND  OF  TREASURER  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE. 
Know  all  men  by  these  presents : 

That  we, as  principal,  and ,  and 

as  sureties,  all  of ,  County  of ,  California,  are 

held  and  firmly  bound  unto   and   ,  Trustees 

of  Lodge,  No ,  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 

Fellows  of  the  State  of  California,  or  their  successors  in  office,  in  the 

sum  of   dollars,  in  United  States  gold  coin,   for  which 

payment,  well  and  truly  to  be  made,  we  bind  ourselves,  our  and  each 
of  our  heirs,  executors  and  administrators,  jointly  and  severally,  firmly 
by  these  presents. 

Dated  this day  of ,19 

Whereas,  the  above  bounden   was,  on  the   

day  of    19 ,   elected   to   the   office   of   Treasurer   of 

Lodge,   No ,  of  the   Independent  Order  of  Odd 

Fellows  of  the  State  of  California,  for  the  term  commencing  on  the 
day  of  19 

Now,  therefore,  the  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if 

the  said  shall  well  and  truly  discharge  and  perform  the 

duties  of  Treasurer  of  said    Lodge,   No for  and 

during  his  official  term,  and  until  his  successor  is  elected  and  qualified, 
and  shall,  at  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  office,  surrender  and  deliver 
up  all  books,  papers,  money  and  property  received  by  him  under  or 
by  virtue  of  any  order  or  resolution  or  law  of  said  Lodge,  and  all 
books,  papers,  money  and  property  of  said  Lodge  to  his  successor  in 
office,  or  to  such  other  person  or  persons  as  such  Lodge  shall  direct, 
according  to  the  provisions  of  the  Constitution,  By-Laws,  rules,  regu- 
lations, resolutions,  orders  or  votes  of  said  Lodge,  now  existing,  or 
which  may  hereafter  be  adopted  by  said  Lodge,  and  shall  keep  true 
and  just  accounts  of  all  moneys  and  property  that  he  may  receive  as 
such  Treasurer,  and  shall  exhibit  and  submit  to  said  Lodge,  or  to  the 
persons  by  said  Lodge  thereunto  appointed,  his  said  accounts  and  the 
vouchers  therefor,  whenever  thereto  requested,  then  this  obligation  to 
be  void,  otherwise  to  remain  in  full  force  and  virtue. 

Witness: 

[seal.) 

[seal.] 

[seal.] 


1020  Forms. 

Form  No.  22. 

CHARGES.  ^ 

To Lodge,  No ,  /.  O.  O.  F. 

The  undersigned,  a  member  of  Lodge,  No , 

I.  O.  O.  F.,  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  State  of 

California,    L    O.    O.    F.,   hereby   charges    ,    a   member   of 

Lodge,    No ,    with    having   been    guilty   of 

,    as    more    fully    appears 

by  the  following 

specifications. 

First :  

So  far  as  the  charges  are  concerned,  members,  by  consulting 
Article  VIII  of  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates,  will  find  a  general 
designation  of  offenses  against  the  Order,  any  one  or  more  of  which 
may  be  inserted  in  the  blank,  or  the  general  charge  of  "conduct  unbe- 
coming an  Odd  Fellow,"  as  the  case  may  be. 

Under  the  head  of  "Specifications"  there  should  be  a  full  state- 
ment of  the  offense,  time,  place  and  circumstances  of  each  alleged 
offense — if  more  than  one — separately. 

—1870  Journal,  232,  235,  251. 


Form  No.  23. 

SUMMONS. 

Lodge,  No ,  /.  O.  O.  F.,  19 

To  

Sir  and  Brother  :— You  are  hereby  notified  that  on  the 

day   of    ,    A.    D.    19 ,    Charges    and    Specifications — of 

which  a  certified  copy,  under  the  Seal  of  the  Lodge,  is  herewith 
served  on  you — were  preferred  against  you  and  filed  in  said  Lodge, 
and  were  referred  for  trial  to  the  undersigned  committee. 

You   are  hereby   summoned  to   appear  before   said  committee,   at 

on  the   day  of   ,  A.  D.  19 , 

at  ....  o'clock  ...  M,  of  that  day,  to  make  answer  to  said  charges  and 
proceed  with  the  trial  thereof.  In  default  of  which  you  will  be  reported 
to  said  Lodge  as  being  guilty  of  contempt  thereof. 


Committee. 
■1870  Journal,  232,  251. 


Forms.  1021 


Filing  of  Summons. 
(On  back  of  Form  No.  23.) 

To  

Filed  this day  of ,  A.  D.  19. 


Secretary   of   Committee. 


Form  No.  24. 

Certificate  of  Service  of  Summons. 
(On  back  of  Form  No.  23.) 

Lodge,  No ,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  19.... 

I  hereby  certify  that  on  the day  of 

A.  D.,  19 at  the State  of  California,  I 

served  the  within  Summons,  also  the  Charges  and  Specifications  referred 

to  therein,  by  delivering  to  and  leaving  with  said 

the  accused,  a  copy  of  said  Summons,  attached  to  a  copy  of  the  Charges 
and  Specifications  against  him,  certified  under  the  Seal  of  the  Lodge. 
Member  of  said  Lodge. 


Form  No.  25. 

Admission  of  Service  of  Summons. 

(On  back  of  Form  No.  23.) 

19 

I  hereby  admit  due  service  of  the  within  Summons,  also  of  a  duly 
certified  copy,  under  the  Seal  of  the  Lodge,  of  the  Charges  and  Speci- 
fications referred  to  herein,  this  day  of  ,  19 


Form  No.  26. 
SUBPOENA. 

Lodge,  No. L  O.  O.  F. 

19 

To 

You  are  hereby  notified  and  required  to  appear  before  the  com- 
mittee heretofore  appointed  to  try  the  charges  preferred  by  Brother 

against    Brother    at    on    the 

day  of ,  A.  D.  19 at o'clock m. 

of  that  day,  to  testify  as  a  witness  therein  on  behalf  of  said 

.    By  order  of  the  Committee. 

Secretary  of  Committee. 

—1870  Journal,  2.33,  251. 


1022  Forms. 

Form  No.  27. 

Certificate  of  Service  of  Subpoena. 
(On  back  of  Form  No.  26.) 
Lodge,  No ,  I.  O.  O.  F. 


19. 


I  hereby  certify  that   on  the    day  of    , 

A.  D.  19 ,  I  served  the  within  subpoena  on   by 

delivering  to  and  leaving  with  him  a  copy  thereof,  in  the  

County  of 


Member  of  said  Lodge. 


Form  No.  28. 
Acceptance .  of  Service  of  Subpoena. 
(On  back  of  Form  No.  26.) 

I  hereby  accept  service  of  within  Subpoena  at , 

this  day  of  ,  A.  D.  19.... 


Form  No.  29. 

REPORT  OF  TRIAL  COMMITTEE. 

To Lodge,  No ,  /.  O.  O.  F. 

Your  Committee  heretofore  appointed  to  try  the  charges  preferred 
against  by  Brother  ,  report  that  the  accom- 
panying documents  contain  the  proceedings  of,  and  the  evidence  taken 
before,  said  Committee. 

That  from  all  that  appeared  to  said  Committee  in  said  case,  they 
find  Brother   


Committee. 
—1870  Journal,  234,  251. 


Forms.  1023 

Form  No.  30. 

NOTICE  OF  FILING  REPORT  OF  TRIAL  COMMITTEE. 

Lodge.  No I.  O.  O.  F. 

19 

To 

Sir  and   Brother: — Take  notice   that    the   Committee   heretofore 

appointed  to  try  the  charges  preferred  against  you  by  Brother 

have  this  day  filed  their  report  herein. 

You  have  two  weeks  from  the  date  of  receiving  this  notice  within 
which  to  file  your  exceptions  thereto. 

Yours  in  P.,  L.  and  T,. 

Recording  Secretary. 

—1870  Journal,  234,  251. 


Form  No.  31. 

Certificate  of  Service  of  Notice. 

(On  back  of  Form  No.  30.) 
Lodge,  No ,  I.  O.  O.  F. 


19.. 


I  hereby  certify  that  I  served  the  within  notice  on  

by  delivering  to  and  leaving  with  him  a  copy  thereof,  this   

day  of ,  A.  D.  19 ,  at  the  place  aforesaid. 

Recording  Secretary. 


Form  No.  32. 

BILL  OF  EXCEPTIONS. 

To  Lodge,  Xo /.  O.  O.  F. 

19 

The  undersigned  hereby  presents  the  following  Bill  of  Exceptions 
to  the  report  of  the  Committee,  heretofore  made  herein,  relative  to 

the  charges  preferred  against  him  by  Brother ;  also  to  the 

proceedings  of  and  the  testimony  taken  before  said  Committee;  also 
to  the  actions  and  proceedings  of  said  Lodge  relative  to  said  charges. 

First. — Said  charges  and  specifications  are  insufficient  to  show 
the  commission  of  the  offense  charged  by  the  accused  herein;  in 
this  

Second. — The  evidence  is  insufficient  to  sustain  said  charges,  or 
the  report  of  the  Committee  herein,  in  this  

Third. — The  following  errors  were  committed  by  the  Committee 
in  the  course  of  the  trial    

(1870  Journal,  234,  251.) 


1024  Forms. 

Form  No.  33. 
NOTICE  OF  APPEAL. 

To  Lodge,  No ,  /.  O.  O.  F, 

Take  notice  that  the  undersigned  hereby  appeals  from  the  action 
and  judgment  of  this  Lodge  in  the  matter  of  charges  preferred  against 

him  by  Brother ,  on  the  following  grounds  

Yours  in  F.,  L.  and  T., 

Dated  ,  19.... 

(1870  Journal,  234,  109,  128,  251.) 


1025 


I  N  D  EX. 


ABSENCE:  Section. 

Visiting  Card  does  not  involve  leave  of  absence 856 

Secretary   should   not   note   brother   present   who   enters 

after  roll-call  2397 

Absent  Past  Grand  cannot  vote  by  proxy 2563 

Duty  of  brothers  when  out  of  their  own  jurisdiction 2760 

Members  absent  from  Lodge,  and  fines  therefor. 1414 

Temporary  absence  of  Noble   Grand 2417 

Absent  at  nomination  or  election.     See  Officers. 

Of  officers.     See  Officers. 

Of  officers-elect  at  installation.     See   Installation. 

Of  installing  officer.     See  Installation. 

Who  to  act  in  absence  of  officers.     See  Officers. 

When  offices  and  honors  not  forfeited  by.     See  Deg^rees. 

When  offices  and  honors  forfeited  by.     See  Degrees. 

As  to  Past  Grand's  degree.     See  Degrees. 

Removal  of  officers  for.     See  Officers, 

As   to   vote   of  absent   Representatives.     See   Ballot  and 

Voting. 
Charges  against  absent  brother.     See  Trials. 
Absence  of  the  accused  or  accuser.     See  Trials. 
Absence  of  the  accused.    See  Contempt. 
Assessments  on  absent  brothers.     See  Assessments. 
Fines  of  officers  for  absence.     See  Fines. 
Absence  of  Junior  Past  Grand.     See  Junior  Past  Grand; 

Fines. 
Excuses  of  officers  for  absence.     See  Fines. 
Absence  of  members  from  funeral.     See  Fines. 
Absence  of  members  from  Funeral  Committee.  See  Fines. 
Absence  from  Relief  Committee.     See  Sunday. 
As  to  sending  order  for  password  to  absent  brother.    See 

Password. 
As  to  cards  to  absent  brothers.     Sec  Cards. 
Of  officers  and  initiation.     Sec  Initiation;  Officers. 
Absence  of  member  of  Trial  Committee  or  counsel.    See 

Trials. 
Absence  of  officers  and  Lodge  meetings,  or  business.  See 

Officers;  Minutes. 
65 


1026  Index. 

ABSTRACT  QUESTIONS:     See  Questions.  Seciion. 

ACCEPTANCE   OF   SERVICE   OF   DOCUMENTS.       See 

Trials. 

ACCLAMATION:     See  Ballot  and  Voting;  Officers. 

ACCOUNTS: 

When  Lodge  may  donate  funds  to  settle 1463 

When  may  use  funds  to  compromise  and  settle  financial 

questions 1462 

Brothers  able  to  settle  accounts,  etc.,  and  benefits 531 

Of  moneys  paid  to  Grand  Secretary,  duty  of  Lodge.  2800,  2801 
Of  supplies  and  property  received  from  Grand  Secretary, 

duty  of  Lodge .'. 2801 

Lodge  must  keep  an  account  of  all  moneys  sent  to  Grand 

Lodge 2402 

As  to  Grand  Secretary.    See  Grand  Secretary,  under  head 

of  ■  Officers. 
As  to  Grand  Treasurer.    See  Grand  Treasurer,  under  head 

of    Officers. 
As  to  Bookkeeping.    See  Bookkeeping. 

ACCUSED:     See  Trials;  Contempt;  Appeals. 
ACCUSER:    See  Trials;  Appeals. 

ACQUITTAL: 

As  to  charges.    See  Trials. 

As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 

As  to  cards.     See  Cards  and  Certificates. 

ADDRESSING  THE  CHAIRS: 

Grand  Officers  address  the  chairs   1593 

When  Grand  Officer  introduces  a  visiting  brother 1595 

When   Grand  Officer  visits  officially  he  should  be  intro- 
duced after  addressing  the  chair 1596 

Officers-elect  retire  for  examination  at  installation,  address 

the  chairs 1657 

When   entering  for  installation,   do   not 1657 

Installing  officers   should   be   addressed   by   their   proper 

title 1671 

D.  D.  G.  M.  should  be  addressed  as  District  Deputy  Grand 

Master 1671 

D.  D.  G.  M.  with  his  officers  must  when  entering  address 

the  chairs 2238 


Index.  1027 

ADDRESSING  THE  CHAIRS— CoH/i««^(f.  Section. 

Noble  Grand  may,  i£  be  choose,  arise   to  acknowledge 

brothers  .  .  .  ..,,.....,..,., 2362 

Brothers  on  entering  may  wait  for  others 2363 

In  such  cases,  they  together  address  2363 

Whether  brothers  may  thus  wait  is  in  discretion  of  pre- 
siding officer 2363 

There  must  be  reasonable  dispatch  in  addressing 2363 

Brother   retiring  should  address   the   chair 2364 

Initiation  and  conferring  degrees,  addressing  chairs 2365 

Officers  retiring  to  prepare  for  initiation 2365 

Officers  retiring  to  prepare  to  confer  degrees 2365 

When   Lodge  closed  in  one  and  not  opened  in  another 

degree 2367 

Officers  retiring  for  initiation  should  address 2366 

Officers  retiring  for  degrees  should  address 2366 

No  law  compelling  N.  G.  or  V.-G.  to  arise  in  addressing 

brothers   2368 

Matter  of  courtesy  and  custom 2368 

Lodge  recommended  to  observe  it 2368 

When  Right  Supporter  in  chair,  how  addressed 2373 

In  such  case,  how  Noble  Grand  addressed 2373 

Dcgee   staff  or   team   should   address    on    entering    and 

retiring 1416,  1147 

When  degree  staff  should  not  address 1148 

ADJOURNMENT: 

A  Lodge  must  close  in  form 1 

A  Lodge  cannot  adjourn  over  for  two  weeks 2 

Motion  to  adjourn  sine  die 3 

A  Lodge  cannot  hold  adjourned  meetings.; Note  to  3 

Motion  to  adjourn  to  another  day  or  time. ....  .Note  to  3 

Motion  to  adjourn  always  in  order 4 

But  cases  of  sick  and  distressed  members  must  be  con- 
sidered    4 

ADMINISTRATOR:    See    Executors    and     Administrators; 
Benefits. 

ADMISSION  TO  ONE'S  OWN  LODGE: 

Brother's   right   until   he   ceases   membership ' 

Brother  without  password 

During  reading  of  the  minutes ...  7 

Brother  under  reprimand 8 

A  suspended  brother  who  has  appealed  .9 

Brother  suspended  for  a  fixed  period 10 


1028  Index. 

ADMISSION  TO  ONE'S  OWN  hODGE— Continued.  Section. 

Expelled  brother  and  an  appeal 11 

A    member    under    charges , 12 

An  initiatory  member's  right 13 

During  election  of  officers  or  representatives 14 

ADMISSION  OF  VISITORS:     See  Visitors  and  Visiting. 

ADMISSION    TO    MEMBERSHIP     IN     SUBORDINATE 
LODGE:     See  Membership. 

ADMISSION     TO     REBEKAH     LODGE:     See     Rebekah 
Branch. 

ADMISSION  TO   GRAND   LODGE:       See   Grand   Lodge; 
Representatives. 

ADMISSION  TO  DEGREE  LODGE:     See  Degree  Lodge. 

ADMISSION  FEES:     See  Fees;  Rebekah  Branch. 

ADMISSION     OF    SERVICE    OF    DOCUMENTS:      See 

Trials. 

ADVERTISEMENTS:     See  Emblem. 

Name,    symbols,    initials    or    emblems    of    Order   in,    pro- 
hibited    1319 

ADULTERY:    See  Offenses. 

Solicitation  of.     See  Offenses. 

AFFIDAVITS:     See  Trials;  Benefits. 

AGE: 

Cannot  initiate  candidate  under  twenty-one  years  of  age.  1609 
When   admitted  by  fraudulent  misrepresentation   of  age.     693 

Such   fraud   discharges   Lodge   from  benefits,   etc 693 

May  be   investigated   after   death 693 

Sickness  incident  to  old  age  entitled  to  benefits 473 

Applicant  for  membership  must  be  twenty-one  years  of 

age   1724 

May    receive    petition    if    under    twentj^-one,    but    cannot 

initiate 1775 

No  maximum  limit  of  age 1777,  1776,  1961 

Age  to  become  non-beneficial  member..  1956,  1958,  1959,  1960 

Increased  fees  for  age,  prohibitory  law  1355 

Fee  of  five  hundred  dollars 1355 

No   discrimination   against   aged   applicants 1356 


I 


Index.  1029 

AQEr—Cohtinued.  Section. 

Fees   for  aged   persons   must   be   reasonable 1356 

No  admission  fee  in  case  of  transfer  of  membership  by 

card 1343,  1340 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

AGED  AND  INDIGENT  MEMBERS:     See  Benefits;  Odd 
Fellows'  Home. 

AGED  ODD  FELLOWS: 

Aged  Odd  Fellows'  Fund 15 

Aged  Odd  Fellows'   Register 16 

Grand  Secretary  shall  keep  such  Register 16 

Petition  to  enroll  name  on  such  Register 17 

Who  are  such  Aged  Odd  Fellows 16,  17 

Grand  Master  and  Grand  Secretary's  duty 17 

Membership  as  an  Aged  Odd  Fellow 18 

Fees,  dues,  assessments 18,  22 

Benefits  to  Aged  Odd  Fellows 19,  22 

Notices  as  to  Aged  Odd  Fellows 20 

Right  to  vote  or  speak 21 

Funeral  expenses 21,  22 

AGENT: 

Of  wholesale  beer  company  eligible  to  membership 1733 

•   Of  a  brewery  eligible  to  membership 1746 

AGREEMENT: 

To  waive  benefits  by  applicant  for  membership,  illegal...  382 

Or  agreement  shall  not  be  entitled  to,  illegal 383,  384 

Or  shall  not  receive  them,  illegal 385 

Bargains   of  Trial    Committees 3219 

As  to  facts  by  Benefit  Investigating  Committee 611 

As  to  facts  by  counsel 611 

Bargain  before  death  to  relinquish  funeral  benefits,  illegal  650 

Lodges  not  to  enforce  private  contracts 1006 

When  no  actual  fraud  appears 1006 

ALBUM: 

May  use  funds  to  buy  albums 1448 

ALIAS  NAME: 

Initiation  under  an  assumed  name 1849 

Rejected  applicant— Wrong  name — New  application 1853 

Fraudulently  gaining  admission  by 2107 


1030  Index. 

ALL-SEEING  EYE:     See  Business  Envelope.  Section. 

ALTAR  SUPPORTER:     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

ALTAR  BEARER:    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

AMENDMENTS: 

When    amendment    to    S.    G.    Lodge    Constitution    takes 

effect 955 

Grand  Lodge  Constitution,  how  amended 960 

Amendments  thereto 960 

Must  be  approved  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge Note  to     960 

Or  by  Grand  Sire  in  recess,  etc Note  to     960 

Amendments,  how  sent  to  Sov.  Grand  Lodge Note  to    960 

Must  be  accompanied  with  copy  of  Grand  Lodge  Consti- 
tution .  .  . Note  to    960 

By-Laws  of  Grand  Lodge,  how  amended 750,  752 

Such    By-Laws    need    not    approval    of    Sovereign    Grand 

Lodge  .  .  . 751 

Grand  Master  cannot  ainend  Grand  Lodge  proceedings..  2191 

Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution,  how  amended 969,  970 

Illegal  amendment  thereto  . 972 

Reports  on  proposed  amendments  to  Constitutions 2446 

Proposed   amendments   shall   contain   what 2445 

Duty  of  Grand  Secretary  as  to  amendments  to   Consti- 
tution  of    Subordinates 2202 

Duty  of  Grand  Secretary  as  to  amendments  to   Consti- 
tution of  Rebekah  Lodge 2202 

As  to  By-Laws  of  Subordinate  Lodges.     See  By-Laws. 

As  to  ballot  and  voting.     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 

As  to  minutes  and  records.     See  Minutes  and  Records. 

As  to  charges.     See  Trials. 

As  to  record  or  transcript  on  appeal.     See  Appeals. 

As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

AMUSEMENT: 

No  public,  in  name  of  Order  without  permission  of  Grand 

Master  . '.  .   .■..."....■. 1178,  Note  to       27 

No  liquor  at  any  entertainment  given  by   Lodge  or  in 

name  of  Order  .  . 1709 

As  to  liquors.     See  Liquors. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

As  to  funds.    See  Funds. 

AMERICAN:    See  Name  of  Lodge. 


Index.  1031 

ANCIENT  ODD  FELLOW:  Section. 

Defined 23 

Holder  of  Dismissal  Certificate  is  not 23 

Holder  of  expired  Withdrawal  Card  is 23 

One  who  resigns  is  23 

When  member  of  defunct  L«dge  is Note  to  23 

He  is  not  required  to  be  reinitiated Note  to  23 

His  rank  when  re-admitted Note  to  23 

When  one  who  has  resigned  must  be  reinitiated.  .Note  to  23 

When  Withdrawal  Card  is  lost Note  to  23 

When  he  has  not  the  Annual  Traveling  Password. Note  to  23 

Holder  of  expired  Withdrawal  Card  and  fee 24 

How   admitted — Committee — Must   answer   certain   ques- 
tions    25 

Must  be  examined  as  to  degrees  attained 25 

Must  sign  the  Constitution 25 

A  certain  By-Law  not  applicable 26 

No  dispensation  to  admit  to  Lodge 1200 

When   Lodge  may  use  its  funds  to  assist  to  carry  on 

business,  etc '. . .  150» 

As  to  funeral.    See  Funeral 

ANNIVERSARY: 

April  26th,  Anniversary  of  Order 27 

When  dispensation  required  for  celebration Note  to  27 

When  dispensation  required  to  use  regalia Note  to  27 

No  intoxicating  beverages  to  be  used Note  to  27 

When  Grand  Officers  conduct  the  ceremonies. ..  .Note  to  27 

Use  of  music  and  parade  Note  to  27 

Anniversary  Proclamation  of  the  Grand  Sire... Note  to  27 

Regalia,  emblems Note  to  27 

Dance,  banquet,  social   Note  to  27,  1480 

Ancient  Odd  Fellow — Saloonkeeper  ineligible  to  member- 
ship    1763 

For  what  purposes  funds  may  be  expended  in  celebrat- 
ing   Note  to  27,  1497,  1499 

Cannot  use  funds  for  foot  races,  bicycle  races,  candy 1489 

When  celebration  may  be  postponed 28 

As  to  funds.     See  Funds. 

ANNIVERSARY  OF  LODGE:  See  Funds;  Rebekah  Branch. 

ANNIVERSARY  OP  REBEKAH  DEGREE: 

September  20th  the  Anniversary 3371 

Should  be  appropriately  celebrated :<-^71 

September  20th.  1851.  is  the  natal  day :i37l 


1032  Index. 

ANNUAL  COMMUNICATIONS:  Section. 

Where   and   when   held 30 

To  change  place  must  amend   Constitution Note  to       30 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  cannot  grant  permit  to  meet  in 

another  place Note  to       30 

The  Grand  Sire  cannot  change  the  date Note  to       30 

When  Grand  Lodge  will  not  accept  invitations  for  social 

festivities 31 

As  to  special  sessions.    See  Special  Sessions. 
'    As  to  annual  sessions  of  Rebekah  Assembly.  See  Rebekah 

Branch. 

ANNUAL  PASSWORD:     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

ANNUAL     REPORTS    AND     RETURNS:      See     Reports    and 
Returns. 

ANNUAL  SESSIONS:     See  Annual  Communications. 

ANNUAL  TRAVELING  PASSWORD.     See  Passwords. 

ANTE-ROOM: 

Member  cannot  vote  from  ante-room 363 

To  take  part  in  business  must  be  in  Lodge-room  proper.     363 

Charter  may  be  hung  in 896 

Officer  of  Lodge  and  roll  call   1408  to  1411 

In  ante-room  after  Lodge  opens  is  not  being  in  Lodge- 
room 1410 

Spirituous  and  malt  liquors  excluded  from 1707 

Warden      should    go       into,    at     opening,     and     take     up 

S.  A.  P.  W 2535 

As   to    other   matters.      See    Fines;    Liquors;    Password; 
Charter. 

APPEALS:  Page. 

1.  Committee    on    Appeals    and    its    Powers    and 

Duties 1033 

2.  Transcript  or  Record  on  Appeal 1033 

3.  Appellate  Jurisdiction — Right,  Time  and  Manner 

of  Appeal 1034 

4.  Rules  of  Decision  and  Other  Matters 1035 

5.  Appeals    by    a    Lodge    or    General    Relief    Com- 

mittee from  a  Lodge's  Action 1037 

6.  Appeals  to  the  Sovereign   Grand  Lodge 1038 

7.  Rebekah   Lodges  and   Assembly.     See    Rebekah 

Branch. 


Index.  1033 

APPEALS— Cow/i«ii<r<f.  Section. 

1.    Committee  on  Appeals  and  its  Powers  and  Duties. 

It  is  a  Regular  Committee  of  Grand  Lodge 32 

Appointed  from  the  members  present 32 

How  appointed,  number  of  members  and  duties 33 

Duty  in   case   papers  defective  or  certain   errors 34 

To  render  decisions  on  or  before  April  15th,  each  year..  35 

Appeals  after  close  of  fiscal  year 36 

Order    in    which    chairman    and    members    to    render    de- 
cisions    37 

Counsel  of  party  not  to  act  on  committee 38 

Duties    of    Grand    Secretary — Papers    defective — Certain 

errors 34 

Duty  of  Grand  Secretary  as  to  certain  decisions 35 

Duty  of  Grand  Secretary  to  deliver  appeals  to  chairman 

of  committee,  etc 37 

Grand   Master  may  refer  certain  matters  to 2174 

2.    Transcript  or  Record  on  Appeal. 

Recording  Secretary  must   transmit   it   forthwith 39 

Must  be  transmitted  within  four  weeks 40 

Transcript  to  be  delivered  to  chairman  of  committee  by 

Grand  Secretary 40 

When  papers  defective 40 

Must  be  in  English  language 41 

Must  be   printed   or  typewritten 42 

Right  to  inspect  and  take  copies  of  records,  papers  and 

proceedings 43,  44 

Lodge  to  furnish  facilities  for  such  inspection 43 

Copies  to  be  certified  under  seal  if  required 43,  44 

Lodge  not  bound  to  make  out  and  furnish  certain  copies.  46 

Lodge  must  furnish  certified  copies 45 

Or  permit  brother  to  take  copies 45 

Brother  takes  copies  at  his  own  expense 45 

Lodge  cannot  refuse  an  appeal 47 

Lodge  cannot  refuse  to  transmit  transcript 47 

Lodge  cannot  refuse  copies  appellant  deems  necessary..  47 

Must  send  transcript  if  notice  of  appeal  filed 48 

What  copies  should  be  transmitted 49,  50 

Lodge  should  send  copies  only 51 

Appeals  are  tried  by  the  certified  record ...  52 

When   record   may  be  corrected 52 

When  Lodge  or  committee  fail  to  enter  adverse  rulings.  53 

Appellant  must  take  proper  steps  to  correct  the  record..  54 

Presumption  that  all  papers  have  been  transmitted 65 


1034  Index. 

APPEALS— CoH//n«rrf.  Section. 

Secretary    no    right    to    add    a    voluntary    statement    to 

record 56 

Transcript  only  sent  in  case  of  appeal 57 

Must  show  at  what  time  action  complained  of  was  taken.  58 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch;  Rebekah 

Lodge  Constitution. 

3.     Appellate     Jurisdiction — Right,     Time     and     Manner 

of  Appeal. 
In  matter  of  charges  appeals  must  be  taken  within  two 

weeks 59 

May  be  taken  from  Lodge's  action,  refusal  or  neglect...  60 

Time  of  appeal  . 60,  61 

Must  be   taken   within   time 61 

To  review  Lodge's  action  one  must  appeal 62 

In  case  of  death,  who  may  be  substituted 63 

In   benefit   investigations,   time   of   appeal 64 

Must   be    taken    within    time 64,  78,  79,  80 

In  what  matters  a  widow  may  appeal 65 

When  persons,  not  members,  may  appeal 66 

Appeal  in  case  of  refusal  to  appoint  Benefit  Investigating 

Committee 67,  68 

Appeal  is  a  matter  of  right 69 

An   appeal   cannot  be  ignored  or   refused 70 

Lodge  must  recognize  appeal  and  transmit  transcript 71 

Grand  Master  has  no  jurisdiction  in  matter  of- charges..  73 

D.  D.  G.  M.  has  no  jurisdiction  in  matter  of  charges 73 

D.  D.  G.  M.  no  jurisdiction  in  benefit  investigations 75 

Appeals  in  trial  cases  are  to  Grand  Lodge 74 

D.  D.  G.  M.  no  jurisdiction  in  benefit  investigations 75 

Decisions  on  points  of  order  and  D.  D.  G.  M 76 

District  Deputy  Grand  Masters  and  appeals 77 

Appeal  must  be  taken  in  time 78,  65 

If  appeal  be  not  taken  in  time,  the  right  of  appeal  is  gone.  78 

Time  elapses,  right  of  appeal  cannot  be  revived 79 

Appeals  not  taken  in  time,  dismissed 80 

Must  be  from  judgment  or  final  disposition  on  charges..  81 

Report  of  Trial  Committee  that  charges  are  insufficient..  82 

Appeal  in  such  cases 82 

No    appeal    on    incidental    questions 83,84 

Premature  appeal — Motion — Order  for  benefits 85 

Premature  appeal— Benefit  investigation 86 

Points  of  order — No  action  on  motion  or  resolution 87 

Must  be  from  judgment  or  final  disposition  in  benefit  in- 
vestigations    88 


Index.  1035 

APPEALS— Continued.  Section. 

Premature  appeal — Report  of  committee 89 

Refusal  to  dismiss  charges,  no  appeal 90 

Expelled  for  contempt,  may  appeal 91 

When  there  must  be  an  actual  case  under  the  By-Laws  to 

appeal 92 

Appeal  in  case  of  ceasing  membership 93 

When  no  right  to  appeal — Refusing  to  reinstate 94 

Dues  and  assessments  paid  during  expulsion  and  appeal..  95 

When  accuser  no  right  to  appeal 96,  97 

Accuser  no  right  to  appeal  as  to  facts 98 

Accuser  may  appeal  on  questions  of  law 99 

Appeals,    how    taken 100 

Appeals  to  Grand   Lodge  unless  otherwise  provided 101 

Grounds  of  appeal  must  be  stated 102 

Form  of  notice  of  appeal 103 

Notice  of  appeal  served  on  Grand  Secretary  ineffectual..  104 

Must  be  served  on  Lodge  or  no  appeal  is  taken 104 

Object  of  notice  of  appeal 105 

Voluminous   and   argumentative   notices   of  appeals   con- 
demned      105 

Should  be  entered  in  full  in  the  minutes 106 

Appeals  from  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters 107 

Appeal  from  decision  of  Grand  Master 108 

Where  records  destroyed   109 

When  member  not  the  accuser  or  accused  has  no  right 

to  appeal 110,  111 

Appeals  from  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 
Appeals  from  Rebekah  Assembly.     See  Rebekah  Branch 
and  Rebekah  Assembly  Constitution. 

4.     Rules  of  Decision  and  Other  Matters. 

Appellant  must  show  affirmatively  Lodge  has  erred 112 

Burden  of  proof  is  on  appellant 112 

Presumption  in  favor  of  Lodge's  action 112 

In  favor  of  the  justice  and  legality  of  its  proceedings...  112 

When  judgment  will  not  be  sustained 113 

When  judgment  reversed,  Lodge  may  order  new  trial...  114 

Reversal  of  judgment — New  trial 115 

Expulsion — Appeal 3230 

Presumption  in  favor  of  Lodge's  acts 116 

Presumption  in  favor  of  a  committee's  acts 117 

Unimportant  errors 118 

What  is  not  expected  of  Trial  Committees 119 

A   harmless  error  or  irregularity 120 

Errors  which  do  not  render  the  trial  in  any  degree  unfair.  121 


1036  Index. 

APPEALS— Con/7»«rc?.  Section. 

Upon  memorials,  Grand  Lodge  does  not  review  Lodge's 

actions 122 

The  same  in  regard  to  petitions  and  ex-parte  statements.  122 

Acts  of  Lodge  disturbed  only  on  appeal 123 

When  appeal  not  taken  in  due  course  of  law 124 

Judgment  of  Lodge  final  unless  appealed  from 125 

Ex-parte  communications  are  not  appeals 126 

Statements    without   appeal    returned 127 

Ex-parte  statement  will  not  be  considered 128 

Grand  Lodge  cannot  decide  on  ex-parte  statements 129 

Course    required    to    authorize    Grand    Lodge    to    review 

Lodge's  acts  as  to  benefits 130 

Grand  Lodge  will  not  act  on  petition  in  case  of  benefits.  131 
Objects   of  Sec.   5,  Art.   IV,  Subordinate   Lodge    Consti- 
tution    132 

Grand    Lodge   will   not    act    on     petition     from    expelled 

brother   133 

Petition  from  expelled  b-rother — Charges 134 

Course   required    to   have    Grand    Lodge    review    Lodge's 

action   as    to    funeral   benefits 135 

Objections  and  exceptions  must  be  made  and  reserved..  136 

Absence  of  the  accused  and  objection  and  exceptions...  137 

When   the   accuser   consents   to   dismissal 138 

When   evidence   for   the   prosecution   is   excluded 139 

Conflict  of  evidence,  judgment  not  disturbed 140 

Conflict  of  evidence,  action  or  decision  is  final 141 

To  disturb  the  judgment  there  must  be  an  entire  want 

of  evidence 142 

To    disturb   judgment,   must   be   obvious    insufficiency   of 

evidence 143 

Lodge  has  discretionary  judgment  as  to  facts 144 

The  Lodge  is  the  judge  of  the  facts 145 

Policy  of  our  laws  is  not  to  disturb  judgment  unless  the 

evidence  be   palpably  insufficient 146 

Lodge  and  Trial  Committee  best  judges  witness's  credi- 
bility    147 

The  Trial  Committee  are  the  best  judges  of  facts 148 

The  Trial  Committee  best  judges  of  testimony 149 

The    Lodge    is  best   able   to   decide   the   fact   of  physical 

disability 150 

Where  it  is  a  mere  issue  of  fact 151 

Acquittal  is  final  as  to  facts 152 

When    an    expelled    Past    Grand    cannot    be    admitted    to 

.Grand  Lodge  153 


Index.  1037 

APPEALS — Continued.  Section. 

A   brother  not  a   Past   Grand  cannot   represent  a   Lodge 

in  case  of  appeal 154 

What  is  evidence  before  Grand  Lodge  on  an  appeal 155 

A  brother  may  read  portion  of  evidence  from  transcript 

while  arguing 155 

Where  charges  defective  in  name  of  accuser 156 

Name  of  accuser  cannot  be   withheld 157 

Where  Trial  Committee  appointed  by  Noble  Grand  and 

no  exception 158 

Where  Lodge  desires  to  allow  further  testimony 159 

Right   to  cross-examine   witnesses 160 

Where  the  accused  is  refused  time  to  obtain  a  witness..  161 

Appeals  dismissed  or  withdrawn  at  request  of  appellant..  162 

Appeals   on   trivial   questions   disapproved 163 

Appeal  does  not  operate  as  a  stay  except  in  certain  cases.  164 

Cases  in  which  an  appeal  operates  as  a  stay 164 

Appeal   by   suspended   member   does   not   restore   him   to 

the  privileges  of  his   Lodge 164 

Judgment  of  expulsion  remains  until 165 

Judgment    remains    until    judgment    of    reversal    reaches 

Subordinate  Lodge 165 

On  appeal,  benefits  limited  to  the  period  claimed 166 

Where  continuance  refused  and  no  exception 167 

Continuance  is  in  discretion  of  Trial  Committee 168 

Where  no  action  on  report  of  Trial  Committee 169 

Where   reprimand   received   and   appeal 170,  171 

Where  no  appeal  taken,  judgment  final 172 

Where  no  appeal  from  Grand  Lodge,  judgment  is  final..  173 

Where  member  of  Trial   Committee  disqualified 174 

As  to  decisions  on  appeal   from   Rebekah    Lodges.     See 

Rebekah  Branch;  Admission  to  One's  Own  Lodge. 
As  to  stay  of  proceedings.     See  Stay  of  Proceedings. 

5.    Appeals   by  a   Lodge   or   General   Relief   Committee 
from  a  Lodge's  Action. 

A  Lodge  may  appeal  from  another  Lodge's  action 176 

Appeal  must  be  taken  within  twelve  weeks 177 

Manner  of  taking  such  appeals— Duties  of  appellant  and 

appellee 178 

When  action  of  Lodge  final 179 

General    Relief    Committee    may    appeal    from    Lodge's 

action 1 80 

In  case  of  ex-parte  statements  and  no  appeal 181 

In  case  of  petition  or  communication  and  no  appeal 182 

Memorial  or  petition  after  time  for  appeal  has  elapsed..  183 


10S8  Index. 

APPEALS— Con/iMMfrf.  Section. 

Duty  of  Grand  Lodge 184 

Disputes  and  differences  between  Lodges  and  no  appeal.     185 

One  Lodge  from  the  action  of  another  Lodge 186 

In  matter  of  benefits  when  the  above  law  applies 186 

6.     Appeals  to  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

Appeals  to   Sovereign   Grand   Lodge,  how  regulated  and 

effect  thereof 187 

Pending  such  appeal Note  to     187 

Appeal  by  Subordinate  Lodge Note  to     187 

Appeal   by   member    of    Grand    Lodge Note  to     187 

Grand      Lodge      decision      final       and       conclusive       till 

reversed Note  to     187 

When  Lodge  appealing  must  surrender  its  effects. Note  to     187 
All  effects  of  every  kind  must  be  surrendered. ..  .Note  to     187 
Available      and      unavailable      funds      must      be      relin- 
quished   Note  to     187 

A    Grand    Master    cannot    grant    an    appeal    from    Grand 

Lodge Note  to     187 

Appeal  papers  printed  and  furnished  by  appellants. Note  to     187 

How  appeal  papers  must  be  printed Note  to     187 

Appellant  must  furnish  250   copies  of  appeal  papers.... 

Note   to     187 

When   record   must  be   sent Note  to     187 

How  briefs  printed Note  to     187 

Certified   copy  of  certain   Constitutions   and   By-Laws   to 

accompany    appeal    papers Note  to     187 

Appellant  must  notify  appellee  at  time  appeal  filed 

Note    to     187 

Copy  of  argument  or  brief  must  be  served  on  opposite 

party Note  to     187 

Facts,  how  settled  and  certified 188 

When  decision  on  appeal  becomes  res  adjudicata 189 

When    decision    may    be    set    aside    for    gross    fraud    and 

mistake 189 

Grand  Master  cannot  grant  stay  of  proceedings 2776,  2777 

Grand   Master  cannot  suspend  judgment .• .  2777 

Grand  Lodge  may  grant  stay  of  proceedings 2782 

Grand  Master  cannot  grant  stay  on  appeal  to  Sovereign 

Grand  Lodge  .  .  . 2782 

As  to  stay  of  proceeding.     See  Stay  of  Proceedings. 
Appeals — Grand    Lodge — Rebekah    Assembly.      See    Re- 

b?kah    Branch. 
As  to  benefits.    See  Benefits. 


Index.  1039 

APPEAL     COMMITTEE     OF     GRAND     LODGE:       See 

Appeals. 

APPLICATIONS :  Section. 

For  membership  in  Subordinate  Lodge.  See  Member- 
ship. 

For  membership  in  Rebekah  Lodges.  See  Rebekah 
Branch. 

For  cards   and  certificates.     See   Cards   and   Certificates. 

For  charter.     See  Charters. 

For  aid  or  relief  to  Lodges.     See  Assistance  to  Lodges. 

For  degrees.     See  Degrees. 

As  to  ballot  and  voting.    See  Ballot  and  Voting. 

APPOINTED  OFFICERS: 

Of  Grand  Lodge.    See  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

Of  Subordinate  Lodge.  See  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

Of  Degree  Lodge.     See  Degree  Lodge. 

Of  Rebekah  Lodge  and  Assembly.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

Fines  for  absence  of.    See  Fines. 

Installation  of.     See  Installation. 

APPROPRIATION: 

Redress  for  illegal  appropriation 1527 

For    what    purposes    Lodge    may    appropriate    its    funds. 

See  Funds. 
For  what  purposes  it  may  not  appropriate  its  funds.     See 

Funds. 
Appropriations  of  funds  by  Rebekah  Lodge.  See  Rebekah 

Branch. 
Appropriations  of  funds  by  Grand  Lodge.     See  Finance 

and  Finance  Committees. 

ARM:     See  Membership;  Officers. 

ARMY: 

A  sick  brother  in  military  service  entitled  to  benefits.  456,     458 

ARREARS: 

Lodge  may  donate  to  members  in  arrears 1456 

When  brothers  in  arrears  may  prefer  charges 2844 

Notice  of,  need  not  be  under  seal 2746 

Brothers  in  arrears  and  funeral  honors 1533 

Liable  to  suspension  for  arrears — Office 2293 

Printed  notices  of  arrearages.     See  Supplies. 

Payments,  how  applied.  See  Dues,  Assessments  and  Fines. 

As  to  dues.    See  Dues. 


1040  Index. 

ARREARS— Continued.  Section. 

As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 
As  to  assessments.     See  Assessments. 
As  to  fines.     See  Fines. 
As  to  voting.    See  Ballot  and  Voting. 
As  to  password.     See  Passwords. 
As    to    attentive    benefits.      See     Benefits;     Nurses     and 

Watchers. 
As  to  penalties.     See  Trials. 

ASSAULT:     See  Offenses;  Trials. 

ARREST:     See   Reward. 

ASSESSMENTS:  Page. 

1.  By  Grand  Lodge 1040 

2.  By   Subordinate   Lodge  1040 

1.     By  Grand  Lodge. 

May  levy  assessments  on   Subordinate   Lodges 190 

Duty  of   Finance   Committee 1382 

How  and  upon   what  members  levied... 190 

No  per  capita  tax  on  non-contributing  members....   193,     194 

Estimated  expenses  of  the  Grand  Lodge 190 

Estimated  expenses  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home 190 

When  payable 190 

May  assess  to  meet  deficiencies  and  pay  expenses 

Note    to     190 

May     levy     them     to     provide     and     maintain     certain 

Homes 190,     191 

Homes  for  aged  and  indigent  Odd  Fellows  and  widows 

of  members 190,     191 

Homes  for  orphans  of  deceased  Odd  Fellows 190,     191 

To  whom  payable 192 

To  whom  remitted 192 

Must  be   paid  prior  to   installation 1660 

Lodge    must    take    receipt    from    District    Deputy    Grand 

Master  for 2245 

District   Deputy    Grand    Master   may   withhold    password 

till   paid 2246 

By  Rebekah  Assembly.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

2.     By  Subordinate  Lodges. 

Assessments  for  Lodge  purposes 195 

Must  be  provided  for  by  the  By-Laws 195 

Must  be  uniform 196 

Cannot  levy  assessment  on  part  of  its  members 196 

Must  be  authorized  by  law 197 


Index.  1041 

ASSESSMENTS— Cow^mM^rf.  Section. 

May  by  its  By-Laws  assess  for  Lodge  expenses 198 

May  be  changed  by  amendment  of  By-Laws 199 

May  be  levied  even  if  Lodge  have  money  or  property....  200 

When  funds  mean  available  resources 201 

A  Lodge  is  not  compelled  to  mortgage  or  sell  its  prop- 
erty   , 201 

May    levy    assessment     to     pay    benefits     or     contingent 

expenses ' 201 

Appeal  from  decision  or  action  of  Noble  Grand 202 

Appea-1  from  levy  of  assessment 202 

Appeal  from  Noble  Grand  to  Lodge 202 

Assessments  on  absejit  brothers  holding  Visiting  Cards..  203 

Assessments  on  brother  suspended   for   cause 204 

Failure  of  such  suspended  brother  to  pay  the  same 204 

Assessments  during  expulsion  paid,  no  appeal  in  regard 

thereto  , 95 

Not  levy  to  pay  doctor's  bill 205 

Assessment  to  construct  a  road  or  fence 207 

No  funeral  benefits  due,  no  assessment 208 

Donation  for  funeral  expenses,  no  assessment 209 

When  should  not  be  levied 210 

When  funeral  assessments  not  to  be  made 211 

When   the   Lodge   does   not  attend   funeral 212 

When  members  cannot  attend  funeral 213 

Funeral   assessment,   when   to   be    made 214 

Delinquency  and  when  in  arrears. 215 

Delinquency    depends    on    length    of    time    and    not    the 

amount 215 

When   thirteen    weeks    in   arrears 215 

Cannot  be  added  to  dues  or  fines 216 

Must    be    considered    separately   and    not   combined    with 

dues   216 

Delinquency  and  money  to  brother's  credit 217 

Payments  by  member,  how  applied 218 

Funeral  assessment  and  credit  for  attendance 219 

Funeral  assessment  and  excuse 220 

Notice  of  funeral — Distant  brothers 221 

Cannot   make   certain   payments 222 

Levy  of  funeral  assessment  after  lapse  of  time 223 

When  attaches  to  the  members 223 

When  death  or  funeral  is  not  known  to  the  Lodge  for  a 

length  of  time  223 

Upon  what  members  binding 223 

What  members  exempt 223 

Neglect  of  Noble  Grand  to  levy 224 

66 


1042  Index. 

ASSESSMENTS— Co»/i»«rcf.  Section. 

Liability  of  new  members  for 225 

A  certain  By-Law  construed   226 

What  are  funeral  dues 227 

Inmates  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home  not  to  pay  assessments..     228 
As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

As  to  reinstatement  and  readmission.  See  Membership. 
Assessments  by  Rebekah  Assembly.  See  its  Constitution. 
As  to  Aged  Odd  Fellows.     See  Aged  Odd  Fellows. 

ASSIGNMENT: 

Burial  or  funeral  expenses,  relief  not  assignable 425 

Donation,   aid,  assistance,   allowance   not   assignable 425 

ASSISTANCE  TO  LODGES: 

Manner  of  petitioning  for  aid  by  Lodges 229 

Form  of  the  circular 230 

Lodge  not  to  assist  unless  application  authorized 231 

Cannot  solicit  by  sale  of  tickets,  unless 232 

Not  by  chances  or  schemes,  etc.,  unless 232 

Consent  of  Grand   Master  necessary 232 

Grand  Master's  permission  to  apply  for  aid 233 

Assistance,  how  transmitted  234 

ASSISTANT  TO  GRAND  SECRETARY: 

Grand   Secretary   power   to    engage 2200 

ASSOCIATION:     See  Lottery. 

ASYLUM: 

When     a     sick     insane    brother,    an    inmate,    entitled    to 

benefits 464,     469 

ATHEIST: 

No  atheist  can  be  an   Odd   Fellow Note  to  1786 

Candidates    for    initiation    must    believe     in     a     Supreme 

Being 1786 

ATTACHMENT: 

Brother  should  not  attach  another  brother's  benefits 410 

Attachment  of  benefits  a  question  of  law 411 

Wrong  to  give  information  to  attaching  officers  about  the 

benefits 412 

Maliciously,  etc.,  procuring  a  brother  to  be  attached 2146 

ATTENTIVE     BENEFITS.       See     Benefits;     Nurses     and 
Watchers;   Rebekah  Branch. 

ATTORNEY:    See  Counsel;  Trials;  Benefits. 


Index.  1043 

AYES  AND  NOES:     See  Yeas  and  Nays.  Section. 

AUSTRALASIA:     See  International  Relations. 

AUSTRALIA:    See  International  Relations. 

BADGE: 

When  may  wear  badge   or   ribbon   in   lieu   of   regalia   in 

Grand  Lodge 2630 

As  to  right  to  speak  or  vote 2615 

Three  Links,  the  words  Friendship,  Love  and  Truth,  and 

the  initials  F.  L.  and  T.  are  badges  of  the  Order 1322. 

As   to   funeral.     See   Funeral. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

As  to  insignia.     See  Insignia. 

BALL: 

When   cannot   be   held   without   permission 1708 

Where  regalia,  emblems  or  name  of  the  Order  used.   1708,     235 

Grand  Master's  consent  necessary 1708 

Promise  that  no  intoxicating  beverages  shall  be  offered 

thereat  1708 

When  dispensation  required  for 1175,  1178 

No  liquors  at  any  entertainment,  given  by  Lodge 1709 

Or  held  in  the  name,  of  the  Order 1709 

Lodge  cannot  use  funds  to  pay  expenses  of 1487,  1499 

As  to  Special  or  Contingent  Fund  and  funds.     See  Funds. 
Lodge    cannot    buy    tickets    for,    given    to    aid    Rebekah 

Lodge ' 1466 

Masque  ball  under  auspices  of  the  Order 236 

As  to  anniversary  of  our  Order.     See  Anniversary. 

As  to  liquors.     See  Liquors. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

BALL-ROOM: 

Lodge  no  right  to  appear  in,  with  regalia  except  by  dis- 
pensation   2629 

BALLOT  AND  VOTING:  Page. 

1.  In  Grand  Lodge 1043 

2.  For   Officers   of   Subordinate    Lodges 1044 

3.  For   Membership   and    Reinstatement 1045 

4.  Reconsideration  and   New   Ballot 1046 

5.  For  Degrees 1047 

6.  Miscellaneous 1047 

1.    In  Grand  Lodge. 

Past  Grand's  right  to  vote  for  officers 237 

Elective  officers  elected  by  ballot 233 


1044  Index. 

BALLOT   AND    VOTING— Continued.  Section. 

Only  one  candidate,  election  may  be  viva  voce 238 

Who  conduct  business  and  vote — Election 239 

Elective   officers,    Representatives    and    Past    Grand   Mas- 
ters  of  this   Grand   Lodge   vote 239 

Grand  Master  has   casting  vote 240,  241 

Grand  Master  has  not  casting  vote  in  election  of  officers.  241 

Vote  of  absent   Representative,  by  whom  cast 242 

Vote  by  Lodges 243 

Vote  of  absentees,  how  recorded 244 

Ayes   and   nays,   and   Representatives 245 

Elective  officer  who  is  a  Representative  has  one  vote...  246 

Past  Grand  not  a  Representative  cannot  vote  on  questions.  247 
Brother      no      right      to      speak      or      vote      unless      in 

regalia Note  to  247 

Unless    with    ribbon    or    badge,    when    its    use    author- 
ized   Note  to  247 

Cannot  be  excused  from  voting  on  certain  resolutions....  248 

A  two-thirds  vote , 249 

Majority  determines  unless  otherwise  provided 250 

Vote  required  to  remove  Grand  Officer 251 

A  two-thirds  vote  necessary  to  expel  a  member 252 

A  two-thirds  vote  required  to  amend  Subordinate  Lodge 

Constitution 253 

When    a    three-fourths    vote    necessary    to    amend    such 

Constitution 253 

A  two-thirds  vote  to  amend  Grand  Lodge  Constitution..  254 
A  two-thirds  vote  to  suspend   Rules  of  Order  of  Grand 

Lodge 255 

When    Lodge   interested   not   entitled   to   vote 256 

In  Rebekah  Assembly.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

2.    For  Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge. 

Officers  elected  by  ballot 257 

Election  by  acclamation  258 

Vote  to  elect  by  acclamation 259 

When  election  by  acclamation  is  illegal 260 

How  elected  by  acclamation 261 

Casting  the  vote  of  the  Lodge 262 

When    a    brother    in    arrears    may    cast    the    vote    of   the 

Lodge • 263 

Casting  vote  of  Lodge  illegal  if  objected  to 264 

The  ballot  must  be  open  to  all 265 

Vote  by  acclamation 266 

Election  of  officers  by  voting  sign 266 

No  cumulative  voting 268 

Blank  ballots  must  be  counted 268 


Index.  1045 

BALLOT   AND   VOTING— Co«/t>iMe(f.  Section. 

Ballots    for    others    than    regular    nominees    counted    as 

blanks 269 

One  who  declines  is  not  in  nomination 269 

A  majority  of  votes,  including  blanks,  necessary  to  elect.  269 

Effect  of  blank  ballots  when  only  one  candidate 270 

Blank  ballots  when  only  one  candidate  to  be  counted 270 

A  ballot  with  same  name  on  it  three  times 271 

Cannot  suspend   By-Laws  to  enable  a  brother  to  vote..  272 

Candidate   may   vote   for   himself 273 

Noble  Grand  may  vote  at  elections 274 

Nominees  may  vote 275 

No  right  to  vote  except  in  regalia 2615 

In  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

3.     For  Membership  and  Reinstatement. 

Must  ballot  for  candidates  for  membership 276 

Three  or  more  black  balls  reject 276 

Must  ballot  in  Third  Degree 277 

To    reinstate    a    brother    suspended    for    non-payment    of 

dues   after   a   year   thereafter 278 

To  reinstate  such  brother  within  a  year  thereafter 279 

To  reinstate  such  brother  must  vote  by  ball  ballots 280 

To  reinstate  expelled  member 281 

Cubes  may  be  used  instead  of  black  balls 282 

When  the  ballot  may  be  retaken i 283 

The  Noble  Grand's   right  and  duty  to  ballot 284 

Noble  Grand  to  inspect  and  announce  ballot  and  vote..  285 

The  Vice-Grand  to  examine  and  ascertain  the  ballot,  when.  286 

The  manner  of  taking  the  ballot  and  official  duties 287 

A  collective  ballot  for  applicants  is  illegal 288 

Investigating  Committee  must  report  before  ballot 289 

Where   there   are   two   minority   reports 289 

Must  ballot  on  unfavorable  report 290 

When  compulsory  to  vote 291 

When  Lodge  may  excuse  a  brother 291 

A  brother  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  for  weekly 

or  funeral  dues 292 

Brothers   in  arrears  for  dues 293 

Excuse  for  declining  to  vote 294 

Brothers  should  not  explain  acts  of  Lodge 295 

Reasons  why  applicant  should  not  be  balloted  for 296 

Noble  Grand's  right  to  refuse  to  state  number  of  black 

balls  cast 297 

Vice-Grand  no  right  to  disclose  ballot 298 

Three  black  balls  reject  299 

Brother  not   to  disclose   tin-   fact  he  cast  a  bl;»rk  hall 

Mote  to  299 


1046  Index. 

BALLOT   AND    VOTING— Continued.  Section.' 

Nor  to  give  his  reason  for  his  vote Note  to  299 

Right  to  vote  a  secret  ball  ballot Note  to  299 

No  right  to  conceal  or  expose  character  of  his  vote  at 

pleasure Note  to  299 

Except   on   motion  to   reconsider  by   all   who   cast  black 

balls Note  to  299 

When  to  endeavor  to  discover  how  a  brother  voted  is  an 

offense Note  to  299 

Cannot  make  known  his  ballot Note  to  299 

Vote  governed  by  his  own  sense  of  propriety Note  to  299 

Three  black  balls  reject  applicant  by  card 300 

Ballot  rejecting  a  candidate  cannot  be  declared  null 300 

Three  black  balls  reject  on  a  re-ballot 301 

Three    black    balls,     Noble     Grand     declaring     applicant 

elected 303 

Three  black  balls  reject  application  of  expelled  member 

to   be   reinstated   1950 

Ballot   had,   application   cannot   be   withdrawn 304 

Minutes   in   such   case   .    . .' 304 

Cannot  ballot  at  special  meeting,  except 304 

When  may  ballot  at  special  meeting  by  dispensation 305 

When   may  ballot   on   expired   Withdrawal    Card 306 

Rejected  applicant  cannot  demand  committee 307 

After  ballot  application  cannot  be  withdrawn 308 

Right  to   cast  black  balls  beneficial  to   Order 309 

Lodges  which  violate  the  law  subject  to  charges 309 

No  right  to  vote   except   in   regalia 2615 

In  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

4.     Reconsideration  and  New  Ballot. 

,       A   favorable  ballot   may  be   reconsidered 310 

Manner  of  voting  to  reconsider  a  favorable  ballot 311 

The  vote  required  to  reconsider  a  favorable  ballot 312 

Effect  of  reconsidering  a  favorable  ballot 313 

When  elected  candidate  fails  to  qualify 314 

No   reconsideration   of   a   vote   reinstating  a   brother 315 

Cannot  reconsider  favorable  ballot  when  application  for 

transfer  of  membership  by  card 316 

Time  and  manner  of  reconsidering  an  unfavorable  ballot.  317 

Re-ballot  to  verify  that  black  ball  not  cast  by  mistake..  317 

Ballots  accepted  de  facto  become  de  jure 318 

Each    regular    meeting    is    a    session 319,  318 

When  no  appeal  from  decision  of  Noble  Grand  at  subse- 
quent meeting 319 

When  illegal  vote  does  not  change  result 320 

Error  or  informality  not  affecting  the  result. ..  .Note  to  320 


.     Index.  1047 

BALLOT   AND   VOTIHG— Continued.  Section. 

Candidate    rejected,    no    further    investigation — No    new 

ballot 321 

No  dispensation  by  Grand  Master  to  re-ballot  for  rejected 

applicant  1228 

Cannot  reconsider  or  rescind  vote  granting  Withdrawal 

Card   844 

No  right  to  vote  except  in  regalia 2615 

In  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

5.  For  Degrees. 

Election   to   degrees   by   ballot 322 

Three  black  balls  or  cubes  reject 322 

Balloting  on  two  or  more  applicants  at  same  time 323 

When    all    applicants    elected 323 

When  to  ballot  on  each  applicant  separately 323 

Must  ballot  while  open  in  Third  Degree 324 

Manner  of  balloting  for  degrees  and  official  duties 325 

A  separate  ballot  for   each   degree 326 

A  separate  ballot  is  a  matter  of  local  regulation.  .Note  to  326 

Ballot  must  take  place  on  night  of  application 327 

May   reconsider   a    favorable   ballot 328 

Lodge  not  compelled  to  vote  degrees 329 

When   may   ballot   for  Third   Degree 330 

No  right  to  vote  except  in  regalia 2615 

6.  Miscellaneous. 

Brothers  interested  in  question  prohibited  from  voting. . .  331 

Connection  or  intended  connection  with  another  Lodge..  331 

The  same  as  to  another  Encampment 331 

No  member  to  vote  if  personally  interested,  except 332 

Leasing  or  renting  hall  to  another  Lodge 332 

Leasing  or  renting  hall  to   Encampment 332 

Or  to  Rebekah  Lodge  or  Uniform  Degree  Camp 332 

Members  personally  interested — Renting  Lodge  property.  333 

Trustee  personally  interested — Renting  Lodge  property. .  334 

Lodge  members  who  are  members  of  Good  Templars..  335 
Such  members  not  to  vote  on  loaning  money  to   Good 

Templars 335 

Members  of  other  Orders — Rent  of  hall 336 

Members   of  other   Orders — Lodge   property 3«7 

The  interest  of  other  Orders 338 

Member   of    Rebekah    Lodge — Question    concerning    Re- 
bekah Lodge 339 

An   officer  fined — Vote  on   appeal   from    Noble    Grand's 

decision 340 

Manner  of  voting — Stand  and  vote 341 


1048  Index. 

BALLOT   AND    VOTING— Continued.  Section. 

When  voting  is  by  voting  sign Note  to  341 

When  voting  is  by  ballot Note  to  341 

When  rising  vote Note  to  341 

No  right  to  speak  or  vote  unless  in  regalia Note  to  341 

Vote  when  division  demanded   342 

Withdrawal    Card    granted    by   ballot 342 

Majority  vote  required 342 

Withdrawal    Card — Viva   voce    vote 344 

Application   withdrawn   344 

Withdrawal — Voting  in  ordinary  manner 345 

Withdrawal    Card    on    transfer    of    membership 346 

Vote  in  such  case  must  be  by  ball  ballot 346 

Payment  of  arrears  entitles  one  to  vote 347 

Meaning  of  two-thirds  vote  of  members   present 348 

Two-thirds  vote 349 

Two-thirds  vote  of  the  members  voting 350 

Two-thirds  vote  and  the  Noble  Grand's  casting  vote 351 

Two-thirds  vote  and  the  Noble  Grand's  right  to  vote 352 

Two-thirds  vote  and  a  member's  excuse  from  voting. . . .  353 
When    By-Laws    require    two-thirds    vote;     Constitution 

silent 354 

Consolidation  of  Lodges  355 

Three-fourths   vote   required   355 

Provided   five   Third   Degree   members   do   not   object   or 

protest 355 

Resignation    must    not   be    balloted    on 1976 

Noble  Grand  no  right  to  dictate  to  a  brother 356 

Voting   on    night    of   initiation 357 

Rights  of  non-beneficial  members 358 

Rights   of  non-contributing   members 1954 

Finance   Committee  members  may  vote  upon  their  own 

report    359 

When   not   entitled  to   vote — Arrears 360 

Arrears — Officers'    salary — Compensation    for    work    and 

labor 361 

Right   to  vote   and   term   password 362 

No  voting  in   ante-room   363 

All   present  must  vote,  unless   excused 364 

Noble  Grand's   right  to  compel  brothers  to  vote,  unless 

excused Note  to  364 

Right  to  vote  and  By-Law 365 

When  not  entitled  to  vote — By-Law 366 

Noble   Grand   votes   on   questions   of   expulsion   and   sus- 
pension    367 

Noble  Grand's  right  to  vote 368 


Index.  1049 

BALLOT   AND   WOTIHG— Continued.  Section. 

Secret  ballot — Illegal  law 369 

When  claimant  for  benefits — No  right  to  vote 609 

After  adopting   By-Laws   section  by   section,  then   as   a 

whole 782 

Annul  card  in  same  manner  and  by  same  vote 830 

Cannot  reconsider  or  rescind  vote  granting  Withdrawal 

Card  844 

Member  of  Trial  Committee  may  vote 3009 

As  to  charges  and  trials.     See  Trials. 

As  to  Trustees.     See  Trustees. 

As  to  Aged  Odd  Fellows.    See  Aged  Odd  Fellows. 

BALLOT  AND  VOTING  IN  REBEKAH  BRANCH:     See 
Rebekah  Branch. 

BALLOT-BOX:     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

BAND: 

Illegal  to  use  the  name,  "Odd  Fellows'  Band." 1318 

BANNER  BEARER:    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

BANK: 

Deposit  of  Lodge  funds  in  bank  by  Treasurer  and  lost.  1469 

Savings  bank  not  to  use  the  name  of  the  Order 1317' 

Bank  in  which  Grand  Treasurer  shall  deposit  moneys..  1378 

Finance  Committee's  power  to  designate  and  change 1378 

Lodge  may  invest  funds  in  stock  of 1446 

BANK  BOOK: 

Finance    Committee   to   inspect,   etc.,   Grand   Treasurer's, 

and  report 1379 

BANKRUPTCY: 

When  an  insolvent  or  bankrupt,  under  certain  circum- 
stances, refuses  to  pay  his  obligations,  etc 2126 

An   insolvent,  with  fraudulent   intent,  purchasing  goods, 

etc 2146  (29) 

BANQUET: 

Lodge  cannot  use  funds  for 1484,  1490,  14W 

Cannot  use  funds  for,  on  installation  night 1483,  1401 

Nor  for  refreshments 1487 

Cannot  use  funds  for,  on  Lodge  anniversary 1491 

Nor  at  visitation  by  Grand  Master  or  Grand  officers 1493 

May  use  the  Special  Fund  for 1476,  1480,  1484 


1050  Index. 

BANQUET— ContiuHcd.  Section. 

No  liquors  at,  given  by   Lodge  or  held  in   the  name  of 

the   Order 1709 

As  to  liquors.     See  Liquors. 

As  to  anniversary  of  the  Order.     See  Anniversary, 

BARGAINS:     See  Agreement. 

BARTENDER:     See  Stockholder. 

Not  eligible  to  membership 1725 

Article  XVI,  Section  5,  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  Consti- 
tution, not  retroactive 1726 

Went  into  effect  September  18,  1905 1726 

Takes   away   no   rights   of   members,   barkeepers    at   that 

time    1726 

Member  commencing  such  business  since  then  liable  to 

charges 1728 

Bartender  is  an   employe   1729a 

Bar  in  a  Summer  hotel 1738 

One  who  works  in  grocery  and  attends  bar 1743 

When  one   who   takes   Withdrawal   Card   may  become   a 

member 1757 

When  such  one  is  ineligible 1758 

One  with  Withdrawal  Card  visiting  a  Lodge 3312 

As  to  offenses.    See  Offenses. 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 

BASEMENT: 

When  Lodge  may  hold  meetings  in 2785 

BATTERY:     See   Offenses;   Trials. 

BEER  GARDEN: 

Employe   to   carry   drinks   and   liquors   to   guests   therein 

a  bartender 1734 

BENEFICENCE:     See  Funds. 

BENEFITS:  Page. 

1.  General   Principles  and   Provisions 1051 

2.  When    Entitled    to    Benefits 1055 

3.  When    Not    Entitled    to    Benefits 1056 

4.  When  Discretionary 1058 

5.  Investigating    Committee    as    to    Sick    Benefits. .  1058 

6.  Funeral    Benefits    and    Expenses 1062 

7.  Benefits  to  Widows 1065 


Index.  1051 

BENEFITS— Cori/iHMt'd.  Section. 

S.  For  relief  furnished  by  Relief  Committees  and 
other  Lodges.  See  Relief  and  Relief  Com- 
mittees. 

9.  For  nurses  and  watchers.  See  Nurses  and 
Watchers. 

1.    General  Principles  and  Provisions. 

Lodge  must   provide   for  benefits 370 

Amount  and  disposition  of  the  same Note  to     370 

The  beneficial  character  of  our  Order 371 

Its  moral   precepts   and   teachings 371 

Right  of  Lodge  to  tax  for  benefits 372 

Where    Lodge    fails    to    pay    benefits     from     exhausted 

treasury Note  to     372 

Grand  Lodge's  power  over  benefits 373 

The   general   minimum   benefit   law 374 

It  regulates  the  minimum  that  can  be  paid  and  the  first 

one   or   two   weeks'   benefits 374 

Benefits  must  be  uniform 375 

Lodge  cannot  provide  that  certain  members  admitted  free 

shall  not  be  paid  benefits Note  to     375 

Different     rates     to     members     of     same     degree     not 

allowed Note  to     375 

Lodge  cannot  make  part  of  its  members  beneficial  after 
three    months'    membership    and     a    part     after     six 

months  .  .  . Note  to     375 

Cdfinot   discriminate   on    account   of   length    of   member- 
ship   Note  to     375 

Subordinate  Lodge  sovereign,  in  what  respect 376 

Lodge  may  provide  that  after  member   receives   or   has 
received      a     certain     amount,     benefits      shall      be 

reduced Note  to     376 

Lodge   may  provide   that   after  a  brother    has    received 
benefits  for  a  certain  period  or  time,  his  benefits  shall 

be  reduced Note  to    376 

But  subject  to  general  minimum  benefit  law Note  to     376 

Grand  Lodge  may  reduce  minimum  benefits  to  one  dollar 

after  first  year Note  to     376 

Benefits  received  before  and  after  passage  of  law.Note  to     376 

Sick  benefits  are  regulated  by  local  law 377 

Grand  Lodge  competent  to  determine  all  questions  relat- 
ing thereto   377 

And  without  interference  from  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.    377 

Benefits  reduced  after  a  certain  amount 378 

Benefits  reduced  while  a  brother  is  sick 379 


1052  Index. 

BENEFITS— Contiuued.                                                                Section. 
Reduced   benefits    after    receipt    of   $500    for    one    contin- 
uous sickness 380 

Consolidation  of  Lodges 381 

Candidate  cannot  waive  benefits  as  to  certain  sickness..  382 

Agreement  as  to  insanity 383 

Agreement  not  to  claim  benefits  void Note  to  383 

Agreements  by  candidates  to  waive  benefits  illegal 384 

Age  of  candidate 385 

Agreement  to  waive  benefits  void 385 

By-Law    depriving    a    member,    after    sixty-five    years    of 

age,  of  benefits  void Note  to  385 

Who    entitled    to    benefits 386 

Minimum  benefits 386 

Reduced   benefits   after   receipt  of  $500 386 

Benefits   payable   weekly Note  to  386 

Funeral  and  sick  benefits,  how  regulated 387 

Lodge  may  prescribe  the  terms  and  conditions  on  which 

members  receive  benefits 388 

May  limit  benefits   to   Third   Degree   members 389 

May    limit    benefits    to    degree    members Note  to  389 

May  provide  benefits  for  brothers  of  Initiatory  and  First 

and  Second  Degree 390 

Lodge  may  increase  or  reduce  the  rate  of  benefits 391 

May    amend    By-Laws    concerning    benefits 392 

Cannot,    by    tacit    consent,    keep    a    repealed    By-Law    in 

force  Note  to  392 

May  reduce  benefits  by  change  of  By-Laws 393 

Cannot  reduce  rate  of  benefits  by  a  simple  vote 393 

By-Laws  amended,  they  apply  to  all 394 

When  amount  of  benefits   changed,   applies   to   sick  and 

well 395 

Benefits  that  have  accrued  cannot  be  reduced. ..  .Note  to  395 

Lodge  may  fix  amount  of  benefits  provided 396 

Lodge  may  increase  the  rate  of  benefits Note  to  396 

First  week's  sickness 397 

When  benefits  shall  commence  and  who  entitled  to 398 

Power  of  Lodge  as  to  arrears  and  benefits 399 

Minimum  period  of  delinquency  as  to  dues 399 

By-Laws — Less  than  thirteen   weeks  in  arrears 400 

No  benefits  till  six  months  a  member  is  a  valid  provision.  401 
The  six  months'  provision  applies  to  members  by  initia- 
tion,  deposit   of   card,   or   otherwise 402 

Must  be  a  member  six  months  to  receive  benefits 403 

Brothers   suspended   for  non-payment   of  dues   reinstated 

and   the   six   months'   limit 404 


Index.  1053 

BENEFITS— Continued,                                                               Section. 
A  certain   By-Law  not  applicable  to   reinstated  brothers.  405 
Transfer    of    membership    by    card    when    benefits    com- 
mence     406 

Commence  in  such  case  six  months  from  admission 406 

Elected   to   membership   on    transfer   of   membership   by 

card,  but  fails  to  obtain  Withdrawal   Card 407 

His  Lodge  is  liable  for  benefits  in  such  case 407 

Transfer    of    membership — Holder    of    Withdrawal    Card 

dies  before  depositing  card 408 

Neither  the  Lodge  that  elects  him  nor  his  Lodge  liable 

for  benefits 408 

When  sick  benefits  accrue 409 

Brother  should  not  attach  another  brother's  benefits.  410,  412 

Attachment  of  benefits  a  question  of  law 411 

Must  not  inform  an  officer  that  benefits  ordered  paid  to  a 

brother 412 

Proportion    of   dues   to   benefits,    Grand    Lodge's    recom- 
mendation    413 

Grand   Lodge's   recommendation   not   binding 414 

When   an   amendment   to    By-Laws   is   disapproved 415 

Not     less     than     four     dollars     per     week     as     benefits 

except 416,  417 

A  Lodge  cannot  cease  paying  after  a  certain  amount 418 

Higher  benefits  for  higher  degrees 419 

Become  due  as  soon  as  brother  receives  higher  degree.  419 
Higher  benefits  to  Third  Degree  members  is  matter  for 

local  legislation 419 

Benefits  include  both  sick  and  funeral  benefits 420 

Benefits  illegally  paid  must  be  returned 421 

Effect  of  a  brother's  change  of  Lodge 422 

Not  payable  to  legal  representative  of  member's  estate..  423 
When      brother      leaves      no       family       or       dependent 

relative Note  to  423,  424 

Not  assignable 425 

Not  payable  to  executor  or  administrator 420 

Administrators   and   executors   will   not   be   recognized..  426 
Benefits  designed  for  comfort  of  a  brother  and  his  family 

and  dependent  relatives Note  to  426 

Our  Order  docs  not  design  to  pay  the  debts  of  a  de- 
cedent   Note  to  426 

When  the  law  does  not  designate  the  person  to  whom 

payable «27 

Brothers  no  right  to  resort  to  courts  of  law 428 

Decisions   of   the    I^dge   and   authorities   of   the   Order 

conclusive  and  final 428 


1054  Index. 

BENEFITS— Continued.  Section. 

Every  member  agrees  to  abide  by  the   decisions  of  the 

Lodge  and  authorities  of  the  Order 428 

Grand  Lodge  cannot  undertake  to  pay  benefits 429 

Nor  tax  its  members  to  provide  such  fund 430 

Penalty  as  to  disability  occurring  after  arrears  paid 430 

Grand    Lodge    does    not   allow    certain    penalties    in    this 

jurisdiction 430 

Lodge   cannot   provide  brothers   not   entitled   to   benefits 

for   six   months   after   paying   arrears 430 

Nor  for  a  specified  time  after  dues  paid 430 

Grand  Lodge  may  permit,  if  it  see  fit,  such  penalties 430 

Reinstatement — Time  limit — Penalty 431 

Duty   of   Chairman   of  Visiting   Committee 432 

Lodge,  not  Visiting  Committee,  determines  when  benefits 

shall  cease 433 

Reports  of  Visiting  Committee 434 

Lodge    cannot    provide    that    benefits    shall    not    be    paid 

without   report   of   Visiting    Committee 434 

When  claimant  does  not  pursue  the  course  prescribed  by 

law 435 

When  donation  not  a  benefit 436 

Action  on   report  of  Visiting  Committee 437 

Grand  Master  cannot  determine  or  decide  as  to  benefits.  2176 

Upon   ex-parte   statements   of  facts 2176 

Issue  of  fact  must  be  tried  by  Investigating  Committee.  2176 
Grand    Lodge    and    Subordinates    control    as    to    arrears 

depriving  of  benefits 438 

They  determine  what  sum  or  length  of  time  shall  deprive 

of  benefits 438 

Whether  it  shall  be  one  or  thirteen  weeks,  or  longer 438 

Drafts  for  benefits  and  questions  of  order 439 

Aged,  infirm  and  indigent  members 440 

Certain  By-Law  as  to  benefits  valid   441 

No   suspension   of  payment  of  benefits Note  to  1175 

Neither  Grand  Lodge  nor  Grand  Master  can  grant  such 

dispensations 1175 

Certain    By-Laws   concerning  benefits   disapproved.     See 

By-Laws. 

No  writ  of  mandate 1723 

As   to   benefits   to   Aged   Odd   Fellows.     See   Aged   Odd 

Fellows. 
As  to  offense.     See  Offenses. 


Index.  1055 

BENEFITS— Continued.  Section. 

a.    When  Entitled  to  Benefits. 

When  not  more  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears 442 

The  minimum  of  delinquency 443 

Lodge  may  provide  for  benefits  during  membership....  444 
Must   be   over   thirteen   weeks   in   arrears   to   deprive   of 

benefits 445,  446 

Lodge  may  grant  benefits  till  members  twenty-six  weeks 

in  arrears 446 

After  six  months'  membership,  when  sickness  commences 

prior  thereto 447 

When  entitled  to  benefits,  after  six  months'  membership.  448 

When  must  pay  for  first  week's  sickness 449 

During  all  the  time  of  sickness 450 

Effect  of  receipt  for  dues , .  451 

Not    informing    Secretary    of    change    of    residence    and 

penalty 452 

On  receiving  Third  Degree  entitled  to  Third  Degree  bene- 
fits    453 

Cannot  refuse  benefits  on  account  of  residence 454 

Brother  receiving  salary  during  sickness 455 

A  brother  in  the  military  service 456 

A  sailor  in  government  hospital 457 

American  soldier  in  government  hospital   in  Philippines.  458 
During  suspension  or  expulsion  after  restored  to  member- 
ship   « 459 

Brother's  private  and  financial  affairs — Competence 460 

No  difference   whether  in   need  or   enjoying  competence.  460 

Without  property  or  with  income  sufficient  to  support..  461 

Payment   of   wages   is   not   the   question 462 

A  brother  cannot   waive  benefits 463 

Insane  entitled  to  benefits 464 

Insane  in  an  asylum  entitled  to  benefits 464 

Lunatics  entitled  the  same  as  others Note  to  464 

Insane    brother    supported     at     public    expense     entitled 

thereto Note  to  464 

When  benefits  of  insane  brother  paid  to  guardian 465 

Insane  brother  and  absent  guardian 466 

Insane  brother,  benefits  must  be  paid 467 

Attempted  suicide  while  insane 468 

Benefits  of- insane  brother,  how  paid  and  to  whom 469 

Insane   brother    in    hospital — Disposition    of    benefits 470 

Nervous  affection  treated  in  sanitarium 471 

Aged  brother  and  softening  of  the  brain 472 

Sickness  incident   to  old  age 473 

Donation  and  mistake  as  to  brother's  standing 474 


1056  Index. 

BENEFITS— Continued.  Section. 

Reported  out  of  care  and  relapse 475 

Benefits  improperly  obtained  at  a  previous  time 476 

In  case  of  blindness 477 

When  brother  pays  arrears 478 

When  under  By-Laws,  they  commence  from  date  of  being 

reported   to   officer   479 

Brother  beneficial  when  reported  sick 480 

Reported  sick  last  day  of  arrearages  for  dues 481 

When   brother  beneficial   at   commencement   of   his    sick- 
ness    482 

In    such    case    cannot    be     deprived    of    benefits     during 

such  sickness 482 

In  such  case,  Lodge  must  retain  from  benefits  enough  to 

keep  him  in  good  standing 482 

Beneficial    when    sickness     commenced,     but     in     arrears 

when  reported  to  Lodge 483 

Dues  paid,  Secretary  does  not  report  the  same  to  Lodge, 

but  embezzles  the  same 484 

Expulsion    reversed    by    Grand    Lodge — Appeal    to    Sov- 
ereign  Grand   Lodge   485 

In  such  case  benefits  during  appeal 485 

Lodge  suspended  by  Grand  Master  and  reinstated 486 

Lodge  charter  arrested  by  Grand  Master  and  restored...  486 
A    suspended    inmate    of    Odd    Fellows'    Home — Dues — 

Benefits 487 

Offered  admission  to  Odd  Fellows'  Home  and  declines..  488 

3.     When  Not  Entitled  to  Benefits. 

Local  law  controls  as  to   arrears  and   benefits 489 

Arrears  paid  while  sick  does  not  entitle  sick  brother  to 

benefits  during  that  sickness 490 

Donation  of  dues  while  sick  does  not  entitle  sick  brother 

to  benefits  during  that  sickness 491 

Reinstated   while   sick 492 

Criminal  and  immoral  acts,  causes,  etc 493 

Illness  or  disability  from  immoral  conduct 494 

Trial  on  charges  not  necessary  to  deprive  of  benefits.  495,  496 

Immorality  before  or  after  admission  as  member 496 

Immoral  conduct  and  its  consequences 497 

When  saloonkeeper  not  entitled  to  benefits 498 

A  fraction  of  a  week 499 

A  brother  sick  six  days 500 

Visiting  Card  and  first  week's  sickness 501 

A  brother   in   arrears   and   benefits 502,  503 

Cannot  deduct  donation  from  funeral  expenses 502 


Index.  1057 

BENEFITS— Continutd.  Section. 

Cannot  deduct  sick  benefits  granted  from  funeral  expenses  503 
A   Lodge  may  pay  benefits   whether   member   in   arrears 

or  not 503 

Arrears  thirteen   weeks  for  dues 504 

Responsibility  and  duty  to  pay  dues  rests  upon  a  brother.  505 
Time,    not    amount,    determines    standing    and    right    to 

benefits 506 

Dues  in  arrears  and  partial  payment 507,  508 

When  member  in  arrears  not  entitled 509 

Arrearages  debar  from  benefits,  when 510 

Sick  brother  not  in  arrears  when  benefits  due  him 511 

Dues   should  be  deducted   from   benefits 511,  513 

When  benefits  sufficient  to  pl^cc  brother  in  good  stand- 
ing   Note  to  511 

Arrears  and  promissory  note 512 

Arrears — Officers'    salary — Compensation    for    work    and 

labor 513 

Right  to  benefits  depend  upon  payment  of  dues 513 

Lodge  should  apply  benefits  to  pay  dues 513 

But  cannot  apply  any  other  indebtedness  due  a  brother  to 

pay  his  dues  without   his  consent 513 

Case  where  money  due  cannot  be  credited 514 

When  brother  not  entitled  to 515 

In  arrears  for  funeral  assessments 516,  517 

Sickness  must  be  reported  to  the  Lodge 518 

Reporting  sickness  to  Lodge 519 

Reporting   sickness    to    Recording    Secretary 519 

In  case  sickness  is  not  reported 520 

When    insanity   prevents   brother   from   sending   certified 

notice    required    by    By-Laws..... Note  to  520 

When  mental  sickness  incapacitates  him Note  to  520 

When    impossible    for   brother    to    comply    with    require- 
ments   Note  to  520 

When  sick  brother  does  not  report  himself  till  in  arrears.  521 

In  case  benefits  do  not  commence  till  reported  sick....  521 

Notice   of   sickness   by   absent   brother 522 

Where  requirements  of  By-Laws  not  complied  with....  523 

Where  By-Laws  require  an  attested  statement 524 

Where  By-Laws  require  a  sworn  statement  and  doctor's 

certificate 525 

Where  By-Laws  require  monthly  statements 526 

A  sworn  statement  is  not  conclusive 527 

A  doctor's  statement  or  certificate  is  not  conclusive....  528 

A  brother  sentenced  to  reprimand 529 

By-Law  requiring  sick  brother  to  report  to  Visiting  Com- 
mittee once  ft  week 530 

67 


1058  Index. 

BENEFITS— Continued.  Section. 

When  brother  able  to  collect  debts,  settle  accounts,  etc.  531 

When  brother  can  earn  a  living 532 

When  brother  declines  to  receive  benefits 533 

When  brother  accepts  less  amount 'than  is  due 533 

Effect  of  a  brother  reporting  himself  out  of  care 534 

Brother  able  to  earn  a  livelihood  while  sick 535 

Brother  who  has  a  sore  hand,  etc 536 

Brother  able  to  superintend  business,  etc 537 

Brother  with  a  chronic  disease 538 

Brother  renounces  the  Order  forfeits  benefits 539 

Infirmity  from  old  age 540 

Brother  must  not  delay  making  his  claim 541 

Holder  of  Withdrawal  Card 542 

Withdrawal    Card   voted,   the   brother   is   not   entitled   to 

benefits 542 

By-Laws  take  effect  notwithstanding  erroneous  notice  of 

Secretary 543 

Liability  of  Lodge  to   pay  benefits,  limited 544 

Effect  of  undecided  charges 545 

Inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home  not  entitled  thereto 546 

Resident  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home  suspended,  and  benefits.  2083 

Suspended  inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home  and  benefits..  2084 

Non-beneficial  members  not  entitled  to  sick  benefits 547 

Suspended  member  not  entitled  to 548 

Placed  in  quarantine ; 549 

A  Lodge  suspended  or  charter  arrested 550 

4.     When  Discretionary. 

When  a  brother  has  not  complied  with  By-Laws 551 

Failure  to  send  an  attested  statement 552 

Failure  to  send  certificate  or  statement 553 

When  brother  fails  to  demand  Investigating  Committee.  554 

A  By-Law  giving  discretion  in  certain  cases 555 

Benefits  discretionary  under  certain   By-Laws 556 

A  prohibitory  By-Law 557 

5.     Investigating  Committee  as  to  Sick  Benefits. 

On     demand    in     writing     Investigating     Committee     ap- 
pointed    558 

Must  appoint  such  committee  on  demand 559 

Such  committee  is  a  matter  of  right 560 

Where   a    Lodge    refuses    to    pay   benefits    at    a   specified 

rate  or  in  full  561 

By  deciding  a  brother  is  not  entitled  to  benefits,  a  Lodge 

refuses  562 


Index.  1059 

BENEFITS— Continued.  Section. 

This   Investigating   Committee,  Visiting   Committee,  and 

Special   Committee 563 

Number  of  weeks  or  period  to  be  investigated 564 

Not  to   investigate  as   to   benefits  accruing  or  to   accrue 

after  demand  for  committee 564 

To  investigate  as  to  certain  weeks 566 

Committee  must  be  demanded  within  time 566 

Objects  of   the   constitutional   provision 566 

As  to  any  particular  week's  benefits,  when  demand  must 

be  made 566 

When  committee  must  be  demanded 567 

No  formal  or  express  refusal  or  neglect  necessary 567 

Time    within    which    demand    must    be    made    cannot    be 

extended 567 

Action  or  non-action  of  Lodge  or  brother  does  not  change 

the  time   within  which   demand  for  committee  must 

be   made 567 

Sick  benefits  accrue  and  become  due  weekly 567 

When  any  particular  week's  benefits  is  due  and  payable 

and  not   paid,  committee  must  be  demanded  within 

four    weeks    thereafter , 567 

Brothers  must  be  vigilant  and  prompt  in  asserting  their 

rights    567 

When  Lodge  may  avail  itself  of  its  right  that  demand  for 

committee  not  made  in  time 568 

Question  whether  demand  made  in  time 569 

Committee    must    be    appointed 569 

When  prior  investigation  or  prior  appeal  or  prior  judg- 
ment    570 

Pendency  of  prior  investigation  or  appeal 570 

As  to  any  particular  week's  benefits,  corhmittee  must  be 

demanded  within  four  weeks  thereafter 570 

This  law  is  applicable  to  all  sickness  whether  claimed  to 

be  continuous  or  not r>7(>,  571 

Valid  and  reasonable  law 572 

Prior  judgment  as  evidence 573 

Evidence  as  to  sickness  from  its  beginning 574 

Prior  judgments  as  evidence 574 

If  committee  not  demanded  in  time,  right  to  committee  is 

lost  570 

If  committee  not  demanded  in  time,  claim  is  barred 566 

If  committee  not  demanded  in  time,  cannot  enforce  his 

right  for  those  weeks 566 

The  committee,  by  whom  appointed...  .'575 

Who  may  be  members«of  the  committee 576 


1060  Index. 

BENEFITS— CoM/i««<?rf.  Section. 

Vice-Grand  cannot  act  as  one  of  the  committee 577 

Minutes  should  show  by  whom  committee  appointed 578 

Objection   to   committee   and   disposition   thereof 579 

Report   referred   back   to    committee — objection   to    com- 
mittee     580 

Challenging   committee   and    exceptions 581 

The  full   committee  must  act 582 

All  the  committee  must  see  and  hear  all  witnesses  and 

testimony 582 

Such  full  committee  cannot  be  waived  by  consent 582 

It  requires  at  least  three  members  to  make  a  report 582 

Less  than  full  committee  may  adjourn  from  time  to  time  582 
Proceedings  in  case  of  death,  absence  or  inability  of  mem- 
ber  to   act 583 

Absent  member  of  committee  cannot  vote  or  act  by  proxy  584 
Committee   governed   by   laws   applicable   to   Trial   Com- 
mittees    585 

Lodge   may  authorize   cotnmittee  to   engage   counsel  for 

Lodge 586 

Full  minutes  must  be  kept  and  reported  to  the  Lodge 587 

What  must  be  taken  down  by  the  committee 588 

Notice  of  time  and  place  of  meeting  of  committee 589 

Notice  of  subsequent  meetings  of  committee 590 

When  brother's  duty  to  ascertain  time  and  place  of  meet- 
ing of   committee 590 

Witness  must  be  obligated  or  sworn 591 

By  whom  obligated  or  sworn 591,  594 

Members  obligated  on  the  honor  of  an  Odd  Fellow 592 

Physicians   and   evidence 593 

By  whom  oaths  administered   591,  594 

Testimony  must  be  taken  down  and  signed  by  witness...  595 

Testimony  read  over  to  witness 595 

When  testimony  may  be  taken  down  by  stenographer. .  596 

Stenographer  or  typewriter  member  of  the  Order 3041 

Testimony  to  be  taken  by  questions  and  answers 597 

Committee's    power   to    summon   witnesses 598 

Right    of    cross    examination 599 

Hearsay  and  ex-parte  statements,  not  evidence 600 

Physician's  certificate  not  admissible  in  evidence 601 

Physicians  must  be  sworn  and  examined  like  other  wit- 
nesses      601 

Opinions  of  person  not  physicians 602 

Witness's  opinion  that  a  person  was  or  was  not  sick 602 

Or  that  a  person  could  or  could  not  stand  or  walk 602 

Or  that  a  person  could  or  could  not  perform  labor 602 


Index.  1061 

BENEFITS— Coii/miiri/.  Section. 

Or  that  a  person  could  or  could  not  pursue  a  business..  602 

Or  that  a  person  could  or  could  not  follow  an  occupation  60S 

Or  that  a  person  could  or  could  not  earn  a  livelihood 602 

Claimant's  health,  sickness  or  condition  prior  or  subse- 
quent  to   period   in   dispute 603 

What  Investigating  Committee  may  inquire  into 604 

If  brother  for  any  reason  be  not  entitled  to  benefits,  com- 
mittee  should   so   report 604 

Burden  of  proof  is  on  claimant 605 

When  claimant  abandons  his  case 606 

Claimant  must  furnish  testimony  to  sustain  the  affirmative  606 

Pecuniary  inducements  to  feign  sickness 607 

When  reports  of  Visiting  Committee  not  evidence 608 

Claimant  no  right  to  vote  on  certain  questions 609 

When   vote  of  disqualified   brother  does   not   affect   the 

result    610 

Agreement  as  to  facts,  when  and  by  whom  permissible..  611 
Secretary  should  give  claimant  notice  of  the  making  or 

filing  of  report  of  Trial  Committee 612,  613,  614 

Two  weeks  after  notice  to  file  exception 612,  613,  614 

Secretary  should  file  written  certificate  or  proof  of  service  612 
Lodge  cannot  legally  act  on  report  on  night  received  by 

Lodge    613,  614 

Report  should  be  in  writing 615 

Majority  and  minority  reports — notice — action  thereon..  616 

Duty  and  report  of  Investigating  Committee 617 

Report  that  claimant  entitled  to  be  placed  on  sick  list..  617 

It  is  not  a  proper  report 618 

Such  report  should  be  referred  back  to  committee 618 

Motion  to  accept  a  report  is  motion  to  receive  it 619 

Such  motion  is  not  a  motion  to  sustain  or  adopt  the  report  619 

The  Lodge  must  pronounce  judgment  on  claim  for  benefits  619 

The  Lodge  should  observe  the  law 620 

Majority  and   minority  reports — new   committee 621 

Objects  of  Bill  of  Exceptions 622 

Must  point  out  the  exceptions  in  Bill  of  Exceptions 622 

Neglect  to  do  so  is  a  waiver  thereof  and  acquiescence  in 

report  of  committee 628 

Failure  to  file  Bill  of  Exceptions 023 

Where  brother  waives  all  formalities  and,  does  not  have 

testimony  in  record 628 

No    Bill   of    E^ccepttont,   objecttont    prior    thereto    are 

waived 624 

Action  upon  Bill  of  Exceptions 685 

Judgment  of  Lodge 686 


1062  Index. 

BENEFITS— CoN/m«rrf.  Section. 

May  change,  modify  or  sustain  report 625 

May  refer  report  back  to  same  or  another  committee 625 

May  order  a  new  investigation 625 

Judgment   must   be   pronounced 626 

Whether  exceptions  are  filed  or  not 626 

What  judgment  may  render 626 

Until  Lodge  has  taken  action  on  report,  there  is  no  judg- 
ment      627 

No  Bill  of  Exceptions  after  report  adopted  or  acted  upon 

by   Lodge 628 

Motion  to  adopt  report  lost  and  reconsideration 629 

Payment  of  benefits   after  investigation  and  judgment..  630 

Majority  and  minority  reports 631 

Committee  should  make  no  recommendation 632 

Fraud  as  a  defense  to  a  claim  for  benefits 633 

Brother  suffering  from  disease,  when  admitted 633 

Knowingly   and   fraudulently  concealing   disease   at  time 

of    admission ; 633 

Grand  Lodge  will  not  interrupt  investigation  in  Subordi- 
nate   Lodge 634 

The  Grand  Lodge  will  not  interfere 634 

Order    and    decorum    before    committee 636 

Committee's   power  to   conduct  investigation    in    orderly 

manner    636 

Grand  Master's  powers  and  duties  in  case  Lodge  is  guilty 

of  unnecessary   delays,   obstructions,   etc 2174 

Procedure  in  case  of  death  of  member 635 

As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 

6.    Funeral  Benefits  and  Funeral  Expenses. 

Lodge   may  provide   in   By-Laws   for  funeral   benefit 638 

Also  may  provide  likewise  for  funeral   expenses 638 

What  funeral  expense  must  be  paid 639 

Provided  brother  buried  by  Order  or  at  expense  of  family  639 
Noble   Grand   to   take   charge   of   funeral   and   render   an 

account    639 

The  proviso  in  Sec.  3,  Art.  IV,  Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nates,  is   valid 640 

A  Lodge  is  not  liable  for  funeral  expenses  unless  deceased 
be   buried   by   the   Order  or  at   the   expense   of  the 

family     640 

Funeral  expenses  are  regulated  by  local  laws 641 

A  Grand  Lodge  may  determine  any  question  in  relation 
thereto   without   interference   from   Sovereign   Grand 

Lodge 641 


Index.  1063 

BENEFITS— Co«/iMii<'rf.  Section. 

Grand  Lodges  may  limit  the  extent  to  which  Subordinates 

shall  be  liable , 641 

Funeral  benefits  regulated  by  By-Laws 642 

Must  be  paid  by  vote  of  Lodge 642 

Distinction       between       funeral     benefits     and     funeral 

expenses    643,  644 

Funeral  benefits  for  wife 645 

A  brother  sentenced  upon  charges  to  reprimand 646 

Funeral  benefits  not  due  if  he  die  before  appearing  to 

receive  reprimand 646 

Charges  pending  at  death,  and  funeral  honors  and  benefits  647 

Death  of  widow  and  funeral  benefits 648 

When  not  entitled  to  funeral  benefits 649 

When  not  entitled  to  sick  benefits 649 

Bargains  for  relinquishment  of  funeral  benefits  prohibited  650 

When  initiatory  members  entitled  to  funeral  benefits 651 

Funeral   benefit   and   Masonic   burial 652 

Lodge  cannot  deduct  dues  from  funeral  benefit 653 

Residence  of  beneficiary  immaterial 654 

A  brother's  mother  who  remarries 655 

Who  are  beneficiaries  o.f  funeral  benefit 656 

When  no  beneficiaries,  no  estate  or  insufficient  assets  to 

pay  funeral  expenses 656 

In  such  cases  Lodge  should  pay  bill  of  undertaker  and 

other  necessary  expenses 656 

But  not  exceeding  in  the  aggregate  the  funeral  benefits..  656 
Funeral  benefits  should  not  become  an  asset  of  estate  of 

decedent 657 

No  deceased  member  should  be  allowed  to  fill  a  pauper's 

grave 657 

Who  are  dependent  relatives 658 

Insane  brother — divorced  wife,  minor  children 659 

In  case  of  suicide , 660 

Payment  of  arrears  while  sick  and  not  entitled  to  sick 

benefits   661 

If  such   brother    die    from    such    sickness,    widow    not 

entitled  to  funeral  benefit 661 

Where  no  family  or  dependent  relatives 662,  663 

Order  refused  the  privilege  of  burying  a  brother 663 

Object   of   funeral   benefit Note  to'  663 

In  whom  is  the  right  to  funeral  benefit>^                  .Note  to  663 

Right  does  not  exist  till  after  death Note  to  668 

No  disposition  thereof  can  be  made  in  life Note  to  663 

No  dependent  relatives — funeral  expenses 664 

Funeral  benefits,  murder  of  wife,  suicide  of  husband....  665 


10G4  Index. 

BENEFITS— Continued.  Section. 

Inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  no  funeral  benefit 666 

Inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home  when  funeral  expense  paid 

to'  Odd  Fellows'  Home  Fund 667 

When  funeral  expenses  payable 668 

Death     immediately     after     reinstatement     and     funeral 

expenses 669 

Twelve  months  in  arrears  for  dues  and  funeral  expenses..  670 

Funeral  expenses  not  paid  unless  actually  incurred 671 

When  brother  buried  at  expense  of  the  United  States 671 

Funeral  expenses  and  estate  of  deceased 672 

When  buried  by  another  Order  at  expense  of  family,, 573,  686 
When  buried  by  and  at  the  expense  of  Masonic   Lodge 

Note  to  673 

Non-beneficial  member  and  funeral  expenses 674 

Non-beneficial  member  and  funeral  benefits 675 

Non-beneficial    member    not    entitled   to    funeral    benefits 

on  death  of  his  wife 676 

Nor  to  funeral  expenses  on  death  of  wife 676 

Initiatory  member  and  funeral   expenses 677 

Before  a  member  six  months 678 

Cariages  for  pall-bearers,  floral  decorations  and   draping 

of   hall ". 679 

Brother  in  arrears  buried  by  General  Relief  Committee..  680 
Buried  by  another  Order  and  part  of  expenses  paid  by 

family    681 

What  funeral  expenses  should  not  be  paid 684 

Duty  of  Lodge  to  pay  funeral  expenses  or  benefits 685 

Immoral    conduct    of   deceased 684 

When  not  buried  by  the  Order 685 

Buried  at  expense  of  Government  or  another  Order.. 686,  673 

Testimony — funeral    expenses   or   benefits   paid 687 

Investigating    Committee,   evidence,   report,   appeal 688 

Committee  investigates,. hears  evidence  and  reports 689 

When"  Grand  Lodge  will  review  Lodge's  action 689 

An    appeal 689 

Lodge    refuses    or   neglects    to    pay   funeral    expenses    or 

funeral    benefits 690 

Lodge  must  on  demand  appoint  Investigating  Committee  690 

Claimant    has    the    affirmative 691 

He  has  the  burden  of  proof 691 

Persons  should  not  resort  to  courts  of  law 692 

When,  if  admitted  by  fraud,  widow  not  entitled  to  benefits  693 

Gained  admission  by  fraudulent  misrepresentation  of  age  693 
As  to  aged  Odd  Fellows,    See  Aged  Odd  Fellows. 
As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals, 


Index.  1065 

BENEFITS— Continued.  Section. 

7.    Benefits  to  Widows. 

May  provide  benefits  for  widows 694,  695 

Lodge  may  provide  for  Widows*  and  Orphans'  Fund 695 

Immoral  act  or  conduct  deprives  of  benefits 696 

The  rule  governing  the  rights  of  widows 697 

Widows*    and    orphans*    rights    survive    or    perish    with 

brother's  rights 697 

Their  rights  end  when  he  ceases  to  be  a  member 697 

Their  rights  end  when  he  ceases  to  be  a  member  in  good 

standing    •. 697 

When  the  husband  was  in  arrears,  and  paid  them  while 

sick,  and  died  of  that  sickness 698 

Where  husband  was  not  in  good  standing 699 

When  husband  at  death  not  entitled  to  benefits  and  dona- 
tion to  widow 700 

Lodge  cannot  discriminate  as  to  rank  of  husband 701 

Lodge  may  discriminate  as  to  amount *701 

Scarlet  and  other  degree  members 702 

Lodge  may  increase  or  reduce  the  benefits 703 

Benefits  under  new   By-Laws 704 

Lodge  may  change  By-Laws  so  as  to  make  benefits  to 

widows  discretionary    '. 705 

Lodge  may  repeal  the  By-Law  providing  for  benefits  to 

widows    706 

Widow  who  does  not  maintain  a  good  character 707 

A  widow  may  demand  a  committee  to  investigate •. .  708 

Evidence    and    appeal 708 

Widow  should  not  sue  Lodge 709 

Benefits  and  allowances  to  widows  not  assignable 710 

Widow  who  remarries  and  is  divorced 711 

As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 
As  to  by-laws.    See  By-Laws. 

BEVERAGE:    See  Liquors. 

BIBLE: 

To  be  in  Lodge-room 712 

Chapter  from  it  cannot  be  read 713 

Either  at  opening  or  closing  Lodge 713 

Form  for  opening  and  closing  Lodge  cannot  be  added  to  713 

BILL  OP  EXCEPTIONS:    See  Trials;  Benefits  for  Benefit 
Investigations;  and  Appeals;  Forms. 

BILLS:    See  Minutes  and  Records;  Finance  Committee. 


1066  Index. 

BICYCLE  RACES:     See  Races.  •     Section. 

BLACK  BALLS:     See  Membership;   Rebekah   Branch;   Bal- 
lot and  Voting. 
Threats    to   blackball — offense 2120 

BLACK  BOOK: 

Lodges   required   to   keep 714 

Names  to  be  immediately  entered 715 

What   entries   to   be   made 716 

In  case  of  resignation 717 

BLANK  BALLOTS:     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 

BLANK  BONDS:     See  Bonds;  Forms. 

BLANK  CERTIFICATES  AND  CREDENTIALS: 

See  Grand  Secretary,  under  the  head  of  officers, 

BLANK  FORMS:     See  Grand  Secretary,  under  the  head  of 
Officers;  Forms. 

BLIND:     See  Membership;  Benefits. 

BOARD: 

Suspension  until  brother  pays  a  bill  for  board,  illegal 3212 

BONDS:  0 

Of   Grand    Secretary 718 

Of   Grand  Treasurer 718 

Of   Grand   Trustees 718 

Of  Trustees  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home 718 

Conditions   of  bonds   of  above   officers 718 

Penalty  to  be  guaranteed  by  a  surety  company 718 

Expense  of  procuring  such  bonds  paid  by  Grand  Lodge..  718 

Bond  of   Lodge  Treasurer 719 

Form   of   Lodge  Treasurer's  bond   (Form   No.   21) 729 

Sureties   not   Odd   Fellows 720 

A  Treasurer  or  Trustee  cannot  be  surety 721 

Bonds  of  Lodge  Trustees 722 

Form  of  bond  of  Lodge  Trustees  (Form  No.  20) 730 

Trustees  must  give  a  separate,  joint  and  several  bond...  723 

Trustees  cannot  be  sureties  for  each  other 724 

Bond  with  two  sureties  required 725 

Guarantee  of  Security  Company  in  lieu  of  bonds 

Note  to  725,  727 

When  principal  and  sureties  not  allowed  in  Lodge-room  726 

Liability   of   sureties 728 


Index.  1067 

BONDS — Continued.  Section. 

Grand  Secretary  to  furnish  blank  bonds  to  Lodges 2207 

Election  of  Treasurer  and  bonds 2305 

May  invest  funds  in  bonds 1444 

To  hold  bonds  in  trust,  etc.    See  Trustees. 

BOOKKEEPING: 

Lodge  may  adopt  its  own  system 731 

An  incorrect  system  of  bookkeeping 732 

Errors  may  be  corrected  by  the  Lodge 733 

BOOKS:    See  Minutes  and  Records;  Fiscal  Year. 

BOYCOTT: 

Must  do  no  act  that  would  injure  a  brother  Odd  Fellow. .     734 

BREWERY:    Sec  Agent. 

BROTHER: 

Natural  brother  nursing  natural  brother 2056 

Lodge  determines  when  to  pay  therefor 2056 

BUILDING  OR  HALL:    See  Charters. 

BUILDING  COMMITTEE: 

Members  of  the  Order  must  be  appointed 930 

BUILDING  AND  LOAN  ASSOCIATION:    See  Emblems. 

Not  to  use  name,  emblems,  initials,  etc.,  of  Order 1319 

BURIAL:      Sec    Funeral;    Funeral    Benefits     and     Funeral 
Expenses. 

BURIAL  GROUND:    Sec  Cemetery. 

BUSINESS  OF  GRAND  LODGE: 

By  whom  transacted 735 

Work  of  a  committee  part  of  the  business 736 

Invitations   interfering   with   business 737 

Certain  business  to  be  kept  secret 738 

Grand  Secretary  shall  present  unfinished  business 730 

Grand  Secretary's  rooms  for  business  of  the  Order 740 

Transacted  in  Grand  Lodge  Degree 741 

Installation  may  be  in  Scarlet  Degree 742 

Exemplification  of  degrees  while  open  in  Scarlet  Degree  743 

BUSINESS  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE: 

Quorum  for  business 744,  745 

When  Noble  and  Vice-Grand  absent  and  no  Past  Grand 

present   2704 


1068  Index. 

BUSINESS  OF  SUBORDINATE  I.ODGE— Continued.     Section. 

Business  transacted  in  Third  Degree  except 746 

When  Noble  Grand  may  open  under  other  business....  747 

Private  business  of  a  Lodge  must  not  be  divulged 748 

Attachments   and   benefits    granted 748 

Not  inform  officer  that  benefits  granted  are  in  hands  of 

Secretary    748 

Absence  of  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand 749 

To  take  part  in  business,  member  must  be  in  Lodge-room 

proper'  363 

Cannot  vote  from  ante-room 363 

BUSINESS:     See  Emblems. 

Name,  emblems,  etc.,  of  Order  not  to  be  used  in  private 

business 1315,    1316,  1320 

Illegal  to  issue  a  certificate  of  good  standing  for  business 

purposes    1574 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 
As  to  degrees.     See  Degrees. 
As  to  offenses.     See  Offenses. 

BUSINESS  CARD:     See  Emblems. 

BUSINESS  ENVELOPE: 

Use  of  All-Seeing  Eye  and  three  links  on,  illegal 1321 

BUSINESS  SIGN:     See  Emblems. 

BY-LAWS  OF  GRAND  LODGE: 

Grand  Lodge  may  enact  and  amend 750 

Need  not  approval  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 751 

How  may  be  repealed 752 

BY-LAWS  OF  SOVEREIGN  GRAND  LODGE: 

They  are  prefixed  to  this  Digest.  For  Index  thereto, 
see  this  Digest  under  the  head,  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge. 

BY-LAWS  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE: 

Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates  is  a  regular  com- 
mittee         753 

It  consists  of  five  members 753 

Appointed   from   among  the   members   present   at   Grand 

Lodge    753 

Duties  of  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates 754 

Proper  that  its  members  should  be  residents  of  same  place 

as  Grand  Secretary 755 


INBBJL.  1069 

BYLAWS  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE— Con/im^-rf.      Section. 

Lodge  may  make,  alter  or  rescind 756 

When  By-Laws  are  in  force 757 

By-Laws  take  eflfect — erroneous  notice  by  Secretary 543 

Right  of  Lodge  to  make 758 

Grand   Lodge  may  approve  or  disapprove 758 

Grand  Lodge  may  frame  and  recommend  a  model  code 

of    By-Laws 758 

But  cannot  compel  its  adoption 758 

Grand  Lodge  may  enact  a  uniform  Constitution 758 

Grand  Lodge  may  enact  general  laws  for  government  of 

Subordinates 759 

Powers  and  duties  of  Committee  on   Laws  of  Subordi- 
nates  760,  761 

The  committee  will  confine  their  action  to  approval  or 

disapproval 762 

When  an  amendment  is  not  approved 763 

Changing  the  amount  of  dues 764 

When  copy  of  By-Laws  must  be  sent  to  Grand  Secretary...  765 
When  all  the  By-Laws  before  printing  shall  be  submitted  to 

Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates 765 

Proposed  amendments  shall  be  sent  in  duplicate 766 

If  not  so  sent,  not  to  be  approved 767 

Proposed  amendments  shall  be  Vritten  out  in  full 768 

Proposed  amendments  and  copy  of  By-Laws  must  be  sent..  769 

New  By-Laws  and  amendments 770 

All  amendments  must  be  sent 771 

Cannot  be  put  into  effect  before  approval 771 

Cemetery  which  is  governed  by  By-Laws 772 

Effect  of  adoption  and  approval  of  new  By-Laws 773 

Must  be  printed  of  uniform  size 774 

A  copy  must  be  furnished  Grand  Secretary 774 

Duty  of  Grand  Secretary 774 

Notice  to  members  of  proposed  amendment 775 

Proposition  to  amend  when  to  be  acted  upon 776,  777 

Renewal  of  amendment  postponed  indefinitely 778 

Motion  to  indefinitely  postpone 779 

Amendments,  how  made 780 

Proper  form  of  amendment . .  781 

Vote  required  in  adopting  By-Laws . .  782 

A   Lodge   cannot   suspend   a    By-Law 783 

It  nuy  amend,  alter  or  rescind,  or  enact  others. . .  783 

By-Law  cannot  be  suspended  on  motion 784 

They  are  binding  on  all  parties 785 

But  one  contrary  to  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution  is  void.  785 

The  word  ''reasonable'*  and  decision  of  presiding  officer 786 


1070  Index. 

BY-LAWS  OF  SUBORDINATE  J.ODGE— Continued.      Section. 

As  to  appeals  in  regard  to  validity  of 92 

A  certain  By-Law  concerning  benefits  disapproved 787 

A  By-Law  enabling  a  Lodge  to  show  preference  to  some  over 

others 787 

A  By-Law  concerning  doctor's  certificates  disapproved 788 

A  By-Law  concerning  reporting  sickness  disapproved 789 

A  By-Law  concerning  forfeiting  benefits  disapproved 790 

A   By-Law   concerning   funeral   expenses    and   benefits   dis- 
approved       791 

Fines  and  penalties  prescribed  by 1395 

By-Laws  and  qualifications  for  membership 2298 

BY-LAWS  OF  ODD  FELLOWS'  HALL  ASSOCIATIONS; 

Grand  Lodge  recommends  a  set  of 2063 

BY-LAWS  OF  REBEKAH  LODGES  AND  ASSEMBLY: 

See  Rebekah  Branch. 

CALIFORNIA  BEAUTIFIED  WORK:     See  Supplies. 

CANDIDATE: 

A  candidate  may  vote  for  himself 273 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodge  membership.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

As  to  office.     See  Officers. 

CANDY: 

Lodge  cannot  appropriate  its  funds  for 1489 

As  to  special  fund  and  funds.    See  Funds. 

CANTON: 

Donation  to  defray  expenses  of  institution 1464 

CARDS  AND  CERTIFICATES: 

Forms  and  requisites  of  Withdrawal  Card 792 

Forms  and  requisites  of  Visiting  Cards 792 

Must  be  signed  by  holder 792,  798 

And  in  presence  of  officer  communicating  Annual  Traveling 

Password  or  Annual  Password 792,  798 

Withdrawal  Cards,  how  and  to  whom  granted  793 

Majority  vote  grants 793 

Card  refused,  brother  may  resign 793 

Certificate  of  resignation 793 

Visiting  Cards,  how  granted 794 

Duration  of  Visiting  Cards 794 

Special  Visiting  Cards  for  non-contributing  members 795 


Index.  1071 

CARDS  AND  CERTIFICATES— Ca«(mMfrf.  Section. 

All  cards  issued  only  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 796 

Rank  of  holder  expressed  on  face  of  card 797 

Highest  title  or  rank  expressed Note  to  797 

If  Grand  or  Past  Grand  Representative,  must  be  ex- 
pressed   Note  to  797 

Secretary  pro  tern,  signs  cards Note  to  798 

Cards  shall  be  withheld  to  be  signed  by  holder,  except 799 

Order  for  Password  not  to  be  endorsed  on  card 800 

Must  be  authenticated  by  Lodge  seal 801 

Withdrawal  Cards  to  members  of  extinct  Lodge 802 

Grand  Lodge  card  and  charter  of  Lodge  not  reclaimed  or 

forfeited 802 

Certificates  to  members  of  suspended  or  expelled  or  extinct 

Lodge 803 

Cards  to  members  of  extinct  Lodge  and  dues 804 

Inquirj'  as  to  right  of  member  to  card 805 

Grand   Lodge — Withdrawal   Cards  to  members   of  defunct 

Lodges 806 

Have  same  force  and  effect  as  cards  from  existing  Lodges. . .  806 

When  Withdrawal  Card   issued  to  member  of  defunct  Lodge.  807 

Such  card  covers  the  right  of  visitation 807 

Life  of  Withdrawal  Card  to  member  of  defunct  Lodge 808 

Withdrawal  Card  must  be  applied  for  within  one  year  of  the 

date  of  Lodge's  suspension 807 

A  defunct  certificate  may  issue  after  one  year 809 

Member  entitled  to  Withdrawal  Card  at  time  of  surrender 

of  charter 810 

He  is  entitled  to  receive  Withdrawal  Card  from  the  Grand 

Lodge 810 

Duplicate  card,  how  issued 811 

Duplicate  must  be  signed  by  officers  serving  at  time  of  issuing 

it 812 

Must  be  endorsed  on  its  face  duplicate 812 

If  Withdrawal  Card  lost,  may  obtain  duplicate Note  to  812 

Withdrawal  Card  lost,  may  issue  certificate Note  to  812 

Withdrawal  Card  cannot  be  renewed 813 

Withdrawal  Card  and  Annual  Traveling  Password  si4 

No  Withdrawal  Card  to  brother  under  charges "^15 

Withdrawal  Card— Saloonkeeper - 1  <'• 

Withdrawal  Card— Saloonkeeper — Bartender  ...  "^M 

Card  granted — No  charges  preferred 818 

Where  charter  member  withdraws  from  Lodge,  then  !"»n« 

again,  and  then  withdraws ^19 

Certificate  of  the  granting  of  a  Withdrawal  Cmrd 820 

Not  obliged  to  grant  a  Withdrawal  Card 821,  82S 


1072  Index. 

CARDS  AND  CERTIFICATES— Con/iMtirt/.  Section. 

In   cases   of   transfer  of  membership  by  card,   Withdrawal 

Cards  must  be  granted 1856,  1859,  1860 

Law  of  transfer  of  membership  by  card  not  applicable  to 

certificates 1867 

Visiting  Cards  and  transfer  of  membership  by  card 1889 

Certain  sections  of  Constitution  of  Subordinates  repealed. .. .  1889 

New  law  of  transfer  of  membership  by  card 1889,  1856 

Cases  in  which  Withdrawal  Card  should  be  granted.  .Note  to  821 

If  Withdrawal  Card  not  granted,  may  resign 821 

When  Withdrawal  Card  should  be  granted 823 

When  member  can  apply  for  card 824 

Annual  Traveling  Password,  or  order  for  it 825 

Not  entitled  to  Withdrawal  Card  when  grant  annulled 826 

Acquittal  of  charges  does  not  renew  card 827 

Effect  of  Withdrawal  Card  ...   828 

Withdrawal  Cards  on  transfer  of  membership  by  card 1856 

In   such  cases,  if  applicant  elected  entitled  to  Withdrawal 

Card •. 1856 

If  clear  on  the  books  and  free  from  charges 1857 

Ballot  by  which  applicant  elected  cannot  be  reconsidered 1856 

Entitled  to  Withdrawal  Card  on  payment  of  actual  cost  of 

card 1857 

In  such  cases.  Withdrawal  Card  must  be  granted 1859 

Grand  Master  may  direct  Lodge  to  grant  Withdrawal  Card 

in  such  cases 1860 

Withdrawal   Card   in   such   cases   granted   by  vote   by   ball 

ballot 1861 

Application  by  the  brother  for  such  Withdrawal  Card 1862 

Application  by  the  Recording  Secretary  for  such  Withdrawal 

Card 1863 

Lodge  may  annul  card 830 

Vote  upon  annulling  card 830 

When  charges  have  been  preferred,  no  vote  on  application 

for  Withdrawal  Card 831 

Charges  preferred  when  brother  applies  for  card 832 

Viva  voce  vote — Application  withdrawn 833 

May  withdraw  application  for  card 834 

Mistake  in  granting  Withdrawal  Card 835 

Lodge  may  rectify  the  mistake 835,  836, 

Withdrawal  Card  granted  without  application  therefor 836 

Unauthorized  application  for  Withdrawal  Card  for  another.  837 

May  rectify  the  matter 837 

When  retaining  card  ratifies  its  issuance 838 

Withdrawal  Card  granted  instead  of  a  Visiting  Card 839 

Taking  card,  membership  in  Lodge  ceases 840 


Index.  1073 

CARDS  AND  CERTIFICATED— Continued.  Section. 

Power  of  Lodge  to  annul  card  within  a  year 840 

If  card  annulled,  he  is  brought  back  into  the  Lodge 840 

Misconduct  prior  or  after  granting  card  and  annulling  it 841 

May  annul  within  a  year 842 

Life  of  card  expires  in  one  year 842 

Cannot  be  cancelled  or  annulled  after  one  year 842 

Offenses   after   Withdrawal   Card   expires 843 

Expired  Withdrawal   Card  cannot  be  annulled 843 

Lodge  may  annul,  but  cannot  reconsider  or  rescind  granting.  844 

Charges  preferred,  card  should  be  annulled 844 

.Annulling  card  that  charges  may  be  preferred 845 

When  holder  may  become  member  of  another  Lodge 846 

Effect  of  Withdrawal  Card 847 

Severs  connection   with   Lodge,  npt  the  Order 847 

Effect  of  expired  Withdrawal  Card 848 

Withdrawal    Card    must    be    returned    to    rejected    applicant 

for  membership 849 

Expired  Withdrawal  Card  is  null  and  void 848 

Holder  of  expired  Withdrawal  Card  is  beyond  the  Order's 

jurisdiction   848 

Card  should  not  be  mutilated  or  endorsed   rejected 849 

Where  deceased  has  Withdrawal  Card — Funeral 1541 

Blank  cards  not  obtained  without  written  order 850 

Order  of  Lodge  under  seal  signed  by  Secretary 850 

Supplies  may  be  delivered  to  accredited   Representatives  at 

session  of  Grand  Lodge Note  to  850 

If  applicant   absent,   letter   for   Annual   Traveling   Password 

may  be  sent  to  him 851 

Reinstatement    of   brother   suspended    for    non-payment    of 

dues  1936 

And  in  such  case  granting  htm  a  Withdrawal  Card 19.36 

Withdrawal  and  Visiting  Cards   furnished  as  supplies.     See 

Supplies. 

When  Visiting  Card  should  be  granted 853 

Brothers  of  lower  degrees  than  Third  entitled  to  Visiting 

Cards Note  to  853 

Effect  of  undecided  charges  and  Visiting  Card 854 

Endorsing  Visiting  Cards 855 

Vi^iiting  Card  and  rights  of  member  and  officer 856 

Visiting  Card  does  not  vacate  office 856,  857 

Holder  of  Visiting  Card  not  deprived  of  any  office  or  rights.  856 

Life  of  Visiting  Card  one  year 856 

Cannot  extend  time  or  life  of  Visiting  Card  by  endorsement 

on  it Note  to  858 

A  new  card  must  be  isMi6d Note  to  858 


1074  Index. 

CARDS  AND  CERTIFICATES— Continued.  Section. 

Amount  of  brother's  benefits  endorsed  on  Visiting  Card 859 

Applicant   in   Germany   Order   for   Annual    Traveling    Pass- 
word should  be  sent Note  to  2492 

Visiting  Cards  to  be  returned 860 

Another   Visiting   Card   not   to  be   granted   till   former  card 

returned   860 

Or  loss  or  destruction  proved 860 

Only  certain  cards  and  certificates  to  be  used 861 

Only  cards  furnished  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  to  be  used.    861 

Withdrawal   Card  does  not  vacate  office,   when 2163 

Cards  for  wives  and  widows 862 

As  to  voting  concerning  cards.     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 

As  to  charter  members.     See  Charter  and  Charter  Members. 

As  to  dues.     See  Dues. 

As  to  Ancient  Odd  Fellows.     See  Ancient  Odd  Fellows. 

As  to  official  certificates.    See  Official  Certificates. 

As  to  passwords.     See  Passwords. 

As  to  Dismissal  Certificates.     See  Dismissal  Certificates. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 

CARD,     ADMISSION     BY:     See     Membership;      Rebekah 
Branch. 

CARRIAGE  HIRE:     See  Funds;  Funeral  Expenses. 

CARD,  ADMISSION  ON:     See  Visitors  and  Visiting. 

CASTING  VOTE:     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 

CEASED  MEMBERSHIP:     See  Dues;  Suspension;  Appeals. 
As   to  Rebekah   Lodges.     See   Rebekah   Branch. 

CASH  BOOK,  SECRETARY'S:     See  Supplies. 

CELEBRATION: 

Permission  of  Grand  Master  required,  for  public  one 1178 

No  liquor  at,  given  by  Lodge  or  held  in  name  of  Order 1708 

As  to  anniversary.     See  Anniversary. 

As  to  liquors.     See  Liquors. 

As    to   ball.      See    Ball. 

As  to  funds.     See  Funds. 

As  to  dispensations.  See  Dispensations. 

As  to  picnic,  party,  entertainment.     See  Anniversary. 

As  to  regalia.     See  Anniversary;  Regalia. 


iMDBL  1075 

CELEBRATION  FUND:  Section. 

How  one  may  be  created 1529,  1530 

CEMETERY: 

Lodge  may  hold  and  sell  lots  therein  ...                     864 

No  need  for  Lodge  to  incorporate  for  that  purpose 864 

Lodge  may  erect  monuments,  headstones,  etc 865 

May  maintain  burial  places  in  appropriate  conditions 865 

May  aid  in  constructing  a  road  to 866 

Or  a  fence  around  the  same 866 

Loan  of  Cemetery  Fund 867 

WTien  may  give  or  donate  plot  in  cemetery 2587 

May  pay  its  share  of  indebtedness  of  Odd  Fellnw-;'  Cemetery 

Association 868 

As  to  Lodge  funds.     See  Funds;  Offenses. 
As  to  lotteries.     See  Lottery. 

CEMETERY  ASSOCIATION: 

Use  of  emblems  and  name  of  the  Order ms 

CENSURE: 

Of  officers  clothed   with   discretionary  power 869 

CERTIFICATES: 

Where   By-Laws   require  one   for  benefits 525,  528,     524 

Such  required  certificate  from  a  doctor  not   conclusive 628 

Physician's   certificate    not    admissible   as    evidence 601 

Past   Grand's   certificate   as   to   hall   or   building   on   petition 

for  charter . .     880 

Certificate  of  Representative . .  1018 

Certificate  of  Grand  Representati\  <  2214 

Certificate  of  Past  Grands 1018 

Grand   Secretary  must  provide  necessary  blanks   for  certifi- 
cates  for  Representatives  and  Past  Grands 1018 

As  to  credentials  for  Representatives  and  Past  Grands.    See 

Credentials. 

Lodge  may  require  certificate  of  good  health  of  applicant 1780 

Doctor's  certificate  of  examination  and  health  of  applicant. 

(Form  No.  19) 1781 

Form  prescribed  by  Grand  Lodge  must  be  used,  if  any 1782 

Prescribed  Form  No.  19  may  be  added  to ^  1782 

When  such  doctor's  certificate  may  be  required. 

1782.    1783,   1784,   1785,  1930 

Certificate    of    admission    to    Odd    Fellows*    Home    (Forms 

No«.  8  and  10)  2087 

Medical  certificate  as  to  applicant   for  admission   to  Home 

rForm  No.  9)   2088 


1076 


Index. 


CERTIFICAT^ES— Continued.  Section. 

Certificate  of  life  membership  in  Odd  Fellows'  Home  (Form 

No.   14)    2089 

Certificate    for    Semi-Annual    Password    the   District    Deputy 

Grand  Master  must  procure  and  file 2235,  2236 

Certificate    of   deceased    father's    standing    for    I.    O.    O.    F. 

Orphans'  Home  (Form  No.  12)   2485 

Certificate   of   deceased   mother's   standing   for   same    (Form 

No.    13)    2485 

Certificates  of  service  of  summons  (Form  No.  24) 2932 

Certificate  of  service  of  subpoena   (Form  No.  27) 3097 

Certificate  of  service  of  notice  of  filing  report  (Form  No.  31).  3139 

Grand  Secretary  to  provide  blank  certificates  for  Representa- 
tives and  Past  Grands 2210 

As  to  official  certificates.     See  Official  Certificates. 

As  to  Dismissal  Certificates.     See  Dismissal  Certificates. 

As  to  certificates  in  lieu  of  cards.     See  Cards. 

As  to  Past  Grand's  Degree  and  Grand  Lodge  Degree. 
See  Degrees. 

CHAIRS:     See  Addressing  the  Chairs. 

Decoration  of  chairs 870 

Chair  of  Noble  Grand  with  scarlet 870 

Chair  of  Vice-Grand  with  blue 870 

CHALLENGE: 

As  to  members  of  Trial  Committee.     See  Trials. 
As   to   members   of   Investigating   Committee   as   to  benefits. 
See  Benefits. 

CHAPLAIN: 

Duties  of  Chaplain  by  Junior  Past  Grand 1415 

Cannot  make  it  obligatory  on  Junior   Past  Grand 1415 

Nor  fine  him  for  non-performance 1415 

Not  imperative  to  have  duties  of,  performed .2579 

Service   as   Chaplain — Eligible   to   Vice-Grand 2281 

Member  cannot  be  installed  Chaplain  of  another  Lodge 2282 

Noble  Grand  may  appoint 2410 

Duties  of  Chaplain 2410 

As  to  prayer.     See  Prayer. 

CHARACTER: 

Duty  to  defend  brother's  character 871 

As  to  offenses.     See  Offenses. 

As  to  character  of  applicant  for  membership.     See  Member- 
ship. 
As  to  character  of  applicant  for  degrees.    See  Degrees. 


Index.  1077 

CHARGES:    See  Trials;  Appeals;  Forms.  Section. 

Brother  under  charges  may  visit  his  own  Lodge 872 

Participate  in  its  business 872 

Receive  Semi- Annual   Password  if  otherwise  in  good  stand- 
ing       872 

As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

As  to  cards.    See  Cards. 

As  to  Dismissal  Certificates.     See  Dismissal  Certificates. 

As  to  charges  against   a   Lodge 2816 

CHARGES  AND  LECTURES: 

When  Grand  Lodg^  Constitution  conflicts  with 873 

Charges  at  initiation  to  be  committed  to  memory 874 

Must  be  committed  to  memory  before  installation 875 

Must  not  be  written 876 

Junior  Past  Grand  to  commit  charge  to  memory 877 

As  to  installation.    See  Installation. 

As  to  offenses.     See  Offenses. 

As  to  the  Work  of  the  Order.    See  Work  of  the  Order. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

CHARGE   BOOKS:    See   Rituals. 

CHARITY:    See  Funds. 

Lodge  funds  may  be  used  for 878 

CHARTER  OF  GRAND  LODGE: 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  cannot  alter 879 

Copy  of  charter 880 

Warrant  issued  by  Grand  Sire  at  institution  is  its  charter.  881 

This  warrant  was  confirmed 881 

CHARTER  AND  CHARTER  MEMBERS: 

Fees  for  charter * 882 

How  applied  for  and  granted 883 

Written    application    of    five    or    more     Third      Degree 

brothers 883 

Where  no  Lodge  exists 883 

Application  of  seven  or  more  Third  Degree  brothers 883 

Where  a  Lodge  does  exist 883 

Application  of  twenty  or  more  persons  eligible  to  mem- 
bership    883 

Expenses  of  installing  officer 883 

May  erase  names  of  certain  petitioners.  883 

Application,  to  whom  presented 884 

Dispensation,  may  issue  .  .  884 

May  refute  charter Mote  to  884 


1078  Index. 

CHARTER  AND  CHARTER  MEMBERS— Continued.         Section. 
Must   be   recommended   by   three-fourths   of  the    Lodges 

in  the  county  or  district 885 

Certificate   as   to   a   suitable  hall   necessary 886 

Withdrawal  Card  must  be  properly  authenticated 887 

Who  may  become  charter  members 888 

Charter  members  must  be  present  at  institution 889 

Those  not  present  cannot  become  charter  members 890 

How  those  not  present  must  regain  membership.  .Note  to  890 

One  who  lives  nearer  another  Lodge  already  organized.  891 

Fee  of  charter  member 892 

Remission  of  dues  illegal,  when 893 

Rights  of  members  about  to  withdraw 894 

May  ascertain  if  the  Lodge  sanction  their  withdrawal 894 

Charter    may    be    kept    in    Lodge-room    proper    or    ante- 
room     895,  896 

Old  charters  should  be  preserved  and  cherished 897 

Loss  or  destruction  of  charter 898 

Grand   Master  and   Grand   Secretary  issue  another 898 

Duplicate  charter 899 

Cannot  open  charter 900 

When  Lodge  may  surrender  charter 901 

Surrender  of  charter 902 

Duty  of  Lodge  about  to  surrender  charter 903 

Should    deliver    books,    papers    and     other     property     to 

District    Deputy   Grand   Master 903,  904 

Should  also  deliver  up  its  available  and  unavailable  funds.  904 
Members  desiring  to  retain  charter  should  appear  at  the 

meeting  and  state  their  case 905 

Charter  for  Degree  Lodges 906 

Five  or  more  Past  Grands  or  five  or  more  Third  Degree 

members  must  petition 906 

Restoration  of  charter 907 

Charter     arrested — Suspension     sustained — Charter      re- 
stored    908 

Revival  of  Lodge  restores  officers 909 

Status  of  members  on  restoration  of  Lodge 910 

Application  of  five  or  more 907 

Charter  fee  on  restoration 911 

Failure  to  make  annual  and  semi-annual  returns,  forfeits 

charter 912 

Duty  of  Grand  Master  or  District  Deputy  Grand  Master.  912 

Duty  of  last  installed  officers  of  Lodge 912 

Failure  to  hold  meetings  for  six  months 913 

Surrender  or  forfeiture  of  charter 914 

Duty  of  officers 914 


Index  1079 

CHARTER  AND  CHARTER  MEMBERS— Cow/iwMfrf.         Section. 

Suspension  or  expulsion  of  Lodge 914 

Effects  and  funds  in  case  charter  forfeited  or  surrendered.    915 

Funds  and  property  to  be  delivered  up  to  Grand  Lodge,  or 

its  officers  or  agents 916 

Suspended  Lodge — Arrested  charter — Restored  ben- 
efits   486,    650 

Grand  Lodge,  and  not  Grand  Master,  disposes  of  property 

of  extinct  Lodge 2193 

At  institution  of  Lodge  charter  members  eligible  to  office.  2274 

Petition  for  a  warrant  for  a  Subordinate  Lodge  and 
instructions  in  regard  thereto  (Forms  No.  1  and 
No.  2.  page  1001. 

As  to  name  of  Lodge.    Sec  Name  of  Lodge. 

As  to  number  of  Lodge.    See  Number  of  Lodge. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodge.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

See,  also.  Subordinate  Lodge;  Aged  Odd  Fellows. 

As  to  foreign  charters.     See  International  Relations. 

CHEVALIERS:    See  Prize  Drills;  Installation;  Regalia. 

CHILDREN: 

Minor  daughter  nursing  her  father 2057 

As  to  orphans.     See  Orphans. 

As  to  I.  O.  O.  F.  Orphans'  Home.    See  Orphans'  Home. 

As  to  offenses  against.     See  Offenses. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

CHINESE: 

Not  eligible  to  membership 1773 

CHOIR: 

Allowance  for  funeral  expenses  and  choir 679 

CHURCH: 

To  appear  in  regalia  to  attend  ..   1219 

To  wear  regalia  at  dedication  .  ...  1213 

Funeral  conducted  by  church 1547 

As  to  funerals.    See  Funerals. 

CIGARS: 

Smoking  in  Lodge-room  prohibited  ...  2768 

Cannot  use  funds  for  .  .  .  ...  1481 

May  use  special  fund  for .  ■  ufti 

CIPHER:    See  Telegraph  Cipher  and  Key. 

CIPHER  KEY:    See  Work  of  the  Order;  Supplies. 


1080  Index. 

CIRCULARS:                                                                                Section: 
Grand  Secretary  to  issue,  to  Subordinate  Lodges,  Repre- 
sentatives and  officers 2199 

CITIZEN: 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 

CIVIL  OFFICER: 

Should  not  be  compelled  to  neglect  his  duties  to  attend 

Lodge  duties 917 

As  to  fines.     See  Fines. 

As  to  funerals.     See  Funeral. 

CLAIMS: 

Indebtedness   due  a  brother  and  dues  and  arrears.     See 

Dues;  Benefits. 
Claims  for  benefits.    See  Benefits. 

Claims  of  executors  and  administrators.     See   Benefits. 
Claims  of  one  Lodge  upon  another  for  nurse  hire.     See 

Nurses  and  Watchers. 
Claims   of   Relief   Committees   and   Lodge   upon    Lodges. 

See  Relief  Committees  and  Relief. 
As    to    appeals   by    Lodge   or    Relief    Committee    from   a 

Lodge's  actions.     See  Appeals. 

CLERK: 

Clerk   in   packing   house   selling   whiskey   in   packages    is 

not  saloonkeeper 1732 

CLUB  ROOM: 

Barkeeper  in — Offense 2137 

CLOSING  LODGE: 

Though    motion    to    adjourn    adopted,     Lodge     must     be 

closed  in  form 1,        4 

But  cases  of  sick  and  distressed  brothers  must  be  con- 
sidered before  closing 4 

Cannot  add  to  the  form  of  closing  in  the  Ritual 713 

In  case  of  public  installation 1652 

In  case  no  quorum 2599 

As  to  adjournment.     See  Adjournment. 

As  to  funeral.     See  Funeral. 

COLLATION:     See  Funds;  Banquet;  Supper;  Anniversary. 
COLLECTORS  OF  BALLOTS:     See  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 


Ikdbz.  1081 

COMMITTEES:  Section. 

In    Grand    Lodge    must    be    appointed    from    members 

present 918 

Who  may  serve  on  committees 918 

Regular  committees  of  Grand  Lodge  919 

Grand  Master  appoints 920 

Regular  committees  and  elective  officers 921 

When  members  of  committee  cannot  act 922 

When  Past  Grand  cannot  be  appointed  or  act 923 

Effect  of  reference  to  a  committee  in  Grand  Lodge 924 

Propositions  must  be  submitted  in  duplicate 925 

And  on  paper  of  certain  size 925 

Grand  Lodge  cannot  appoint  committee  to  try  member 

of  Subordinate  Lodge 926 

Duty  of  Noble  Grand 927 

When   Noble  Grand  to  appoint 928 

Members  of  committee  must  be  of  Third  Degree 929 

Building  Committee — member  of  the  Order 930 

Reports  of  committees  or  substance  thereof  to  be  noted 

on    minutes 931 

Presumption  in  favor  of  committees*  acts 117 

Rejected  applicant  cannot  demand  committee  to  investi- 
gate,  etc 307 

No  dispensation  granted  to  a  Lodge  Committee 1182 

Cannot  be  fined  for  absence  from,  on  Sunday 1400 

Nor    for    absence    from    General    Relief    Committee    on 

Sunday    .* . .   1400 

When  may  refer  question  of  benefits  to  Special  Committee  563 
Committee  to  examine  nominees  for  D.  D.  G.  M.  2225,  2226,  2227 
Elected  applicant  by  card,  committee  to  examine  as  to 

degrees  1907 

Committee  to  investigate  rumors  about  a  brother  illegal  3262 

Good  of  the  Order 1564 

Committee  to  correct  misconduct,  etc.,  of  brother 2354 

As  to  Committee  on  Credentials.     See  Credentials. 

As  to  Committee  on  Finance.    See  Finance  and  Finance 

Committee. 
As  to  Committee  on  Correspondence.  See  Correspondence. 
As  to  Committee  on  Appeals.    See  Appeals. 
As  to  Committee  on  Petitions.    See  Petitions. 
As  to  Committee  on  State  of  the  Order.    See  State  of  the 

Order,  Committee  on. 
Af  to  Committee  on  Legislation.     See  Legislation. 
At  to  Committee  on  Mileage.    See  Mileage. 
As  to  Committee  on. Printing.     See  Printing. 


1082  Index. 

COMMITTEES — Continued.  Section. 

As  to  Committee  on  Rebekah  Lodges.  See  Rebekah 
Lodges,  Committee  on. 

As   to   Standing   Committee.     See   Standing   Committee. 

As  to  Committee  on  Charges.     See  Trials. 

As  to  Committee  on  Applicants  for  Membership.  See 
Membership. 

As  to  General  Relief  Committee.  See  Relief  Committee 
and    Relief. 

As  to  Committee  to  Investigate  Claim  for  Benefits.  See 
Benefits. 

As  to  Committee  to  Investigate  Claim  for  Funeral  Ben- 
efits and  Other  Claims.     See  Benefits. 

As  to  Committees  in  Rebekah  Assembly  and  Rebekah 
Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

COMMITTEE  OF  THE  WHOLE: 

Procedure  in  such  cases 932 

COMMUNICATIONS  TO  LODGES: 

Instructions   to   representatives   not   to  be   sent   to   other 

Lodges    933 

Certain    communications    prohibited 934 

Consent  of  Grand  Master  necessary 934 

Resolutions  deprecating  or  condemning  S.  G.  L.'s  actions  935 

Instructions  to  vote  for  certain  legislation 936 

Combinations    to    control    legislation — votes 936 

Secretary's  duty  to  read 937 

How  received 938 

Communications  from  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Sec- 
retary      939 

Duty  to  enter  them,  etc 939 

Duty  to  number  them  and  keep  them  on  file 939 

Suspensions,  expulsions  and  rejections 939 

Communication  over  the  Grand  Master's  signature 940 

Communications   from   D.   D.    G.   Master 2239 

From  Grand  or  Subordinate  bodies  must  be  under  seal...  2749 

CONCERT: 

Sacred  one  on  Sunday  in  theatre  or  public  hall 941 

COMPETENCE: 

Lodge  no  right  to  inquire  into  private  affairs 460 

Sickness — competence — benefits    460,   461 

COMPLAINTS  AGAINST  LODGES  OR  DEPUTIES: 

Grand  Master  to  receive  and  act  upon 2173 


Index.  1083 

COMPROMISE:  Section. 

Compromise  and  appeal  dismissed 162 

Donation  to  settle  accounts 1463 

Lodge  may  appropriate  its  funds  to  compromise  a  finan- 
cial   question 1469,    2795,  2796 

CONCERT: 

Lodge    cannot    buy    tickets    for,    given    to    aid    Rebekah 

Lodge    1466 

When  sacred  concert  on  Sunday  is  unlawful 941 

CONDUCTOR:    See  Officers;  Passwords. 

CONFLICT  OF  LAWS:     See  Decisions. 

CONSCIENCE: 

Junior  Past  Grand — prayer — scruples  of  conscience 1415 

Relief  Committee  on  Sunday^onscientious  scruples  and 

fines    2820 

CONSOLIDATION  OF  LODGES: 

Procedure  of  Lodges  to  form  one  Lodge 942 

Prohibited  except  under  special  circumstances 942 

Can  consolidate  only  under  extraordinary  circumstances 

and  in  extreme  cases 942 

Policy  of  Grand  Lodge  in  relation  thereto 943 

Manner  and  effect  thereof 942 

Five  members  of  either  Lodge  voting  against  defeats  it..  944 

Five  members  protesting  or  objecting  defeats  it 942 

Members  standing  in  consolidated  Lodge 945 

Expelled  brother.  Lodge  consolidation  and  reinstatement  946 

Dispensation    required 946 

Dismissal    Certificate — reinstatement — card    947 

Form  of  warrant  therefor  prescribed.     (Form  No.  4) 943 

Effect  of  consolidation — property 04'.) 

Suspended  member  before  consolidation 949 

Reinstatement  and  Dismissal  Certificates 949 

Benefits  to  members 381 

Certain  Rituals  to  be  returned  to  Grand  Secretary 950 

N.  G.  of  Lodge  surrendering  Charter  does  not  become  a 

P.  G.,  when 951 

When  such  N.  G.  becomes  Past  Grand 951 

When  officers  entitled  to  honors  of  the  office 951 

COSTS: 

No  recovery  of  costs  in  appeals 176 


1084  Index. 

CONSTITUTION  AND  LAWS  OF  SOV.  G.  LODGE:     Section. 

They  are  paramount  to  all  laws 952 

Duty  to  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 953 

When  its  general  laws  take  effect 954 

When  amendment  to  its  Constitution  takes  effect 955 

Duty  of  Grand  Master  to  enforce 956 

Subordinate   Lodge  must  obey 957 

Are   laws   of   each    Lodge 958 

Sovereign   Grand   Lodge   Constitution  is   prefixed  to  this 

Digest,  page  3. 
For   index   to    matters    contained    therein,   see   Sovereign 

Grand  Lodge. 
The  By-Laws  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  are  prefixed  to 

this  Digest,  page  17. 
For   index    to   matters   contained    therein,   see    Sovereign 

Grand  Lodge. 

CONSTITUTION  BOOK:     See  Supplies. 

CONSTITUTION  OF  GRAND  LODGE: 

How  amended 960 

Must  be  approved  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. ..  .Note  to     960 
Or  by  Grand  Sire  when  Sov.  Grand  Lodge  not  in  session 

Note    to     960 

Approval    of    Grand    Sire    subject    to    approvel    of    S.    G. 

Lodge Note    to     960 

Amendments    must    first    be    adopted    by    Grand    Lodge 

Note  to     960 

Its   provisions   should  be  simple,  direct   and  comprehen- 
sive    Note  to     960 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  may  direct  removal  of  any  uncon- 
stitutional clause Note  to     960 

Only  be  amended  as   provided   in   Grand   Lodge   Consti- 
tution    Note  to     960 

Revised  Constitution,  how  passed Note  to     960 

A  resolution  construing  a  Constitutional  provision 

Note  to     960 

What  is  a  two-thirds  vote Note  to     960 

Grand    Lodges    must    furnish    Sovereign    Grand    Lodge 

copies  of  their   Constitutions Note  to     960 

When  submitting  amendments  thereto Note  to     960 

Attested  by  Seal  and  Grand  Secretary Note  to    960 

All  laws  submitted  to  S.  G.  L.  must  be  under  Seal. Note  to     960 

Grand  Master  to  enforce  its  observance 960 

Construction    of    Grand    Lodge    Constitution    by    Grand 

Master 962 


Index.  1085 

CONSTITUTION  OF  GRAND  LODGK—Continucd.  Section. 

His  duty  to  construe  or  interpret  the  same 962 

As  to  an  act  already  committed  by  his  Grand  Lodge....  963 

Grand  Master  no  power  to  set  it  aside 963 

Constitutional    provision   of   Grand    Lodge   when   clearly 

in  conflict  with  Sov.  G.  L.  Constitution 964 

Construction  of  G.  L.  Constitution  by  Grand  Sire 965 

Questions  arising  out  of  Grand  Lodge  Constitutions 965 

It  is  the  law  of  each  Lodge 966 

It  is  prefixed  tq  this  Digest,  page  32,  and  it  is  also  dis- 
posed under  appropriate  heads  therein. 

CONSTITUTION  OF  SUBORDINATES: 

Framing  such  Constitution — Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 968 

How  changed  or  amended 969,     970 

Doubt  as  to  meaning  determined  by  Grand  Lodge 971 

Amendment — contrary  to  Grand   Lodge   Constitution 972 

Grand  Master  cannot  set  aside  any  part 2359 

By-Laws  contrary  to  Sub.  Lodge  Constitution 973 

Grand  Lodges  may  enact  uniform  Constitutions  for  Sub- 
ordinate   Lodges 974 

Grand  Master  cannot  suspend  or  annul 975 

Lodges  must  have  it  for  signing 976 

Persons  becoming  members  must  sign 1814,      25 

Candidate  not  a  member  till  he  signs  it 1257 

Cannot  delegate  power  to  sign 1815 

Degrees  when  brother  has  not  signed 1906 

When  not  necessary   to  re-sign 1932,1933 

Duty  of  Grand  Secretary  to  print  and  sell  copies 2203 

Dispensation  cannot  be  issued  to  suspend  any  part 1199 

Nor  to  annul  any  part 1 199 

Telegraph  cipher  and  key  must  be  printed  with  it 2828 

Printed  ones.     See  Supplies. 

It  is  affixed  to  this  Digest,  page  938,  and  is  also  disposed 
under  appropriate   heads   therein. 

CONSTITUTION  OF  REBEKAH  ASSEMBLY: 

It  is  affixed  to  this  Digest,  page  969.     For  index  to  mat- 
ters contained  therein,  see  Rebekah  Branch. 

CONSTITUTION  OP  REBEKAH  LODGES: 

It  is  affixed  to  this  Digest,  page  982.    For  index  to  mat- 
ters contained  therein,  see  Rebekah  Branch. 

Duty  of  Grand  Secretary  to  print  and  sell 2204 

Duty  of  Grand  Secretary  as  to  amendments 2203 

Printed  ones.    See  Supplies. 


1086 


Index. 


CONTEMPT:  Section. 

Resolution    bringing    Grand    Lodge    into    contempt    not 

permitted    978 

Or  calling  in  question  any  of  its  actions 978 

Or  any  retaliatory  resolution  thereto 978 

Penalty  for  refusing  or  neglecting  to  stand  trial 979 

The  Lodge  must  adjudge  the  accused  guilty 980 

Motion  to  accept  or  receive  the  report  not  equivalent  to 

adopt    980 

Cause  or  excuse  for  neglect  to  stand  trial 981 

Relief  from  neglect — proof  or  evidence 981 

Refusing  to  perform  official  duties 982 

Contempt    defined 983 

Appearing  before  Trial  Committee  by  counsel Note  to     983 

Must  be  intentional  refusal  or  willful  neglect 984 

Willfully  absenting  himself  to  avoid  service  of  notice..     984 

Law  concerning  must  be  strictly  complied  with 985 

What  proof  must  show 985 

Proof  must  appear  in  record 985 

Contempt  and  expulsion  rest  upon  the  committee's  report    986 

Presumption  as  to  report  for  contempt 987 

Action  upon  report  of  Trial   Committee 988 

When  absent  at  adjourned  meeting  of  Trial  Committee..     989 

Where   accused    desires    to    stand    trial 990 

Where  accused  demurs  and  answers  and  then  absent....     991 
Where    accused    appears    a    number    of    times    and    then 

absent    992 

Where  accused  answers  the  summons  and  by  letter  asks 

a    continuance : 993 

May  appear  by  counsel 994 

Answering  the   summons   by  written   communication....     995 

Refusing  to  obey  suspended  officer 996 

Failing  to  appear  to  receive  reprimand 997 

Certain  act  of  Trustees  not  contempt 998 

In  case  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues 999 

Absent   through   misunderstanding   or   sickness 1000 

Neglecting  to  answer  letters  from  Lodge Note  to  1000 

Where  accused  answers  the  summons  and  asks  continu- 
ance       1001 

Where  accused  absent  but  answers  the  summons 1002 

Duty  of   Noble   Grand 1003 

Where  defective  record  on  file 1004 

Petition    from   expelled   brother 133 

Before    expelled    for    contempt    must    be    reported    guilty 

thereof    1005 

As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 


Index.  1087 

CONTEMPTUOUS  LANGUAGE:  See  Oflfenses;  Trials.  Section. 

CONTINGENT    OR    SPECIAL    FUND:    See    Funds;    Re- 
bekah  Branch. 

CONTINUANCE: 

As  to  trials.     See  Trials. 

As  to  benefit  investigations.    See  Benefits. 

As  to  appeals!     See  Appeals. 

CONTRACTS: 

Lodges  not  to  enforce  private  contracts 1006 

Where  no  actual  fraud  appears 1006 

As  to  other  matters.     See  Agreement. 
As  to  oflfenses.     See  Oflfenses. 

CONVICT:    Sec  Crime;  Membership;  Trials. 
CORPSE: 

Neglecting  to  sit  up  with  or  furnish  a  substitute,  etc.  .2146  (43) 

CORRESPONDENCE: 

Committee  on  Correspondence  of  Grand  Lodge 1007 

It   is  a   Regular   Committee 1007 

Appointed    from    members    present 1007 

COSTUMES: 

Not  to  be  used  in  public 3361 

May  use  funds  for  costumes  for  officers 1453 

They  are  part  of  current  expenses 1453 

Degree  Team  of  Sub.  Lodge  when  not  to  appear  in 1152 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

COUNSEL: 

Must  be  an  Odd  Fellow  in  good  standing 1009 

Claimant    in   benefit    investigations    entitled   to 1010 

Lodge  may  have  counsel  to  prosecute  charges lOll 

Lodge  may  employ  to  prosecute  a  cause 1012 

May  authorize  benefit  investigating  committee  to  employ 

for    Lodge 1013 

Oflfensive  or  disorderly  conduct  of  counsel 3256 

Committee's  power   in   the   premises 3256 

Duty  of  counsel — right  to  refuse  such  employment 1014 

Duty  of  counsel  to  the  Order  and  its  membership 1015 

Appearing  before   committed   intoxicated   an   oflfcnse....  2144 
Any  oflfensive  or  improper  conduct  an  oflfcnse.  'M4 

Of  party  cannot  act  on  Appeal  Committee »8 

May  agree  as  to  facts  in  benefit  investigations ('>U 


1088  Index. 

COUNSEL — Continued.  Section. 

Limiting  argument  of 3255 

Counsel  appearing  in  Grand   Lodge 154 

No  right  to  debate  or  speak  on  penalty 3208 

Right   to   vote   on    penalty 3209 

Noble  Grand  should  not  act  as 3252 

As  to  other  matters.     See  Trials;  Benefits. 

CREDENTIALS: 

Committee  on  Credentials  of  Grand  Lodge  and  its  duties  1016 

It  is  a  regular  committee 1017 

Appointed    from    members    present , 1017 

List   of   representatives   and    Past    Grands   to   be   sent   to 

Grand   Secretary 1018 

Grand   Secretary  to  provide   the  blanks 1018 

Certificate    of    service    as    Noble    Grand    not    conclusive 

Note    to  1018 

Credentials    must    be    passed    on     and     elected     member 

admitted  Note  to  1018 

Each  representative  entitled  to  a  certificate 1019 

Proper  credentials  of  a  representative 1020 

Representatives    without    proper   credentials    admitted   to 

Grand   Lodge 1021 

Past  Grands  without  proper  credentials  admitted  to  Grand 

Lodge    1022 

As   to   committee,  in   Rebekah  Assembly.     See   Rebekah 

Branch. 

CRIME: 

To  commit  a  crime  an  offense  in  Odd  Fellowship 1023 

One  convicted  and  serving  a  sentence  in  the  State's  prison 

to   be   expelled 3073 

A  convicted  person  who  is  pardoned 1774 

Lodge  cannot  use  funds  for  reward  for  arrest  or  con- 
viction     1523,1524 

As  to  offenses.     See  Offenses;  Trials. 

As  to  installation.     See  Installation. 

As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

CROSS-EXAMINATION : 

As  to  charges.     See  Trials;  Appeals. 

As  to  benefit  investigations.     See  Benefits. 

CUBES: 

Lodge  may  use,  instead  of  black  balls  for  balloting 282 

CUMULATIVE  VOTING: 

No   cumulative   voting 267 

/ 


iNOIX  1089 

DANCING:  Section. 

Use  of  Lodge-room  for. . .  1024 

Individuals    cannot    use    Lodge-room    theretor    without 

permission    1025 

No  liquors  at  any  entertainment  given  by  Lodge  or  held 

in  the  name  of  the  Order 1709 

As  to  ba^ll.     See  Ball 

As  to  liquors.     See   Liquors. 

As  to  use  of  funds.    See  Funds. 

As  to  celebration  of  anniversary.    See  Anniversary. 

DAUGHTER:     See  offenses;   Rebekah   Branch. 

Minor  daughter  nursing  her  father 2057 

DEAD:    Se«  Corpse;  Funeral;  Benefits. 

DEAF: 

The  totally  deaf  should  not  be  initiated 1789 

DEBATE: 

Who  has  right  to  speak  in  Grand  Lodge 1026 

Granting  privilege  in   Subordinate   Lodge 1027 

Right  to  speak  in  Subordinate  Lodge 1028 

Aged  Odd  Fellows  right  to  speak 21 

Sentenced  to  be  reprimanded — right  to  speak 3199 

When  counsel  no  right  to  speak  or  debate  on  penalty..  3208 
As  to  rules  and  questions  of  order.     See  Order,   Rules 

and  Questions  of. 
As  to  good  of  the  Order.     See  Good  of  the  Order. 

DEBTS: 

Our  laws  not  designed  for  collection  thereof 102t 

A  Lodge  cannot  enforce  collection Note  to  1029 

Lodge  may  sell  its  property  to  pay  its  debts 2588 

Lodge   cannot  donate    to   pay    claim    against    deceased 

brother    1508 

Brother  or  officer  cannot  pay  himself  from  Lodge  fund 

without   Lodge's  action 1520 

One  who  owes  Lodge  borrowed  money  may.be  elected 

to    office 2290 

Indebted  to  Lodge  for  borrowed  money  cannot  be  elected 

Treasurer    2291 

Ability  to  collect  debts,  etc. — benefits S31 

As  to  offenses.    See  Offenses. 

DECEIT:    See  Offenses. 


1090  Index. 

DECISIONS:  Section. 
Decisions  and  laws  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  the  high- 
est   authority 1030 

Conflicting  laws  must  yield 1030 

A   decision  of  Sovereign   Grand   Lodge    not    in    White's 

Digest Note  to  1030 

White's  Digest  is  a  mere  compilation Note  to  1030 

A  decision  of  Grand  Sire  approved,  but  new  law  enacted 

at  same  session 1030 

Duty  of  Grand  Representative  to  communicate  decisions 

of  Sovereign   Grand    Lodge 1031 

Decision  of  Grand  Lodge  binding 1032 

Grand  Lodge  decision  affects  all  cases  under  the  law 1033 

Rulings  and  instructions  of  Grand   Master 1034 

Tie  vote  on  approving  Grand  Master's  decision.  .Note  to  1034 

District   Deputy   Grand    Master's    decision 1035 

Decisions  should  correctly  interpret  the  law 1036 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  and  Grand  Lodge  decisions  are 

laws  of  Subordinate   Lodge 1037 

Grand   Lodge   recommends   Grand   Master's   decisions  be 

published .- 2181 

When  Grand  Master's  duty  to  refer  inquirer  to  Digest..  2182 
Decisions  of  Grand  Master  and  his  annual  report.  2181,  2182 
When   Grand   Master  to   require   Lodge  to   comply  with 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  decision  .  .  . 2192 

Grand    Master    and    decisions    of    President    of    Rebekah 

Assembly 2185 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

DECORATION:     See   Chairs. 

DEDICATION: 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge's  form  must  be  used,  if  any 1038 

Lodge  may  meet  in  a  new  hall  pending  dedication 2792 

As  to  Odd  Fellows'  Hall.    See  Odd  Fellows'  Hall. 

DEEDS: 

Where  Lodge  desires  to  buy  land,  in  whose  name  made..   2585 

A  corporation  recommended 2585 

To  hold  in  trust.     See  Trustees. 

DEFAMATION:     See  Offenses;  Character. 

DEFENDANT:     See  Trials. 

DEFENSE: 

No  one  should  be  deprived  of  his  rights  without  oppor- 
tunity to  explain,  assert  or  defend  them 1039 


Index.  1091 

DEFENSE— CoM/inNr</.  Section. 

To  deprive  a  brother  of  his  rights  or  honors,  etc.,  with- 
out notice  or  knowledge,  not  permitted 1039 

Noble  Grand  cannot  be   removed   without   knowledge  or 

notice 1039 

A  Lodge's  right 1 039 

DEFORMED  PERSONS: 

What  deformed  persons  should  not  be  initiated....l789, 1790,  1791 
Partial  deformity 1791,  1790,  1789 

DEFUNCT  CERTIFICATE:    See  Cards  and  Certificates. 

DEFUNCT  LODGE:     See  Extinct  Lodge. 

DEGREE  BOOK: 

Not  now  printed  as  a  separate  book 1041 

Formerly  there  were  a  charge  book  and  a  degree  book.  1041 
Th«e   books   are    now   united   and    printed   as   one   and 

called  the  Ritual  or  charge  book 1041 

As  to  charge  book  or  Ritual.    See  Ritual. 

DEGREE  FEES:    See  Fees. 

DEGREE  CHARTS:    See  Supplies. 

DEGREE  LODGE: 

Manner    of    applying    for    warrant    for,    is    regulated    by 

Grand   Lodge  Constitution 1042 

As  to  warrant.     See  Charter. 

Qualifications  of  members 1043 

General  provisions  regiilatinp:  Degree  Lodges 1044 

Who  may  be  members  1044 

Who  may  visit 1044 

Who  may  be  Noble  Grand  or  Vice-Grand  1044 

Where  may  be  established ...  1044 

Terms  of . .  1044 

Officers  of  and  their  titles 1044 

Degree  Master  may  assign  brothers  to  other  position....  1044 

Upon  whom  degrees  shall  be  conferred 1044 

Must   have  certificate  of  election   in   Subordinate   Lodge 

to  receive  them  .  . .  1044 

Entitled  to  have  a  seal  1044 

Report  to  Grand  Lodge 1044 

Brother  who  cannot  prove  himself  in  the  degree  he  has..  1044 

Degree  Master  no  right  to  receive  A.  T.  P.  W 1044 

Recommended  no  more  charters  be  granted 1045 

Scarlet  Degree  members  not  eligible  to  Degree  Matter..  1046 


1092  Index. 

DEGREE  'LODGEr— Continued.  Section. 

Same  qualifications  for  Degree  Master  as  Noble  Grand..  1046 
No     title    or    honorary    distinction    for      Past     Degree 

Masters Note  to  1046 

Subordinate  Lodge  cannot  elect  Degree  Master 1047 

Grand  Master  cannot  appoint  a  brother  to  that  office 1047 

Degree  Lodges  remain  the  same  as  before 1048 

A  Subordinate  Lodge  may  confer  the  degrees 1048 

More  than  two  degrees  same  evening — Dispensation 1049 

Certificate  and  communications  must  be  under  seal 1050 

Duty  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 1051 

Duty  of   Noble   Grand   and   Vice-Grand    of    Subordinate 

Lodge 1052 

When  duty  to  be  present  at  conferring  the  degree 1052 

Offenses  of  Degree  Lodge 1053 

DEGREES:  Page. 

1.  Grand  Lodge  Degree 1092 

2.  Past  Grand's  Degree  . 1092 

3.  Subordinate  Lodge 1094 

1.  Grand  Lodge  Degree. 

A  reward  for  faithful  official  service  only 1054 

District  Deputy  cannot  confer Note  to  1054 

Conferred  in  Grand  Lodge Note  to  1054 

By    special    permission    may    be    conferred    in    adjacent 

room Note  to  1054 

Special  sessions  of  Grand   Lodge  may  be  held  to  con- 
fer it Note  to  1054 

To  confer  Past  Official  Degrees Note  to  1054 

To  instruct  in  unwritten  work Note  to  1054 

Special  sessions  to  confer  the  degree 1055 

Grand  Master  may  call  at  his  option 1055 

When  confer  on  Past  Grand  of  another  jurisdiction 1056 

Given  only  when  Past  Grand  becomes  member  of  Grand 

Lodge Note  to  1056 

Business    of   Grand    Lodge    transacted    in    Grand    Lodge 

Degree 741 

Grand  Lodge  may  open  in  Scarlet  Degree  for  installation,     742 

Or  for  exemplification  of  degrees 743 

Cannot  examine  visitor  to  Subordinate  Lodge  in 3318 

2.  Past  Grand's  Degree. 

Certificates  furnished  without  vote 1057 

Withdrawal  Card  and  certificate 1058 

Certificate  of  Lodge  taken  as  true 1059 


Index.  1093 

DEGREES — Continued.  Section. 

What  evidence  is  necessary  to  entitle  to 1060 

Service  a  majority  of  nights  of  a  term  to  the  end  of  the 

term  is  requisite Note  to  1060 

Resignation  previous  to  expiration  of  term  for- 
feits  Note  to  1060 

Leave    of    absence    for    majority    of    nights    of    term 

forfeits Note  to  1060 

Although   holds   a   Visiting   Card Note  to  1060 

Service  majority  of  nights  of  term  and  leave  of  absence 

for  remainder Note  to  1060 

Must    be    present    in    Lodge-room    majority    of    meeting 

nights  unless  excused  by  reason  of  sickness.  .Note  to  1060 
Suspended  Noble  Grand — On  appeal  suspension  reversed.  1061 
Past  Grand  cannot  confer  Past  Official  Degrees  without 

special  authority 1062 

Subordinate  Lodge  cannot  confer 1063 

Only    Grand    Lodge,   Grand    Master   or   his    Deputy  can 

confer 1063 

Vice-Grand    elected    Noble    Grand    to    fill    remainder   of 

term 1064 

Grand    Master   or    District    Deputy   Grand    Master   may 

confer 1065 

State  Grand  Lodge  may  authorize  District  Deputy  Grand 

Master  to  confer  Past  Grand's  Degree Note  to  1065 

Or  may  direct  it  to  be  conferred  in  any  other  man- 
ner   Note  to  1065 

Honors  of  Past  Grand  cannot  be  conferred  for  services 

lu  Treasurer 1066 

Only  obtainable  by  service 1067 

When  retiring  Noble  Grand  not  present  at  installation. .  1068 

A  Noble  Grand  suspended  for  cause 1069 

Suspension  of  an  officer  for  cause  vacates  his  office....  1069 

Sickness  of  officer — Honors  of  office 1070 

Must  be  personal  illness  to  be  an  excuse 1070 

When  absence  from  sickness  of  officer  is  service 1071 

Service  majority  of  nights  and  sickness 1072 

Service  till  end  of  term  required . .  1073 

First  Noble  Grand  and  eleven  nights'  service 1074 

Served  thirteen  nights  and  present  one  night,  no  meeting  1075 

Officer  attends  when  no  quorum 1076 

When  brother  installed  by  one  not  authorized  or  quali- 

fied  to  install 1653 

Served  fourteen  nights  and  then  absent..  ..   1077 

Not  present  last  meeting  of  term . .  1078 

Meetings  twice  a  month — Honors  of  office 2379 


1094  Index. 

DEGREES— Continued.  Section. 

When  Vice-Grand  acts  as  Noble  Grand  without  election 

to  the  office 1079 

Vice-Grand   acting  as    Noble    Grand   without   election   to 

that  office 1079 

Vice-Grand  elected  Noble  Grand  to  fill  a  vacancy 1081 

When  honors  of  Vice-Grand  forfeited 1082 

A  Scarlet  Degree  member  elected  Noble  Grand 1083 

Third  Degree  member  and  chair  of  Junior  Past  Grand..  1084 
Service  from  July  1st  to  November  1st  and  then  absent.  1085 

Must  serve  a  majority  of  nights 1086 

Present  ten  nights  of  a  term 1087 

Noble  Grand  takes  Withdrawal  Card 1088 

Withdrawal  Card  on  kst  night  of  term 1089 

Served  less  than  majority  of  nights  and  leave  of  absence.  1090 

Actual  service  in  office  required 1091 

Election   of   Scarleet   Degree   member   without   dispensa- 
tion    1092 

Elected  and  installed  last  night  of  term 1093 

Re-election   as    Noble   Grand   of  a   brother  who   had   re- 
signed the  office 1094 

Resignation   at   last   meeting   of   term,  but   opens    Lodge 

at  all  meetings 1095 

A  Noble  Grand  receives  the  honors  of  Past  Grand  when 

not  entitled  thereto 1096 

When  two  Lodges  consolidate — Honors  of  office 951 

When  retiring  Noble  Grand  is  elected  to  office 1098 

Re-election  of  Noble  Grand 1099 

Illegal  installation 1100 

3.    Subordinate  Lodge. 

Application  for  degrees — Ballot — Election 1101 

Fee  must  accompany  application 1101 

Three  black  balls  reject 1101 

When  certificate  to  be  given 1101 

Examination  in  open  Lodge  in  secret  work,  signs,  etc 1102 

Noble  Grand's  duty  to  see  brothers  instructed 1103 

Number  conferred  at  one  meeting 1104 

Dispensation   to   confer   more   than  two   degrees   at  one 

meeting 1104 

When  degrees  refused,  when  may  apply  again 1104 

Cannot  apply  within  three  months 1104 

A  separate  ballot  for  each  degree  in  this  jurisdiction....  1105 

Grand  Lodge's  power  as  to  balloting 1106 

Balloting  on  two  or  more  applicants  for  same  degree 1107 

Unfavorable  ballot,  ballot  on  each  applicant  separately...  1107 


Index.  1095 

DEGREES— CoN/iNM^i/.  Section, 

May  apply  for  degrees  orally  or  in  writing. . .  . .  1108 

When  applicant  may  apply 1109 

Not  compelled  to  vote  the  degrees Note  to  1109 

When  initiate  may  apply  for  and  receive  First  Degree...  1110 
Open  in  Third  Degree  to  pass  upon  applicant's  pro- 
ficiency   1111 

Open  in  First  Degree  to  examine  in  First  Degree 1111 

After  examination  reopen  in  Third  Degree  to  pass  upon 

applicant's  proficiency 1111 

A  By-Law  extending  time  void lllS 

Right  of  Subordinate  Lodge  to  confer 1113 

Lodge's    privilege    to    investigate    applicant's    character, 

health  and  condition 1114 

Lodge  may  request  a  statement  as  to  applicant's  physical 

condition iiis 

Saloonkeeper  initiated  by  mistake 1116 

Not  qualified  to  receive  the  degrees 1116 

His  further  progress  should  be  arrested 1116 

Commencing  saloon  business  after  initiation 1117 

Only  two  degrees  a  week  except  by  dispensation 1118 

Ballot  in  Third  Degree 1119 

Must   close   in   First   Degree   before  opening   in   Second 

Degree Note  to  1119 

Two  Lodges  cannot  confer  degrees  at  same  time  and 

place 1120 

Lodges  cannot  hold  joint  meetings 1121 

Subordinate  Lodge  may  confer  notwithstanding  Degree 

Lodge 1122 

Regular  and  special  meetings ..1123 

May  confer  degrees  at  special  meeting 1123 

Must  apply  for  at  regular  meeting 1123 

Cannot  ballot  at  special  meeting 1124 

When  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand  absent  no  quorum..   1125 

The  proper  officer  to  confer 1126 

Past  Grand  or  D.  D.  G.  M.  may  be  invited  to  confer 1127 

Motion  to  reconsider 1128 

When  may  reconsider  a  favorable  ballot  .1129 

On  more  than  one  person  at  a  time 1130 

Conferred    on    members    of   other    Lodge    upon    request 

under  seal  ...  .1131 

Fee  in  such  cases  ...  ii31 

Certificate  granted  at  reguUr  meeting Note  to  1131 

No  Lodge  right  to  give  certificate  till  fee  paid Note  to  1131 

Conferred  on  member  of  another  jurisdiction 1132,  118S 

Where  a  brother  takes  a  Withdrawal  Card  and  remove*..    it34 


1096  Index. 

DEGRKKS— Continued.  Section. 

Fee  in  such  cases 1134 

Holder  of  Withdrawal  Card  cannot  receive  the  degrees..  1134 

Degrees  under  the  old  work  and  the  new  work 1135 

One  Lodge  authorizing  another  to  give  instructions 1136 

Meetings  twice  a  month — Honors  of  office 2279 

A  brother  who  has  not  the  right  to  visit 1137 

What  the  words  a  brother  in  arrears  for  dues  mean 1138 

The  initiatory  is  a  degree,  but  not  numbered 1139 

The  four  degrees  of  the  Subordinate  Lodge 1140 

The  Third  or  Scarlet  Degree 1141 

The  Third  Degree  or  Degree  of  Truth  or  Scarlet  Degree.  1141 

Royal  Blue  member  and  Third  Degree 1142 

Business  transacted   in   Third   Degree,   except 746 

Degrees   elected  brother  has   received 1905  to  1907 

Candidates  appear  without  regalia 1143 

Right  to  leave  the  Lodge-room 1144 

Right  to  remain *. 1145 

As  to  balloting.     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 

As  to  fees.     See  Fees. 

As  to  dispensation.     See  Dispensation. 

As  to  expemplification  of  degrees.     See  Exemplification. 

As  to  special  sessions.     See  Special  Sessions. 

DEGREE  MASTER:    See  Degree  Lodge. 

DEGREE  STAFF: 

Should  address  the  chairs  retiring  and  re-entering 1146 

Retiring  to  prepare,  should  address  the  Noble  Grand 1147 

Re-entering,  should  address  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand  1147 
Entering  from   or   retiring  to   the   ante-room   through   a 
doorway  other  than  the  one  in  charge  of  the  Inside 

Guardian,  not  address  the  chair 1148 

The  team  work  contemplates  entrance  at  certain  points 

in  their  work 1148 

And  through   some  other  entrance   than  the  regular  en- 
trance to  Lodge-room 1148 

Qualifications  of  members  of 1149 

Who  may  occupy  Noble  Grand's  chair 1150 

Who  may  occupy  the  Vice-Grand's  chair 1151 

No  right  to  appear  in  robes  in  a  Rebekah  Lodge 1152 

Or  any  place  outside  of  Sub.  Lodge  or  Degree  Lodge 1152 

Grand  Lodge  will  not  pay  any  team  for  exemplification 

of  work 1584 

Initiation— Staff 1601 

"Degrees  Conferred" — Semi-annual  report     2688 


1097 

DEGREE  STAFF— CoHttHUfd.  Section- 

As  to  Rebckah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

DEGREE  TEAM:    Sec  Degree  Staff. 

DEGREE  OF  REBEKAH:    See  Rebekah  Branch;  Officers. 

Should  not  be  rehearsed  in  Grand  Lodge 3520 

Subordinate  Lodge  officer  need  not  have 2278 

Representative  need  not  be  member  of  Rebekah  Lodge..  27M 
District  Deputy  Grand  Master  cannot  instruct  Past  Grand 

in 3906 

DEMURRER  TO  CHARGES:    See  Trials. 

DENMARK:    See  International  Relations. 

DEPENDENT  RELATIVES:    See  Benefits. 

Who  arc 655,  656,  658,     659 

DEPOSIT  OF  CARD:    See  Membership;  Rebekah  Branch. 

DEPOSITIONS:    See  Trials. 

How  taken,  etc 3085,  3086 

On  behalf  of  prosecution 3087 

DEPUTY  DEGREE  MASTER:    See  Degree  Lodge. 

DEPUTY  GRAND  MASTER:    See  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge. 

DEPUTY  GRAND  SIRE:    See  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

DESERTION  OF  FAMILY:    See  Offenses. 

DIGEST: 

Noble   Grand  must  have  them   in   Lodge-room  at   each 

session 1155 

White's  Digest  is  a  mere  compilation Note  to  1155 

A  Sovereign   Grand   Lodge  decision  is  law,  whether  in 

White's  Digest  or  not 1165 

The  Lodge  and  the  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 1156 

Duty  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 2244 

Digest  of  Sovereign   Grand    Lodge  and    Grand    Lodge. 

See  Supplies. 
As  to  the  duties  of  Grand  Secretary.    See  Grand  Secre- 
tary, under  head  of  Officers. 

DELEGATES:    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

DINNER: 

Lodge  cannot  use  funds  for  1488 

Nor  for  refreshments 1487.  1488 


1098  Index. 

DINNER— ro»/i»i/rd.  Section. 

May  use  special  fund  for 1476 

No  liquors  at,  given  by  Lodge  or  held  in  name  of  the 

Order 17n9 

As  to  liquors.     See  Liquors. 

As  to  anniversary.     See  Anniversary. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodge.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

DIPLOMA: 

Duties  of  officers  of  Grand  and  Subordinate  Lodges 1157 

Not  to  sign  any  not  issued  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge..   1157 

All  others  are  null  and  void 1157 

Who  authorized  to  issue 1158 

Past  officers   entitled  to  their  rank Note  to  1158 

Although  not  members  of  Grand  Lodge Note  to  1158 

DIPLOMAS      OF      SUBORDINATE     AND      REBEKAH 
LODGES:     See  Supplies. 

DISHONESTY:    See  Offenses. 

DISHES:     See  Funds. 

Cannot  use  funds  for  purchase 1482 

May  use  the  special  fund  for  purchase 1482 

DISMISSAL: 

As  to  charges.     See  Trials. 
As  to  appeals.    See  Appeals. 

DISMISSAL  CERTIFICATES: 

After  five  years'  suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues 1159 

To  regain  membership  in  another  jurisdiction 1160 

When  the  Lodge  has  refused  to  reinstate 1161 

Cannot   grant    Dismissal    Certificate,    except   as    provided 

by  law Note  to  1161 

Must  be  issued  on  payment  of  fee,  without  vote.. Note  to  1161 

Fee  or  cost  of  Dismissal  Certificate Note  to  1161 

When  granting  discretionary  before  five  years 1162,  1163 

To  whom  issued 1164 

Charges  against  applicant  for   3265 

Holders  thereof  may  be  re-admitted  to  membership 1165 

New    law   of   transfer    of   membership    by    card    not    ap- 
plicable to  Dismissal  Certificates 1865 

Holders  thereof  cannot  visit  Lodges 1165 

Brothers  under  charges  not  entitled  to 1166 

Must  issue  Dismissal  Certificate  unless  charges  preferred 

Note  to  1166 


Index  1099 

DISMISSAL   CERTIFICATES— roii^iHtt«l.  Section. 

Improper  conduct  after  suspension   for  non-payment  of 

dues   1167 

Duplicate   Dismissal   Certificate 1168 

Dismissal  Certificates  to  members  of  defunct  Lodges 1169 

Granted    according    to    his    standing    when    Lodge    suf 

rendered  its  charter 1169 

Have  same  force  and  effect  as  Dismissal  Certificates  from 

existing   Lodges 1169 

Charter  surrendered — Dismissal   Certificate  ,    .  .  1170 

To  one  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues 1170 

Entitled    to    receive    Dismissal    Certificate    when    charter 

surrendered 1171 

Then  entitled  to  receive  Dismissal  Certificate  from  Grand 

Lodge    '. 1171 

Where  a  person  was  initiated  without  right 1172 

The  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  supplies  them 1173 

Must  use  those  supplied  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 1173 

Sold  as  other  supplies  are Note  to  1 173 

Dismissal    Certificates   must   show   degree   and    rank    of 

holder   1174 

Holder  of  Dismissal  Certificate  is  not  an  Ancient  Odd  Fel- 
low         23 

Holders  of  Dismissal  Certificate — saloon  business 1761 

Holder  of  Dismissal  Certificate  and  work  of  the  Order..  3367 
As  to  charter  and   charter  members.     See   Charter  and 

Charter  members. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 
Dismissal  Certificates.     See  Supplies. 
As  to  Dismissal  Certificates.    See  Supplies. 

DISPENSATIONS: 

Grand   Master  may  grant  certain  Dispensations 1175 

To  confer  Degrees  on  members  without  delay 1175 

To  allow  members  to  appear  in  public  in  regalia 1175 

To  allow  Lodges  to  apply  to  other  Lodges  for  assistance  1175 
To  allow  Lodges  to  admit  to  membership  persons  who 

reside  near  some  other  Lodge 1175 

To  authorize  installation  of  officers  in  public 1175 

To  give  entertainments  for  benefit  of  the  Order 1175 

To  authorize  balloting  for  and  initiation  of  candidate  at 

time   proposition    presented    to    Lodge 1176 

To  allow  Subordinate  Lodges  to  change  place  of  meeting  1175 

To  allow  brothers  to  be  reinstated  after  expulsion 1175 

To  institute   Lodges 1175 

To  Relief  Committees  to  apply  to  Lodges  for  assistance..  2646 


1100  Index. 

DISPENSATIONS— Confinued.                                                   Section. 
To  Relief  Committees  to  give  entertainments  in  the  name 
of  the  Order  subject  to  the  rules  and  restrictions  gov- 
erning  Subordinate    Lodges 2646 

To  empower  Lodge  to  elect  Scarlet  Degree  members  to 

office    1175 

When  Grand  Master  present  at  special  meeting  of  Lodge 
may   grant    dispensation    to    confer    Degrees    without 

delay    1175 

Grand  Master  present  at  special  meeting  may  authorize 
balloting  for  and  initiation  of  candidate  when  prop- 
osition  presented 1175 

Neither    Grand    Master   nor    Grand    Lodge    can    dispense 

with  regular  meeting  of  Lodge Note  to  1175 

Neither  Grand  Lodge  nor  Grand  Master  can  grant  Dis- 
pensation  to   suspend   payment   of   weekly  benefits.. 

Note  to  1175 

Grand  Master  may  grant  similar  dispensations  to  Rebekah 

Lodges  that  he  grants  to  Subordinate  Lodges 2175 

Has  same  powers  concerning  Rebekah  Lodges 2175 

Power  to  grant  Dispensation  does  not  extend  beyond  his 

term    1177 

Grand  Master's  permission  required  in  certain  cases 1178 

Public  procession 1178 

Public    celebration 1178 

Ball    1178 

Public  entertainment  in  name  of  the  Order 1178 

To  reinstate  an  expelled  member 1178 

To  reinstate  one  suspended  upon  charges 1178 

Lodge  may  attend  funeral  without  Grand  Master's  per- 
mission       1178 

Power  of  Grand  Master — must  observe  the  strict  law 1179 

Dispensation  may  be  withdrawn  by  Grand  Master 1180 

Application  for    to  be  in  writing  under  Seal 1181 

Application  for  to  be  made  by  Lodge 1181 

When  Relief  Committee  may  apply 1181,  1175 

No  Dispensation  can  be  granted  to  Lodge  Committee 1182 

Grand  Master  not  grant  one  for  Lodge  to  meet  on  certain 

nights 1183 

He  cannot  grant  one  to  disregard  Lodge's   By-Laws 1183 

Dispensation  to  change  meetings  to  once  in  two  weeks..  1184 
Upon  petition  of  two-thirds  of  members  for  semi-monthly 

meetings    1184 

Before   changing   By-Laws    for   such   purpose    must   have 

permission  of  Grand  Master  or  Grand  Lodge 1185 


Indbx.  1101 

DISPENSATIONS— rowhfuiwf.  Section. 

Where  all  qualified  brothers  except  Vice^rand  decline..  1186 
Dispensation    necessary   to   appear   in    public   in    regalia, 

except    1187 

Lodge  may  attend  funeral  without  Grand  Master's  per- 
mission       1 178 

Grand  Master  only  can  grant  such  dispensation 1187 

To   receive   petition,  ballot   for,   elect  and   initiate   same 

evening    1888 

To  receive  petition,  elect  and  initiate  at  special  meeting..  1889 

When  Grand  Master  present  at  special  meeting 1190 

No  dispensation   can   be   granted  to   initiate   and   confer 

degrees  for  less  sum  than  specified  in  Constitution..  1191 

No  dispensation  to  reduce  admission  fee 1192 

No  dispensation  to  set  aside  Lodge's  By-Laws 1193 

Nor  to  reduce  initiation  fee  as  fixed  therein 1193 

Nor  to  admit  for  less  fee  than  fixed  by  Grand  Lodge 1194 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  may  grant  certain  dispen- 

sations    1195 

For  election  of  Third  Degree  member  to  office 1195 

For  holding  public  installation  of  officers 1195 

For  giving  social  parties  in  name  of  Order 1195 

To  elect  Third  Degree  member  to  office  of  Noble  Grand..  1196 

Examination   in   unwritten    work  1197 

To   hold   a  "public   meeting" 1198 

Grand  Master  or  his  Deputy  cannot  grant  to  annul  any 

part  of  Subordinate   Lodge  Constitution 1199 

Nor  to  suspend  any  part  thereof 1199 

No   dispensation    to    admit    as    visitor   an    Ancient    Odd 

Fellow  or  any  brother 1200 

Grand  Master,  elective  Grand  Officer  or  District  Deputy 

Grand  Master  cannot  grant  such  dispensation 1200 

Special  meeting  and  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 1201 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  cannot  grant  dispensation 

to  receive  petition,  elect  and  initiate  same  evening..  1202 
District  Deputy  Grand  Master  cannot  grant  to  initiate  a 

candidate  at  any  time 1203 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  and  Initiatory  Degree 1204 

District    Deputy  Grand   Master  cannot  grant   to   receive 

petition  and  ballot  on  same  evening 1205 

Or  to  receive  application,  ballot,  initiate,  and  confer  de* 

greet  on  same  evening 1206 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  cannot  grant  one  to  appear 

in  regalia  at  dedication  of  T    O   O    F   H.ill 1207 

Grand    Master   may...  1207 


1102 


Index. 


DISPENSATIONS— Com  fuiwed.  Section., 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  cannot  grant  dispensation 

to  nominate,  elect  and  install  officers  on  same  evening  1208 

To  appear  in   public  in  regalia 1209l| 

Grand    Master   can,   and   District    Deputy    Grand    Master 

cannot    1209  j 

To  appear  in  public  in  regalia  at  funeral 1210* 

Lodge    may    attend    funeral    in    full    regalia    without    per- 
mission of  Grand  Master 1178,  1187] 

District    Deputy    Grand    Master    cannot    grant    to    attend 

church    1211] 

Nor  to  wear  regalia  at  church  dedication 1213 j 

When  Lodge  or  body  of  Odd  Fellows  may  notify  another 

body  of  Odd  Fellows  to  appear  in  regalia 12131 

When     Encampment    members    may    appear    in    regalia 

with    Lodge 1214 

When  a  Lodge  may  notify  Rebekah  Lodge  to  appear  in 

regalia    1215 

Dispensation  to   Rebekah   Lodges  to  appear  in  regalia — 

effect  of,  as   to  brothers 1216 

In   public   in    regalia — object   thereof 1217 

To    confer   two    degrees    same    evening,    no    dispensation 

required    1218 

District    Deputy    Grand    Master    cannot    grant    to    confer 

more    than    two    degrees    upon    a    candidate    at    one 

meeting 1219 

Grand  Master  only  can  issue  such  dispensation 1219 

To  Subordinaite  Lodge  to  confer  more  than  two  degrees 

same  evening 1036 

To  Degree  Lodge  to  confer  more  than  two  degrees  same 

evening 1220.  1049 

Lodge  certificate  as  to  dispensation  and  Degree  Lodge..   1049 

First  Degree  on  night  of  installation 1221 

To    remove    Lodge    from   one    hall    to    another,    one    not 

necessary    1222  ^ 

But  from  one  town  or  city  to  another,  one  is  necessary..  1222 
To  give  a  ball  in  name  of  Order,  one  is  necessary  whether 

regalia  is  worn  or  not 12231 

As  to   initiating  candidate  on   night  of  ballot 1224] 

District  Deputy  Grand   Master  may  grant  to  elect  Scar- 
let  Degree  member  as   Noble   Grand 1225 

Public   installation   and    regalia 1226' 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  may  grant  to  hold  public 

installation 1227J 

Grand   Master  cannot   grant  one  to  reballot  on   rejected 

candidate    1228^ 


Indkx.  1108 

DISPENSATIONS— Ooi.li»m«*.  Section. 

DLstrict  Deputy  Grand  Master  cannot  grant  to  reinstate  1229 
To  give  public  entertainment  for  Orphans'  Home,  dispen* 

sation   necessary 1230 

Giving  a  social  party  in  name  of  Order,  does  not  carry 

with  it  the  right  to  wear  regalia 1231 

Grand  Master  only  can  grant  such  dispensation 1231 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  cannot  grant,  when 1232 

Lodge  instituted  thirteen  weeks  and  new  officers  at  com- 
mencement  of   succeeding   term 1232 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  may  grant  to  give  parties 

in  name  of  Order *.  1233 

For  Past  Grand  to  install  officers,  dispensation  not  nec- 
essary      . .   1234 

Not  necessary  to  dedicate  Odd  Fellows'  Hall. 2062 

Grand  Master  may  issue  dispensations  to  Rebekah  Lodges  2175 

Same  dispensations  as  to  Subordinate   Lodges 2175 

Form  of  dispensation  issued  by  District   Deputy  Grand 

Master   (Form   No.   7) 2260 

As  to  Degree  Lodge.     See  Degree  Lodge. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodge.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

DISSOLUTION:     See  Charter:  Rebekah  Branch. 

DISTRICTS:  Page 

1.     For  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters 1103 

t.     For  visitation  by  Grand   Master 1103 

1.    For  District  Deputy  Grand  Master. 

Each  County  in  the  State  a  district . .  1236 

Grand  Master  may  divide  districts  and  appoint  additional 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  therefor 1237 

To  transfer  Lodge  from  one  district  to  another 1238 

Consent  of  majority  of  I^odges  in  both  districts  necessary  1238 

Grand  Master  may  make  German  Lodge  Districts 1239 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  appointed  when  first  Lodge 

instituted  in  district ..   1237 

t.    For  VUaution  by  Grand  Master. 

State  divided   into   four  districts ..   1240 

What   first  district  consists  of.  ..  1240 

What  second  district  consists  <>t  ..  1240 

What   third  district  consists  of  . .  1240 

What  fourth  district  consists  of 1240 

Grand  Masters  to  alternate  in  their  official  visits  in  the 

respective    districts 1240 

Where  Grand  Master  cannot  reach  all  parts  of  his  district  1240 


1104  Index. 

DISTRICTS— Continued.  Section. 

May  appoint  an  elective  Grand  Officer  to  perform  his  duty  1240 

Expenses  of  such  appointee,  how  paid 1240 

Traveling  expenses  of  Grand  Officers  when  making  visits  1240 

Grand    Lodge's    recommendation 1240 

Grand  Master  requested  to  visit  those  Lodges  not  visited 

by   predecessor 2198 

DISTRICT  DEPUTY  GRAND  MASTERS:     See  Officers  of 

Grand  Lodge. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 
As  to  Honors  of  the  Order.     See  Honors  of  the  Order. 

DISTRICT     DEPUTY     GRAND    SIRE:      See     Sovereign 
Grand  Lodge. 

DIVERSION  OF  FUNDS:    See  Funds. 

Prohibited Note    to  1437 

DIVISION: 

As  to  voting.     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 

As  to  funds.     See  Funds. 

Of  funds  prohibited Note  to  1437 

DIVORCE: 

Widow  of  Odd  Fellow  re-marries  and  is  divorced,  is  not 

restored    to    widowhood 711 

As  to  Rebekah  membership.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

DOCTOR:     See  Physician. 

DONATIONS: 

Name  of  recipient  cannot  be  concealed 1241 

Right  of  Lodge  and  members  to  know  name  of  recipient. .   1241 
When  name  concealed,  Lodge  no  right  to  make  donation  1241 

Reimbursement    of    unauthorized    donation 1242 

Donation   not   assignable 425 

Donation   is  not  a  benefit 436 

Donation  and  mistake  as  to  brother's  standing 474 

In   arrears — sick — donation   of   dues — benefits 491 

As  to  what  donations  Lodge  funds  may  be  appropriated 

or  not.     See  Funds. 
As  to  cancelling  draft  for.     See  Draft. 
As  to  property  of  Lodge.     See  Property  of  Lodge. 
As  to  dues.     See  Dues. 

DRAFT: 

Returned   draft   may  be   cancelled 1243 

When  a  draft  drawn  for  a  donation  may  be  cancelled 1244 


Index.  1105 

DRAFT— ConliniKtl.  Section. 

May  be  cancelled  for  fraud  or  mistake 1245 

And    for   other    grounds 1245 

Drafts  must  be  made  by  vote 1246 

Drafts  for  benefits  and  questions  of  order 439 

Noble  Grand's  duty  to  sign  on  Treasurer 2356 

When   may   refuse   to   sign 2357,  2358 

DRILLS:    See  Prize  Drills;  Exhibition  Drills. 

DRUGGIST: 

When  and  when  not  eligible  to  membership 1749,  1750 

DRUMMER: 

Drummer  for  wholesale  liquor  house  is  eligible  to  mem- 
bership      1745 

DRUNKENNESS: 

As  to  oflFcnscs.     See  Offenses. 

As  to  habitual  drunkenness.     See  Habitual  Drunkenness. 

As  to  evidence,  charges  and  trials.     See  Trials. 

As  to  fines.    See  Fines. 

DUEL:    See  Offenses. 

DUES:  Page 

1.  Generally  1105 

2.  .  Arrears    1108 

3.  Suspension  for  non-payment 1109 

4.  Reinstatement  and   Re-admission.    See  Membership. 

1.    Generally. 

Payable  weekly  in  advance ■. 1247 

Minimum  dues 1247 

Maximum  dues  of  non-beneficial  members 1247 

Grand  Lodges  may  prescribe  minimum  dues.... Note  to  1247 

Lodge  may  adopt  higher  dues Note  to  1247 

Payments  by  member  to  Lodge,  how  applied 1248 

Applied  to  his  general  account,  unless  otherwise  directed 

by    him 1248 

Applied  to  dues,  assessments  and  fines,  in  the  order  in 

which  they  become  due,  unless 1248 

This  not  applicable  to  fines  imposed  in  case  of  charges..   1248 

Payment  of  dues  a   fundamental   principle 1249 

Which  no  Grand  or  Subordinate  Lodge  can  dispense  with 

or  evade 1249.126? 

Lodge  cannot  remit  dues 1250.  1251 

70 


1106  Index. 

BUBS— Continued.  Section. 

Lodge  caanot  draw  money  from  its  treasury  to  pay  dues 

for  any  class  of  members 1251 

An   illegal   resolution 1251 

Illegal    to    provide    that    if    any    members    enlist    in    the 
Spanish-American    War   their    dues    will    be    paid    by 

the  Lodge  until  their  return  home 1151 

The  same  as  to  assessments 1151 

Lodge  may,  however,  do  so  out  of  its  contingent  five  per 

cent    fund 1151 

Donation    of    dues    illegal 1152 

To  be  placed  to  credit  of  member  to  make  him  in  good 

standing    ..•,;.. 1152 

To  make  member  in  good  standing  who  is  liable  to  sus- 
pension   for    non-payment............ 1152 

It  is  a  transfer  of  funds  to  a  brother's  credit 1152 

It  is  an  illegal  use  of  Lodge  funds 1152 

When   Lodge  can  make  a   donation 1253 

When  member  is  poor  and  unable  to  make  a  living 1253 

In  such  case  member  can  dispose  of  the  money  donated 

as    he    sees    fit 1253 

When  cannot  give  members  credit  on  account  of  dues..   1254 
Cannot  give  them  such  credit  for  attending  Lodge  meetings  1254 

It  is  a  diversion  of  Lodge  funds 1254 

What    are    weekly    dues 1255 

Dues   payable   in   advance 1256 

By-Laws    can    attach    no    penalty    until    at   least    thirteen 

weeks    in    arrears 1256 

Not  chargeable  till   Constitution  signed 1257 

Candidate  not  a  member  until  he  signs  it 1257 

Nor  entitled  to  rights,  privileges  or  benefits 1257 

When  credit  is  to  be  made  for  payment 1258 

Standing    dates    from    payment 1258 

Payment  to  Lodge  officer  authorized  to  receive  it 1259 

Indebtedness  satisfied  when  so  paid 1259 

When  payment  to  officer  is  payment  to  Lodge 1260 

May  be  paid  to  officer  between  meetings 1261 

Payment  takes  effect  when  so  paid 1261 

When  payment  to  be  credited 1262 

Dues  must  be  paid  to  proper  officer 1263 

When  payment  to  Treasurer  is  not  payment  to  Lodge..   1263 

What   constitutes   valid   payment 1264 

Grand  Lodge  refused  to  exempt  D.  D.  G.  M.  from  dues..   1265 

Brother's  right  to  pay  at  any  time 1266 

Secretary's  duty  to  accept  whenever  tendered 1266 


Index.  1107 

DUES — Continued.  Section. 

Secretary  to   accept   payment   and   receipt   therefor 1266 

Lodge  cannot   refuse   to   receive  in  full  or  in   part   prior 

to  suspension Note  to  1266 

Where  Lodge  indebted  to  brother  who  owes  dues 1267 

Grand  or  Subordinate  Lodge  cannot  dispense  with  pay- 
ment of  dues 1267 

Compensation  due     for  salaried  office  must  be  paid  to  a 

brother    1267 

Compensation  for  services  performed  must  be  paid  to  a 

brother    1267 

For    such    compensation,    orders    must    be    drawn    in    his 

favor 1267 

When  he  has  the  order  he  may  draw  the  money  from  the 

treasury    1267 

When  he  has  drawn  the  money  he  can  use  it  in  paying 

his    dues 1267 

Or  he  can  use  it  for  his  own  purposes 1267 

He  can  decline  to  appropriate  it  to  pay  his  dues 1267 

When   sick   brother   entitled   to    sick   benefits    the    Lodge 

should  pay  his  dues  therefrom 1267 

Sick  brother  entitled  to  benefits  cannot  become  delinquent 

while  sick 1267 

When  Lodge  is  indebted  to  a  brother  for  work  and  labor 
it  cannot,  without  his  authority  or  consent  or  against 
his   wishes,   apply   the    indebtedness    or    any    part    to 

his   dues 1267 

Receipt  prima  facie  evidence  money  paid 1268 

Not  binding  on  Lodge  or  brother  if  mistake  made 1268 

Opportunity   should   be   given   for   correction 1268 

How  a  brother's  standing  is  governed  by  receipt 1269 

Books  of  the   Lodge  must   govern 1269 

Effect  of  receipt  stating  brother  paid  to  a  certain  date. .   1269 
Such  receipt  holds  good  till  brother  informed  of  mistake 

and   opportunity   afforded   for   correction 1269 

Cannot  charge  dues  after  brother  suspended  for  non- 
payment     1270 

No  dues  can  be  charged  from  suspension  for  non-pay- 
ment   till    reinstatement 1271 

When  Secretary  fails  to  charge  dues,  may  be  corrected...   1272 

Lodge  must  accept  pending  appeal  from  expulsion 1273 

Dues  do  not  accrue  during  expulsion 1274 

Dues  cease  upon  expulsion  and  commence  on  reinstate- 
ment       1275 

Appeal    to    Sovereign    Grand    Lodge — expelled    member 

restored    1276 


1108  Index. 

DUES — Continued.  Section. 

Dues  accrue  during  suspension  for  cause 1277 

Lodge  hold  its  members  undergoing  punishment  respon- 
sible for  dues Note  to  1277 

Dues   paid   in   advance   refunded    when 1278 

Dues  paid  in  advance  refunded  in  case  of  expulsion 1279 

Dues  paid  during  expulsion — no  appeal  in  regard  to  such 

dues    95 

When  Secretary  embezzles  brother's  dues 484 

Dues  increased  by  amendment  of  By-Laws — Receipt  taken  1280 
Receipt  dues  paid  in  advance  to  a  certain  date,  rate  in- 
creased by  amended  By-Laws,  must  pay  increase 1280 

Dues  in  case  of  Withdrawal   Card 1281 

Card  given  and  afterwards   dues  increased 1282 

Transfer   of   membership   by   card 1283 

Brother  elected  should  pay  his  dues  to  his  former  Lodge 

till  he  has  procured  his  Withdrawal  Card  therefrom..   1283 

Dues  sent  by  registered  letter 1284 

Postmaster   not   agent   of   Lodge 1284 

No  payment  till  received  by  Secretary 1284 

Non-contributing   members 1951 

Inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home  pays  no  dues.. 1286 

No  weekly  dues  accrue  against  such  inmate Note  to  1286 

Such  inmate  remains  in  good  standing  without  payment 

of    dues .' Note    to  1286 

Suspended  inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home  and  dues.. 2083,  2084 
As  to  dues  of  Aged  Odd  Fellows.    See  Aged  Odd  Fellows. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

2.    Arrears. 

Fines  and  assessments  cannot  be  added  to  dues 1287 

They  are  to  be  considered  separately 1287 

Delinquency  depends  on  length  of  time,  not  amount 1288 

If  brother  neglect  to  pay  one  week's  dues  for  more  than 

thirteen  weeks  he  would  be  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  1288 

When   delinquency  commences 1289 

If  member  do  not  pay  at  end  of  week  he  is  delinquent 

for  that  week,    and    so  on    when  thirteen  weeks    in 

arrears 1289,  1290,  1291 

A   certain    By-Law  construed 1291 

Thirteen   weeks   in   arrears — last  day  thereof 1292 

When  six  months  in  arrears 1293 

When  twenty-six  weeks  in  arrears 1294 

When   24   months   in   arrears    Lodge   may   collect   the   24 

months'  dues 1295 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodge.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 


Index.  1109 

DUES — Continued.  Section. 

3.     Suspension  for  Non-Payment  of  Dues. 

Time  and  manner  of  suspending  for  non-payment  of  dues 

or  demands 1296 

Cannot  be  expelled  on  account  of  arrears  for  dues....Note  to  1296 

When   brother   ceases   membership 1100 

Veteran   over   sixty   years   of   age 1297 

And  contributing  for  twenty-five  consecutive  years 1297 

Cannot  be  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues 1297 

Must  be  retained  as  non-beneficial  member 1297 

Entitled   to   password 1297 

And    all    privileges    except   benefits 1297 

Lodge   pays  no  per   capita   tax  on   them 1297 

They   may  be   reinstated ' 1297 

They  are  now  called  non-contributing  members 1951,  1952 

Meaning  of  twenty-five  consecutive  years Note  to  1297 

When  brother  ceases  membership 1298 

Suspension    for    fines 1299 

Cannot  be  suspended  for,  while  charges  pending  against 

him    1300 

Time,  not  the  amount  of  arrears  governs 1301 

Time  must  be  regarded  and  not  the  amount Note  to  1301 

Cannot  refuse  to  receive  dues  in  full  or  in  part 1302 

Failure  to  deduct  dues  from  benefits 1303 

Insane  brother  cannot  cease  membership  for  non-payment 

of   dues 1304,  1305 

Insane  and  not  entitled  to  benefits 1305 

A  brother  suspended  for  cause  may  be  suspended  for  non- 
payment  of  dues 1306,  1307 

Dues  and  assessments  accrue  during  suspension  for  cause  1307 

Expelled    and    an    appeal    sustained 1308 

Suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues  not  to  be  published 

in  Journal 1309 

When  first  announcement  of  arrears  to  be  made 1310 

Vice-Grand  and  suspension   for  non-payment  of  dues....   1311 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 
As  to  good  standing.     See  Good  Standing. 

DUMB: 

The  totally  dumb  should  not  be  initiated  into  the  Order..  1789 

DYING  DECLARATIONS:    See  Trials. 

EDUCATION: 

Lodge  may  provide  for  widows'  and  orphans'  and  edu- 
cational fund 1312 

When  Lodge  may  refuse  to  furnish  funds  for 1313 


1110  Index. 

EDUCATION— CoHfmued.  Section. 

As  to  funds.     See  Founds. 
As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 
As  to  visiting  Lodges.     See  Visiting  and  Visitors. 

EFFECTS:     See  Charter;  Funds;  Property  of  Lodge;  Appeals. 

ELECTION: 

Brothers  admitted  to  Lodge  during  election  of  officers  or 

representatives   14 

When   officers  not   elected 163G 

District   Deputy   Grand   Master  may  cause    election    and 

install 1636 

Election  prior  to  time  fixed  by  Constitution  void 2300 

As  to  officers.     See  Officers;  Ballot  and  Voting. 

As  to  Grand  Representatives.     See  Officers. 

As  to  election  of  applicant  for  membership.  See  Mem- 
bership. 

As  to  election  to  Degrees.     See   Degrees. 

As  to  representatives.     See  Representatives. 

As  to  trustees.     See  Trustees. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges  and  Assembly.  See  Rebekah 
Branch. 

As  to  installation.     See  Installation. 

ELECTIONEERING: 

By  candidates  for  office  in  Grand  Lodge  disapproved 2168 

Electioneering  in   Grand   Lodge   not   permitted 2169 

Distribution   of   election    cards — solicitation   of  votes   not 

permitted    2169 

Similar   electioneering   practices  •  not    permitted 2169 

Electioneering    circulars    and    papers 2170 

Donations   to    pay   electioneering   expenses 1507 

Grand  Lodge's  power  to  prohibit  electioneering 2171 

ELECTRIC  RAILWAY:     See  Railroad. 

Illegal   to   vote   funds   to   help  build 1450 

EMBEZZLEMENT:     See  Offenses;  Trials. 

EMBLEMS: 

Grand  and  Subordinate  Lodges  not  responsible  for  cer- 
tain   corporations    or    associations 1314 

Not  responsible  for  corporations  or  associations  that  use 

the  name  of  the  Order 1314 

Grand    Secretary    to    publish    certain    resolutions    to    the 

above  effect 1314 


Index  1111 

EMBLEMS — Continued.  Section. 

Emblems    and    name    of   the    Order    cannot    be    used    for 

business   purposes,   etc 1315 

Not  to  be  used  on  business  card  or  sign 1315 

No  member  to  become  or  continue  an  officer  or  member 

of   such    corporation    or    association 1315 

Such  member  may  be  suspended  or  expelled 1315 

Not  to  apply  to  Odd  Fellows'  libraries,  hall  or  cemetery 

association    1315 

Use  of  emblems  and  name  prohibited 1316 

Grand  Lodge  disclaims  all  responsibility. 131G 

A  savings  bank  should  not  use  the  name  of  the  Order 1317 

Illegal  to  use  the  name.  Odd  Fellows'  band 1318 

Building  and  loan  associations  not  to  use  the  emblems, 

initials,    etc 1319 

Emblems,  name,  titles,  mottoes  and  initials  of  the  Order 

not   to   be  used   in   private   business 1320 

Nor    in    advertisements 1 320 

Use  of  All-Seeing   Eye  on   business   envelope   illegal....   1361 

Use  of  "three  links"  on  business  envelope  illegal 1321 

The  "three  links,"  the  words  Friendship,  Love  and  Truth 

and  the  initials  "F.  L.  &  T." 1322 

Adopted  as  emblems  and  badges  of  the  Order 1322 

The  use  of  the  words  "Odd  Fellows"  is  the  use  of  the 

"name"  of  the   Order 1323 

In  meaning  of  laws  forbidding  its  use 1323 

Use   of  one's   name   as   member   or   officer   of    Lodge    in 

private  business  or  enterprise 1324 

As  to  anniversary.     See  Anniversary. 

ENCAMPMENT: 

Certain  resolutions  not  in  order  in  Grand  Lodge 1325 

Grand  Lodge  cannot  require  any  of  its  members  to  have 

the    Encampment    Degrees 1326 

Certificate  of  standing  to  join    Encampment 1327 

No  vote  necessary  for  such  certificate 1328 

Duty    of    Recording    Secretary 1328 

Encampment    conducting    funeral 1548 

Grand    Encampment    conducting    funeral 1549 

OflFense   in    Encampment 2105 

Grand  Representative  must  be  a  Past  Grand  and  of  the 

Royal    Purple    Degree 1329 

Must  be  a  member  in  good  standing  of  an  Encampment 

in  good  standing Note  to  1329 

Witness   before    Encampment   Trial    Committee 1330 

Encampment  cannot  visit  a  Lodge  as  a  body  in  regalia 

1331.    2383 


1112  Index. 

ENCAMPMENT— CoM/iwwed.  Section. 

Representative    in    General    Relief    Committee 2652 

Use  of  Lodge  funds  to  entertain  Grand  Encampment 1486 

As  to  Encampment  member  and  voting.     See  Ballot  and 

Voting. 
As  to  funeral.     See  Funeral. 

ENDOWMENT: 

Must    be    by   voluntary   contributions 1332 

Grand  Lodge  may  establish  widows'  and  orphans'  endow- 
ments   and    funeral    benefit    associations 1332 

But   they   must   be   by  voluntary   contributions 1332 

Cannot  make  forced  assessments  for  such  object 1332 

Such  schemes  cannot  be  made  compulsory 1332 

ENGLISH   LANGUAGE: 

As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals; 

As    to    District    Deputy     Grand     Master.     See     District 

Deputy  Grand  Master,  under  head  of  Officers. 
As  to  districts.     See  Districts. 
As  to  installation.     See  Installation. 
As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 
As  to  German  Lodges.     See  German  Lodges. 
As  to   initiation.     See  Initiation. 
As  to  passwords.     See  Passwords. 

ENTERTAINMENT: 

No   liquors   at,  given  by  Lodge  or  held  in  name  of  the 

Order    1709 

How  fund  for,  may  be   created  by  donation 1530,  1529 

As  to  use  of  funds.     See  Funds. 

As  to  dispensations.     See  Dispensations. 

As  to  anniversary  of  our  Order.     See  Anniversary. 

As  to  liquors.     See  Liquors. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

ENVELOPE:     See  Business  Envelope. 

EPIDEMIC: 

Lodge    may    hire    physician 2572 

ERRORS: 

As  to  trial  of  charges.     See  Trials. 

As   to   benefit    investigations.     See    Benefits. 

As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 

EVIDENCE: 

As  to  trial  of  charges.     See  Trials. 

As  to  benefit  investigations.     See  Benefits. 

As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 


Index.  1113 

EXCEPTIONS:  Sectioa 

As  to  exceptions  or  Bill  of  Exceptions  in  the  matter  of 

charges.     See   Trials;    Forms. 
As  to  exceptions  or  Bill  of  Exceptions  in  benefit  investi- 
gations.    See  Benefits. 
As  to  exceptions  on  appeal.     See  Appeals. 

EXCURSION: 

As  to  dispensation.     See  Dispensation. 

As  to  use  of  funds.     See  Funds. 

As  to  anniversary  of  our  Order.     See  Anniversary. 

As  to  liquors.     See   Liquors. 

EXECUTORS   AND   ADMINISTRATORS: 

Benefits    not    payable    to 423 

When  Lodge  not  bound  to  pay  benefits Note  to  423 

Benefits,    sick    or    funeral,    not    payable    to    executor    or 

administrator 425 

Executors  and  administrators  will  not  be  recognized 426 

Allowance  to  pay  burial  not  payable  to  them 426 

Funeral  expenses,  relief  or  donation  not  payable  to  them  426 

Aid,  assistance  or  allowance  not  payable  to  them 426 

EXEMPLIFICATION  OF  DEGREES  OR  WORK: 

Grand  Lodge  may  provide  for  in  Scarlet  Degree 743 

Grand    Lodge    will    not    pay    any    Lodge,    individual    or 

team  for. 1584 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

EXHIBITION  DRILL:     See  Rebekah  Branch;  Prize  Drill. 

EX-PARTE  COMMUNICATIONS:     See  Appeals. 

They   are   not   appeals 126,   182,     183 

Grand   Lodge  will  not  consider 126,  127,     129 

EX-PARTE  STATEMENT:     See  Appeals. 

Grand   Lodge  will  not  consider 1335,  128,     181 

Actions     of     Lodge     not     passed    upon    or    reviewed    by 

Grand  Lodge  on  ex-parte  statements 1335,     122 

Ex-parte  statements  not   received  as  evidence 600 

EXPERTS: 

Lodge  may  appoint  to  examine  its  books 1336 

EXPULSION: 

Benefits  during  illegal  expulsion 459 

Publication  of,  discountenanced 2091 


1114  Index. 

EXPULSIOli— Continued.  Section. 

Notice  of   shall  forthwith  be  forwarded  to  every  Lodge  in  the 

county 1337 

Also  to  Subordinate  of  which  he  was  a  member 1337 

Also  to  Rebekah  Lodge  of  which  he  was  a  member 1337 

Also  to  Grand  Secretary    1337 

Petition  from  expelled  brother 134 

Expelled  member  and  appeal 1338 

As  to  entry  in  Black  Book.     See  Black  Book. 

As  to  penalty  upon  conviction  upon  charges.     See  Trials. 

As  to  reinstatement  after  expulsion.  See  Membership;  Dis- 
pensation. 

As  to  dues.    See  Dues,' 

As  to  contempt.     See  Contempt. 

As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

As  to  Grand  Lodge.     See  Grand  Lodge. 

As  to  Subordinate  Lodge.     See  Subordinate  Lodge. 

As  to  Degree  Lodge.     See  Degree  Lodge. 

As  to  charter.    See  Charter. 

As  to  appeal.  See  Admission  to  One's  Own  Lodge; 
Appeals. 

As  to  reinstatement.     See  Membership. 

EXTINCT  LODGE: 

No   member    shall    be    concerned   in    organizing   any   extinct 

Lodge  of  Odd  Fellows 1339 

Members  of  defunct  Lodge  may  obtain  Dismissal  Certificates.  1171 
Members  of  extinct  Lodge  may  obtain  Withdrawal  Cards.  806,     807 

Failure  of  Lodge  to  make  returns  within  one  year 2682 

Grand  Master  no  power  to  dispose  of  property  of 2193 

As  to  charter.     See  Charter. 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 

As  to  cards.    See  Cards  and  Certificates. 

As  to  Visiting  Lodge.     See  Visiting  and  Visitors. 

As  to  passwords.     See  Passwords. 

EXTRAORDINARY  ASSESSMENTS:     See  Assessments. 

EYE:     See  Membership;  Benefits;  Business  Envelope. 

F.  L.  &  T.: 

These  initials  are  adopted  emblems  and  badges  of  the  Order. .   1322 

FALSEHOOD:     See  Oflfenses. 
FALSE  PRETENCES:     See  Offenses. 

FALSE   REPRESENTATIONS    TO    GAIN   ADMISSION: 

See  Offenses. 


Index.  1115 

FAMILY:  Section. 

As  to  family  secrets.     See  Secrets. 

As  to  benefits  and  funeral  benefits  and  expenses.    See  Benefits. 
As  to  offenses  against.     See  Offenses. 

FARM: 

Donation  to  pay  expenses 1507 

FEES: 

Initiation,  admission  and  degree  fees 1340 

No   card    or   admission    fee    on   transfer    of   membership    by 

card  .  .• 1340,  1341 

Applicant  must  bring  himself  within  transfer  of  membership 

by  card  law  or  pay  fee 1343 

Local  law  conflicting  with  new  law  of  transfer  of  membership 

by  card 1343 

Fees  and  increased  fees  for  age  not  to  be  paid  in  such  cases.  1343 

When  certain  fees  should  be  returned 1344 

Admission  fee — Card — Certificate 1345 

An  illegal  By-Law 1346 

When  reinstated  after  expulsion 1347 

Suspended    for   non-payment   of   dues   and   reinstated   within 

one  year 1348 

Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  and  reinstated  more  than 

one  year  thereafter 1349 

Lodge  may  reduce  or  increase  by  amending  By-Laws 1350 

May  change  amount  by  amending  By-Laws 1351 

Minimum  fees 1351 

Cannot  admit  member   for  less  than  minimum   fees  by  dis- 
pensation    1351 

Charter  member— Holder  of  Withdrawal  Card 1352 

Fees  of  charter  members 1351,  892 

Lodge  cannot  open  charter 1351 

Should  charge  fees  provided  in  By-Laws 1351 

Organization  of  new  Lodge 1351 

Liability  of  charter  members — By-Laws 1353 

New  law  of  transfer  of  membership  by  card — Charter  mem- 
bers    1354 

Increased  fees  for  age — Prohibitory  law 1355 

Initiation  fee  of  five  hundred  dollars 1355 

There  can  be  no  maximum  age  limit  established  by  Subordi- 
nates    1355 

Cannot  make  By-Law  to  exclude  aged  persons 1355 

No  discrimination  against  aged  applicants 1356 

Fees  for  aged  applicants  must  be  reasonable 1356 


1116  Index. 

FEES — Continued.  Section. 

By-Laws  at  time  of  application  for  degree  govern 1357 

Forfeiture  of  fees  disapproved 1358 

All  By-Laws  providing  for  forfeiture  of  fees  annulled 1358 

A  fee  paid  for  a  degree  cannot  be  appropriated  for  dues 

Note  to  1358 

Money  paid  for  degree,  and  brother  suspended Note  to  1358 

Fee  for  medical  examination  may  be  retained 1359 

Minimum  fees  for  initiation  and  degrees  must  be  paid 1360 

Minimum  fees 1361 

When  fees  should  be  returned 1362 

When  candidate  dies,  fee  should  be  returned 1363 

No  part  of  minimum   fee  can  be   returned   when   candidate 

elected  and  initiated 1364 

When  Lodges  cannot  charge  fee  for  services 1365 

Fees  if  initiate  resides  near  another  Lodge 1366 

Return  to  Lodge  from  whose  jurisdiction  taken. 1366 

Effect  of  failure  to  pay  initiation  fee 1367 

Admitted   for  less  than  is   due  by  error,  balance  should  be 

xdiarged  against  him 1368 

Receipt  and  disposition  of  initiation  fee  .  . 1369 

When  paid  to  Recording  Secretary 1369 

When  paid  to  Financial  Secretary 1369 

When  candidate  rejected '.  1369 

Initiatory  fees  prior  to  candidate's  election 1370 

When  to  be  paid  to  Treasurer 1370 

When  to  be  reported 1370 

Degree  fees  prior  to  applicant's  election 1371 

When  to  be  entered  upon  the  record 1371 

When  to  be  reported 1371 

When  to  be  paid  to  Treasurer 1371 

Fees  when  candidate  elected 1372 

Paid  to  Treasurer  and  reported  . 1372 

When  property  of  Lodge 1372 

Receipts  for  the  evening 1370,  1371,  1372 

By-Laws  and  disposition  of  fees 1373 

Fees  for  degrees — Grand  Lodge's  control 1374 

As  to  fees  for  charter.     See  Charter;  Supplies. 

As  to  fees  of  Aged  Odd  Fellows.    See  Aged  Odd  Fellows. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

As  to  dispensations.     See  Dispensations. 

FEIGNING  SICKNESS:     See  Offenses. 

FENCE: 

May  use  funds  to  construct,  around  burial  ground 866 

Assessment  for  such  fence 207 


Index.  1117 

FINANCES  AND  FINANCE  COMMITTEES:  Section. 

Committee  on  Finance  of  Grand  Lodge 1375 

It  is  a  regular  committee 1375 

Appointed  from  members  present  at  Grand  Lodge  session...   1375 

Committee  on  Finance — Appointment  and  duties 1376 

Claims  against  Grand  Lodge 1376 

Claims  against  Odd  Fellows'  Home  Fund 1376 

To  examine  accounts  of  Grand  Secretary,  Grand  Treasurer, 

Trustees  and  Trustees  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home 1376 

Demands  against  Grand  Lodge  approved  by  Finance  Com- 
mittee    1377 

When  so  approved,  Grand  Master  orders  Grand  Treasurer  to 

pay  same 1377 

Bank  In  which  Grand  Treasurer  shall  deposit  moneys 1378 

Finance  Committee  designates  in  writing  the  bank 1378 

It  has  power  to  change  the  bank 1378 

Inspection   and   examination   of  accounts,  books,   funds,   etc., 

by  Finance  Committee 1379 

Duty  of  Finance  Committee  in  regard  to  Trustees 1380 

Grand  Lodge  Trustees  to  count  the  money  and  examine  books, 

etc 1381 

Finance  Committee  to  ascertain  deficiency,  and  assessments. .  1382 

Estimated  expenses  of  Grand  Lodge 1382 

Estimated  expenses  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home 1382 

No  per  capita  tax  on  non-contributing  members 193 

Majority  of  Finance  Committee   must   be    residents    of   same 

place  as  Grand  Secretary 1383 

No  appropriation  after  Finance  Committee's  report  adopted. .  1384 
Chairman  of  Finance  Committee  and   Lodge's  accounts, 

etc 2800,  2801 

Noble  Grand  shall  appoint  a  Finance  Committee  for  the  term.  1385 

Appointed  on  evening  of  installation 1385 

Resignation  of  member  and  filling  vacancy 1386 

Cannot  be  Trustee  and  member  of  Finance  Committee 3281 

Duties  and  powers  of  Lodge's  Finance  Committee 1387 

Effect  of  appointing  new  Finance  Committee 1388 

Duty  of  old  Finance  Committee — Fine 1388 

Duty  to  examine  all  bills,  etc 1389 

This  includes  rent,  salaries,  etc 1389 

Lodge's  power  over  its  financial  affairs  a  delicate  and  sacred 

prerogative 1390 

Powers  of  Grand  Lodge 1390 

Lodge  expenditures  and  power  of  Grand  Lodge 1391 

Finance  Committee  may  vote  on  its  own  report 359 

As   to   Committee   in   Rebekah   Assembly   and   Lodges.     See 

Rebekah  Branch. 


1118  Index. 

FINANCIAL  SECRETARY:     See  Officers.  Section. 

FINDINGS: 

Bill  of  Exceptions  cannot  be  used  for  purpose  of  Findings 

of  Fact 3107 

FINES:     See  Trials. 

Good  standing  and  when  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears 1393 

Neglect  to  pay  for  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears 1393 

Dues,  fines  and  assessments  not  taken  collectively 1393 

Delinquency  depends  upon  length  of  time  delinquent  and  not 

amount 1393 

Payments,  how  applied 1394 

Applied  on  his  general  account  unless  otherwise  directed 1394 

Applied  to  dues,  assessments  and  fines  in  the  order  in  which 

they  become  due    1394 

This  not  applicable  to  fines  in  cases  of  charges 1394 

Fines  and  penalties  must  be  prescribed  by  the  By-Laws 1395 

A  Rule  of  Order  prescribing  a  fine  is  void 1395 

Investigating  Committee  and  no  By-Law  prescribing  a  fine..  1396 
Fines  in  cases  of  charges.    See  Trials. 

Committee  on  condolence  and  fine 1397 

Members  of  Visiting  Committee  and  fine 1398 

Neglect  to  visit  each  sick  brother  is  a  separate  offense 1398 

Member  of  Finance  Committee 1399 

Absence  from  a  committee  on  Sunday 1400 

Cannot  impose  fine  for  such  absence 1400 

Cannot  fine  for  absence  frorn  General  Relief  Committee  on 

Sunday 1400 

Remission  of  certain  fines  in  Lodge's  discretion 1401 

Refusing  to  sit  up  with  a  sick  brother 1402 

Absence  of  officers,  fines  may  be  remitted,  when 1403 

Physician  who  is  an  officer  of  a  Lodge  and  fine 1404 

Officer  who  has  resigned  cannot  be  fined » 1405 

Appointed  officers  absent  and  fine 1406 

Officers  absent  and  no  quorum  and  fine  : 1407 

Absence  at  roll  call — Ante-room 1408 

When  Lodge  declared  open,  cannot  refuse  to  admit  officers 

who  are  in  the  ante-room 1408 

Absent  at  roll  call,  but  in  Lodge  thereafter 1409 

Roll  call  and  in  ante-room 1410 

Absence  and  roll  call 1411 

Absence  from  county — Excuse 1412 

Officer  in  county,  but  on  his  way  home 1412 

Absence  of  members  from  Lodge  and  fine 14J.4 

Spirit  of  our  Order  forbids  fines  upon  members,  not  officers, 

for  absence  from  Lodge 1414 


Index.  1119 

FINES — Continued.  Section. 

Cannot  make  it  obligatory  for  Junior  Past  Grand  to  perform 

duties  of  Chaplain 1415 

Cannot  fine  Junior  Past  Grand  for  declining  to  perform  duty 

of  Chaplain 1415 

Cannot  fine  Junior  Past  Grand  for  absence 1416 

Cannot  require  prayer  at  opening  and  closing  Lodge  under 

penalties 1417 

Absence  from  city  as  an  excuse  and  funeral 1418 

Police  or  civil  officer  and  funeral 1419 

Funeral  of  a  brother  of  another  Lodge 1420 

Where  Lodge  has  not  charge  of  funeral 1421 

Intemperance  of  deceased  no  excuse  for  absence  from  funeral.  1422 

A  brother  leaving  the  city  on  day  of  funeral 1423 

Absence  of  Grand  Juror  from  funeral 1424 

Fines  for  absence  at  funerals 1425 

Fines  must  be  paid  although  funeral  irregular 1426 

Insufficient  notice  of  funeral 1427 

When  funeral  begins  and  ends 1428 

Special   preliminary    and    subsequent    meetings    in    case    of 

funerals 1428 

Attendance  at  court 1429 

Absence  from  city 1429 

Funeral  dues  are  fines  or  assessments  on  account  of  death  or 

funeral 1430 

Lodge  only  may  excuse  Noble  Grand  for  absence 1431 

Vice-Grand  cannot 1431 

Noble  Grand  orders  officer  fined — Appeal  to  Lodge 340 

As  to  fines  in  case  of  charges.     See  Trials. 

As  to  fines  in  case  of  reinstatement  and   readmission.     See 

Membership. 

FIREMEN:     See  Name  of  Lodge. 

FISCAL  YEAR: 

Of  Grand  Lodge  commences  April  1st  and  ends  March  31st..  1432 
Grand  Treasurer  to  close  his  accounts  March  31st,  annually. .  1433 

FLAG: 

Odd  Fellows'  flag 1494 

Of  what  to  be  composed  and  how  made 1434 

What  letters  and  name  to  be  on  it 1434 

Lodge  may  purchase  an  American  flag 1435 

Flag  on  Odd  Fellows*  graves  on  Memorial  Day 1436 

FLOOR  WORK:    See  Work  of  the  Order. 


1120  Index. 

FLOWERS:                                                                                       Section. 
Lodges  may  use  General  Fund  for,  for  sick  or  deceased  mem- 
bers     1477 

May  also  use  Contingent  Fund 1478 

Allowance  for  funeral  expenses  and  floral  decorations 679 

FOOT  RACES.     See  Funds. 

Lodge  cannot  appropriate  its  funds  for    1489 

FOREIGN  SOVEREIGNTIES:     See  International  Relations. 

FORFEITURE: 

As  to  charter.    See  Charter. 

As  to  fees.     See  Fees. 

As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

FORMS: 

The  forms  are  numbered  and  precede  this  Index,  page  1001. 
Petition  for  Warrant  for  Subordinate  Lodge  with  Directions 

and  Instructions  relative  thereto,  Form  No.  1  and  Form 

No.  2,  page  1001. 
Petition  for  Warrant  for  a  Rebekah  Lodge,  with  Directions 

and  Instructions  relative  thereto,  Form  No.  3,  page  1004. 
Warrant  for  Consolidating  Lodges,  Form  No.  4,  page  1005. 
Actions  by  Lodges  on  Consolidation  and   Certificates,  Form 

No.  5  and  Form  No.  6,  pages  1006,  1007. 
Dispensation  from  District  Deputy  Grand  Master,  Form  No. 

7,  page  1008. 
Certificate  or  Application  for  Admission  of  a  brother  to 

Odd  Fellows'  Home,  Form  No.  8,  page  1008. 
Medical  Certificate  for  Admission  to  Odd  Fellows'  Home, 

Form   No.  9,  page  1009. 
Certificate  or  Application  for  Admission  of  a  Widow  to 

Odd  Fellows'  Home,  Form  No.  10,  page  1010. 
Application   for  Admission  to  the   I.   O.   O.    F.   Orphans* 

Home,  and  Examining  Physician's   Certificate,  Form 

No.  11,  pages  1011,  1012. 
Certificate    of    Deceased    Father's    Standing,    and    Physi- 
cian's Certificate,  Fori¥l  No.  12,  page  1013. 
Certificate    of    Deceased    Mother's    Standing,    and    Physi- 
cian's Certificate,  Form  No.  13,  page  1014. 
Certificate  of  Life   Membership   in   Odd   Fellows'   Home, 

Form  No.  14,  page  1014. 
Order    for    Semi-Annual    Password,    Form    No.    15,    page 

1015. 
Order  for  Annual  Traveling  Password,  Form  No,  16,  page 

1015. 


Index.  1121 

FORMS — Continued.  Section. 

Order   for   Semi-Annual    Password   for    Rebekah    Lodges, 

Form  No.  17,  page  1016. 
Order  for  Annual   Password   used   as   a   Traveling   Pass- 
word, Form  No.  18,  page  1016. 
Physician's   Certificate  of   Examination  of   Candidate   for 

Membership,  Form  No.  19,  page  1017. 
Bond  of  Trustees  of  Subordinate   Lodge,   Form   No.   20, 

page  1018. 
Bond  of  Treasurer  of  Subordinate  Lodge,  Form  No.  21, 

page  1019. 
Charges,  Form  No.  22,  page  1020. 
Summons,  Form  No.  23,  page  1020. 

Certificate  of  Service  of  Summons,  Form  No.  24,  page  1021. 
Admission  of  Service  of  Summons,  Form  No.  25,  page  1021. 
Subpoena,  Form  No.  26,  page  1021. 
Certificate   of   Service   of   Subpoena,    Form    No.    27,   page 

1022. 
Acceptance  of  Service  of  Subpoena,  Form  No.    28,    page 

1022. 
Report  of  Trial  Committee,  Form  No.  29,  page  1022, 
Notice  of  Filing  Report  of  Trial  Committee,  Form  No. 

30,  page  1023. 
Certificate  of  Service  of  Notice  of  Filing  Report,  Form 

No.  31,  page  1023. 
Bill  of  Exceptions,  Form  No.  32,  page  1023. 
Notice  of  Appeal,  Form  No.  33,  page  1024. 
Grand    Secretary    to    furnish    to    Lodge    blank    Financial 

Secretaries'  reports 2206 

To  furnish  to  Lodges  blank  bonds  for  officers 2207 

To  furnish   printed  forms  in  matter  of  charges 2208 

Charges,    summons,    subpoenas,    reports     of    Trial    Com- 
mittees   ._^ 2208 

Notices  of  filing  reports.  Bills  of  Exceptions,  notices  of 

appeal 2208 

To    furnish    forms    of   certificates   for    Past    Grands    and 

Representatives 2210 

FRAMES: 

May  use  funds  for  frames  for  charters  and  pictures 1448 

FRATERNAL  PRESS:    See  Newspapers. 

FRAUD: 

As  to  oflfenses.    See  Offenses;  Trials. 
As  to  benefits.     Sec  Benefits. 

As  to  initiation  and  membership.    See  Membership. 
As  to  relief.    See  Relief  and  Relief  Committees. 
71 


1122  Index. 

FRIENDSHIP,  LOVE  AND  TRUTH:  Section. 

These  words  are  adopted  emblems  and    badges  of  the  Order  1322 

FUNDS  AND  PROPERTY: 

Lodge  funds  and  property  are  a  trust  fund 1437 

Devoted  solely  to  the  charitable  uses  of  the  L  O,  O.  P..   1437 

And  legitimate  expenditures  for  Lodge  purposes 1437 

And  for  advancement  of  interests  of  Lodge  and  Order...   1437 
And  the  uses  and  purposes  mentioned  in  Section  2,  Article 

IX,  Constitution  of  Subordinates 1437 

Cannot  be  divided  among  the  members 1437 

All  attempts  to  divert  them  or  appropriate  them  to  other 

objects  or  purposes,  illegal Note  to  1437 

And  in  violation   of  the  trust Note  to  1437 

When  Lodge  discontinues.,  etc.,  must  be  delivered  up  to 

and  paid  over  to  Grand  Lodge Note  to  1437 

Treasurer  or  Trustee  cannot  borrow  or  use 1438 

Treasurer  or  Tustee  cannot  become  surety  for  the  same.  1438 

Shall  not  be  loaned  to  a  member  of  the  Lodge 1439 

Shall   not   be   diverted   from   their   uses Note  to  1439 

Shall  not  be  loaned  without  ample  security Note  to  1439 

Shall  not  be  loaned  without  reasonable  interest.  .Note  to  1439 
Lodge  may  loan  or  make  terms  of  investment  subject  to 

general  or  local  law  restrictions Note  to  1439 

Secured  or  unsecured  loan 1440 

When  can  loan  to  wife  of  member 1441 

Officers  having  care  of,  must  give  bonds,  with  sureties.   1442 
Lodge    may    provide    for    accepting    guarantee    of    incor- 
porated security  company 1443 

In  case  of  surrender  or  forfeiture  of  charter 1443 

How  Trustees  to  keep  funds  invested 1444 

Two-thirds  vote  to  approve  same 1444 

Or  may  deposit  the  same  in  savings  bank 1444 

Other  securities  do  not  include  a  promissory  note 1445 

Lodge  may  invest  surplus  funds  in  stock 1446 

In  loan  and  trust  company,  or  other  moneyed  enterprise.   1446 

May  buy  stock  in   Odd   Fellows'   Hall  Association 1447 

Although  used  for  other  than  Odd  Fellow  purposes 1447 

May  purchase  real  estate 1448 

May  build  halls 1448 

May  buy  costly  frames  for  charters  and  pictures 1448 

May  buy  albums  for  same  purpose 1448 

And  many  other  such  articles 1448 

Building  of  road  to  Lodge's  hall 1449 

Cannot  donate,  to  help  build  electric  railway 1450 

Cannot  donate  a  bonus  to  build  a  railroad 1451 


Index.  1123 

FUNDS  AND  PROPERTY— Con finwedl.  Section. 

For  services  rendered  or  materials  furnished 1452 

Purchase  of  robes  and   costumes   of  officers   are   current 

expenses 1453 

May  donate  to  brothers  in  ill  health 1454 

May  donate  to  assist  new  Lodges 1455 

May  donate  to  member  in  arrears   1456 

May  assist  a  brother  in  distress 1457 

May  donate  to  extricate  a  brother  from  a  difficulty 1457 

May  donate  to  widow  of  deceased  brother  who  was  not 

in  good  standing 1458 

May  donate  to  relieve  members  not  in  good  standing...   1459 
May    donate    to    aid    children    of    deceased    brother    who 

was  in  arrears  1460 

Orphans  of  Odd  Fellows  when  not  objects  of  charity...   1461 
May  use  its  funds  to  compromise  a  financial   question.. 

1462,  2795,  2796 

May  donate  to  a  brother  to  settle  his  accounts 1463 

Donations  and  dues 1249  to  1253 

Donation  to  a  Canton — expenses  of  institution 1464 

May  donate  to  assist   Rebekah   Lodge 1465 

Also  to  aid  Rebekah  Lodge  to  buy  paraphernalia 1466 

But  cannot  buy  tickets  for  concert  or  ball 1466 

To  raise  funds  for  that  purpose 1466 

May  donate  to  assist  a  Rebekah 1467 

May  donate  to  relieve  wife  of  member  of  another  Lodge..   1468 

Loss  of  funds  in  bank  and  Treasurer 1469 

Lodge's  control  to  release  Treasurer 1469 

May    buy    Veteran    and    Honorable    Veteran    Jewels    for 

members   1470 

Cannot  use  funds  for  jewel  for  member  except 1471 

The  Contingent  or  Special   five  per  cent    fund 1472 

May  by  By-Laws  provide  for  such   fund 1472 

May  be  used  in  paying  necessary  and  proper  obligations 

not  included  in  Sectfon  1,  Article  IX,  Constitution  of 

Subordinates 1472 

Grand    Lodges    may    permit    Subordinate    and    Rebekah 

Lodges  to  set  aside   five  per  cent,  of  their  receipts 

for  dues  as  a  Contingent  Fund Note  to  1472 

From   Contingent    Fund   may   pay  necessary  and   proper 

obligations     which    Lodges     cannot     under     existing 

laws Note  to  1472 

Money  from  General  Fund  to   Contingent  Fund 1473 

Cannot  be  so  drawn  till  end  of  term 1473 

Lodge  cannot  borrow  from  Contingent  for  General  Fund.  1474 
Cannot  loan  moneys  of  Special  or  Contingent  Fund 1474 


1124  Index. 

FUNDS  AND  PROPERTY— Continued.  Section. 

Lodge   may   transfer   from   Contingent   Fund   to    General 

Fund   1474 

Contingent  or  Special  five  per  cent,  fund  is  a  separate  fund  1475 
Lodge  may  have  such  Contingent  or  Special  Fund  to  use 

for  parties,  entertainments,  suppers,  etc 1476 

Cannot  use  General  Fund  for  such  purposes 1476 

May    expend    from    General    Fund    for    flowers    for    sick 

or  deceased  members 1477 

Contingent  Fund  cannot  be  used  for  pleasure  excursions.  1478 

Or  the  mere  gratification  of  individual  members 1478 

Contingent  Fund  for  flowers  and  music  at  funerals 1478 

And    the    necessary    railway     or    carriage    expenses     of 

bearers  or  members  at  funerals 1478 

And  for  speakers  to  instruct  in  tenets  of  Order 1478 

Contingent   may  be  used  for  suppers   attended  by  mem- 
bers     1479 

And  for  anniversary  of  the  Order,  with  banquet  and  en- 
tertainment    1480 

Lodge  without  the  Contingent  Fund  cannot  use  funds  for 

cigars 1481 

Cannot    spend    for   dishes   unless    By-Laws    provide    Con- 
tingent Fund 1482 

Cannot  use  funds  for  supper  or  banquet  on  installation 

night  in  absence  of  Contingent  Fund 1483 

Cannot    spend    for    socials,    reunions,    banquets    and    sup- 
pers, except  from  Contingent  Fund 1484 

Supper     for     Grand    Master — Contingent    Fund — General 

Fund 14S.5 

Calling  a  fund  "a  special  fund"  does  not  make  it  such 1485 

To  entertain  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand  Encampment — Con- 
tingent Fund — General  Fund 1486 

Refreshments,    transportation,    music,     balls     and     other 

amusements 1487 

Dinners  and  refreshments 1488 

Foot  races,  bicycle  races  and  candy 1489 

Social  entertainment  and  banquet 1490 

Supper  or  banquet  at  installation  or  Lodge  anniversary.  1491 

Improper  resolution — Refreshments 1492 

Social  reunions  and  Lodge  anniversaries 149.3 

Banquet  at  visitation  of  Grand  Officers 1494 

Excursion — Picnic — Fare  of  members 1495 

Prize  drills  by  Patriarchs  Militant    1496 

May  use  for  celebrating  anniversary  of  Odd  Fellowship.  1497 
For  that  purpose  may  hire  halls,  pay  for  printing,  procur- 
ing orators,  etc Note  to  1497 


Index.  1125 

FUNDS  AND  PROPERTY— Continued.  Section. 

Music  and  parade  at  anniversary 1498 

Parties,  balls,  picnics,   excursions   and  banquets   at   anni- 
versaries     1499 

Collation  and  dance  and  music  in  connection  with  dance 

at  anniversary 1499 

Certain  literary  and  musical  entertainment 1499 

Music  and  orchestra 1500 

Entertainment  of  Grand  Lodge  Officers  and  Representa- 
tives and  Lodge  Anniversaries 1501 

May  appropriate  funds  for  certain  purposes 1502 

For  care  of  the  sick  and  burial  of  the  dead 1502 

For  nurses  and  benefits  to  brothers  and  widows 1502 

Educating  the  orphan 1502 

May  provide   suitable   Lodge-room   and   defray  necessary 

expenses 1502 

Cannot  divert  funds  to  purposes  foreign  to  the  purposes 

of  the  Order 1502 

Lodge's  power  over  its  financial  aflFairs Note  to  1502 

Lodge's   duty Note  to  1502 

Necessary  expenses  and  beneficence  and  charity 1503 

Charities  of  the  Order 1503 

Charities  outside  of  Order,  by  voluntary  contributions..  1503 
For  charities  outside  of  Order  cannot  use  Lodge  funds. ..  1505 
Charitable  purposes  not  connected  with  the  L  O.  O.  F. ,  1506 
Donations,     private     business,     electioneering     expenses 

— farm  expenses 1507 

To  pay  debts  of  deceased  brother 1508 

To  assist   an   Ancient   Odd    Fellow — Business 1509 

Burial  of  suspended  member 1510 

Funeral  of  person  not  an  Odd  Fellow 1511 

Music  at  funeral 1512 

Railroad  fare  and  carriage  hire  at  funerals 1513 

Railroad   fare   and   carriage   hire   at   funeral — Illegal    By- 
Law  1514 

Memorial  services 1515 

National  Sanitary  Commission 1516 

May  pay  expenses  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters...  1517 

May  defray  reasonable  expenses  of  Representatives 1518 

Watchers 1519 

Brother  should  not  pay  himself  from  funds 1520 

Public  libraries  and  Odd  Fellows'  libraries 1521 

Monthly  donation  to  public  library 1522 

Reward  for  arrest  of  robber 1523 

Reward  for  arrest  and  conviction  of  a  person 1524 

Organist 1525 


1126  Index. 

FUNDS  AND  PROPERTY— Continued.  Section. 

Pianist 1526 

Redress  for  illegal  appropriation 1527 

Certain  moneys  placed  in  General  Fund  cannot  be  drawn 

out  and  placed  in  another  fund '. . . .  1528 

Celebration  Fund  may  be  created  by  donation 1529 

Donations  to  Lodge,  how  entered  in  books 1530 

No  appropriation  by  Grand  Lodge  after  report  of  Finance 

Committee 1384 

Semi-Annual    reports — General    and    Contingent    Funds..  2688 
As  to  cemetery  and  matters   appertaining   thereto.     See 

Cemetery. 
As  to  monuments,  headstones,  etc.     See   Cemetery. 
As  to  road  to  or  fence  around  cemetery.     See  Cemetery. 
To  hold  funds  in  trust,  etc.     See  Trustees. 
As  to  deeds,  mortgages,  sale  and  purchase  of  property. 

See  Property  of  the  Lodge. 
As  to  surrender  or  forfeiture  of  charter.     See   Charter. 
As  to  offenses.     See  Offenses. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

FUNERAL: 

Lodge  not  required  to  open  in  due  form  for  funeral 1531 

Noble  Grand  may  open  and  close  his  Lodge  in  regular 

form ..Note  to  1531 

But  he  is  not  required  to  do  so Note  to  1531 

Suicide  and  honors  of  the  Order 1532 

Brother  in  arrears  and  funeral  honors 1533 

Cannot  use  regular  funds  for  music  at  funeral 1512 

As  to  the  use  of  funds  for  funeral  and  burial  purposes. 
See   Funds. 

Brothers  not  in  good  standing 1534 

No    right    to    bury    former    member    with    funeral    cere- 
monies    1535 

Lodge  should  not  attend  non-member's  funeral  in  regalia,  1536 

May  use  funds  to  bury  suspended  member 1537 

When  may  donate  to  bury  a  person  not  an  Odd  Fellow..  1511 
But    cannot    bury    suspended    member    with    our    funeral 

ceremonies 1537 

Not  obliged  to  attend  funeral  of  suspended  member 1538 

Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues — Funeral  honors....   1530 

Members  of  Manchester  Unity 1540 

Where  deceased  has  a  Withdrawal  Card 1541 

Lodge  cannot  attend  funeral  of  Ancient  Odd  Fellow  and 

conduct   services  according  to   our   Ritual 1542 

When  Subordinate  Lodge  funeral  ceremony  to  be  used. .  1543 


Index.  1127 

FVNERAl.— Continued.  Section. 

When  Lodge  may  attend  by  a  committee 1544 

Funeral  service 1545 

Form  of  funeral  service  and  procession  are  found  in  the 

Book  of  Forms 1545 

Form  of  prayer  and  service  must  be  strictly  adhered  to.  1545 

No  other  can  be  used 1545 

Except    in   service   at    Lodge-room,   house   or   church,   an 

extemporaneous  prayer  may  be  had 1545 

Rebekah  funeral  service -. 1545 

Wearing  hats  at  funerals 1546 

Action  where  funeral  conducted  by  church 1547 

When  Subordinate  Lodge  may  conduct  funeral  services..  1548 

When  Encampment  may  conduct  funeral  services 154vS 

When  conducted  by  Grand  Body 1549 

Funeral  regalia 1550 

Lodge  cannot  adopt  any  other  regalia 1551 

Grand  Lodges  may  permit  usual  regalia  at  funerals 1552 

Either   in   connection    with   or   a   substitute   with   that   in 

Section  1550  described 1552 

Lodge  may  attend  funeral  in  full  regalia 1553 

And  without  permission  of  Grand  Master 1553 

Charges  pending  at  death,  and  funeral  honors 647 

Funeral  of  a  brother  of  another  Lodge — Fine 1420 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 
As  to  fines.     See  Fines. 

FUNERAL  ASSESSMENTS  OR  TAX:     See  Assessments. 

FUNERAL  BENEFITS  AND  EXPENSES:     See  Benefits. 

FUNERAL    CEREMONIES    OF    SUBORDINATE    AND 

REBEKAH  LODGES:     See  Supplies;  Funeral. 

FUNERAL  COMMITTEE:     See  Fines. 

When  Lodge  may  bury  the  dead  by  committee 1544 

FUNERAL   DUES: 

Are  fines  or  assessments  on  account  of  death  or  funeral. .  1554 

FUNERAL  FINE:    See  Fines. 

FUNERAL  HONORS:     See  Funeral. 

FUNERAL  REGALIA: 

Of  brothers  and  officers 1550 


1128  Index. 

GAMBLER:  Section. 

A  professional   gambler  ineligible   to   membership 1725 

Keeper  of  gambling  house  ineligible  to  membership.  1766,  1767 
Pool-room — Professional  gambler  is  ineligible  to  member- 
ship     1765 

Pool-room — Professional  gambler — Offense 2140 

GAMBLING: 

Meaning  of,  in  a  By-Law 1555 

Criminal  gambling  an  offense 2141 

GAMBLING-HOUSE: 

One  engaged  therein  not  eligible  to  membership 1767 

GENERAL  FUND:    See  Funds. 

GENERAL  MINIMUM  BENEFIT  LAW:     See  Benefits. 

GENERAL  RELIEF  COMMITTEE:    See  Relief  and  Relief 
Committees. 

GERMAN  LODGES  AND  LANGUAGE: 

Certain  German  Lodges  authorized  to  keep  their  minutes 

in  German  language 1556 

German  Lodges  may  be  constituted  special   districts 1557 

District    Deputies    for    German    Lodges    who    understand 

German  and  English 1557 

Any  Lodge   working  in   German   language   may  work   in 

English  language 1558 

Initiation    in    German    by    English-speaking    Lodge 1559 

All  appeals  must  be  in  English  language 1560 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

GERMAN  EMPIRE:     See  International  Relations. 

GIFT  ENTERPRISE:     See  Lottery. 

GOD:     See  Religion. 

GOOD  OF  THE  ORDER: 

What   is   permissible   under  this   head 1561 

Right  of  a  brother  to  speak 1562 

Motions  may  be  made  and  business  transacted 1563 

Matter  that  has  been  referred  to  a  committee 1564 

Matter    ordered    to    lie   on    the    table 1565 

Brother  may  speak  concerning  charges 1566 


Index.  1129 

GOOD  STANDING:  Section. 

Defined 1567 

Term  good  standing,  how  interpreted 1568 

Benefits,  voting  and  Semi-Annual   Password 1569 

Standing  and  promissory  note  for  dues 1570 

When  brother  cannot  get  out  of  standing 1571 

Having    the    Semi-Annual    Password 1572 

Lodge    cannot    recognize    a   brother,    when 1573 

Business  purpose  and  certificate  of  good  standing 1574 

As  to  dues.     See  Dues. 

As  to  benefits.     See   Benefits. 

GOOD  TEMPLARS:    See  Ballot  and  Voting. 

GOVERNMENT:     See  Secrets;  Fines. 

GRAND  ARMY  OF  THE  REPUBLIC: 

When  Lodge  may  donate  lot  in  Odd  Fellows'  Cemetery  to  2587 

GRAND  CONDUCTOR:    See  Officers. 
GRAND  CHAPLAIN:     See  Officers. 
GRAND  ENCAMPMENT:     See  Encampment. 
GRAND  GUARDIAN:     See  Officers. 
GRAND  HERALD:    See  Officers. 

GRAND  JUROR: 

When  may  be  fined  for  absence  from  Funeral  Committee.  1424 

GRAND  LODGE: 

Its  name,  style  and  title 1575 

How  composed 1575 

Its  jurisdiction 1576 

The  Supreme  Tribunal  in  this  State 1576 

Grand  legislative  head  of  the  Order  in  this  State 1577 

Admission  o^Past  Grands  as  members 1578 

Past  Grands  admitted 1579 

None  but  Past  Grands  in  good  standing  admitted 1579 

Membership ;.   1531 

To   be  member   Past    Grand    must   be   admitted   and   re- 
ceive Grand  Lodge  Degree 1581 

This  must  be  done  when  Grand  Lodge  in  session 1581 

Not  appropriate  its  funds  for  relief  of  suspended  brother.   1582 

Expelled  Past  Grand  cannot  be  admitted 1583 

Team     for    exemplification    of    work,    no    appropriation 

therefor 1584 


IISO  Index. 

GRAND  LODGE— Continued.  Section. 

May  exemplify  degrees Note  to  1584 

May  admit  qualified  members  to  exemplification. Note  to  1584 

Brother  admitted  while  reading  minutes 7 

When  funeral  conducted  by 1549 

Has  no  pardoning  power 2486 

Seal — Must  have  a  seal 2753 

Lodge  owes  obedience  to  Grand  Lodge 2803 

Grand  Representative  may  introduce  visitor 3327 

No  appropriation  after  report  of  Finance  Committee 1384 

Degree  of  Rebekah  should  not  be  rehearsed  in 3520 

Use  of  Subordinate   Lodge   funds   to   entertain 1486 

Past  Grands  and  Representatives  to  enroll  their  names.   2639 
Its  Constitution  is  prefixed  to  this  Digest,  page  32,  and 
it   is   also   disposed   under   appropriate   heads   therein. 
Its   Rules  of  Order  are  pfefixed  to  this   Digest,  page  57. 

GRAND  LODGES  OR  SOVEREIGNTIES  IN  FOREIGN 
COUNTRIES.     See   International    Relations. 

GRAND  LODGE  DEGREES:     See  Degrees. 

GRAND  LODGE  DEGREE  PASSWORD: 

A  visiting  Past  Grand  is  not  to  be  examined  therein 3318 

GRAND  MARSHAL:     See  Officers. 

At  Odd  Fellows'  celebrations  need  not  be  a  Past  Grand,  2296 
When    present    at    installation,   a   brother   cannot   be    ap- 
pointed to  act  as 2241 

GRAND  OFFICERS:     See  Officers. 

GRAND  OFFICERS  PRO  TEM:    See  Officers. 

GRAND  MASTER:     See  Officers. 

GRAND  REPRESENTATIVE:    See  Officers. 

GRAND  SECRETARY:     See  Officers. 

GRAND  SIRE:    See  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. 

GRAND  TREASURER:     See  Officers. 

GRAND  WARDEN:     See  Officers. 

GROCERY: 

Groceryman    with    bar    or    saloon    ineligible    to    member- 
ship    1741 

One  who  works  therein  and  attends  bar  is  ineligible 1742 


Index.  1131 

GROCERY— C(?n/i«M^rf.  Section. 

Grocer   who   sells   liquors   not   to   be   drank   on   premises 

is  eligible  to  membership 1743 

GUARDIAN:    See  Officers. 

GUARDIAN  OF  PERSONS  OR  ESTATES: 

When  benefits  of  insane  brother  paid  to 465 

Insane  brother  and  absent  guardian 466 

Benefits  of  insane  brothers,  how  paid  and  to  whom 469 

HABITS: 

Applicants  for  initiation  must  be  of  industrious  habits..   1586 

HABITUAL  DRUNKENNESS: 

Defined • 1587 

As  to  offenses.     See  Offenses. 

HALF-BREEDS:    See  Membership;  Rebekah  Branch. 

HALLS: 

A  certain  certificate  as  to  hall  must  accompany  petition 

for  a  charter 886 

Liquors  excluded  from  halls  under  control  of  Subordi- 
nate Lodges 1707 

May  hire  halls  for  celebrating  anniversary  of  Order 

Note  to       27 

Used  for  other  purposes 2784 

HALL  ASSOCIATION:     See   Lottery;    Odd   Fellows'   Hall 
Association. 
As  to  stock  in.     See  Stock. 

HAND: 

As  to  membership.    See  Membership. 
As  to  officer.     See  OflRcers. 
As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

HEADSTONES:    See  Cemetery. 

HEALTH: 

Applicants  for  initiation  must  be  of  sound  health 1588 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 

As  to  benefits.    See  Benefits. 

As  to  applicant  for  degrees.    See  Degrees. 

HEARSAY: 

As  to  charges.    Sec  Trials. 

As  to  benefit  investigations.    See  Benefits. 


1132  Index. 

HOLIDAY:                                                                                    Section. 
Lodge  may  omit  meetings  on 2790 

HOMES:     See  Odd  Fellows'  Home;  Orphans'  Home. 

HONORABLE  VETERAN  JEWEL:     See  Jewels. 

HONORARY  MEMBERSHIP: 

No  honorary  membership  in  the  Order 1967 

HONORS  OF  OFFICE:     See  Degrees;  Rebekah  Branch. 

HONORS  OF  THE  ORDER: 

Grand  Master  entitled  to,  when 1589 

When  visiting  in  his  official  capacity 1590 

Visit    becomes    official    when    he    announces    himself    as 

Grand  Master '. 1590 

Grand  Master  when  offically  visiting 1590 

Past  Grand  Master  when  visiting  on  official  business 1591 

When    Grand    Representative    who    is    an    elective    Grand 

Officer  is  entitled  to 1592 

Grand    Representative   who   is    elective   Grand   Officer   of 

a  Grand  Encampment 1592 

Grand  Officers  should  address  the  chairs 1593 

Grand   honors   given   after  their  introduction 1593 

Given   to    elective   and    Past   Grand    officers   visiting   out- 
side their  jurisdictions 1593 

Grand  Master  introducing  visiting  brother 1594 

When   Grand   Officer   and   the   visiting  brother   are   both 

entitled  to  the  honors   of  the  Order 1595 

When  given  in  such  cases 1595 

Grand    Representative    of    Grand    Lodge   or     Grand     En- 
campment may  introduce  visitor  in  the  jurisdiction..   1595 
Elective  officer  of  Grand  Lodge  or   Grand   Encampment 

may   likewise    introduce   visitor    in    the   jurisdiction..   1595 
Grand  honors  should  be  given  to  Grand  Officer  after  ad- 
dressing chair  and  before  introduction  of  visitor.  1595,  1596 

Then  Grand  Officer  introduces  visitor 1595 

Then  the  visiting  brother,  if  entitled,  receives  the  honors 

of  the  Order 1595 

Grand  Officer  should  be  introduced  after  addressing  the 

chair  and  should  then  receive  the  honors 1596 

On  retiring,  honors  given  to  such  Grand  Officers 1597 

Honors  to  District  Deputy  Grand  Masters 1598 

A  Past  Grand  who  is  to  install  officers  is  not  entitled 

to Note  to  1598 

A  Subordinate  Lodge  visiting  another  Lodge  not  entitled  to  1599 


Index.  1133 

HOTELKEEPER:     See   Stockholder.  Section. 

When  and  when  not  eligible  to  membership 

1735,  1737,  1739,  1738, 

When  manager  eligible  and  when  not 1736 

Hotel  and  liquor  business — Offense 2135 

HUSBAND:     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

IGNORANCE: 

Lodges  not  prohibited  from  initiating  persons  who  cannot 

read  and  write 1788 

ILLEGAL  LODGE: 

Brothers  not  to  visit  illegal  Lodge 1600 

IMMORAL  CONDUCT: 

Of  sick  brother  and  when  entitled  to  watchers 2053 

As  to  offenses.     See  Offenses. 
'     As  to  benefits.    See  Benefits;  Nurse;  Widow. 

INCORPORATION: 

Of  Lodges  prohibited 1601 

Reasons  why  should  not  incorporate 1601 

Lodges  must  disincorporate 1602 

The   subject  of  the   incorporation   of   Grand   Lodge   and 

Subordinates 1603 

Legislation  and  actions  of  the  Grand  Lodge 1603 

Constitutionality  of  certain  State  laws  called  in  question.  1603 

Legality  of  incorporating  act  called  in  question 1603 

Reports  of  committees 1603 

Civil    Code,    title    XII,    part    IX,    division    1,    in    regard 

thereto 1603 

Reasons  against  incorporation  of  Grand  Lodge 1603 

As  to  Odd  Fellows'  Hall  Association.     See  Odd  Fellows' 

Hall  Association. 

INDECENT  BEHAVIOR:    See  Offenses. 

INDECENT  LANGUAGE:    See  Offenses. 

INDEPENDENCE  DAY: 

May  omit  Lodge  meetings  on 2790 

INDIAN: 

No   Indian   or  half-breed   can  become   a  member   of  the 

Order 1768,  1769 

•     Nor  can  one  having  any  trace  of  Indian  blood 1770 

An  Indian  who  has  been  admitted  cannot  visit  a  Lodge.. 

Note  to  3296 


1134  Index. 

INDIAN— Continued.  Section. 

His  admission  was  illegal Note  to  3296 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

INITIALS  OF  THE  ORDER:     See  Emblems. 

Not  to  be  used  in  private  business 1319,  1320 

Nor  in  advertisements 1319,  1320 

INITIATION: 

When  begins  and  ends 1604 

Not  lawful  to  initiate  one  candidate  and  permit  others  to 

sit  and  witness  it 1605 

All  must  pass  through  the  ceremony 1605 

Past  Grand's  charge  and  initiatory  grip 1606 

Cannot  initiate  candidate  under  twenty-one  years  of  age..   1607 

May  initiate  more  than  one  at  a  time 1608 

Where  required  to  be  initiated — Staff 1609 

Vice-Grand   may  give   Noble   Grand's   charge 2390 

Must  be  initiated  in  Lodge  which  elects  applicant 1610 

May  take  place  at  special  meeting 1610 

Who  may  deliver  Past  Grand's  charge 1611 

May  be  given  by  Noble  Grand 1611 

Vice-Grand  cannot  give  it   1611 

Third  Degree  member  cannot  give  it 1611,  1612 

■    No    initiation    in   absence   of   Noble    Grand    and   all    Past 

Grands 1612 

Noble    Grand    and    Vice-Grand    absent.    Past    Grand    may 

take  chair  and  initiate 1613 

Candidate  may  stand   or  be  seated  during   Past   Grand's 

charge 1614 

The  recognized  mode 1615 

When  brother  may  leave  during  initiation 1616 

Prayer  is  no  part  of  initiation  and  not  admissible 2581 

Not  understand  English  language,  eligible  for  initiation..   1787 

Illegal  initiation 1969,  1970 

When  Vice-Grand  absent 2415,  2418 

Opening  in  the  Initiatory  Degree. 2791 

Preparing  for  initiation 2791 

No    permission    should   be    granted   for    English-speaking 

Lodge  to  initiate  in  German 1559 

As  to  Membership,     See  Membership. 

As  to  charges  and  lectures.     See  Charges  and  Lectures. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

INITIATION  FEE:     See   Fees;   Rebekah   Branch. 

INITIATORY  DEGREE:     See  Degrees. 

It  is  a  degree  of  Odd  Fellowship 1139 


Index.  1135 

INITIATORY  MEMBER:  Section. 

Admitted  to  his  Lodge  when  open  in  Initiatory  Degree. . .       13 

Is  eligible  to  membership  in   Rebekah   Lodge 3585 

As  to  degrees.  See  Degrees. 
As  to  benefits.  See  Benefits. 
As  to  funeral  expenses  and  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

INSANE: 

In  good  standing  entitled  to  benefits 464 

When  in  an  asylum 464 

Same  benefits  to  insane  as  to  other  sick  brothers.  .Note  to     464 

In  exclusive  charge  of  State  Lunatic  Asylum Note  to     464 

When  supported  by  State  entitled  to  benefits Note  to     464 

When  benefits  of,  paid  to  guardian  465 

Insane  brother  and  absent  guardian 466 

While  living,  benefits  must  be  paid 467 

Attempted  suicide   while   insane 468 

Attempted  suicide  while  of  sound  mind 468 

Benefits  of  insane  brother — how  paid  and  to  whom 469 

Cannot  cease  membership  for  non-payment  of  dues  while 

insane 1304 

Cannot  suspend  him  for  non-payment  of  dues,  though  not 

entitled    to    benefits 1305 

He  is  not  entitled  to  the  A.  T.  P.  W 2503 

Insane    person    initiated 1971 

On  parole  from  an  insane  asylum 1971 

When  such  initiate  may  De  expelled  1971 

INSIDE  GUARDIAN:    See  Officers. 

INSIGNIA: 

Unlawful  for  suspended  or  expelled  member  to  wear 1617 

Any  badge,  lapel  button,  rosette 1617 

Or  other  established  insignia  of  the  Order 1617 

Initiatory  member  may  wear  the  Three  Links 1618 

Three  Links,  the  words,  "Friendship,  Love  and  Truth," 
and  the  initials,  "F.  L.  &  T,"  are  emblems  and  badges 
of  the  Order 1322 

INSOLVENT: 

When  an  insolvent  under  certain  circumstances  refuses  to 

pay  his  obligations,  etc 2126 

With  fraudulent  intent  buying  goods,  etc 2146 

INSPECTION:    See  Appeals. 

Appellant  has  right  to  inspect  records,  etc 4344,  2001 


1136  Index. 

INSTALLATION :  Section. 

Grand  Officers  installed  last  day  of  session 1619 

Provided  by  four-fifths  vote  may  install  at  any  time 1G19 

Absence  of  Grand  Master  and  Past  Grand  Master 1G19 

A  Past  Grand  cannot  install  Grand  Officers Note  to  1619 

Obligations  can  only  be  administered  by  those  who  have 

taken  them Note  to  1619 

Grand  Lodge  may  open  in  Scarlet  Degree  at  installation 

Note  to  1619 

Elective  officer  of  Grand  Lodge  cannot  be,  by  proxy 

Note  to  1619 

When  Subordinate  Lodge  officers  installed 1620 

When  may  be  deferred  one  week 1621 

When  special  meeting  may  be  called 1621 

Officer  resigns — his  successor 1621 

When  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  installs 1622 

Duty  and  privilege  of  Grand  Master  to  install. .  .Note  to  1622 

Grand  Master  may  officiate  at  installations Note  to  1622 

On  such  occasions  may  take  chair  of  N.  G Note  to  1622 

When   Past  Grand  may  install 1623 

When  Past  Grand  may  install  to  fill  a  vacancy 1623 

Examination  of  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand    in    secret 

work  and  opening  and  closing  charges 1625 

Examination  in  the  work  necessary 1626 

Past  Grand  must  examine  and  find  the  brother  proficient 

in  the  work 1626,  1627 

Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand  must  know  unwritten  work.   1628 
D.  D.  G.  M.  must  refuse  to  install  till  they  are  proficient 

in   the   work 1629 

District    Deputy    must    pass    upon    the    qualifications    of 

officers-elect 1630 

And  upon  their  proficiency  in  the  work 1630 

When  Noble  Grand  not  proficient  in  work,  D.  D.  G.  M. 

should  declare  Lodge  open  for  nomination  and  elec- 
tion of  a  Noble  Grand 1630 

D.  D.  G.  M.  may,  at  request  of  Lodge,  defer  installation.  .   1630 
Election    of   another,   when    Noble    Grand   not    proficient 

in  work 1631 

Noble    Grand-elect    or    Vice-Grand-elect    not    qualified    in 

secret  work 1632 

D.  D.  G.  M.  may  in  such  case  declare  office  vacant 1633 

And  cause  election  to  fill  vacancy,  and  install 1633 

Officers  cannot  be  installed  by  proxy 1633 

Noble  Grand  absent,  may  elect  another  Noble  Grand 1633 

D.  D.  G.  M.  may  install  officers  when  Noble  Grand-elect 

absent,  and  install  Noble  Grand  later 1633 


Index.  1137 

mSTAl.LATlOli— Continued.  Section. 

Noble  Grand-elect  absent — Appointed  officers 1634 

Supporters  of  the  Vice-Grand — Vice-Grand  pro  tern 1635 

When  officers  not  elected  for  the  term 1636 

D.   D.   G.   M.   may  cause  the  same  to  be  elected  on   the 

same  evening 1636 

And  install  them  on  same  evening 1636 

Cannot  install  anyone  not  elected 1637 

Officer  pro  tem  cannot  be  installed 1638 

When  Noble  Grand-elect  absent  at  first  meeting  of  term. .   1639 

Absence   of   Vice-Grand 1640 

When  Past  Grand  may  install  Vice-Grand 1640 

Unlawful  to  install  before  first  regular  meeting  of  term..   1641 

When  installation  may  be  deferred 1642 

When  may  install  at  special  meeting 1642 

Arrangement    with    District    Deputy    Grand    Master    to 

install 1643 

When  Past  Grand  may  install 1643 

Duty  of  D.  D.  G.  M.  to  install  and  communicate  password  1644 
When  installed  in  absence  of  D.  D.  G.  M.,  still  his  duty 

to  visit  Lodge  or  officers  and  communicate  password.   1644 

Charges   preferred  after   election 1645 

Undecided  charges  do  not  affect  installation 1646 

When  must  install  officer — Crime 2251 

When  Noble  Grand  may  install  officers 1647 

Officers  who  hold  for  a  year 1648 

When  such  officers  may  be  publicly  installed  again 1648 

May  be  joint   public   installation 1649 

Joint  installation  in  public  or  in  secret 1650 

Joint  installation — Rebekah  Lodge — Encampment 1651 

Public  installation  and  by  whom  conducted 1652 

Installation  outside  of  Lodge-room Note  to  1652 

Lodge    should    not    close    in    regular    form   before    public 

installation Note  to  1652 

But   "ordinary   ceremonies   being   suspended,"   the   doors 

are  opened Note  to  1652 

After   installation    Grand   Officers   and   all   but   members 

retire Note  to  1652 

Then  the  Lodge  closes  in  form Note  to  1652 

Irregular  public   installation Note  to  1652 

Recess— Proceed  to  another  hall  for  installation.  .Note  to  1652 

Then  return  to  Lodge-room  and  close 1652 

When  officer  who  installs  is  not  qualified  to  install 1653 

In  such  case  officer  does  not  acquire  the  honors  of  the 

office 1653 

Loss  of  ritual 1654 

72 


1138  Index. 

INSTALLATION— Co«/i««rrf.                                                     Section. 
At  public  installations  elective  Grand  Officers  have  prece- 
dence of  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 1655 

Must  be  open  in  Third  Degree 1656 

Officers    retiring   with    Grand    Marshal    for    examination 

must  address  the  chairs 1656,  1657 

Officers-elect  entering  or  retiring 1657 

Officers-elect  after  examination,  entering,  do  not  address 

the  chairs ^ 1657 

Officers  must  be  clear  of  pecuniary  charges 1658 

Grand  Lodge  assessments  and  semi-annual  reports 1659 

Must  be  paid  to  District  Deputy   Grand   Master  before 

installation 1659 

No  right  to  installation  till  semi-annual  reports  in  hands 

of  installing  officers 1659 

Not  to  install  officers  till  Sections  2  and  3,  Article  IX, 

Constitution  of  Subordinates,  are  complied  with 1660 

Objections  to  legality  of  election 1661 

Duty  in  such  cases  of  Grand  Master 1661 

When  Grand  Master  orders  a  new  election Note  to  1661 

During  such  election  no  question  to  be  put  to  the  Lodge 

Note  to  1661 

When   Grand  Officers  are  acting  as  such  may  vote 

Note  to  1661 

Objections  as  to  illegal  votes 1662 

What  language  Lodge  to  be  installed  in 1663 

Foreign  language  and  District  Deputy 1664 

District   Deputy   Grand   Master  not  to  install   Recording 

Secretary  till  Lodge  has  seal 1665 

Except  at  institution 1665 

Retiring  Noble  Grand  need  not  be  installed  Past  Grand..   1666 
Sitting   Past   Grand — Noble    Grand   who   has   not   earned 

honors    of   office 1667 

Grand   Master   and   District    Deputy   Grand   Master   and 

regalia 1668 

Patriarch    Militant    while    installing   officer    cannot    wear 

regalia  of  Patriarch  Militant 1668 

Patriarch  Militant  uniform — Lodge  officer   1669 

When  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  may  be  removed...   1670 
May  be  removed  for  installing  the  Noble  Grand  or  Vice- 
Grand   who   has   not   committed   to   memory   charges 

and   secret   work 1670 

Installing  officer,  how  addressed 1671 

Grand  Marshal  present,  a  brother  cannot  be  appointed  to 

act  as 2241 

Supper  or  banquet  at  installation 1483,  1491 


Index.  1139 

INST  A1.LATION— Continued.  Section. 

Grand  Officers  and  secret  work 2152 

As  to  defraying  expenses  of  D.  D.  G.  M.     See  Funds. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

INSTITUTION  OF  LODGE:    See  Charter;  Rebekah  Branch. 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

Lodges  must  obey  official  instructions  of  Grand  Master..  1034 

Lodge  must  obey  instructions  of  D.  D.  G.  M 2247 

As  to  instructions  to  representatives.    See  Representatives. 
As  to  instructions  in  the  work.    See  Work  of  the  Order. 

INSULTING  LANGUAGE:     See  Offenses. 

INSURANCE: 

Lodges  should  insure  their  property 1672 

Grand  Lodge — Insurance  and  surety  companies 1673 

Soliciting  life  insurance  in  Lodge  improper 1674 

Lodge  cannot   make   certain   payments 222 

INTEMPERANCE:    See  Liquors;  Offenses;  Benefits;  Fines. 

INTENT:     See  Offenses. 

INTEREST:     See  Trustees  of  Subordinate   Lodge;   Assess- 
ments. 

INTERNATIONAL  RELATIONS: 

Foreign  Sovereignties 1675 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  has  granted  charters  to  the  follow- 
ing sovereignties 1675 

Grand    Lodge    of    Australasia,    including    Australia,    New 

Zealand,  Tasmania  and  other  islands 1675 

German  Empire,  Switzerland,  Sweden   1675 

Denmark  and   Netherlands 1675 

Form  of  uniform  charter  therefor  prescribed  and  recom- 
mended     1675 

, Prohibition   in   fifth  article   thereof 1675 

Australasia   and   Switzerland   have  accepted   the   uniform 

charter 1675 

Australasia  has  six  Grand  Lodges  subordinate  thereto...   1G75 

Charter  of  German  Empire  and  agreement 1675 

Charter  of  Denmark  and  agreement 1675 

Charter  of  Sweden  and  agreement 1675 

Charter  of  Netherlands  and  agreement 1675 

Uniform  charter  imperative   need  of  the  Order 1675 


1140  Index. 

INTERNATIONAL   RELATIONS— Continued.  Section. 

Powers    granted    by    and    reserved    to    Sovereign    Grand 

Lodge 1675 

Member  of  Lodge  in  California  sojourning    in    German 

Empire ^ Note  to  2492 

To   vist    Lodges    in    Germany   must   obtain   visiting   card 

and  orders  for  Annual  Traveling  Password. .  .Note  to  2492 
Must  procure  visiting  card  and  order  for  Annual  Traveling 

Passwod  to  obtain  such  password 2492 

INTOXICATING  BEVERAGES:     See  Liquors. 
INTOXICATION:     See  Offenses;  Benefits. 

INVESTIGATING  COMMITTEE: 

As  to  claim  for  benefits.    See  Benefits. 

As  to  application  for  membership.     See  Membership;  Re- 

bekah  Branch. 
As  to  charges.     See  Trials. 

INVESTMENTS: 

The  funds  of  a  Lodge  may  be  invested 1676 

As  to  funds.     See  Funds. 

As  to  duties  of  Trustees.    See  Trustees. 

INVITATIONS: 

Not  accepted  by  Grand  Lodge  for  social  festivities,  when. .       31 

JANITOR: 

Joint  janitor  of  two  Lodges — Credit 514 

JAPANESE: 

Not  eligible  for  membership I 1773 

Of  mixed  foreign  and  Japanese  parentage,  not  eligible...  1773 

JEWELS: 

Lodge  must  furnish  for  its  officers 1677 

Jewels  of  officers  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 1678 

Jewel  of  Past  Grand  Sire 1678 

Jewel  of  Past  Grand  Representative '1678 

Jewels  of  officers  of  Grand  Lodge 1679 

Jewel  of  Past  Grand  Master 1679 

Jewel  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 1679 

Jewel  of  Past  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 1679 

Jewels  of  officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge 1680 

Jewel  of  Past  Grand 1680 

All  officers  must  wear  jewels 1680 

Grand  Master  when  visiting  to  wear  regalia  and  jewel 1682 


Index.  1141 

JEV/ELS— Continued.  Section. 

Must  not  be  wrought  in  the  regalia Note  to  1680 

Grand    Lodge    will    present    each    retiring    Grand    Master 

with  a  Past  Grand  Master's  jewel 1683 

Veteran  Jewel  I.  O.  O.  F 1684 

Continuous   membership   for  twenty-five   years   to   entitle 

to  Veteran  Jewel 1685 

Temporary  suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues  destroys 

right 1685 

Temporarily  deprived  of  benefits  does  not  destroy  right. .  1686 
Withdrawal  Card  and  readmission  to  Order  within  a  year.  1687 
When   more  than  a  year  elapses  before  joining  another 

Lodge 1687 

May  wear  both  sizes  of  Veteran  Jewel 1688 

May  wear  the  large  and  watch-charm  size 1688 

Cannot  purchase  or  wear  unless  entitled 1687 

Veteran  Jewel,  who  entitled  to 1690 

Made  in  two  sizes 1690 

Design  is   patented 1690 

Can  purchase  from  Grand  Secretary  of  Sovereign  Grand 

Lodge — Prices 1690 

On  order  of  Grand  Secretary  of  Grand  Lodge 1690 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  sole  right  to  manufacture 1691 

Letters  patent  therefor 1691 

Honorable  Veteran  Jewel,  design  and  make 1692 

Can  be  obtained  from  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  Secretary.  1692 
Upon  certificate  of  Subordinate  Lodge  and  order  of  Grand 

Secretary  of  Grand  Lodge 1692 

Order  must  be  accompanied  by  cash 1692 

Honorable  Veteran  Jewel,  design  and  make 1693 

Two  kinds — Prices 1693 

Application  for  Veteran  and  Honorable  Veteran  Jewel..  1694 

Certificates  to  accompany  application 1694 

Affidavit  or  proof  in  certain  cases 1694 

Lodge  street  uniform  jewel,  design  and  make 1695 

Cannot  expend  Lodge  funds  for  jewel  for  member,  except  1471 
May  for  Veteran  and  Honorable  Veteran  Jewels  for  mem- 
bers    1470 

Regalia  and  jewel  to  be  worn  by  D.  D.  G.  M Note  to  2231 

As  to  Rebekah  Branch.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

JOURNAL  OF  PROCEEDINGS: 

One  copy  to  be  sent  by  Grand  Secretary  to  each  Lodge. .  1698 

Grand  Secretary  to  furnish  to  certain  committees 2205 

None  but  Odd  Fellows  to  inspect  except 1697 

As  legal  information  and  authority 1697 


1142  Index. 

JOURNAL  OF  PROCEEDINGS— Con/tHM^rf.  Section. 

Journals  for  District  Deputies 1700 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  Journal  should  be  in  possession 

of  each   Lodge 1701 

Suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues  not  to  be  published  in.   1309 

Duty  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 2244 

Last  day's  proceedings  of  a  session — Gr.  Secretary's  duty.   2213 

Certain  questions  not  to  be  entered  on 2596 

As  to  secret  journal.    See  Secret  Journal. 
As  to  obituary  tablet.    See  Obituary  Tablet. 

JOURNALS    OF    SOVEREIGN    GRAND    LODGE  AND 
GRAND  LODGE:     See  Supplies. 

JUDGMENT: 

Prior  judgment  in  benefit  investigation  as  evidence. ..  .573,     574 

In  matter  of  charges.     See  Trials. 

In  matter  of  benefit  investigation.    See  Benefits. 

In  matter  of  appeals.     See  Appeals. 

When  judgment  of  Lodge  final;  when  subject  to  appeal. 

See  Appeals. 
When  judgment  of  Grand  Lodge  final;  when  subject  to 

appeal.     See  Appeals. 

JUNIOR  PAST  GRAND: 

Acting  Past  Grand,  duties  of 2407 

To  attend  all  regular  meetings 2407 

To  deliver  the  charge  of  his  office 2407 

To  act  as  Outside  Conductor 2407 

To  prefer  charges  when  violations  of  law  are  called  to  his 

attention 2407 

Need  not  perform  duties  of  Chaplain 2408 

He  is  not  strictly  an  officer 2409 

Cannot  be  fined  for  non-attendance 2409 

Duty  to  occupy  chair  of  Past  Grand  for  one  term 2409 

Duty  to  deliver  Past  Grand's  charge 2409 

Duty  to  prefer  charges  if  officer  lose  Ritual 2727 

May  be  elected  a  Representative 2703 

Chair  of  Junior  Past  Grand  and  honors  of  office 1084 

At  expiration  of  term  eligible  to  elective  office 2329 

May  fill  any  office  if  duties  do  not  interfere  with  his  duties  2330 

May  be  elected  Recording  Secretary 2331 

JURISDICTION:     See  Trials. 

JUROR: 

When    Grand    Juror    may    be    fined     for    absence     from 

funeral    committee 1424 


Index.  1143 

JURY:  Section. 

As  to  verdict  of  jury.     See  Trials. 

KEEPER  OF  GAMBLING  HOUSE: 

As   to   membership.     See    Membership. 
As  to  offenses.     See  Offenses. 

KEEPER  OF  LIQUOR  SALOON: 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 
As  to  offenses.     See  Offenses. 

KEY:     See  Work  of  the  Order;  Telegraph  Cipher  Key. 

LABORER:     See  Name  of  Lodge. 

LANGUAGE: 

Minutes  of  certain  German  Lodges  may  be  kept  in  German  1556 

In  what   language  officers  to  be  installed 1663 

When  D.  D.  G.  M.  does  not  understand  foreign  language  1664 

District    Deputies    for    German    Lodges 1557 

Appeal  must  be  in  English  language 1560 

Candidates   and  language   of   Lodge 1787 

German   Lodges  may  work  in   English   language 1558 

Knowledge  of  the   language  and   initiation 1787 

Passwords    must    be  .written,    spoken,    spelled    and    pro- 
nounced in  English 2488,  2489 

LAWS: 

General    Laws    of    Sovereign    Grand    Lodge    take    effect 

January  1st  after  their   passage , 954 

Sovereign     Grand     Lodge     Constitution     and     laws     the 

supreme    law 1030,     952 

Grand  Master  cannot  make  laws  or  rules  of  procedure..  2183 

Candidate  for  D.  D.  G.  M.  must  have  knowledge  of  law 

of    the    Order 2230 

As  to  questions.     See  Questions. 

As  to  seal.    See  Seals. 

LAWS    OF    SUBORDINATES,    COMMITTEE    ON:    See 
By-Laws. 

LAWS  OF  REBEKAH  LODGES,  COMMITTEE  ON:    See 

Rebekah  Lodges;  in  Rebekah  Assembly,  see  Rebekah 
Branch. 

LAWYER:    See  Counsel;  Trials;  Benefits  as  to  benefit  inves- 
tigation. 


1144  Index. 

LECTURES:  Section. 

Lectures  on  Odd  Fellowship  may  be  given 1702 

May  deliver  essays   or  addresses   on   Odd   Fellowship   in 

Lodge Note   to  1702 

Lectures.     See   Charges  and  Lectures. 

LEDGERS:     See   Supplies. 

LEFT  SUPPORTER  OF  NOBLE  GRAND:    See  Officers. 

LEFT  SUPPORTER  OF  VICE-GRAND:     See  Officers. 

LEGAL    REPRESENTATIVES:     See    Executors    and    Ad- 
ministrators; Guardian;  Benefits. 

LEGAL  TENDER  NOTES:     See  Offenses. 

LEGISLATION: 

Committee  on  Legislation  of  Grand  Lodge,  and  its  duties  1703 

It  is  a  regular  committee 1703 

Appointed    at    each    annual    Grand    Lodge    session    from 

members    present 1703 

As   to    Committee    in    Rebekah   Assembly.     See    Rebekah 

Branch. 

LETTER:     See   Renunciation  of  the  Order;   Registered  Let- 
ter; Trials. 

LETTERHEADS:     See   Supplies. 

LIAR:     See   Offenses. 

LIBEL:     See  Offenses;  Character;  Trials. 

LIBERTINE:     See   Offenses. 

LIBRARIES,  ODD  FELLOWS: 

Lodges   recommended   to    establish 1705 

Donations  and  subscriptions  to  establish  and  support 1706 

Grand  Lodge  approves  establishment  and  support  of. . . .  1706 
Not    legitimate    to    require    dues    for    support    of    public 

library Note    to  1706 

Nor  to  make  monthly  donations  to  public  library 1522 

Nor  to  use  funds  to  support  a  public  library 1522 

As  to  lotteries.     See  Lottery. 

As  to  emblems  and  name  of  the  Order.     See  Emblems. 

LIE:     See  Offenses. 

LIFE  MEMBERSHIP: 

No  life  membership  in  the   Order 1965 

No  life  membership — trust  fund  for  it 1966 

Life  membership  in  Odd  Fellows'  Home,  (Rule  IX) 2085 


Index  1145 

LIFE  INSURANCE:     See  Insurance.  Section. 

LIMB:     See  Membership. 

LIMITATIONS: 

Within  what  time  charges  must  be   preferred 2865 

No  bar  to  murder  and  certain  offenses 2865 

Owing  money  to  Lodge  and  Statute  of  Limitations 

2125,    2126,  2127 

LINKS: 

Use  of  three  links  on  business  envelope  illegal 1321 

Three  Links  are  adopted  emblems  and  badges  of  the  Order  1322 

LITIGATION: 

Urging   litigation    against   a   brother 2123 

LIQUORS: 

Prohibited  in  Lodge-rooms,  ante-rooms  and  halls 1707 

Lodges  cannot  abridge  the  liberties  of  the  citizen. Note  to  1707 

Nor  dictate  what  he  shall  eat  or  drink Note  to  1707 

Drunkenness  incompatible  with  our  principles. .  .Note  to  1707 
Our  Order  does  not  restrict  or  regulate  the  beverage  of 

members    Note  to  1707 

Temperance  is  a  cardinal  principle Note  to  1707 

Our  Order  does  not  enforce  total  abstinence. ..  .Note  to  1707 

Celebrations,   anniversaries,    ball    and    parties 1708 

Where  regalia  worn  or  name  of  Order  assumed,  not  with- 
out consent  of  Grand  Master 1708 

Lodge    must    promise    no    intoxicating   beverage    will    be 

offered    1708 

When  Lodge  joins  in  public  procession  with  other  organ- 
izations      1708 

Anniversaries,  excursions,  picnics,  balls,  parties  and  enter- 
tainments  Note    to  1708 

No  liquor  at  celebration  given  by  Lodge  or  held  in  name 

of    Order 1709 

Nor  at  any  entertainment,  banquet,  supper  or  repast  in 

such   cases 1709 

Saloon-keeper  or  bar-keeper  not  eligible  to  membership..  1710 
Not  in  saloon  business  on  September  18,  1895,  no  right 

to  engage  in  it  since 1711 

When  in  saloon  business  prior  to  September  18,  1895,  and 

abandons  it,  can  not  resume  it 1712 

Lodge  may  lease  its  property  for  a  saloon 1713 

A  Lodge  rents  a  store  for  a  saloon 1714 

Odd   Fellows'   Hall   Association 2064 


1146  Index. 

LIQUORS— Continued.  Section. 

Prohibition  of  their  sale  is  a  political  question 1715 

As  to  offenses.     See  Offenses. 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 

LIQUOR  SALOON: 

Lodge  leasing  property  for 1713 

Lodge    renting    store-room    for 1714 

When   saloon    connected   with    other   business 1729 

Odd  Fellows'  Hall  Association 2064 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 
As  to  offenses.     See  Offenses. 

LOAN:     See  Funds;  Trustees;  Cemetery. 

Lodge  funds  shall  not  be  loaned  to  a  member 1439 

Secured   or   unsecured    loan.- 1440 

When  can  loan  to  wife  of  member 1441 

Grand  Master  cannot  loan  Grand  Lodge  funds 2179 

Treasurer  cannot  borrow  Lodge  funds 2405 

LOAN  ASSOCIATION:    See  Emblems. 

Not  to  use  name,  emblems  or  initials  of  the  Order 1319 

LOAN  AND  TRUST  COMPANY: 

Lodge  may  invest  funds  in 1446 

LOCATION  OF  LODGE: 

Cannot  be  changed  without  consent  of  Grand  Lodge  or 

Grand   Master's   dispensation 1716 

Change  from  one  city  or  town  to  another,  dispensation 

necessary   1222 

Change  from  one  hall  to  another  in  same  city  or  town, 

no    dispensation    required 1222 

Dispensation  to  change  place  of  meeting 1175 

LODGE,  DEGREE:     See  Degree  Lodge. 

LODGE,  GRAND:     See  Grand  Lodge. 

LODGE,  REBEKAH:     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

LODGE,  SOVEREIGN  GRAND:     See  Sovereign  G.  Lodge. 

LODGE,  STREET  UNIFORM  AND  JEWEL:     See  Uniform. 

LODGE,  SUBORDINATE:     See  Subordinate  Lodge. 

LOTTERY: 

Lotteries    are    prohibited 1717 

No  Lodge  or  organization  of  the  Order  to  get  up,  engage 

in,  or  be  interested  in 1718 


Index.  1147 

"LOTTERY— Continued,  Section. 

Nor  in  any  gift  enterprise 1718 

Nor  receive  any  emolument  or  benefit  therefrom 1718 

Not  to  use  name  of  Order  or  Lodge  to  aid  therein 1718 

Nor  of  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  Library,  Cemetery  nor  other 

association  of  the  Order 1718 

Offenders  to  be  expelled 1718 

Prohibited  to  sell  tickets  or  hold  raffles 1719 

Raffles   unlawful 1721 

Either  at  open,  closed  or  any  meeting 1721 

Either    in     Lodge-room,    ante-room    or    any    connected 

therewith 1721 

LUNATIC:    See  Insane. 

MAJORITY  REPORT: 

As  to  majority  and  minority  report  in  matter  of  charges. 
See  Trials. 

As  to  majority  and  minority  reports  on  applications  for 
membership.     See  Membership. 

As  to  majority  and  minority  reports  in  benefit  investiga- 
tions.    See  Benefits. 

MANAGER: 

When    manager    of    hotel    eligible    to    membership    and 

when    not 1736 

Of  wholesale  liquor  establishment,  eligible  to  member- 
ship     1747 

MANCHESTER  UNITY: 

Members  may  be  admitted  to  our  Order  by  initiation..   1722 

No  communion  between  the  two   Orders Note  to  1722 

No  agreement  or  recognition  for  intervisitation.  .Note  to  1722 
Odd  Fellows  may  unite  with  any  lawful  society  or  asso- 
ciation     Note  to  1722 

MANDAMUS: 

Grand  Lodge  no  authority  to  issue  to  Subordinate  Lodge 

as    to    benefits 1723 

MARRIED  WOMAN:     See   Rebekah   Branch. 

MARRIAGE: 

Of  Odd  Fellows'  widows  does  not  change  Lodge's  rela- 
tion to  children  of  former  husband 2478 

Where  brother's  mother  marries  and  funeral  benefits 655 

Widow  of  Odd  Fellow  remarries  and  divorced  does  not 

restore  to  widowhood 711 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 


1148  'Index. 

MARSHAL:    See  Officers;  Rebekah  Branch.  Section. 

MASONS: 

As  to  voting.     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 

As  to  funeral  benefits  and  expenses.     See  Benefits. 

MASQUE  BALL: 

Given  under  auspices  of  the  Order 236 

MATERIALS: 

May  appropriate  funds  for  materials  furnished 1452 

MEANS  OF  SUPPORT: 

All     candidates    for    initiation    must    have    some    respectable 

known  means  of  support 1724 

As  to  occupation  or  business. .  See  Membership. 
As  to  offenses.     See  Offenses. 

MEETINGS: 

Every  meeting  is  a  session 2756 

Change  of  night  of 2786,  2787,  1183,  1184,  1185 

Change  to  once  in  two  weeks 1884,  2786 

To    change    back 2786 

Changing   day   or   hour 2807 

Must  be  held  on  week  days  only  2789 

None  on  Sunday  except  for  funeral  purposes 2819 

May  omit   meetings   on   certain   hoHdays 2790 

Need  not  attend  committee  meetings  on   Sunday 2820 

Lodge  fails  to  hold  meetings  for  six  months  forfeits  charter     913 
Neither   the   Lodge   nor   Grand    Master    can    dispense    with 

regular    meetings 2805,  2790 

Nor  authorize  regular  meetings  on  any  other  day  than  the 

regular    day 2805 

Special  meeting  and  application  for  membership 1843 

Special  meetings  and  balloting  for  membership 305,  1842 

Neither  Grand  Lodge  nor  Grand  Master  can  dispense  with 

regular    meetings 1175 

Special  preliminary  and  subsequent  meetings   as   to   funerals 

and    fines 1428 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  and  special  meetings — instal- 
lation     2243,  1642 

D.   D.   G.    M. — special   meeting — dispensation 1201 

Meetings  twice  a  month — honors  of  office 2279 

Lodge  cannot  hold  joint  meetings  in  any  degree 1121,  1120 

Subordinate  Lodge  may  change  location  by  dispensation....  1716 
Change    from    one    town    or    body    to    another,    dispensation 

required    1222 


Index.  1149 

MEETINGS— Co«/mM^d.  Section. 

Change  from  one  hall  to  another  in  same  town  or  city,  no 

dispensation    required 1222 

Special  meeting  and  initiation.     See  Initiation. 

Special  meetings  and  degrees.     See  Degrees. 

Meetings    of   Grand    Lodge.     See    Annual    Communications; 

Special  Sessions;  Adjournment. 
As  to  place  of  meeting.     See  Location  of  Lodge. 
As  to  meetings  of  Trial  Committee.     See  Trials. 
As    to    meetings    of    Benefit    Investigating     Committee.     See 

Benefits. 

MEMBERS'  REGISTER  FOR  SUBORDINATE  AND 
REBEKAH  LODGES:  (Constitution  Book):  See 
Supplies. 

MEMBERSHIP:  Page. 

1.  Qualifications    for 1149 

2.  Application    for 1152 

3.  By   initiation    1154 

4.  Transfer  of  Membership  by  Card 1154 

5.  By  Deposit  of  Card  or  Certificate,  or  as  Ancient 

Odd  Fellow 1156 

6.  Reinstatement    and    Readmission 1157 

7.  Non-Contributing    and    Non-Beneficial    Members 1159 

8.  Miscellaneous 1160 

9.  As  to  Membership  of  Grand  Lodge.     See  Grand  Lodge; 

Business  of  Grand  Lodge;  Representatives. 

10.  As  to  membership  of  Degree  Lodge.     See  Degree  Lodge. 

11.  As  to  membership  of  Rebekah  Lodge  and  Assembly.     See 

Rebekah   Branch. 

1.    Qualifications  for. 
Race,  age,  health,  character,  habits,  means  of  support,  belief 

and   residence 1724 

Must  be  proposed  in  Lodge  nearest  his  residence,  except 1724 

May  be  admitted  to  any  Lodge  in  city  or  village 1724 

Must   reside   in   this  jurisdiction 1724 

Candidates  from  other  State  or  Territories 1724 

Saloon-keeper,  bartender  and  professional  gambler  ineli- 
gible    1725 

Article   XVI,   Sec.    5,    Sov.    Grand   Lodge    Constitution,   not 

retroactive 1726 

It   went   into   eflfect    September    18,    1895 1726 

Takes    from    saloon-keeper   or   bar-keeper    then    in   business 

no    rights    1726 

If  he  gives  up  the  business  he  cannot  resume  it 1720 


1150  Index. 

MEMBERSHIP— Con/jMM^rf.  Section. 

Saloon-keeper   prior   to    September   18,    1895,    entitled   to   all 

the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  Order 1727 

If  otherwise  qualified  eligible  to  Vice-Grand 1727 

Saloon-keeper  or  bar-keeper  since   September  18,   1895 1728 

A  saloon  connected  with  other  business 1729 

Saloon-keeper  is  owner  of  liquor  business 1729a 

A  bar-keeper  is  an  employe  in  such  business 1729a 

A  partner  in  saloon  and  cigar  business 1730 

Saloon-keeper,   bar-keeper   and   public  officer 1731 

Chief  clerk  in  packing  house 1732 

Agent    selling   beer   by    the    keg 1733 

Beer  garden — drinks   and   liquors   to   guests 1734 

Hotel-keeper    is    not    a    saloo^i-keeper 1735 

If  he  has  a  bar  and  tends  it,  he  is  a  bar-keeper 1735 

Manager  of  hotel   eligible 1736 

Unless  he  tends   the  bar 1736 

Hotel-keeper — name   of   hotel — license 1737 

Bar   in  summer  hotel — proprietor   or   manager 1738 

Leasing  or  renting  out  the  bar  and  no  interest  or  control 1738 

Hotel  and  restaurant  liquor  license 1739 

A    tavern    keeper 1740 

Groceryman  and  bar  or  saloon 1741 

One  who  works  in  grocery  and  attends  saloon 1742 

Grocer  who  sells  liquor  not  to  be  drank  on  premises 1743 

Restaurant    or    eating-house    keeper 1744 

Drummer  or  traveling  salesman 1745 

Agent  of  brewery /. 1746 

Manager  of  wholesale   liquor  establishment 1747 

Wholesale  liquor  dealer 1748 

A   druggist   not  a   saloon-keeper 1749 

A  druggist  who  opens  or  tends  bar 1750 

Waiters   in   restaurants   or   hotels 1751 

Waiters   in   dining-rooms   of   hotels 1752 

Winery    in    connection    with    farm 1753 

Stockholder  in  corporation   and  the  saloon  business 1754 

Stockholder  in  hotel  corporation 1755 

A  Lodge  violating  the  law — liquor  business 1756 

When  a  barkeeper  who  takes  a  Withdrawal  Card  may  become 

a  member  again 1757 

When  a  barkeeper  who  takes  a  Withdrawal  Card  is  ineligible  1758 

Saloon-keepers — Cards^Defunct  Lodges 1759 

Reinstatement  and  liquor  business 1760 

Saloon-keeper — Dismissal    Certificate 1761 

Resigning    membership — saloon    business 1762 

Ancient    Odd    Fellow — saloon-keeper 1763 


Index.  1151 

MEMBERSHIP— Con/mM^rf.  Section. 

Saloon-keeper — transfer  of  membership  by  card 1764 

Poolroom — professional   gambler    1765 

Keeper    of    gambling    house 1766 

A  business  in  violation  of  the  laws  of  the  State 1766 

Engaged  in  gambling  house  or  criminal  business 1767 

Who  are  free  white  males 1768 

Halfbreeds  or  males  of  mixed  blood 1768 

Indians,   and   Mexicans   who   are  part   Indian 1768 

Halfbreed   and   white 1769 

Indian    blood 1770 

Mexicans  of  white  or  Caucasian  blood 1771 

Descendants    of    Aztecs 1771 

A  person  of  Mexican  parentage 1772 

White   Californian   and    French 1773 

Chinese,   Polynesians  and  Japanese  not  eligible Note  to  1773 

Mixed  foreign  and  Japanese  parentage Note  to  1773 

A  convicted  person  who  is  pardoned 1774 

Applicant    under    age 1775 

Age   of  applicant   for   initiation 1776 

No  maximum  limit  as  to  age 1776,  1777 

Authority    of    Lodge — age    limit 1777 

Health   and  morals  of  applicant 1778 

Lodge  should  satisfy  itself  of  good  health  of  applicant 1779 

Physician's  certificate  of  good  health  of  applicant 1780 

Form  of  doctor's  certificate  of  examination  of  applicant  pre- 
scribed by  Grand  Lodge ; 1781 

Must  be  used,  if  any 1782 

Prescribed  form.     (Form  No.  19) 1781 

Lodge  may  add  to  Form  prescribed  by  Grand  Lodge 1782 

Lodge   may  require  physician's   certificate   even   if   By-Laws 

silent  1783 

Physician's  certificate  after  favorable  ballot 1784 

Physician's  certificate  Lodge  may  require 1785 

Certificate  of  any  physician  will  answer,  unless  By-Laws  other- 
wise provide 1785 

Religious  belief 1786 

No  peculiarities  of  religious  belief  or  practices  required 

Note  to  1786 

Belief  in  Supreme  Being  essential Note  to  1786 

An  atheist  is  disqualified Note  to  1786 

Knowledge  of  language  Lodge  works  in 1787 

Not  prohibited  from  initiating  persons  who  cannot  read  and 

write   1788 

Totally  deaf,  dumb  and  blind  should  not  be  admitted.-. 1789 

Loss  of  limb 1789 


1152  Index. 

MEMBERSHIP— Co»ifiMM<?rf.  Section. 

Loss   of   right   arm 1790 

Having  only  one  eye 1791 

Lodge  must  have  its  own  committee's  report  on  qualifications  1792 

Qualifications   may   be    discussed,    when 1793 

Discussion  of  character,  fitness  and  qualifications 1794 

Duty    of    secrecy 1794 

Only  qualifications  those  prescribed  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 

Constitution  and   Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution 1795 

Cannot  add  additional  qualification  of  six  months'  residence.   1795 
Cannot  prescribe  as  a  qualification  ability  to  read  and  write..  1796 

Citizen  of  one  State  initiated  in  another 1797 

A  resident  of  adjoining  State  initiated  in  this  State 1798 

Deposit  of  Card  in  Lodge  that  granted  it — non-resident 1799 

United  States  soldier  stationed  at  Manila 1800 

Bona  fide  resident  eligible 1801 

What   is   sufficient   residence 1802 

By-Laws  cannot  require  a  certain  period  of  residence 1803 

Cannot  require  six  months'  residence  of  county 1803 

Nor  six  months'  residence  of  State   1804 

May  be  admitted  to  any  Lodge  in  city  or  village 1805 

Other  cases  apply  to  Lodge  nearest  his  residence 1805 

Or  nearest  his  residence  in  his  county  or  district 1805 

Unless  he  obtain  consent  of  all  Lodges  near  his  residence..  1805 
Resident  of  county,  but  lives  nearer  another  Lodge  in  another 

county   or    district 1806 

Residing  nearer  another  Lodge 1807 

Residing  nearer  another  Lodge  and  holding  a  card 1808 

One  who  resigned  residing  nearer  another  Lodge 1809 

Residence,  distance,  how  computed 1810 

Admitting  one  residing  in  another  Lodge's  jurisdiction 1811 

In  such  case  return  of  fee 1811 

Applies  to  charter  member 1811 

What  fee  is  to  be  returned 1811 

Investigating  Committee's  duty  as  to  residence 1812 

Members  of  hostile  societies 1813 

Signing  the  Constitution  necessary — rights — dues 1814 

Cannot  delegate  to  another  to  sign  the  Constitution  for 

him    1815 

As  to  Manchester  Unity.    See  Manchester  Unity. 

2.    Application  for. 
Petition  and  election  necessary  in  Lodge  which  receives 

the   petition 1816 

No  other  Lodge  can  admit  and  give  the  password 1816 

Lodge  cannot  legally  call  special  meeting  to  receive  prop- 
osition and  appoint  committee  on  character.  .Note  to  1816 


Index.  1153 

MEMBERSHIP— Continued.  Section. 

But  the  Grand  Master,  when  present  at  a  special  meeting, 

may  issue  dispensation 1175,  1189,  1190 

Member  of  one  Lodge  cannot  propose  applicant  in  another  1817 

Consent  of  Lodge  nearest  residence  necessary 1818 

Procedure  in  such   cases 1818 

To  what  Lodge  petition  should  be  presented 1819 

In  case  committee  report  applicant  resides  near  another 

Lodge    1820 

Decision  of  nearest  Lodge  final 1821 

Withdrawal    Card 1822 

Consent  to  join  Lodge  outside  of  city 1823 

Failure  to  act  on  request  for  consent  of  Lodge 1824 

Consent  necessary  and  investigating  committee 1825 

Applicant  residing  in  the  county  but  outside  of  limits  of 

a  city  therein 1826 

Lodge  must  appoint  a  Committee  of  Investigation 1827 

When    candidate    may    ask    permission    to    withdraw    his 

application   1827 

Balloting  for  person  after  his  application  is  withdrawn  is 

null 1827 

Consent  of  Lodge  nearest  residence — initiation  fee 1828 

Vote  to  refer  petition  to  an  Investigating  Committee  not 

necessary   1829 

Petition  must  not  be  laid  over  one  year 1830 

Where  petition  does  not  contain  the  name  of  the  recom- 
mending brother 1831 

Second  petition  by  card  must  take  same  course  as  first..  1832 
Illegal    to    instruct    committee    to    report    forthwith    and 

then  ballot  for  and  elect 1832 

Majority  of  committee  must  act • 1833 

A    Lodge    cannot    act    on    a    minority    report    or    report 

signed  by  one 1833 

Diflferent  reports  from  Investigation  Committee 1834 

Two  members  report,  one  favorably  and  one  unfavorably, 

Lodge  cannot  legally  ballot 1834 

When  petition  may  be  withdrawn 1835 

Withdrawal  of  application — unfavorable   report 1836 

Penalty   for   misrepresentations   in   petition 1837 

Form  of  application  for  membership 1838 

A  form  prescribed  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  but  not 

mandatory 1838 

Form  of  proposition  for  membership — contents 1839 

Objections  to  candidate  need  not  be  stated 1840 

Report  of  Investigating  Committee  must  be  in  writing. . . .  1841 
73 


1154  Index. 

MEMBERSHIP— Cow/j;j«r(/.  Section. 

Lodge  cannot  receive  petition  for  membership  or  act  upon 

report  at  special  meeting,  except 1842 

When  dispensation  in  such  case 1842 

Special  meeting — application 1843 

3.    By  Initiation. 

How  proposed — committee — ballot 1844 

Contents  of  proposition 1844 

Persons   elected   must    present   themselves    for   initiation 

within  a  reasonable  time 1845 

Initiation   on   Sunday 1846 

Initiation  of  an  unworthy  person Note  to  1846 

The  unworthy  person  may  be  expelled  on  charges  Note  to  1846 

One  illegaly  initiated ^ Note  to  1846 

When  guilty  of  fraud  or  misrepresentation,  must  be  tried 

on  charges Note  to  1846 

Initiation  at  illegal  special  meeting 1847 

After  resignation  and  not  able  to  pass  an  examination  in 

the  work 1848 

Initiation  under  an  assumed  name 1849 

Loss   of  petition 1850 

Cannot  receive  petition,  elect  and  initiate  same  evening, 

except  by  dispensation 1851 

Proceedings    upon    rejection 1852 

Notice  of  rejection 1852 

When  application  may  be  renewed 1852 

Rejected  candidate  for  initiation  not  apply  again  within 

a   year 1852 

All  others  at  any  time 1852 

No    general    law   of   the    Order   limiting   the    number    of 

times  a  candidate  may  be  proposed Note  to  1852 

It  is  a  matter  for  local  law Note  to  1852 

Rejected  applicant,  wrong  name,  new  application 1853 

Where  member  of  extinct  Lodge  unable  to  prove  himself 

in  work  of  the  Order 1854 

Cannot  agree  to  waive  benefits 1855 

4.    Transfer  of  Membership  by  Card. 

Member  of  Lodge  may  apply  to  become  a  member  of 
another  Lodge  without  first  severing  his  connection 

with    his    own    Lodge 1856 

In  such  case  no  card  or  admission  fee 1856 

What  his  petition  must  set  forth 1856 

If  elected  Secretary  must  notify  the  brother's  Lodge....   1856 
When  his  Withdrawal  Card  is  received  and  he  signs  the 


Index.  1155 

MEMBERSHIP— Contiuucd.  Section. 

Constitution  he  becomes  a  member  of  his  new  Lodge  1856 

A  ballot  under  this  section  cannot  be  reconsidered 1856 

Law  of  Sovereign   Grand   Lodge  upon   which   the   above 

is  based Note  to  1856 

Reasons  given  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge   Committee.. 

Note    to  1856 

Elected   to   membership   by   another   Lodge — Withdrawal 

Card 1857 

If  clear  on  books  and  free  from  charges  Withdrawal  Card 

granted  at  actual  cost 1857 

Secretary  to  forward  card 1857 

Law  of  transfer  of  membership  by  card 1858 

Withdrawal   Card  on  transfer  of  membership — charges..   1859 

If  free  from  charges  card  must  be  granted 1859 

Charges  cannot  subsequently  be  preferred 1859 

Grand    Master   may   direct    Lodge    to    grant    Withdrawal 

Card  1860 

Withdrawal   Card — vote  by  ball  ballot   required 1861 

Application    for   the    Withdrawal    Card 1862 

The  brother  should  apply 1862 

The  Secretary  may  apply  at  instance  of  brother 1863 

The  new  law  of  transfer  of  membership  by  card  is  valid 

and  operative    1864 

It  went  into  effect  January  1st,  1905 1864 

And  without  any  action  or  notice  from  Grand  Master....  1864 
It  became  a  law  without  action  from  any  Grand  Lodge..   1864 

It  does  not  require  legislation  to  put  it  in  force 1864 

Does  not  apply  to  applicants  on  dismissal  certificates 1865 

Nor  in  any  way  aflfect  the  holder  thereof 1865 

Does  not  apply  to  applicant  on  expired  Withdrawal  Card  1866 

Nor  does  it  in  any  way  affect  the  holder  thereof 1866 

There   can   be   no   transfer  of  membership   on    certificate 

under  this  law 1867 

Who  may  apply  for  transfer  of  membership  by  card 1868 

The  application  under  this  law 1869 

What  it  should  contain 1869 

The  petition  must  set  forth  all  the  facts 1870 

This  law  applies  to  a  brother  holding  a  live  Withdrawal 

Card 1871,  1872 

As  well  as  to  one  entitled  thereto 1871 

Who  changes  his  place  of  residence  from  vicinity  of  his 

own  Lodge  to  vicinity  of  another 1871 

Holding  of  Dismissal  Certificate  or  an  official  receipt  is 

insufficient 1871,  1872 

Cannot  be  admitted  under  this' law  on  a  Visiting  Card...  1872 


1156  Indkx. 

MEMBERSHIP— Co;i//;m^d.  Section. 

Withdrawal  Card  and  no  change  of  residence 1873 

Withdrawal  Card  and  change  of  residence — card  expires..  1874 

Change  of  residence — city — town — State — jurisdiction 1875 

Change  of  residence — same  town  or  city 1876 

Same  city  and  no  change  of  residence 1877 

Same  city  and  change  of  residence 1878,  1879 

Residing  midway  between  two  halls 1880 

Change   of   residence — vicinity 1881 

Change  of  residence  before  the  law 1882 

Change  of  residence  after  the  law 1883 

When  change  of  residence  must  occur 1885,  1886 

Change  of  residence — section  of  city — part  of  county 1887 

Suspended   for  non-payment  of   dues 1888 

Official    Certificate — Visiting    Card — twenty-five     years     a 

contributing  member 1889 

Certain  sections  of  Constitution  of  Subordinates  repealed  1889 

Present  Sec.  2,  Art.  Ill  thereof,  enacted  in  May,  1905 1889 

Repealed  sections  based  on  certain  laws Note  to  1889 

On  the  law  providing  for  transfer  of  membership  on  Vis- 
iting Card Note  to  1889 

On  the  law  providing  for  transfer  of  membership  when 

twenty-five  years  a  contributing  member 1889 

Such  laws  will  be  found  in  note  to  section. 1889 

5.     By  Deposit  of  Card,  or  Certificate,  or  as  an  Ancient 

Odd  Fellow. 
Card  or  certificate  must  be  deposited  or  loss  proven....   1890 

Card  must  be  returned  if  applicant  rejected Note  to  1890 

Lodge  no  right  to  mutilate  card Note  to  1890 

By  endorsing  thereon   "rejected" Note  to  1890 

Applicant  must  have  Annual  Traveling  Password 1891 

Applicant    on    expired    Withdrawal    Card 1892 

Cannot  be  reinstated  by  ballot  on  motion 1892 

Must  apply  by  petition  as  Ancient  Odd  Fellow 1892 

When  application  may  be  made 1893 

When  card  expires  the  day  after  application ._ 1893 

When  cannot  be  admitted  to  another  Lodge  by  card 1894 

Holder  of  Withdrawal    Card   readmitted   how 1895 

Applicant  by  card  may  apply  where 1896 

When  holder  of  unexpired  Withdrawal  Card  cannot  apply 

to  Lodge  granting  it Note  to  1896 

Effect  of  granting  Withdrawal   Card 1897 

Withdrawal  Card  voted  his  connection  with  Lodge  ceases  1897 
H  he  desire  to  become  connected  with  the  Lodge  again 

he  must  apply  upon  his  card 1897 


Index.  1157 

MEMBERSHIP— Continued.  Section. 

Lodge  cannot  restore  him  to  mem'bership  by  reconsidering 

the  vote 1897 

In  case  the  Lodge  that  granted  the  Withdrawal  Card  has 

since  been  suspended  or  expelled Note  to  1897 

Credentials  of  member  of  extinct  Lodge 1898 

Withdrawal  Cards  may  be  issued  to  members  of  defunct 

Lodges  1899 

Dismissal    Certificates    may    be    issued    to    members    of 

defunct  Lodges 1899 

Such  Withdrawal   Cards  and  Dismissal   Certificates  have 

the  same   force  and  effect  as   if    issued    by    existing 

Lodges 1899 

Holders  thereof  may  join  another  Lodge 1899 

Suspended   or  expelled   member 1900 

To  receive  petition  by  card  and  ballot  same  evening 1901 

Investigating  Committee  not  to  report  forthwith,  etc....   1902 

Appointment  of  Investigating  Committee 1903 

Applicant  by  card  must  sign  the  Constitution  to  become 

member    1904 

The  rank  or  Degree  of  applicant 1905 

Elected  brother  who  has  not  presented  himself  or  signed 

the  Constitution  cannot  apply  for  the  Degrees 1906 

When    elected — Committee    appointed    to    examine    as    to 

Degrees   1907 

Duty  of  Noble  Grand Note  to  1907 

Lodge  has  right  to  reject  applicant 1908 

Rejected    applicant    by    card    may    apply    again    at    next 

meeting   1909 

Or  at  the  same  evening  to  the  same  Lodge 1910 

Renewal    of    application 1911 

Grand  Secretary  should  be  notified  of  rejection 1912 

Lodges  should  be  notified  of  rejection 1913 

6.    Reinstatement  and  Readmission. 
Reinstatement  of  members  suspended  for  non-payment  of 

dues 1914 

Grand  Lodge's  control  thereof 1914 

Sovereign   Grand    Lodge   has   relegated   it   to   and   placed 

it  under  control  of  Grand  Lodges 1914 

Sovereign   Grand   Lodge   has  put  no  limitation   on   such 

control  by  Grand  Lodges 1915 

General  laws  on  the  subject  are  in  force  except  where 

Grand   Lodge   provides  otherwise 1915 

Within  one  year  after  suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues  1916 
Amount  of  dues  to  be  paid  and  vote  and  motion 1916 


1158  Lndkx. 

MEMBERSHIP— C(;n//n«^rf.  Section. 

Applies  for  reinstatement  within  a  year 1917 

But  reinstatement  takes  place  after  the  year 1917 

More  than  one  year  after  such  suspension 1918 

Fee  to  be   paid 1918 

Petition  to  be  disposed  as  petition  for  initiation 1918 

When  rejected  applicant  may  apply  again 1919 

The  one  year's  dues 1920 

Admission  fees  and  dues — sum  to  be  paid 1921 

More  than  twelve  months'  dues  cannot  be  demanded,  when  1922 

Fines  and  assessments 1923 

Fines   and   assessments   when    suspension   is    for   a   fixed 

period 1924 

When  fines  are  imposed  after  trial  for  offenses 1925 

When  petition  for  reinstatement  is  necessary 1926 

Form  of  petition 1927 

Where  suspension  is  for  fixed  period 1928 

Upon  expiration  of  teron  of  suspension  he   is  ipso  facto 

restored   1929 

Physician's   certificate   may  be   required 1930 

Not  necessary  to  introduce  reinstated  brother 1931 

Not  necessary  to  re-sign  Constitution 1932 

What  proceedings  not  necessary  on  reinstatement 1933 

Payment  of  less  than  is  due  on  reinstatement 1934 

Consent  of  Lodge  nearest  residence  not  necessary 1935 

Reinstatement  within  five  years  and  card 1936 

Reinstatement  or  dismissal  certificate Note  to  1936 

Notice  of  reinstatement  should  be  given 1937 

To  every  Lodge  in  county,  to  the  brother's  Subordinate 

Encampment  and  Rebekah  Lodge 1937 

And  to  the  Grand  Secretary 1937 

Contributing  members  for  twenty-five  years  and  over  sixty 

years  of  age , 1938 

Non-contributing  members  (non-beneficial  members)  may 

be  reinstated 1938 

A  brother  suspended   for  an  offense 1939 

When  term  of  punishment  expires  he  is  ipso  facto  restored 

without  form Note  to  1939,  1940 

To  reinstate  expelled  member — manner  of 1941 

To  reinstate  expelled  member — permission  necessary....   1942 

To  reinstate  member  suspended  on  charges 1942 

When  permission  of  Grand  Master  necessary 1942 

What  expelled  member  must  pay 1943 

In  what  Lodge  expelled  member  must  be  reinstated....   1944 

Expelled  member  reinstated — his  rank  and  degrees 1945 

No  re-initiation  or  re-conferring  of  degrees  is  necessary..   1945 


Index.  1159 

MEMBERSHIP— Continued.  Section. 

Expelled  member  must  be  reinstated  in  his  own  Lodge.. 

Note  to  1945 

Expelled  member  of  another  jurisdiction 1946 

No  Lodge  can  reinstate  an  expelled  member  of  its  own 

motion 1946 

The  consent  of  Grand  Lodge  or  Grand   Master  is  abso- 
lutely necessary 1946 

Money,  on  rejection,  to  be  returned 1947 

How  expelled   member   reinstated 1948 

Grand  Master  or  Grand  Lodge  no  pardoning  power 1948 

Reinstatement  of  expelled  member 1949 

Must  apply  to  the  Lodge  that  expelled  him 1949 

Lodge  must  wait  till  it  receives  dispensation  or  permission 

from  Grand  Master 1949 

Lodge  must  apply  for  permission  by  majority  vote 1949 

Must   be   balloted   for   in   same   manner   as   applicant   for 

initiation 1949 

Same  ballot  elects  or  rejects  as  an  applicant  for  initiation  1949 

Three  or  more  black  balls  reject 1950 

7.    Non-Contributing  and  Non-Beneficial  Members. 

Non-contributing  member 1951 

Over  sixty  years  of  age  and  a  contributing  member  for 

twenty-five  years 1951 

Not  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  but  retained  as 

a   non-beneficial    member 1951 

Entitled  to  password  and  all  privileges  of  active  members 

except  benefits 1951 

What   the   words   "contributing   membership   for   twenty- 
five  consecutive  years"  mean 1951 

Includes  the  time  an  unexpired  Withdrawal  Card  may  be 

held  1951 

To    whom    the    designation    "non-contributing    members" 

applies 1953 

Reinstatement  of  non-contributing  members... 1953,  1951 

Eligible  to  office 1954 

Special   Visiting  Card   for  non-contributing  members....   1955 
To  visit  in  other  jurisdictions  must  have  the  special  Visit- 
ing Card 1955 

Who  may  be  admitted  as  non-beneficial  members 1956 

Upon  what  terms  and  how 1956 

Cannot  decree  a  brother  such  without  his  consent 1957 

A  brother  suspended   for  non-payment   of  dues   and   over 

fifty  years  of  age 1958 

Age   1959 


1160  Index. 

MEMBERSHIP— Continued.  Section. 

A    Lodge   may  admit   as   beneficial   members   those   over 

fifty   years   of   age 1959 

How  a  member  may  change  to  a  non-beneficial  member. .  1960 

Ancient  Odd  Fellows  over  fifty  years  of  age 1961 

Rights    of    non-beneficial    members 1961 

They  can  vote  or  hold  office 1962 

Qualifications  of  non^beneficial  members 1963 

When  a  non-beneficial  member  may  withdraw  and  rejoin 

as  a  full  member 1964 

8.    Miscellaneous. 

There  is  no  life  membership 1965 

No  life  membership — trust  fund  for  it 1966 

No    honorary    membership 1967 

In    case    of   suspension 1968 

In  case  of  illegal  initiation 1969 

Illegally  initiated  and  guilty  of  fraud 1970 

Insane  person  initiated 1971 

On  parole  from  insane  asylum 1971 

When  he  may  be  expelled 1971 

Illegal  acts  of  a  Lodge 1972 

When  a  member  may  resign 1973 

After  Withdrawal  Card  refused  may  resign 1974 

When  resignation  takes  effect 1975 

Resignation  must  be  in  writing 1975 

Resignation  must  not  be  balloted  on 1976 

Cannot  resign  while  charges  pending 1977 

Charges    preferred    same    meeting    at    which    resignation 

presented 1978 

Resignation   severs   connection   entirely 1979 

Resignation  and  Dismissal  Certificates 1980 

After  resignation,  may  apply  again  for  membership 1981 

When  brother  resigns,  all   Lodges  in  district  and  Grand 

Secretary  should  be  notified 1982 

His  name  should  not  be  entered  in  the  Black  Book 1982 

May  solicit  persons  to  become  applicants  for  membership  1983 
As  to  ballot  and  voting.     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 

MEMORIAL  DAY: 

The  second  Tuesday  in  June  is  Memorial  Day 1984 

Lodges  are  recommended  to  engage  in  appropriate  mem- 
orial services 1984 

May  be  joint  exercises  by  Lodges 1984 

Grand   Sire   with    Grand   Secretary   issue   annually   Mem- 
orial Proclamation Note  to  1984 


Index.  1161 

MEMORIAL  DAY— Confhiucd.  Section. 

Grand  Lodge  cannot  fix  any  other  date Note  to  1984 

Grand  Master  may  select  another  day Note  to  1984 

And  issue  his  proclamation Note  to  1984 

Memorial  services  may  be  held  on  Sunday Note  to  1984 

Lodge  may  appropriate  funds  to  defray  necessary  expenses  1575 

MEMORIAL  CEREMONIES:     See  Supplies. 

MEMORIALS:     See  Appeals. 

Acts  of  Subordinates  will  not  be  disturbed  on  memorials 

123,    131,     183 

Or  reviewed,  except  on  appeal 123,     124 

MERCHANT:     See  Name  of  Lodge. 

MEXICAN: 

Of  white  or  Caucasian  blood  eligible  to  membership....  1771 

Descendants  of  Aztecs  not   eligible 1771 

Mexicans  who  are  part  Indian  not  eligible •. 1768 

Of  Mexican  parentage — Spanish   blood   eligible 1772 

Of  Mexican  parentage — Indian  blood  ineligible 1772 

MILEAGE: 

Committee    on    Mileage    of    Grand    Lodge,    regular    com- 
mittee    1985 

Appointed  from  members  present  at  Grand  Lodge  session  1985 

Committee  on  Mileage  and  its  duties 1986 

Assessments  for  and  how  levied 1986 

When   payable    1986 

The  representative  fund 1987 

Assessments  to  raise  the  fund 1987 

To  pay  one  representative   from  each   Lodge  his  actual 

traveling  expenses 1987 

What  traveling  expenses  to  be  paid 1987 

What  representatives  to  be  paid  mileage 1987 

Excuses  for  non-attendance 1988 

Should   remain   till   close   of  session 1988 

Payable  the  last  day  of  the  session 1989 

The  Mileage  representative 1990 

When  Lodge  fails  to  designate 1990 

Bill  of  items  of  actual  traveling  expenses  required 1991 

Committee  on  Mileage  authorized  to  have  blanks  prepared  1991 

Expenses  while  in  attendance  not  allowed 1992 

Mileage  allowed  from  actual   residence,  when 1993 

Distance  from  Lodge  to  place  of  meeting 1993 

Mileage  how  computed 1994 


1162  Index. 

MILEAGE — Continued.  Section. 

Most  direct  route  of  first-class  traveling 1994 

And  at  cost  of  round  trip  or  limited  tickets  when  obtain- 
able     1994 

Sleepers  both  ways  included,  where  necessary 1994 

Blank  mileage  certificates 1994 

MILITARY  SERVICE:     See  Soldier. 

MINORITY  REPORT: 

As  to  charges.     See  Trials. 

As  to  benefit  investigations.     See  Benefits. 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 

MINIMUM  BENEFIT  LAW:     See  Benefits. 

MINUTES  AND  RECORDS:  • 

Rules  to  be  observed  by  Secretaries  in  keeping 1995 

What  matters  to  be  entered  in  the  minutes 1995 

Duty  of  Recording  Secretary 1996 

Not  necessary  for  Noble  Grand  to  sign 1997 

Minutes  should  state  the  facts  as  they  occur 1998 

They  should  be  a  truthful  history 1998 

Minutes   in   case   no   quorum 1999 

What    are    records 2000 

Proceedings  and  testimony  in  trials  are  part  of  the  records  2001 

Minutes  may  be  corrected,  when  and  how 2002 

Cannot  be  expunged 2003 

Cannot  be  erased 2004 

No  act,  vote  or  resolution  should  be  omitted  or  erased 2005 

Papers   on   file   should   not  be   taken   and   placed  beyond 

jurisdiction  of  Lodge 2005 

Lodge  should  not  part  with  original  records 2006 

Minutes   as   to   visitors 2007 

Certain  German  Lodges  may  keep  minutes  in  German..  1556 

All  appeals  should  be  entered  in  full 106 

Records    destroyed — appeal 109 

Admission   of   brothers   in   Grand   or   Subordinate   Lodge 

while   reading  minutes 7 

As  to  minutes  of  Trial  Committee.     See  Trials. 

As  to  appeals.       See  Appeals. 

As    to    minutes    of    Benefit    Investigating     Committee.       See 

Benefits. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges..    See  Rebekah  Branch. 
Record  Book.     See  Supplies. 

MISCONDUCT  OF  OFFICERS:     See  Officers. 

MOCK  INITIATION:     See  Rebekah  Branch. 


Index.  1168 

MONITORY  COMMITTEE:                                                      Section. 
Subordinate  Lodge    prohibited  from  creating  Monitory  Com- 
mittee     2009 

MONUMENTS:     See   Cemetery. 

MORAL  CHARACTER: 

All  candidates  for  membership  must  be  of  good  moral  char- 
acter      1724,  177S 

As  to  membership.    See  Membership. 

MORTGAGE: 

To  Lodge  should  be  taken  in  name  of  Trustees  or  some  one 

intrust  2589 

Court  of  Equity  affords  a  remedy  in  case  of  defective  one. .. .  2589 

When  Lodge  may  assess  to  pay  interest  on 206 

To  hold  in  trust.    See  Trustees. 

MOTIONS:     See   Order,   Rules  and   Questions  of;   Rebekah 
Branch;  Officers. 

MURDER:     See  Offenses. 

MUSIC: 

As  to  use  of  funds.  See  Funds. 

As  to  celebration  of  anniversary.     See  Aniversary. 

NAME  OF  PERSON: 

Use  of  one's  name  as  member  or  officer  of  Lodge  in  private 

business    prohibited    1324 

A  Lodge  cannot  change   the  name   of   a  person    2011 

Change  or  correction  of  name  upon  Lodge  records 2012 

Initiation    under    assumed    name    1849 

One  applies  under  wrong  name  and  is  rejected 1853 

Bearing    two    names    2892 

As  to  offenses.     See  Offenses. 

NAME  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE: 

Certain    names    cannot    be    chosen    2013 

Cannot  be  named  after  a  living  person 2013 

To   divulge   name    of   offender    2101 

As  to  lotteries.  See  Lottery. 

NAME  OF  THE  ORDER:    See  Emblems. 

The  use  of,  in  connection  with  business  or  advertisements, 

prohibited 1315,  1316,  1320 

Grand  Lodge  or  Subordinate  not  responsible  for  corporation 

or    association,    etc    1314 

As  to  lotteries.     See  Lottery. 

As  to  celebration  of  anniversary.     See  Anniversary. 


1164  Index. 

NATIONAL  ANNIVERSARY:                                                Section. 
Lodge   may   omit    meetings   on    2790 

NATIONAL  SANITARY  COMMISSION:     See  Funds. 

NATIVITY: 

Must  be  stated  in  proposition   for  membership    1839 

NEGLECT  OF  OFFICER:     See  Officers. 
NEW  BALLOT:     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 
NEW  LODGES:    See  Charters. 
NETHERLANDS:    See  International  Relations. 

NEWSPAPERS: 

No  newspaper  is  the  official  organ,  I.  O.  O.  F. 2015 

No  one  authorized  to  designate  an  official  organ 2016 

Lodge  may  use  general  funds  to  subscribe  for  fraternal  press  2017 
Papers   or   journals   devoted   exclusively   to   Odd   Fellowship  2017 

Publication    of   reports   to    Grand   Lodge    2018 

Not  to  be  published  or  imparted  for  publication  till  2018 

Publications   of   suspensions   and   expulsions    discountenanced  2019 

NEW  TRIAL: 

Lodge    may   grant    new    trials 2020,  2757 

Lodge  may  grant  new  investigations  in  case  of  benefit  investi- 
gations     2020 

Grand  Master  cannot  set  aside  the  action  of  the  Lodge    . .  2176 

Or   grant   a   new   trial    2176 

When    judgment    reversed    on    appeal    3259 

As  to  charges.     See  Trials. 

As  to  benefit  investigations.     See  Benefits. 

As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 

NEW  ZEALAND:     See  International   Relations. 

NOBLE  GRAND:     See  Officers. 

Making   false   statement   to   mislead    2129 

NOMINATIONS  AND  NOMINEES:     See  Officers. 

NON-ATTENDANCE:     See  Absence. 

NON-BENEFICIAL  MEMBERS:    See  Membership;  Dues; 
Assessments. 

NON-CONTRIBUTING      MEMBERS:     See      Membership; 

Dues;   Assessments. 

NONSUIT:     See  Trials. 


Index.  1166 

NOTE:     See  Promissory  Note.  Section. 

NOTICE: 

Of   expulsions    1337 

Of   rejections    2640,  2641 

Of  suspensions   2827 

Of    reinstatements    1937 

Of  resignations    1982 

Notice  to  watch  with  the  sick,  by  whom  may  be  given   ....  2046 
Notices  of  Financial  Secretary,  not  necessary  to  have  seal  to 

be    legal 2747 

Insufficient  notice  of  funeral —  1427 

Notice    to    Grand    Secretary   of    rejections,    expulsions     and 

suspensions    1337,  2640 

Grand    Secretary   to    issue   to   Lodges,    Representatives     and 

officers   notices    and    circulars 2199 

Notice  to  Grand  Secretary  of  change  of  Lodge  night   2788 

Grand    Secretary   to   give   certain   notices   or   information   to 

Secretaries  of  Rebekah   Lodges 2394 

Notices  of  arrearages  need  not  be  under  seal 2746 

Printed  notices  of  arrearages.     See  Supplies 
Printed   notices   of  suspension.     See   Supplies. 
As  to  Black  Book.     See  Black  Book. 
As  to  trials  and  Trial  Committees.     See  Trials ;  Forms. 
As  to  benefit  investigations   and   Benefit   Investigating   Com- 
mittees.    See  Benefits. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

NOTICE  OF  APPEAL:     See  Appeals;  Forms. 

NUMBER  OF  LODGE: 

Charters,  how  numbered    2021 

Precedence  in  number  2023 

NURSE  AND  WATCHERS: 

Watchers  and  nurses  paid  from  Lodge  funds 2023 

Regulation   thereof    2023 

Grand  Lodge  may  provide  or  permit  Lodges  to  provide  by 

By-Law  that  certain  members  not  entitled  thereto 2023 

Those  members  not  entitled  to  receive  «ick  or  funeral  bene- 
fits  2023 

Grand  Lodge  may  require   same  qualifications   for   attentive 

benefits   as    for   pecuniary   benefits 2024 

No    discrimination    between    brothers    2025 

Those  at  and  those  absent  from  location  of  Lodge  have  equal 

rights     2025 

When  Lodge  must  pay  for  nurse  hire  2026 


1166  Index. 

NURSE  AND  "WATCHERS— Continued.  Section. 

Accident   while   under   influence   of   liquor    2027 

When  brother  under  care  of  another  Lodge 2028 

Hired  watchers  when  brother  under  care  of  another  Lodge  2029 

Nursing    is    attentive    benefits    2030 

All   members,   whether   entitled   to   sick  benefits   or   not,   en- 
titled to  nurse,  when,  and  except    2030 

Attentive    and    pecuniary    benefits    2031 

What  are  attentive  benefits    2031 

Who  entitled  to  attentive  benefits^ — exception    2031 

Where  By-Laws  authorize  Visiting  Committee  to  hire  nurse  2032 
Where  By-Laws  authorize  Noble  Grand  to  employ  nurse   . .  2033 
When  nurse  hiring  at  discretion  of  N.  G.,  or  Visiting  Com- 
mittee         H 2034 

Reimbursement    for   nurse   hire    2035,  2036 

Reimbursement    for   nurse   hire — By-Law    2037 

Constitution    and    By-Laws    control    2038 

Employment  of  nurses,  question  of  subordinates 2039 

When  Lodge  not  liable  for  nurse  hire   2040 

Ratifying  employment  of  nurse   2041 

Certain  matters,  questions  of  fact  to  be   determined  by   the 

Lodge    2041 

Sick  entitled  to  watchers  till  cease  membership — except   2042 

Night  watching  form  of  attentive  benefits Note  to  2042 

No  limit  as  to  distance  Note  to  2042 

Before  a  member  six  months  entitled  to  watchers  2043 

Duty  of  brother  to  watch  without  pay   2044 

Where  Lodge  provide  for  night  watchers  for  sick  members 

Note   to  2044 

Sacred  duty  to  watch    2045 

Duty  of  brothers  when  out  of  their  own  jurisdiction 2760 

Notice  to  watch  with  the  sick  2046 

Sojourning  sick  brother  and  watchers    2047 

Brother  must  not  be  excused,  when 2048 

Sickness   caused  by   unnecessary   exposure    2049 

When  sick  cared  for  by  Lodge  members  acting  as  watchers  2050 

Notified  to  watch  with  sick  brother  and  excuse  2051 

A   sick   Rebekah   and.  watchers    2052 

Where  brother  is  guilty  of  immoral  conduct  2053 

When  payment  of  nurse  hire  discretionary   2054 

Wife  not  to  be  paid  for  nursing  husband    2055,  2056 

Lodge  may  use  its  funds  for  watchers  for  its  own  or  tran- 
sient   members    1519 

Natural    brother    acting   as    nurse    2056 

Minor  daughter  nursing  her  father 2057 


Index.  1167 

NURSE  AND  V/ ATCHERS— Contifiucd.  Section. 

Failing  to  serve  as  watcher  with  sick  brother,  etc.,  an  offense 

2146  (26) 

Refusing  to  sit  up  with  sick  brother  and  fine  1402 

As  to  Relief  Committee  and  Relief.    See  Relief  Committee 

and  Relief. 

OATH: 

As  to  witnesses.     See  Trials. 

As  to  witnesses  in  benefit  investigations.     See  Benefits. 

Test  obligation  no  part  of  visitor's  examination    3320 

As   to   Rebekah   Lodges.     See   Rebekah    Branch. 

OBITUARY  TABLET: 

To  be  in  each  journal   2058 

Upon  to  be  recorded  death  of  each  member  of  Grand  Lodge  2058 
Excepting  Past  Grand  Masters  and  elective  Grand  Officers  2058 
Resolutions  as  to  Past  Grand  Master  and  elective  Grand 

Officers 2058 

OBJECTIONS: 

To  candidate  for  membership  need  not  be  stated  1840 

Objections   at   installation.     See   Installation. 
Objections  in  matter  of  charges.     See  Trials. 
Objections  in  benefit  investigations.     See   Benefits. 
Exceptions  in  trials.     See  Trials. 
Exceptions  in  benefit  investigations.     See  Benefits. 

OBLIGATIONS: 

As  to  witnesses  on  trial  of  charges.     See  Trials. 

As  to  witnesses  in  benefit  investigations.     See  Benefits. 

As  to  work  of  the  Order.    See  Work  of  the  Order. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

OBSCENE  LANGUAGE:     See  Offenses. 

OCCUPATION: 

Right  of  a  brother  to  choose   2059 

Must  be  stated  in  proposition  for  membership    2060 

As  to  occupation  of  applicant   for  membership.     See  Mem- 
bership. 
As  to  occupation   of  applicant   for   Degrees.    See   Degrees. 
As  to  certain  prohibited  occupations  or  businesses.     See 
Offenses ;     Membership. 

"ODD  FELLOWS": 

Use  of  these  words  for  business  purposes  illegal   1323 


1168  Index. 

ODD  FELLOWS'  BAND:    See  Emblems.                            Section. 
Unlawful  to  use  such  name 1318 

ODD  FELLOWS'  HALL: 

Used  also  for  other  purposes  may  be  dedicated   2061 

Dispensation   not   necessary   to    dedicate    2062 

Dispensation  to  appear  in  regalia  at   1207 

May  use  funds   for  the  building  of    1448 

ODD  FELLOWS'  HALL  ASSOCIATION: 

Lodge  may  invest  funds  in  stock  of   1447 

Articles    of    incorporation    and    By-Laws    2063 

Grand  Lodge  recommends  a   form  of    2063 

Grand  Lodge  recommends  a  set  of  By-Laws    2063 

May  rent  part  of  building  to  retail  liquors   2064 

As  to  lotteries.     See  Lottery. 

As  to  emblems  and  name  of  the  Order.     See  Emblems. 

ODD  FELLOWS'  LIBRARIES:    See  Libraries. 

ODD  FELLOWS'  HOME: 

Establishment    by    Grand    Lodge    2065 

Board  of  five  Trustees  to   regulate  its  affairs    2066 

And  to  make  rules  for  the  Home,  subject  to  approval  of 

Grand  Lodge 2066 

No   Trustee  to   receive  compensation    2066 

No  authority  to  create  any  debt,  contract  a  liability  for  or  on 

behalf  of  the  Grand  Lodge    2066 

Grand  Lodge  not  liable  to  said   Board  of  Trustees  or   any 

other  person  or  any  Trustee  for  services,  outlays  or 

expenditures 2066 

Terms  of  Trustees   and  election   thereof    2067,  2068,  2069 

Duties   of   Trustees    .....' 2067 

Duty   to    report    annually    2067,  2075 

Odd   Fellows'   Home  Fund    2068 

Grand  Secretary  is  Secretary  of  Board  of  Trustees  2068 

Grand  Treasurer  is  Treasurer  of  Board  of  Trustees  2069 

Control  of  property  and   funds    2069 

Since   the   adoption   of   the    foregoing,     Grand     Lodge     has 

amended   its  Constitution   Note  to  2069 

Revenue  of  Grand  Lodge  raised  to  support  and  maintain  such 

an  institution Note  to  2069 

Deed  of  endowment — land  at  Thermalito,  Butte  County 2069 

Another  deed  in  escrow  from  grantors  2069 

History  and  circumstances  thereof 2069 

Action   of   Grand   Lodge   in    relation    thereto    2069 

Another    deed    from    the    grantors    2069 


Index.  ]169 

ODD  FELLOWS'  HOMK— Continued.  Section. 

Trustees  have  the  right  and  title  and  authority  and  power  to 

sell,  grant,  etc.,  the  premises  in  deed  of  endowment..   2069 
Trustees  have  acquired  additional  land  in  Butte  County,  by 

other    deeds    2069 

Have  sold  part  of  the  additional  land   2069 

Deed  of  the  White  Tract  in  Santa  Clara  County  as  site  for 

New  Home   2069 

Trustees  authorized  to  dispose  of  the  White  Tract  at  best 

possible  price 2069 

Trustees  are  elective  officers  of  Grand  Lodge 2070 

Five  Trustees  and  election  thereof 2070 

Claims  against  the  Odd  Fellows'  Home  Fund 2071 

Examined  and  audited  by  its  Trustees    2071 

Warrants  drawn  by  President  or  Board  and  countersigned 

by    Grand    Secretary    2071 

Taxation  for  its  maintenance   2072 

State  Grand  Lodge  may  establish   and  maintain   Homes   for 

aged   and   indigent    Odd   Fellows    Note   lo  2072 

Also  for  widows  and  orphans  of  Odd  Fellows   ....  Note  to  2072 
And   may  make   assessments   on   Lodges   to   provide   and 

maintain  such  Homes Note  to  2072 

Widows  and  orphans — per  capita  tax — Grand  Lodge 2073 

Right  and  authority  of  the  Grand  Master  2074 

May  inquire  and  examine  into  its  books,  accounts,  affairs  and 

matters   2074 

May  require  from  Trustees  or  Superintendent  written  infor- 
mation     2C74 

He  may  submit  reports  and  recommendations  to  Grand  Lodge 

or    Board   of   Trustees    2074 

Trustees  must  submit  annual  reports  to  Grand  Lodge  L075 

Also  full  and  detailed  statement  of  receipts  and  expenditures  2075 

Inmates  not  entitled  to  sick  or   funeral  benefits    2076 

Suspended    inmate    of    Home — dues — benefits    487 

Offered  admission  to  Home  and  declines — 'benefits   488 

When  funeral  expenses  payable  to  Odd  Fellows'  Home  Fund  2076 

Dues  and  assessments  inmate  not  to  pay 2076 

A  brother  must  consent  to  go  to  Home   2077 

Sending  brothers  to  this  Home,  not  compulsory  to  go 2078 

To  be  admitted  must  be  free  from  all    charges     on     the 

Lodge  books  2079 

Inmate  not  required  to  pay  dues  and  assessments  20S0 

Inmate  cannot  be  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues 2080 

But  may  be  suspended  for  offenses  2080 

Brother's  dues  should  all  be  paid  before  entitled    to     ad- 
mission to  Home   2081 

74 


1170  Index. 

ODD  FELLOWS'  HOME— Continued.  Section. 

When  he  leaves  the  Home  dues  begin  again 2081 

Inmate  entitled  to  password 2081 

Cannot  lose  his  standing  while  an  inmate 2081 

Secretary  to  send  orders  for  password  to  inmates   2548 

Immediately  after  installation  at    commencement  of  term. .   2548 

Resident  thereof  suspended — dues    2083 

Suspended  inmate — dues — benefits    2084 

Rules  and  regulations  for  its  government  2085 

Preamble   2085 

Officers  and  committees  (Rule  1),  page  533. 

Superintendent  and  Matron  (Rule  2),  page  533. 

Must  reside  at  Home  and  have  general  charge  of  property, 

etc.  (Rule  2),  page  533. 
Duties  of  President  and  Vice-President  (Rule  3),  page  533. 
Duties  of  Secretary  (Rule  4),  page  .533. 
Duties  of  Treasurer  (Rule  5),  page  534. 
Funds    to    be    paid    to    the    Grand     Secretary     (Rule     6), 

page  534. 
Grand  Secretary  to  pay  over  to  Grand  Treasurer  (Rule  6), 

page  534. 
Warrants  by  President  attested  by  Grand  Secretary  (Rule 

6),  page  534. 
Absence    or   inability   of   President,   Vice-President   signs 

warrants  (Rule  6),  page  534. 
Warrants  for  fixed  salaries  (Rule  6),  page  534. 
Bills  or  claims  must  be  allowed  by  Board  of  Trustees 

(Rule  6),  page  534.  , 

To  meet  appropriations  authorized  by  Board     (Rule  6), 

page  534. 
Annual  report  to  Grand  Lodge  (Rule  6),  page  534. 
With  itemized  statement  of  account  and  vouchers  (Rule  6), 

page  534. 
And  general  report  of  condition,  management  and  prop- 
erty (Rule  6),  page  534. 
Regular  monthly  meetings  of  Board  (Rule  7),  page  535. 
Special  meetings  ordered  by  President  or  two     Trustees 

(Rule  7),  page  535. 
Three  members  constitute  a  quorum  (Rule  7),  page  535. 
Concurrence  of  three  required  for  approval  or  adoption 

(Rule  7),  page  535. 
Not  to  be  used  as  a  hospital  for  certain  purposes   (Rule 

8),  page  535. 
Its  objects  and  purposes  (Rule  8),  page  535.  \ 

Who  to  be  admitted  to  the  Home  (Rule  8),  page  535. 
Funeral  expense  (Rule  8),  page  535. 


Index.  1171 

ODD  FELLOWS'  HOMK— Continued.  Section. 

Qualifications  of  applicants  for  admission  (Rule  8),  page 

535. 
Applicant  for  admission    must  present  a  certain  certificate 

(Rule  8),  page  535. 
Certificate  from  Noble  Grand  and  Recording     Secretary 

(Rule  8),  page  535. 
Certificate  from  Grand  Secretary  (Rule  8),  page  535. 
Certificates  must  be  approved  by  Board  of  Trustees  (Rule 

8),  page  535. 
When  inmate  may  be  dismissed  from  the  Home  (Rule  8), 

page  535. 
When  wives,  widows  and  unmarried  sisters  of  the  Degree 

of  Rebekah  may  be  admitted  (Rule  8),  page  535. 
Certificates  required  in  such  cases  (Rule  8),  page  535. 
When  orphans  or  half  orphans  may  be  admitted  (Rule  8), 

page  535. 
Proofs  required  in  such  cases  (Rule  8),  page  535. 
Advisory  Board  of  Rebekahs  (Rule  8),  page  535. 
When  Odd  Fellows  of  other  jurisdictions  and  their  wives 

and  widows  may  be  admitted  (Rule  8),  page  535. 
When  non-indigent  Odd  Fellows  may  be  admitted  (Rule 

9),  page  538. 
May  be  admitted  for  a  term  or  life  (Rule  9),  page  538. 
Price  of  life  membership  (Rule  9),  page  538. 
Board  may  establish  rules  of  discipline  (Rule  10),  page  538. 
No  wines  and  intoxicating  liquors  to  be  kept  or  furnished 

as  a  beverage  (Rule  11),  page  538. 
None  shall  be  permitted  to  be  used  thereat     or  thereon 

(Rule  11),  page  538. 
Violation  of  rule  as  to  liquors,  ground  of  dismissal  from 

Home  (Rule  11),  page  538. 
None  in  habit  of  becoming  intoxicated  shall  be  permitted 

to  remain  at  the  Home  (Rule  11),  page  538. 
Powers  and  duties  of  Superintendent  (Rule  12),  page  539. 
Superintendent  must  make  certain  reports  (Rule  12),  page 

539. 
Power  to  suspend  or  dismiss  inmate  (Rule  12),  page  539. 
Duty  in  such  case  to  report  (Rule  12),  page  539. 
Power  of  Superintendent  in  case  of  contagious     diseases 

(Rule  12),  page  539. 
Power   of   Superintendent   in   case   of   insanity    or    crime 

(Rule  12),  page  539. 
Duty  of  Superintendent  as  to  death  and  burial  of  inmate 

(Rule  12),  page  539. 
Duties  of  Matron  (Rule  13),  page  540. 


1172  Index. 

ODD  FELLOWS'  HOWE— Continued.  Section. 

Powers  and  duties  of  physician  of  Home  2086 

Physician  to  make  monthly  reports 2086 

Certificate  or  application  for  admission  to  Home  pre- 
scribed     2087 

Form  of  such  certificate  (Forms  Nos.  8  and  10) 2087 

Medical  certificate  as  to  applicant  for  admission  pre- 
scribed     2088 

Form  of  such  medical  certificate  (Form  No.  9)   2088 

Certificate  of  life  membership  (Form  No.  14)  2089 

Rules  of  discipline  of  Home   2090 

As  to  wines  and  intoxicating  liquors  (Rule  1),  page  541. 

As  to  habit  of  intoxication  (Rule  1),  page  541. 

Reprimand  or  dismissal  from  Home  for  violating  rule  as 
to  liquors  and  intoxication  (Rule  2),  page  542. 

Visitor  giving  or  furnishing  liquors   (Rule  3),  page  542. 

Information  thereof  to  be  given  to  the  Superintendent 
(Rule  3),  page  542. 

No  cooking  except  in  kitchen  (Rule  4),  page  542. 

Residents  to  keep  rooms,  etc.,  clean  (Rule  5),  page  542. 

Duty  of  certified  residents  (Rule  5),  page  542. 

Hours  for  meals  (Rule  6),  page  543. 

Those  able  must  go  to  dining-room  (Rule  6),  page  543. 

Dining-room  (Rule  7),  page  543. 

Lights;  loud  or  boisterous  talking,  laughing  or  other  dis- 
turbing noises  (Rule  8),  page  543. 

Absence  from  Home  or  meals  of  residents,  and  notice 
(Rule  9),  page  543. 

Certified  resident  must  not  leave  Home  to  be  absent  any 
meal  without  consent  (Rule  9),  page  543. 

One  who  returns  under  influence  of  liquor  (Rule  9),  page 
543. 

When  certified  resident  must  have  leave  to  be  absent  from 
Home  (Rule  9),  page  543. 

When  life  member  may  leave  and  return  (Rule  9),  page 
543. 

Du'ty  of  residents  as  to  baths  (Rule  10),  page  544. 

Duty  as  to  conduct  (Rule  10),  page  544. 

Physician,  medicine  and  nurses  (Rule  11),  page  544. 

Proper  conduct  required  of  residents  and  employes  (Rule 
12),  page  544. 

Violation  of  rules  and  insubordination  (Rule  13),  page  544. 

Penalty  for  such  violation*  (Rule  13),  page  544. 

Power  of  Superintendent  in  such  cases  (Rule  13),  page  544. 

Money  and  valuables  of  brother  admitted 2091 

Departing  permanently  from  the  Home 2091 


Index.  1173 

ODD  FELLOWS'  HOME— Continued.  Section. 

Voluntarily  leaving  the  Home  2091 

Leave  of  absence   2091 

Intoxication — penalty 2091 

Rebekah  Lodge  to  aid  in  establishing     and     maintaining 

such  Homes 3368 

As  to  Orphans'  Home.     See  Orphans'  Home. 

ODE  BOOKS:    See  Supplies. 

ODE  CARDS:    See  Supplies. 

OFFENSES:  Page 

1.  What  are  not  offenses    1173 

2.  What  are   offenses    1173 

1.     What  are  not  Offenses. 
To  collect  debts  or  enforce  private     contracts,     not     an 

offense 2093 

Lodge  should  not  be*used  for  such  purposes 2092 

Where  there  is  no  actual  fraud  2092 

Failure  to  keep  promise  to  pay  pecuniary  obligations 2093 

Lodge   should  not  be   used  to   enforce   pecuniary  obliga- 
tions       2093 

Unless  there  are  false  pretenses  or  personal  dishonesty  . .   2093 

The  mere  owing  of  a  debt  no  offense  2094 

Where  no  fraudulent,  immoral  or  wrongful  conduct 2094 

Pecuniary  obligations  without  false  pretenses  or  fraudu- 
lent acts   2095 

Private  business  matters 2096 

No  Odd  Fellow  loses  his  right  of  protection  by  the  courts 

and  the  laws  of  the  land 2096 

Paying  a  debt  in  legal  tender  notes   2097 

Exercise  of  a  legal  right   2097 

Sick  benefits,  and  dishonest  motive  and  fraudulent  intent 

and  wrongful  act 2099 

WTien  claim  for  benefits  is  not  made  in  bad  faith   2100 

No  law  compelling  a  brother  to  divulge  the  name  of  an 

offender 2101 

2.    What  arc  Offenses 

Immoral,  dishonest,  fraudulent  or  criminal  act   2102 

Violation  of  the  principles  of  the  Order  2102. 

Offending  against  the  Constitution,  By-Laws  or  Rules  of 

Order  of  Lodge 2102 

Fine,  reprimand,  suspension  or  expulsion  the  penalties  . .  2102 
Gaining  admission  by  false  representations 2103 


1174  Index. 

OFFENSES— Con/i««^d.  Section. 

Brother  unworthy  at  time  of  initiation  2104 

Offense  in   Encampment    2105 

Crime  against  laws   of  the   land    2106 

Gaining  admission  by  wrong  name    2107 

Embezzlement  of  Lodge  funds  by  Financial  Secretary  or 

officer 2108,  2109 

Laying  criminal  or  immoral  hands  on  Lodge  funds 2111 

Keeping  or  retaining  Lodge  funds 2111 

Use  of  Lodge  funds  an  offense 2109,  2111 

Embezzlement  is  an  offense   2110 

Offer  to  return  embezzled  funds  or  money  2111,  2112 

Does  not  condone  the  offense  or  stay  prosecution 2111 

Funds  and  false  pretenses 2111 

Drunkenness  is  a  gross  offense 2113 

Habitual  drunkenness 2114 

A  single  instance  of  drunkenness  an  offense   2114 

Drunkenness  an  offense  at  all  times  in  all  places 2115 

Penalty  for  drunkenness ^ 2116 

Murder   2117 

Thou  shalt  not  commit  murder  is  the  command  of  Odd 

Fellowship    2117 

Perjury  2118 

Perjury  in  verification  of  answer  in  civil  suit 2118 

Introducing  woman  of  bad  repute  to  Odd  Fellows'  Festi- 
val       2119 

Threats  to  black  ball 2120 

Improper  conduct  in  the  Lodge  2121 

Borrowing  Lodge  funds  by  misrepresentations   2122 

Holding  a  Visiting  Card  and  borrowing  from  Lodge 2122 

Urging  litigation  against  a  brother 2123 

Preventing  a  compromise 2123 

Suspended  member  refusing  to  retire  from  Lodge-room  . .   2124 
Debt  due  Lodge — non-payment — statute  of  limitations   . .  2125 

Promissory  note  and  mortgage  in  such  case 2125 

Owing  money  to  Lodge,  and  statute  of  limitations 2126 

Bankruptcy  or  insolvency,  etc 2126 

Borrowed   money — statute   of  limitations    2127 

Expelled  member  initiated  under  a  different  name 2128 

False  statements  by  Noble  Grand   2129 

Commencing  to  attend  bar  or  conduct  a  saloon  after  Sep- 
tember 18,  1895   2130,  2131 

Engaged  in  liquor  business  on  September  18,     1895,  and 
after  that  date  abandons  it,  and  afterwards  engages 

in  it    2131 

Change  from  bar-keeper  to  saloon-keeper  an  offense  ....  2132 


Index.  llTo 

OFFENSES— Cotitifiued.  Section. 

Attending  bar  occasionally — no  compensation    2133 

Acting  as  bar-keeper  not  for  gain — time — quantity 2134 

Acting  as  bar-keeper  to  accommodate  a  friend 2134 

Hotel    and    liquor    business    2135 

Pecuniary  interest   in   a   saloon    2136 

To  be  the  owner  of  a  saloon  is  an  offense 2136 

Investing  money  in  a  saloon  is  an  offense   2136 

Purchasing  an  interest  in  a  saloon  is  an  offense 2136 

Having  name  on  sign  of  saloon  indicating  ownership  or 

interest  is  an  offense 2136 

To  be  bartender  in  club  room  is  an  offense 2136 

Sells  drinks  to  member  of  club  only   2137 

Criminal  dealer  in  or  seller  of  liquors  2138 

Professional  gamblers  2139 

Pool  room  where  pools  are  sold  on  races 2140 

A  member  engaged  therein 2140 

Criminal  gambling 2141 

Accidentally   or     improperly     obtaining     password     and 

using  it    2142 

Pretending  to  be  P.  G.  and  wearing  P.  G.  regalia 2143 

Counsel  for  claimant  and  offensive  conduct 2144 

Counsel  appearing  in  state  of  intoxication 2144 

Revealing  private  business  of  Rebekah   Lodge    2145 

Certain  acts  are  offenses 2146 

Maliciously,  etc.,  procuring  a  third  person  to  attach  a 

brother   2146  (1) 

Vulgar,  indecent  and  insulting  language 2146  (2) 

Indecent  conduct  toward  wife  of  a  brother 2146  (3) 

Solicitation  of  adultery,  wife  of  a  brother 2146  (4) 

Offensive,  insulting  and  obscene  language 2146  (5) 

Defamatory  language  of  or  concerning  a  brother...   2146  (5) 
Obtaining  funeral  benefits  by  causing  himself  to  be 

represented  as  dead  when  alive 2146  (6) 

Assault  and  battery  on  a  brother 2146  (7) 

Assault  with  a  deadly  weapon  on  a  public  street....   2146  (8) 

Brutally  beating  and  bruising  one's  son 2146  (9) 

Kicking  one's  son  so  as  to  endanger  his  life 2146  (9) 

Attempting  by  threats,  etc.,  to  prevent  the  prosecu- 
tion of  charges 2146  (10) 

Appropriating  admission   fee 2146  (11) 

Abuse  of  wife  and  children 2146  (12) 

Acting  as  second  in  a  duel 2146  (13) 

Calling  a  brother  a  thief  and  liar  in  public 2146  (14) 

Calling  a  brother  a  liar  in  open  Lodge 2146  (15) 


1176  Index. 

OFFENSES— Continued.  Section. 

Causing  the  wife  of  brother  to  leave  her  husband, 

etc   2146  (16) 

Calling  a  brother  profane  and  vulgar  names 2146  (17) 

Defaming  the  character  of  a  brother's  wife 2146  (18) 

Desertion  and  abuse  of  family 2146  (19) 

Disorderly  conduct  on  the  streets  and  fighting  and 

profane  language 2146  (20) 

Defrauding  the  widow  of  a. brother 2146  (21) 

Embezzlement   of   money   of    Cemetery   Association 

by  Superintendent 2146  (22) 

Feigning  sick  and  attempting  thereby  to  obtain  sick 

benefits    2146  (23) 

Fraud  and  fraudulently  obtaining  goods  by  false  pre- 
tenses     2146  (24) 

Teller     misreading     ballots    to    secure     election     of 

brother 2146  (25) 

Failing  to  serve  as  watcher  with  sick  brother,  etc...   2146  (26) 

Indecent  behavior 2146  (27) 

Indecent    and    vulgar    language    under    intoxication, 

etc 2146  (27) 

Insulting  language  towards  brothers  of  the  Order..  2146  (28) 

Contemptuous  language  in  open  Lodge 2146  (28) 

Insolvent   with   fraudulent   intent   purchasing  goods, 

etc 2146  (29) 

Injuring  a  brother  in  business  and  deceiving  him...  2146  (30) 
Language    in    open    Lodge    attacking    character    of 

brother 2146  (31) 

Publication  of  a  libel  on  another 2146  (32) 

Seduction 2146  (33) 

Seduction  violation  of  Penal  Code 2146  (34) 

Self-confessed  libertine 2146  (35) 

Slander  of  brother  by  wantonly  charging  dishonesty  2146  (36) 

Slander  in  charging  a  brother  with  perjury 2146  (37) 

Slander  of  a  brother 2146  (38) 

Slandering  and  falsehoods  that  he  had  informed  who 

blackballed  a  candidate 2146  (39) 

Vilifying  a  brother  and  speaking  disrespectfully  of 

one's  Lodge 2146  (40) 

Calling  a  brother  a  swindler  in  presence  of  others..  2146  (41) 

Revealing  the  transactions  of  a  Lodge 2146  (42) 

Neglecting  to  sit  up  with  the  corpse  of  a  brother, 

etc 2146  (43) 

Willful,  deliberate  falsehoods  to  deceive  a  Lodge....  2146  (44) 
Writing  or  copying  charge  in  Degree  of  Rebekah..  2146  (45) 
Violating  penal  laws  of  the  land 2146  (46) 


Index.  1177 

OFFENSES — Continued.  Section. 

Threatening  the  life  of  complainant 2146  (47) 

Keeping  opium  place  in  violation  of  City  Ordinance.   2146  (48) 

As  to  charge  books  or  ritual.     See  Ritual. 

As  to  lotteries,  gift  enterprises  and  raffles.     See  Lottery. 

As  to  limitations.     See  Trials. 

As  to  charges  and  trials.     See  Trials. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

As  to  cards.     See  Cards. 

OFFENSES   OF   SUBORDINATE   LODGES:     See    Subor- 
dinate Lodge;  Charters;  Reports  and  Returns. 

OFFICERS  OF  DEGREE  LODGE:     See  Degree  Lodge. 

OFFICERS  OF  GRAND  LODGE:  Page 

1.  Qualifications,     nominations,     election,     appoint- 

ment,   removal,    vacancies,    general  provisions 
and  decisions 1177 

2.  Grand   Master 1179 

3.  Grand   Secretary 1182 

4.  Grand    Representative 1183 

5.  Other    elective    Grand    Officers 1184 

6.  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 1184 

1.  Qualifications,  Nominations,  Election,  Appointment, 
Removal,  Vacancies,  General  Provisions  and  Decis- 
ions. 

The  elective  officers 2147 

Elective  officers,  right  to  vote 246 

Royal  Purple  Degree  cannot  be  made  a  qualification  for 

Grand  Master Note  to  2147 

Appointed  officers 2148 

Grand   Marshal  and   installation 2241 

Grand  Lodge  may  elect  Grand  Master  from  floor,  when..  2149 

And  without  previous  service  in  office,  when 2149 

Qualifications  of  elective  Grand  Office 2150,  2151 

Cannot  require  one  year  membership  in  Grand  Lodge  as  a 

qualification Note    to  2150 

Past   Grand   not   a   member  of   Grand   Lodge   cannot  be 

appointed    Grand    Secretary 2151 

To   be   an   officer   of   Grand    Lodge   must   be   a   member 

thereof 2151 

Past   Grand  to  be  a  member  of  Grand  Lodge  must  be 

admitted  and  receive  Grand  Lodge  Degree 2151 

Certain  elective  officers  must  have  secret  work 2152 

Consent  of  nominee  must  be  obtained 2153 

Promise  from  nominee  for  Grand  Representative  required  2154 


1178  Index. 

OFFICERS  OF  GRAND  LODGE— Continued.  Section. 

Time  and  manner  of  nomination  and  election 2155 

Past  Grands  may  nominate  and  vote 2155 

Any  qualified  Past  Grand  may  be  elected 2155 

Election  by  ballot 2155 

Election  by  viva  voce 2155 

Tellers  and  duties 2155 

Four  tellers  for  each  office 2155 

Tellers   to   retire   to    ante-room   or   some    part   of    Grand 

Lodge  room 2155 

And  publicly  count  and  canvass  the  votes 2155 

While  counting  Grand  Lodge  may  proceed  with  business  2155 

No  choice  second  ballot  confined  to  three  highest 2155 

Time  of  installation 2155 

Balloting  and  collectors  of  ballots 2156 

During  ballot  all  except  collectors  remain  seated 2156 

Manner  of  collecting  the  ballots 2156 

Bonds    of    officers 718 

Previous   service   in   office 2158 

Appointed  officers,  how  appointed  and  approved 2159 

Grand  Officers  pro  tem 2160 

Grand  Master  may  appoint  a  Past  Grand  a  member  not 

a  Representative  to  an  appointed  office. ..  .2161,  2150,  2151 
Grand    Master    may    suspend    a    District    Deputy    Grand 

Master    2162 

Grand  Master  fills  vacancies  in  office  of  D.  D.  G.  M 2162 

Vacancies  in  elective  offices,  except  Grand  Master,  filled 

by  Grand  Lodge  when  in  session 2162 

If  Grand  Lodge  not  in  session,  then  by  Standing  Com- 
mittee for  balance  of  term 2162 

Except  Standing  Committee  appoints  Grand  Representa- 
tive till  succeeding  Grand  Lodge  session 2162 

Also  Trustee  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home 2162 

Withdrawal  Card  does  not  vacate  office,  when 2163 

Grand  Officer  may  take  Withdrawal   Card,  and  within  a 

month  deposit  in  and  join  a  Subordinate  Lodge 

Note  to  2163 

In  such  case  it  does  not  vacate  his  office Note  to  2163 

During  the  time  from  taking  the  card  and  depositing  it  in 

another  Lodge  his  functions  are  suspended.  .Note  to  2163 
They  are  revived  on  deposit  of  Withdrawal  Card,  as  afore- 
said    Note  to  2163 

Suspension  for  cause  vacates  office 2164 

Such  vacancy  should  be  filled  as  provided  in  Constitution 

of  Grand  Lodge 2164 

Not  restored  to  office  on  end  of  suspension,  unless 2164 


Index.  1179 

OFFICERS  OF  GRAND  LODGK— Continued.  Section. 

Trial  and  removal  for  misconduct  or  neglect 2165 

Who  to  occupy  the  chair  during  time  of  trial  of  Grand 

Master 2166 

Duties  of  appointed  officers 2167 

When  Grand  Master  may  remove  District  Deputy  Grand 

Master   1670 

Candidates  electioneering 2168 

Electioneering  in  Grand  Lodge 2169 

Electioneering  circulars  and  papers 2170 

Grand  Lodge's  authority  to  prohibit  electioneering 2171 

Regular  committees  and  elective  officers 921 

As  to  funds.     See  Funds. 

As  to  ballot  and  voting.     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 

As  to  cards.    See  Cards  and  Certificates. 

As  to  introducing  visitors.     See  Visitors  and  Visiting. 

As  to  jewels.     See  Jewels. 

2.     Grand  Master. 

Duties   of 2172 

To  preside  at  Grand  Lodge  sessions  and  preserve  order..  2172 
To  enforce  Constitution  and  By-Laws  of  Sovereign  Grand 

Lodge  and  Grand  Lodge 2172 

Construction    of    Grand    Lodge    Constitution    by    Grand 

Master 962 

His  duty  to  construe  or  interpret  the  same 962 

As  to  an  act  already  committed  by  his  Grand  Lodge 963 

Grand  Master  no  power  to  set  it  aside 963 

Constitutional  provision  of  Grand  Lodge  when  clearly  in 

conflict  with  Sov.  G.  L.  Constitution 964 

His  duty  to  visit 1240 

No  power  to  set  aside  any  part  Constitution  Subordinates...  2395 

Decisions  subject  to  appeal 2172 

Duty  to  put  question  on  appeal 2172 

Appoints  all  Grand  Officers  pro  tern 2172 

Appoints  all  committees  not  otherwise  provided  for 2172 

Appoints    Committee    on    Appeals 33 

Has  a  casting  vote,  except  elections 2172 

Orders  on  Grand  Treasurer 2172 

Upon    principle    should    not    hold    office    in    Subordinate 

Lodge Note  to  2172 

Powers  and  duties 2173 

Confers  Past  Official  Degrees 2173 

At    special    meeting    of    Subordinate,    may    issue    certain 

dispensations   2173 

Decides  all  appeals  from  District  Deputy  Grand  Master..  2173 


1180  Index. 

OFFICERS  OF  GRAND  LODGE— Continued.  Section. 

May  act  upon  complaints  against  Lodges  or  deputies 2173 

Gives  instruction  in  work  of  the  Order 2173 

Received  with  Honors  of  the  Order 2173 

In  case  of  loss  or  destruction  of  Lodge  charter 2173 

As  to  his  power  to  issue  dispensations.    See  Dispensations. 
Powers  and  duties  in  cases  of  unjust  delays,  obstructions, 

etc.,  as  to  benefits,  charges,  etc 21^4 

Power  and  authority  as  to  Rebekah  Lodges 2175 

May  issue  dispensations  to  Rebekah  Lodges 2175 

In  all  similar  instances  that  he  may  to  Sub.  Lodges 2175 

Possesses  all  powers  and  authority  as  to  Rebekah  Lodge 

that  he  does  as  to  Subordinate  Lodges 2175 

No  power  to  determine  or  decide  as  to  benefits 2176 

The  facts  must  be  tried  by  an  Investigating  Committee..  2176 

Cannot  set  aside  action  of  Lodge 2177 

And  order  a  new  trial 2177 

May  suspend  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 2178 

Cannot  loan  Grand  Lodge  funds 2179 

His  relation  to  the  Grand  Lodge 2180 

He  is  accountable  to  the  Grand  Lodge 2180 

And  from  and  through  it  to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. .   2180 
No  right  to  refuse  to  entertain  an  appeal  from  his  decision 

to  Grand  Lodge 2180 

Publishing  his   decisions 2181 

His  decisions  and  annual  report 2182 

When  he  should  refer  inquirers  on  questions  of  law  to 

Digest    2182 

He  cannot  make  laws 2183 

Nor  rules  of  procedure 2183 

Possesses  only  the  power  conferred  upon  him  by  law 2183 

Must  see  that  the  law  is  observed 2183 

He  is  responsible  for  his  acts 2183 

Powers  and  duties  as  to  Odd  Fellows'  Home 2074 

Annual  report  should  embrace  an  account  of  number  and 

location  of  Lodges  visited 2184 

Decisions   of   President  of   Rebekah   Assembly  to  be  re- 
ported   to   him 2185 

His  decision  thereon  to  be  embodied  in  his  annual  report  2185 

Annual  report  shall  not  include  statistical  matter 2186 

Annual  report  embodies  so  much  of  District  Deputy  Grand 

Masters'  reports  as  are  important 2187 

When  should  wear  regalia  and  jewels  of  his  office 2188 

Traveling  expenses  of 2189 

Relation  of  Grand  Master  to  Subordinates 2190 


Index.  1181 

OFFICERS  OF  GRAND  LODGK— Continued.  Section. 

Grand    Master   should    not   take   the   chair   of   the    Noble 

Grand    2190 

When  Noble  Grand  violates  law  and  his  obligations 2190 

Duty  of  Grand  Master  in  such  case 2190 

No  jurisdiction  in  matters  of  charges 72 

No  appellate  power  in  such  matters 72 

Appeal  from  decision  of  Grand  Master 108 

Cannot  annul   or   suspend  any  part  of  Subordinate   Lodge 

Constitution 975 

Cannot  review  or  amend  Grand  Lodge  proceedings . .   2191 

When  to  require  Subordinates  to  comply  with  Sovereign 

Grand  Lodge  decision 2192 

He  cannot  dispose  of  property  of  extinct  Lodge  unless..   2193 

Power  to  dispose  of  it  appertains  to  Grand  Lodge 2193 

Authority  to  give  instructions  in  secret  work 2194 

And   to    enforce   uniformity 2194 

Right  to  suspend  a  Subordinate  Lodge  unless 2195 

May  restore  Lodge  suspended  by  him  unless 2195 

Power  to  suspend  Lodge 2196 

Should  be  exercised  only  in  extreme  cases 2196 

Suspending  Grand  Master's  Lodge 2197 

The  effect  of  such  suspension 2197 

Requested  to  visit  those  Lodges  not  visited  by  immediate 

predecessors    2198 

Accommodations  for,  set  apart  in  rooms  of  Grand  Sec- 
retary       2212 

Portraits  of  Grand  Masters 2576 

When  visiting  officially  to  wear  regalia  and  jewel 1682 

Has  no  pardoning  power 2486 

As  to  assistance  to  Lodges.    See  Assistance  to  Lodges. 

As  to  dispensations.     See  Dispensations. 

As  to  installation.     See  Installation. 

As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 

As  to  stay  of  proceedings.     See  Stay  of  Proceedings. 

As  to  officially  visiting  Rebekah  Assembly.    See  Rebekah 

Branch. 
As  to  liquors.     See  Liquors. 

As  to  cards  and  certificates.     See  Cards  and  Certificates. 
As  to  charters.     See  Charters. 
As  to  visitation  and  districts.     See  Districts. 
As  to  introducing  visitors.     See  Visitors  and  Visiting. 
As  to  honors  of  the  Order.     See  Honors  of  the  Order. 
As  to  questions.     See  Questions. 


1182  Index. 

OFFICERS  OF  GRAND  'LODGK—Continued.  Section. 

3.     Grand  Secretary. 

Duties  of ^ 2199 

Shall  make  a  just  and  true  record  of  Grand  Lodge  pro- 
ceedings    2199 

Send  copy  to  each  Lodge 2199 

Keep  the  accounts  between  Grand  Lodge  and  Subordinates  2199 

Receive  all  money  and  pay  them  to  Treasurer 2199 

Issue  notices  and  circulars 2199 

Provide  stationery  for  Grand   Lodge 2199 

Superintend   printing 2199 

Perform  other  duties 2199 

His    salary 2199 

Past    Grand    otherwise    qualified    may    be    elected    Grand 
Secretary  and   Grand    Representative    at    same    time 

Note  to  2199 

Must  be  member  of  Grand  Lodge 2151 

As  to  bonds.     See  Bonds, 

Empowered  to  engage  an  assistant 2200 

As    to    special    sessions    of    Grand    Lodge,     See    Special 

Sessions. 
His  expenses  of  special  session  to  confer  Grand   Lodge 

Degree    2201 

Grand    Master    to    draw    warrant    to    pay    his    necessary 

expenses   2201 

Duty  as  to  Constitutional  amendments 2202 

To  send  two   copies  on  printed  slips,  etc,  to  each  Sub- 
ordinate and   Rebekah   Lodge , 2202 

To  print  the  Constitution  of  Subordinates  and  sell  them 

to  Lodges 2203 

To  print   Rebekah   Lodge   Constitution  and  sell   them  to 

Rebekah   Lodges 2203 

To  furnish  Journals  and  Digest  to  Committees 2205 

To    devise    and    print    blanks    for    Financial    Secretary's 

reports  and  send  to  Lodges 2206 

To  furnish  blank  bonds  for  Lodges 2207 

To  print  and  furnish  to  Lodges  certain  forms 2208 

That   is   charges,   summons,   subpoenas,   reports   of   Trial 

Committees    2208 

Notice  of  filing  reports.  Bills  of  Exceptions  and  Notices 

of  Appeals 2208 

To  furnish  copy  of  certain  Grand  Lodge  Proceedings  to 

Lodges 2209 

To  furnish  blank  certificates  of  Representatives  and  Past 

Grands  to  Lodges 2210 


Index.  1183 

OFFICERS  OF  GRAND  L.ODGK— Continued.  Section. 

May  require  certain  information  from  Lodges 2211 

Rooms  of  Grand   Secretary 2212 

Proper  accommodations  therein  for  Grand  Master 2212 

Last  day's  proceedings  of  Grand  Lodge 2213 

Forward  copies  to  Lodges  for  Representatives 2213 

To  furnish  certificate  of  election  of  Grand  Representative 

to  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  Secretary 2214 

Duty  as  to  assistance  to  Lodges 234 

As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 

Duty  of  Grand  Secretary  as  to  appeals 34,  35,      37 

To  deliver  appeals  to  chairman  of  committee 34 

In  case  papers  defective  or  certain  errors 34 

To  transmit  certain  decisions 35 

To  deliver  appeals  to  chairman  of  committee,  etc 37 

To  present  to  Grand  Lodge  unfinished  business 739 

Duty  to  submit  By-Laws  to  Committee  on  Laws  of  Sub- 
ordinates         765 

To  keep  copies  of  By-Laws  of  Lodges  in  his  office 774 

And  properly  arranged  for  use,  etc 774 

As  to  cards  and  certificates.     See  Cards  and  Certificates. 

To  furnish  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  with  Journals.   1700 

Duty  as  to  printed  blank  mileage  certificates 1994 

Secretary  of  Trustees  Odd  Fellows'  Home  and  duties.. 

2068,  2085 

When  to  prefer  charges  against  District  Deputy  Grand 

Master    2245 

Duty  to  send  certain  resolutions  to  each  Lodge  each  year  2800 
Lodge  accounts  of  money  paid  to  and  supplies  and  prop- 
erty received  from 2800 

Duty  as  to  blanks  and  envelopes  therefor 2801 

Duties  as  to  supplies  and  resolutions.     See  Supplies. 
As  to  cipher  key.     See  Work  of  the  Order. 

4.    Grand  Representative. 

Certificate  of  election,  duty  of  the  Grand  Secretary 2214 

To  report  to  Grand   Lodge 2215 

Scat  declared  vacant,  when 2216 

To  report  to  Rebekah  Assembly 2217 

As  to  introducing  visitors.     See  Visitors  and  Visiting. 
As  to  Rebekah  Assembly  Degree.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 
As  to  officially  visiting  Rebekah  Assembly.     See  Rebekah 

Branch. 
As  to  Honors  of  the  Order.    See  Honors  of  the  Order. 


1184  Index. 

OFFICERS  OF  GRAND  LODGK—Conthiued.  Section. 

5.     Other  Elective  Grand  Officers. 

Duties  of  Deputy  Grand   Master 2218 

Duties  of  Grand  Warden 2219 

Grand  Warden  performing  duties  of  Deputy  Grand  Master 

Note  to  2219 

Without  election  or  installation  not  entitled  to   rank  of 

Deputy   Grand    Master 2219 

Duties   of   Grand   Treasurer 2220 

To  receive  all  moneys  of  Grand  Lodge 2220 

To  deposit  the  same  in  some  bank  designated  by  Finance 

Committee 2220 

To  deposit  in  the  name  and  to  the  credit  of  Grand  Lodge  2220 
Pay  all  orders  drawn  on  him  by  Grand  Master  under  seal 

of  Grand   Lodge 2220 

Drafts  or  checks  on  bank  to  be  signed  by  Grand  Treasurer 

and  Grand  Secretary,  with  seal  of  Grand  Lodge....  2220 
To  furnish  to  Grand  Master  each  month  an  account  of  all 

moneys  in  bank 2220 

Finance   Committee   may   change   bank 2220 

How  he  shall  keep  his  accounts 2220 

Have  his  accounts  closed  up  on  March  31st  annually 2220 

Shall  submit  his  accounts  to  Finance  Committee 2220 

Shall  produce  to  Finance  Committee  the  funds  or  evidence 

of  deposit  in  bank 2220 

Shall  annually  report  to  the  Grand  Lodge 2220 

As  to  bonds.     See  Bonds. 

Grand  Treasurer's  account,  books  and  bank  book  open  to 

inspection  by  Grand  Master 2220 

Also  by  Finance  Committee  or  Trustees 2220 

Treasurer  of  Trustees  Odd  Fellows'  Home  and  duties  2069,  2085 

As  to  Trustees.     See  Trustees. 

As  to  introducing  visitors.     See  Visitors  and  Visiting. 

As  to  Honors  of  the  Order.     See  Honors  of  the  Order. 

6.     District  Deputy  Grand  Master. 

Duties  of 2221 

To  install  officers  when 2221 

T(J    enforce    the    Constitution,    By-Laws    and    resolutions 

of   Grand    Lodge 2221 

Organ  of  Grand  Master 2221 

May  grant  certain  dispensations 2221 

As  to  dispensations.     See  Dispensations. 

To  confer  official  Degrees  on  Past  Grands 2221 

To  collect  returns  and  moneys  due  Grand  Lodge 2221 


Index.  1185 

OFFICERS  OF  GRAND  hODGK— Continued.  Section. 

To  forward  the  same  to  the  Grand  Secretary 2221 

To  decide  questions  of  law  that  may  be  submitted  to  him  2221 
He  must  report  immediately  his  decisions  to  the  Grand 

Master    2221 

Must  report  annually  to  Grand  Master 2221 

Must  report  to  Grand  Master  violations  by  Lodges  of  Con- 
stitution and  By-Laws  of  Grand  Lodge 2221 

And  disobedience  to  his  lawful  commands 2221 

Past   Grand  eligible  to  office  of  District  Deputy  Grand 

Master    2222,  2151 

Need  not  be  a  representative 2222,  2151 

Must  have  the  Grand  Lodge  Degree 2222,  2151 

Must  be  a  member  of  the  Grand  Lodge 2222,  2151 

He  is  an  appointed  officer  of  Grand  Lodge 2222 

Term  of 2223 

Moving  and  residing  out  of  his  district 2224 

Committee   to   examine   and   instruct   nominees   in   secret 

work  2225 

How  recommended 2226 

Report   of   Examining   Committee 2227 

When  D.  D.  G.  M.  should  be  appointed  for  new  district..   2228 
Candidates  for  appointment — secret  work — instruction...  2229 

Secret  work — knowledge  of  law  of  the  Order 2230 

Must  be  proficient  therein 2230 

Represents  the  Grand  Master  in  his  district 2231 

Regalia  and  jewel  when  performing  functions  of  office 

Note  to  2231 

Authority  on  questions  of  law,  when 2232 

His  instructions  must  be  obeyed 2232 

Must  address   the  chairs 2233 

Duty  to  visit  Lodges  and  instruct  in  work  of  the  Order. . 

2234,  2238 

To  report  such  meeting  to  Grand  Master 2234 

Grand  Master  to  embody  the  substance  of  such  reports  in 

his  annual  report 2234 

Must  procure  certificate  for  S.  A.  P.  W.  and  file  it  with 

Grand  Secretary 2235 

Neglect   to   file  such   certificate  and   Grand   Master  may 

remove  him  and  appoint  another 2236 

Suspension  from  office  for  neglect  of  duty 2237 

Duty  to  visit  Lodges 2238,  2234 

How  D.  D.  G.  M.  and  Lodges  should  communicate  with 

each  other 2239 

Reports  of  District  Deputies 2240 

75 


1186  Index. 

OFFICERS  OF  GRAND  I.ODGE— Continued.  Section. 

Reports  to  contain  what 2240 

Cannot  appoint  Grand  Marshal,  when 2241 

Cannot   delegate   his   power 2242 

Cannot  appoint  Past  Grand  to  install 2242 

Cannot  call  a  special  meeting 2243 

Cannot  request  a  special  meeting  to  be  called  for  installa- 
tion before  first  regular  meeting  in  new  term 2243 

Must  take  receipt  for  Rituals,  Journals  and  Digest 2244 

And  forward  same  to  Grand  Secretary 2244 

Lodges  shall  take  receipt  from  D.  D.  G.  M.  for  returns 

and   moneys 2245 

Receipt  to  be  forwarded  to  Grand  Secretary 2245 

D.  D.   G.   M.  forward  money  and  returns  to   Grand  Sec- 
retary     2245 

Duty  of  Grand  Secretary  if  returns   and  money  not  re- 
ceived  by  him 2245 

Duty  of   Grand   Master 2245 

Duty  of  Grand  Secretary  to  prefer  charges  in  certain  cases.   2245 
When  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  may  withhold  a  new 

password    2246 

Lodges  in  his  district  must  obey  his  instructions 2247 

Duty  to  see  officers  proficient  in  the  work 2248 

Not  to  install  unless  officers  proficient  in  the  work 2248 

Not  applicable  to  first  officers  of  new  Lodge 2248 

Vice-Grand  must  be  proficient  in  secret  work 2249 

Officer  no  certificate  of  former  services 2250 

When    must   install    officers 2251 

When  he  knows  officer  elect  guilty  of  crime 2251 

Cannot  take  chair  of  Noble  Grand  except 2253 

When  may  demand  certified  copies  of  Lodge  proceedings 

2253,   2254 

Has  no  judicial  power — Trials 2255 

He  has  no  appellate  power  in  matter  of  charges.  .2255,  73,       77 
No  jurisdiction   or  appellate   power   in   benefit   investiga- 
tions   75,       77 

When  Lodge  should  pay  the  traveling  expenses  of 2256 

Lodge  no  right  to  pay  his  expenses  of  going  to  San  Fran- 
cisco to  get  password  and  to  perfect  himself  in  the 

work    ^ 2256 

And  no  right  to  pay  his  expenses  for  stationery,  stamps 

and    money 2256 

Cannot  be  Noble  Grand  or  Vice-Grand  in  his  Lodge....  2257 

May  act  as  Recording  Secretary  in  his  Lodge 2258 

May  hold  any  office  in  his  Lodge  except  N.  G.  and  V.  G..  .   2259 
He  can  be  installed  by  a  Past  Grand  or  the  Noble  Grand. .  2259 


Index.  1187 

OFFICERS  OF  GRAND  l^ODGK—Contutued.  Section. 

Cannot  introduce  a  visitor 3328 

Duty  to  prefer  charges  if  Junior  Past  Grand  lose  Ritual. .   2727 

No  right  to  instruct  Past  Grands  in  Degree  of  Rebekah. .  3906 

Form  of  dispensation  issued  by  D.  D.  G.  M.  (Form  No.  7)  2260 

As  to  installation.     See  Installations. 

As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 

As  to  Charge  Books  or  Rituals.     See  Rituals. 

As  to  Degree  Lodge.     See  Degree  Lodge. 

As  to  degrees.    See  Degrees. 

As  to  Grand  Master.     See  Grand  Master. 

As  to  passwords.     See  Passwords. 

As  to  German  Lodges.     See  German  Lodges. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See'  Rebekah  Branch. 

As  to  charters.     See  Charter  and  Charter  Members, 

As  to  Honors  of  the  Order.     See  Honors  of  the  Order. 

OFFICERS  OF  REBEKAH  LODGES  AND  ASSEMBLY: 

See   Rebekah  Branch. 

OFFICERS  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE:  Page 

1.  Qualifications,    nominations,    elections,    appoint- 

ments, removals,  vacancies,  general  provisions 

and  decisions 1187 

2.  Noble   Grand 1190 

3.  Vice-Grand    1193 

4.  Recording   Secretary 1193 

5.  Financial    Secretary 1194 

6.  Treasurer    1195 

7.  Other  officers 1195 

1.  Qualifications,  Nominations,  Elections,  Appointments, 
Vacancies,  Removals,  General  Provisions  and  De- 
cisions. 

Elective  officers  and  terms 2260a 

No  member  can  hold  two  of  said  offices  at  same  time 2260a 

Appointed   officers 2261 

Qualifications  of  elective  officers 2262 

What    service   as   Vice-Grand    renders   eligible   to    Noble 

Grand    2262 

What  service  in  office  renders  eligible  to  Vice-Grand 2262 

When  dispensation  to  elect  Third  Degree  member 2262 

As  to  dispensations.     See  Dispensations. 

Ritualistic   and   proficiency  of  officers 2263 

Who  eligible  for  Noble  Grand 2264 

A  Vice-Grand  absent  fourteen  meetings  of  term 2265 

Service  by  Vice-Grand  less  than  majority  of  nights. .  2266,  2265 


1188  Index. 

OFFICERS  OF  SUBORDINATE  I.ODGE— Continued.      Section. 

Excuse — personal  sickness 2265 

When    service    by    Vice-Grand    two     consecutive     terms 

sufficient  2267 

When  service  by  Vice-Grand  two  consecutive  terms  not 

sufficient    2268 

Special  terms — Vice-Grand — Honors  of  office 2269 

Present  at  roll  calls  but  retires  immediately  thereafter 2270 

Vice-Grand   and   election   of   Noble    Grand    remainder   of 

term    2271 

Need  not  possess  Degree  of  Rebekah 2272 

Previous  service  in  office  in  any  Lodge 2273 

Institution  of  new  Lodge  all  charter  members  eligible 2274 

A  brother  whose  right  hand  has  been  amputated 2275 

Dispensation  to  elect  Scarlejt  Degree  member 2276 

Qualification  for  office  of  Vice-Grand 2277 

The   same — served   part   of   term 2278 

Meetings  twice  a  week — honors  of  office 2279 

Service  as  Warden  balance  of  term  to  fill  vacancy 2280 

Service  as  Chaplain  qualifies 2281 

Brother  cannot  be  installed  Chaplain  of  another  Lodge..  2282 

Appointed  officer  must  be  installed 2283 

Right  supporter  of  Vice-Grand  and  not  installed 2284 

Must  have  the  Third  Degree 2285 

Shall  be  clear  of  charges  on  the  books 228& 

Offices  relating  to  Lodge  funds  and  eligibility 2287 

Canot  hold  Recording  Secretary  and  Treasurer  at  same 

time   Note  to  2287 

District  Deputy  Grand   Master  and  eligibility  to  office.. 

2256,  2257,  2258 

Brother  under  sentence  of  reprimand 2289 

Where  brother  owes  Lodge  borrowed  money 2290 

Such  brother  not  disqualified  from  election  to  office 2290 

Members  indebted  to  Lodge  or  held  as  security 2291 

To  what  offices  Scarlet  Degree  member  eligible 2292 

Member  liable  to  suspension  for  dues 2293 

Officer-elect  not  to  be  installed  till  he  knows  the  work 2294 

Non-beneficial  members  may  be  officers 2295 

Grand  Marshal  at  Odd  Fellows'  celebration 2296 

Only  members  of  the  Lodge  can  be  elected  or  appointed. .  2297 

This  rule  applicable  to  officers  pro  tem 2297 

By-Laws   cann6t   prescribe   additional   qualifications 2298 

When   officers   to   be   elected 2299 

Brothers  admitted  during  election 14 

Installation     2299 

When  special  meeting  may  be  called  to  install 2299 


Index.  1189 

OFFICERS  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE— Continued.      Section. 

Election  prior  to  time  fixed  by  Constitution 2300 

Election  by  acclamation 2302 

Re-election  of  officers 2301 

When  Lodge  fails  to  hold  several  regular  meetings 2303 

When  legal  election  where  Past  Grand  presided 2304 

Election  of  Treasurer  and  bonds 2305 

Officers  must  be  elected  and  installed  semi-annually  unless  2306 

Roll   call   at  elections 2307 

Casting  the  vote  of  the  Lodge 2308 

Noble  Grand  and  casting  vote 2309 

Blank  votes  must  be  counted 2310 

Must  be  counted  where  only  one  candidate 2310 

Where  blank  ballots  are  a  majority  of  the  votes  cast 2310 

When  new  nominations  and  elections   in   case  of  blank 

ballots    2310 

When  provisions  of  election  laws  are  directory 2311 

Acts  and  duties  of  Warden  and  Tellers 2311 

Proceedings  in  case  of  invalid  election 2312 

Illegal  vote  at  an  election 2313 

Limitation  of  candidates  on  second  ballot 2314 

Election  to  fill  vacancies 2315 

Noble  Grand  till  election  to  fill  vacancy,  appoints  officer 

pro   tem 2315 

Must  be  an  election  to  fill  vacancy 2316 

When  may  nominate  and  elect  to  fill  vacancy 2317 

When    nominations    made 2318 

When  nominations  may  be  made  on  night  of  election 2319 

Election  when  nominees  all  decline 2320 

Brother   must   be   nominated 2321 

When  not  nominated,  cannot  be  elected 2321 

Nomination   or  election   of  absent   brother 2322 

Election  of  a  brother,  Vice-Grand  when  absent  at  election  2323 

Brother  may  be  nominated  for  two  offices 2324 

Can  be  elected  only  to  one 2324 

Nominee  elected,  ceases  to  be  nominee  for  another  office  2325 

Election  in  such  cases 2325 

Cannot  be  Trustee  and  Vice-Grand  at  one  time 2326 

Cannot  be  Trustee  and  Recording  Secretary  at  one  time  2327 

Cannot  be  Secretary  and  Treasurer  together 2328 

Cannot  hold  two  of  the  offices  provided  for  in  the  Ritual 

Note  to  2328 

Junior  or  Sitting  Past  Grand  eligible  to  office 2329 

Duties  of  office  must  not  interfere  with  duties  of  Sitting 


1190  Index. 

OFFICERS  OF  SUBORDINATE  I.ODGE— Continued.      Section. 

Past  Grand 2330 

Junior    Past    Grand    is    eligible    to    office    of    Recording 

Secretary    , 2331 

Installation  as  such  does  not  vacate  chair  as  Sitting  Past 

Grand    2331 

When  Recording  and  Financial  Secretary  one  officer 2333 

Recording  and   Financial   Secretaries 2333 

Must  be  filled  by  different  persons 2333 

When  objections  to  officer  should  be  made 2334 

Tenure  of  office  of  appointed  officers 2335 

Acting  Noble  Grand  fills  vacancy  in  appointive  office 2336 

Who  may  be  appointed  Warden  pro  tern 2337 

Granting  Visiting  Card  does  not  vacate  office 2338 

Nor  involve  questions  of  Leave  of  absence 2339 

Duties   of  various   officers 2340 

Removal  for  absence,  misconduct  or  neglect 2340 

How  removed  and  by  what  vote 2340 

What  resolution  of  removal  must  contain 2341 

Service  of  copy  or  notice  thereof 2341 

Lodge  may  remove  officers,  when 2342 

When  excused,  removal  thereafter 2342 

Installed  officer  becomes  in  arrears  for  dues 2343 

When  officer  may  preside  pending  charges  against  him..  2344 

When  Lodge  may  pass  resolutions  prescribing  duties 2345 

Officers  are  merely  executive  agents 2346 

Resignation  and  acceptance 2347 

Effect  of  resignation  on  honors Note  to  2347 

Effect  of  resignation  on  salary Note  to  2347 

An  officer  or  officer-elect  may  resign  at  any  time 2348 

Resignation   may  be  verbal 2348 

Refusing  to  perform  official  duties,  contempt 982 

As  to  ballot  and  voting.     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 
As  to  cards.     See  Cards  and  Certificates. 
As  to  fines.     See  Fines. 
As  to  jewels.     See  Jewels. 

2.     Noble  Grand. 

Duties  and  powers  of 2350 

Duty  as  to  charge  books  or  rituals.     See  Rituals. 

Duty  to  preside 2350 

To  enforce  Constitution  and  By-Laws 2350 

To  see  that  officers,  committees   and   members  do   their 

duties     2350 

To   appoint  officers   and   committees  not  otherwise   pro- 
vided  for 2350 


Index  1191 

OFFICERS  OF  SUBORDINATE  'LO'DGE— Continued.      Section. 
As  to  committees.     See  Committees. 

Duty  as  to  Committee  of  the  Whole 932 

To  see  that  brothers  are  instructed  in  work  of  the  Order  2350 

To  meet  requirements  of  Art.  V,  Constitution 2350 

Not  to  vote  except  election  of  officers  and  applicants  for 

membership 2350 

When   has  casting  vote 2350 

To  inspect  and  announce  balloting  and  votes 2350 

To  sign  orders  on  Treasurer , 2350 

To  require  Financial  Secretary  to  read  receipts  of  evening  2350 

To  ask  Treasurer  if  he  received  them 2350 

To  appoint  Finance  Committee  on  installation  evening..  2350 
May   remove   suspended   member   by   force   from    Lodge- 
room    2351 

May  remove  brother  for  disregarding  his  authority 2352 

Should  have  a  key  to  the  Secretary's  desk 2353 

Noble  Grand  and  committee  to  correct  misconduct,  etc., 

of  brothers : 2354 

Power  to  excuse  Noble  Grand 2355 

Noble  Grand's  duty  to  sign  warrants  on  Treasurer 2356 

Illegal    order    for    donation 2357 

When  may  refuse  to  sign  order  for  money 2358 

Cannot  set  aside  any  part  of  Lodge  Constitution 2359 

Who  to  preside  at'  Lodge  meeting 2360 

At  conferring  of  Degrees 2360 

Temporary  absence  of  Noble  Grand Note  to  2360 

At  initiations  and  conferring  of  Degrees Note  to  2360 

Upon   occasions   of  grand   visitations Note  to  2360 

When  all  officers  installed  except  Noble  Grand  elect 2361 

Noble  Grand  may  rise  to  acknowledge  a  brother 2362 

Addressing   the   chairs — two   or   more 2363 

Addressing  the  chair — retiring 2364 

Initiation    and    conferring    the     degrees— addressing    the 

chairs 2365 

Brothers  may  wait  for  others  in  addressing  the  chairs.  . . .  2363 
Whether   brothers   may   wait   is   in    discretion   of    Noble 

Grand     2363 

There    must    be    reasonable    dispatch    in    addressing   the 

chairs    2363 

Brother  retiring  should  address  the  chair 2364 

Officers  retiring  for  initiation  should  address  the  chair..  2365 
Officers  retiring  for  conferring  the  Degees  should  address 

the   chair 2366 

When  may  retire  without  addressing  the  chair 2367 

Addressing  brothers 2368 


1102  Index. 

OFFICERS  OF  SUBORDINATE  I.ODGE—Contmucd.      Section. 

Action  or  decision  of  Noble  Grand  acquiesced  in 2369 

Considered    acquiesced    in    when    parliamentary    proceed- 
ings   take   place    afterward 2369 

When  this  takes  place  Noble  Grand  no  right  to  annul  or 

rescind   2369 

The  Lodge  only  possesses  such  power 2369 

When  an  appeal  should  be  taken  from  action  of  Lodge. .  2370 

Each  regular  meeting  is  a  session 2370 

When  Noble  Grand's  decision  or  action  becomes  Lodge's 

decision  or  action 2370 

When  may  call  Past  Grand  to  chair 2371 

Duty  of  Noble  Grand  when  Vice-Grand  is  absent 2372 

When  Right  Supporter  in  chair  how  addressed 2373 

In  such  case  how  Noble  Grand  addressed 2373 

Noble  Grand  must  put  all  questions  on  appeal 2374 

Must  put  all  legitimate  questions Note  to  2374 

No  right  to  refuse  to  put  certain  question 2375 

To  instruct  Secretary  to  enter  appeals  in  full  in  minutes. .  2376 

No  power  to  order  Secretary  to  affix  seal 2377 

Must  perform  his  duty  or  suffer  penalty 2378 

When  may  compel  members  to  vote 2379 

Cannot  confer  higher  degree  till  brother  received  lower..  2380 

Not  to  show  result  of  'ballot  to  Supporters 2380a 

Grand  Lodges  may  provide  that  Supporters  may  inspect 

Note  to  2380a 

Noble  Grand  declares  the  result Note  to  2380 

Cannot   issue   order   for   password   to   members   of  other 

Lodges    2381 

Cannot  send  order  for  semi-annual  password  by  telegraph  2382 

Cannot   admit   Encampment,   when 2383 

When  to  attend  Degree  Lodge 1052 

Appoints  majority  of  committee  on  charges 2384 

Order  of  business — committee  out  examining  candidate..     747 
Also  of  committees  on  candidates  and  for  benefit  investi- 
gations      2384 

Manner  of  taking  vote 2385 

When  may  announce  decision  if  there  be  no  objections..  2385 

Must  have  Digest  in  Lodge-room  at  each  session 1155 

Duty  as  to  charges  and  lectures.     See  Charges  and  Lec- 
tures; Installation. 
As  to  appeals   from  his  decision   or  ruling.     See   Order, 

Rules  and  Questions  of. 
As  to  questions  of  order.     See  Order,   Rules  and  Ques- 
tions of. 
As  to  assessment.     See  Assessments. 


Index.  1193 

OFFICERS  OF  SUBORDINATE  'LODGE— Continued.      Section. 
As  to  ballot  and  voting.     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 
As  to  cards  and  certificates.     See  Cards  and  Certificates. 
As  to  passwords.     See  Passwords. 
As  to  trials  and  Trial  Committees.    See  Trials. 
As    to    benefits    and    benefit    investigations    and    cornmit- 
tees.     See  Benefits. 

3.    Vice-Grand. 

Duties  of 2386 

To  assist  the  Noble  Grand 2386 

To  have  charge  of  the  door 2386 

To  preside  in  absence  of  Noble  Grand 2386 

When    to    preside 2386,  2360 

To  examine,  etc.,  all  ballotings 2386 

To  perform  other  duties 2386 

Cannot    be    also    Trustee 3277 

Vice-Grand   appoints    his   own   Supporters 2387 

Noble  Grand  cannot  prevent  their  installation 2387 

Vice-Grand  and  charge  of  the  door 2388 

When  to  attend  Degree  Lodge 1052 

Must  take  Noble  Grand's  chair  in  his  absence 2389 

Cannot  excuse  Noble  Grand  for  absence,  but  Lodge  may. .   1431 

Can  give  Noble  Grand's  charge  at  initiation 2390 

When  may  communicate   password 2391 

When  may  give  term  and  traveling  password 2392 

Cannot  be  member  of  benefit  investigating  committee 577 

Duty  as  to  charges  and  lectures.     See  Charges  and  Lec- 
tures; Installation. 
As  to  ballot  and  voting.     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 
As  to  charges  and  Trial  Committee.     See  Trials. 
As  to  passwords.     See  Passwords. 

4.     Recording  Secretary. 

Duties  of 2393 

To  keep  accurate  minutes  of  Lodge  proceedings 2393 

To  endorse  and  file  all  papers  and  documents 2393 

To  issue,  sign  and  attest  cards,  certificates,  drafts,  etc 2393 

Secretary  pro  tern,  to  sign  card Note  to  798 

As  to  cards  and  certificates.     See  Cards  and  Certificates. 

To  affix  Lodge  seal 2393 

To  have  charge  of  Lodge  seal 2393 

Number  and  file  and  enter  communications 2393 

Make  out  term  and  relief  reports 2393 

To  give  certificate  of  standing 2393 

Give  certificate  of  standing  to  join  Encampment 1328 


1194  Index. 

OFFICERS  OF  SUBORDINATE  1.0DGK— Continued.      Section. 
To  give  notice  required  by  Sec.  8,  Art.  VIII,  Lodge  Con- 
stitution     2393 

To  endorse  propositions  for  membership 2393 

To  notify  members   of  their  appointment   on   investigat- 
ing committee 2393 

To  notify  person  to  appear  for  initiation  and  admission..  2393 

To  keep  roll  of  members,  etc 2393 

To  send  orders  for  semi-annual  password,  when 2393 

To  perform  other  duties 2393 

Duty  to  read  all  communications 937 

What  to  inform  Secretaries  of  Rebekah  Lodges 2394 

Cannot   be   also   Trustee 3277 

Term  of  office  may  be  made  one  year  or  six  months 2395 

He  has  custody  of  warrant  book 2396 

Absence   and    roll-call 2397 

Not  required  to  notify  D.  D.  G.  M.  of  election  of  officers. .  2398 

A  verbal  notice  is   good 2398 

Duty  to  transmit  transcript  on  appeal,  etc 39 

Must  transmit  within  four  weeks 39 

Duty  as  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 

As  to  fees.     See  Fees. 

Duties    as    to    minutes    and    records.     See    Minutes    and 

Records. 
As  to  cipher  key.     See  Work  of  the  Order. 

5.     Financial  Secretary. 
Permanent  Secretary  to  be  hereafter  designated  Financial 

Secretary    2399 

Duties  of 2400 

To  keep  just  accounts  between  Lodge,  its  members  and 

others    2400 

To  keep  a  regular  set  of  books 2400 

To  keep  ledger,  journal,  receipt  and  cash  books 2400 

To  keep  such  other  books  as  Lodge  requires 2400 

To  credit  brother  when  money  paid 2400 

To  keep  book  of  residence  of  members 2400 

To  receive  and  receipt  for  moneys 2400 

To  pay  moneys  to  Treasurer 2400 

To  give  notice  required  by  Sec.  1,  Art.  VIII,  Lodge  Con- 
stitution     2400 

To  keep  copies  of  same  or  substance  thereof 2400 

To  endorse  cards  of  visitors 2400,     853 

To  notify  members  of  the  state  of  their  accounts 2400 

To  assist  in  making  term  reports 2400 


Index.  1195 

OFFICERS  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE— Co«/mM^rf.      Section. 
To  render  an  abstract  of  all  accounts,  with  receipts  and 

expenditures    2400 

To  furnish  at  elections  list  of  members  entitled  to  vote..  2400 

To  call  the  list 2400 

To  perform  other  duties 2400 

May    receive    compensation 2400 

Rents  due  to  a  Lodge,  who  to  collect 2401 

An  account  of  moneys  sent  to  Grand  Lodge  to  be  kept. . . .  2402 

Duty  to  charge  up  funeral  assessments 2403 

When  may  communicate  Semi-Annual  Password 2542 

As  to  fees.    See  Fees. 

As  to  official  certificates.    See  Official  Certificates. 

As  to  seal.    See  Seal. 

6.    Treasurer. 

Duties  of 2404 

To  give  a  bond  with  two  or  more  sureties — Surety  com- 
pany     2404,  725,     727 

As  to  bonds.    See  Bonds. 

To  receive  each  Lodge  night  from  Financial  Secretary  all 

money 2404 

To  pay  all  orders,  when 2404 

When  to  give  statement  in  writing  of  money  on  hand 2404 

To  make  monthly  reports 2404 

To  report  term  receipts  and  expenditures 2404 

To  exhibit  vouchers 2404 

To  have  his  books  written  up,  when 2404 

Cannot  borrow  or  use  Lodge  funds  or  be  surety 2405 

Required  to  make  monthly  reports 2406 

The  nature  of  these  monthly  reports 2406 

Deposit  of  money  in  bank  and  lost 1469 

Honors  of  Past  Grand  cannot  be  conferred  upon 1066 

As  to  fees.     See  Fees. 

7.    Other  Officers. 

Acting  Past  Grand,  duties  of 2407 

To  attend  all  regular  meetings 2407 

To  deliver  the  charge  of  his  office .* 2407 

To  act  as  Outside  Conductor 2407 

Prefer  charges  when  violations  of  law  are  called  to  his 

attention 2407 

Need  not  perform  the  duties  of  Chaplain 2408 

He  is  not  strictly  an  officer 2409 

And  cannot  be  fined  for  non-attendance 2409 

His  duty  to  occupy  chair  of  Past  Grand  for  one  term 2409 

His  duty  to  deliver  Past  Grand's  charge 2409 


1196  Index. 

OFFICERS  OF  SUBORDINATE  1.0BGE— Continued.      Section. 

Duty  to  prefer  charges  if  officer  lose  Ritual 2727 

Chaplain,  Noble  Grand  may  appoint 2410 

Who  opens  and  closes  regular  meetings  with  prayer 2410 

To  perform  other  duties 2410 

Outside  Guardian,  his  duties  and  compensation 2411 

Outside  Guardian  and  member  without  password..   2412,  2413 

Outside  Guardian  and  visitor  with  card 2413 

Past  Grand  occupying  chair  and  motions 2414 

When  Scarlet  Degree  member  may  act  as  Vice-Grand...   2415 
Scarlet  Degree  member  cannot  act  as  Vice-Grand  at  initia- 
tion    2415 

When  Right  Supporter  to  Noble  Grand  presides 2416 

May  decide  points  of  order  and  entertain  motions 2416 

May  put  questions  and  declare  the  result 2416 

Temporary  absence  of  Noble  Grand 2417 

When     Right    Supporter    to    Vice-Grand    may  fill  Vice- 
Grand's  chair 2418 

But  not  at  initiations  .  .  . 2418 

Conductor  may  take  password,  when  2419 

Warden,  duties  of 2420 

As  to  Trustees.    See  Trustees. 

OFFICIAL  CERTIFICATES: 

How  designated 2421 

Official  receipts  and  Visiting  Certificates  to  be  hereafter 

designated  Official  Certificates 2421 

Issued  when  members  pay  dues  and  assessments  and  re- 
quest receipt 2421 

They  are  universal  throughout  the  continent 2422 

They  are  the  only  legal   receipts   for  dues,  assessments, 

fees,  etc 2422 

Wlien  holders  may  visit  in  another  jurisdiction 2422 

Sick  or  funeral  benefits  or  relief  not  authorized  thereby. . .   2422 

When  dues  paid  to  a  date  later  than  when  presented 2422 

Recognized  as  evidence  of  good  standing 2422 

And  to  be  used  in  lieu  of  Visiting  Card 2422 

Use  and  purpose  of  Visiting  Card  retained 2422 

How  issued  and  signed 2423 

They  are  like  a  card 2424 

Holder  considered  to  hold  a  proper  card 2424 

Should  be  signed  by  holder  in  presence  of  officer,  etc 2425 

Proper  officer  to  affix  seal 2426 

Must  be  used  as  receipt  for  dues  and  assessments 2427 

A  member  cannot  accept  any  other  than  it 2427 

Order  for  receipt  a  violation  of  law 2428 


Index.  1197 

OFFICIAL  CERTIFICATES— Con/tHM^rf.  Section. 

Must  be  used  and  no  other 2429 

Lodges  instructed  by  Grand  Lodge  to  use 2429 

Duties  of  Grand  Master,  District  Deputy  Grand   Master 

and  Noble  Grand 2430 

Annual  Traveling  Password — Right  to  visit 2431 

Must  pay  dues  in  advance  to  visit  on 2431 

Must   pay  dues  in  advance  to  receive  Annual  Traveling 

Password 2431 

When  brother  paying  dues  does  not  desire  it,  no  certifi- 
cate to  issue 2432 

Dues  paid  every  meeting,  he  can  demand  one  each  time. .   2432 

An  ordinary  receipt  for  dues  is  illegal 2432 

No  other  form  of  receipt  for  dues  can  be  used 2432 

No  fee  or  charge  for  official  certificate 2433 

Lodge  cannot  prescribe  a  fee  by  By-Law 2433 

Paying  part  of  arrearages  or  nothing  in  advance 2434 

Brother  entitled  to,  though  charges  pending  against  him.   2435 

Official  certificate  to  member  suspended  for  cause 2436 

His  certificate  endorsed  to  show  his  suspension 2437 

Grand  Lodge  no  right  to  print  such  certificates 2438 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  has  exclusive  right 2438 

Transfer  of  membership  by  card  and  official  certificates..  1889 
Certain  sections  of  Constitution  of  Subordinates  repealed.  1889 
New  law  of  transfer  of  membership  by  card  embodied 

in  Constitution 1889 

Repealed  sections  based  on  law  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 

relating  to  becoming  a  member  on  official  certificate. 

Note  to  1889 

When    Visiting    Card    and    order    for    Annual    Traveling 

Password  required Note  to  2491 

Official  certificates.     See  Supplies. 

As  to  receipt.     See   Receipts. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

As  to  passwords.     See  Passwords. 

OPIUM  PLACE: 

Keeping  in  violation  of  city  ordinance  is  an  offense. .  2146  (48) 
Charges  for  keeping  opium  place 2893 

ORATOR: 

Lodge    may    pay    for    orator    for    celebrating    our    anni- 
versary   Note  to      27 

OFFSET:     See  Dues;  Benefits. 


1198  Index. 

ORDER,  RULES  AND  QUESTIONS  OF:  Page. 

1.  Grand  Lodge 1198 

2.  Subordinate  Lodge 1198 

1.     Grand  Lodge.  Section. 

May  establish  rules  of  order  and  suspend  the  same 2439 

May  suspend  by  two-thirds  vote 2439 

Grand  Master's,  duty  to  preserve  order 2440 

Questions  and  decisions  of  order  and  appeal  from  Grand 

Master 2441 

Appeals  debateable 2442 

Vote  by  yeas  and  nays 2443 

How  called  for;  when  taken 2443 

When  ayes  and  nays  called,  no  motion  in  order 2444 

Amendments    to    Subordinate    Lodge    Constitution,    how 

proposed  2445 

Reports    on    proposed    amendments    to    Constitution 2446 

Certain  resolutions  expire  with  the  session 2447 

When  substitute  accepted 2448 

When  substitute  adopted  .  ." 2449 

Rules  of  order  of  Grand  Lodge 2450 

Who  has  right  to  speak  in  Grand  Lodge 735 

2.     Subordinate  Lodge. 

Who  may  put  motion  from  Noble  Grand's  chair, 2451 

When   Right  Supporter  to   Noble   Grand  occupies   Noble 

Grand's  chair 2451 

He  may  entertain  motion,  put  question  and  declare  result. .  2451 
All  questions  must  be  stated  from  Noble  Grand's  chair...  2452 
All  questions  must  be  put  to  vote  from   Noble   Grand's 

chair 2452 

When  and  where  Vice-Grand  may  put  motion 2453 

Noble  Grand  must  put  all  questions  of  appeal 2454 

When  point  of  order  against  Noble  Grand 2455 

Presiding  officer  must  be  obeyed 2456 

Appeal  is  mode  of  obtaining  redress 2456 

When  Noble  Grand  cannot  put  Right  Supporter  in  chair. .   2457 

Not  to  enable  him  to  take  part  in  debate 2457 

Noble  Grand  may  put  question   after  he  has  taken  part   in 

debate 2457 

Rules  of  Order  cannot  require  two  brothers  to  appeal 2458 

Any  member  may  appeal  from  ruling  of  Noble  Grand 2458 

Appeal  from  levy  of  assessment 202 

When  Lodge  governed  by  parliamentary  rules 2459 

Should  not  offer  or  adopt  unparliamentary  motions 2460 

No  undignified  motions 2460 


Index.  1199 

ORDERS,  RULES  AND  QUESTIONS  OF— Continued.      Section. 

Motion  during  reading  of  minutes  .  .  .   2461 

Brother's  name  stricken  from  the  sick  Hst 2462 

By  whom  motion  to  reconsider  may  be  made 2463 

When  two-thirds  vote  is  required,  and  motion  to  reconsider.  .2464 

When  two  resolutions  may  be  adopted  at  one  time 2465 

Vote  upon  amended  motion 2466 

When  Noble  Grand  may  declare  motion  out  of  order 2467 

But  he  cannot  refuse  an  appeal 2467 

Motion  to  draw  draft  for  benefits 2468 

Rules  of  order  cannot  fix  a  fine 2469 

Fines  and  penalties  must  be  prescribed  by  By-Laws 2469 

When  committee  out  examining  candidates 2470 

May  open  under  another  order  of  business 2470 

Membef  offending  against  rules  of  order — Charges 2471 

When  Noble  Grand  no  right  to  take  part  in  debate 2472 

When  no  right  to  express  an  opinion 2472 

When  and  how  he  may  take  part  in  debate 2472 

When  Noble  Grand  may  vacate  chair  to  address  Lodge 2473 

Drafts  for  benefits  439 

Brother's  right  to  speak 2799 

When  counsel  no  right  to  speak  on  penalty 3208 

Sentenced  to  be  reprimanded — Right  to  speak 3199 

Right  to  speak — Aged  Odd  Fellows 21 

Points  of  order — Appeal 87 

Order  and  decorum  before  Investigating  Committee 636 

Action  on  resolution  making  donation 2474 

As  to  Good  of  the  Order.     See  Good  of  the  Order. 

As  to  Committee  of  the  Whole.     See  Committee  of  the 

Whole. 
As  to  Noble  Grand  and  presiding  officer.     See  Noble  Grand, 
under  the  head  of  Officers. 

ORDER  FOR  PASSWORDS:     See  Passwords;  Supplies. 

ORDER  ON  TREASURER:     See  Draft. 

ORCHESTRA:     See   Funds. 

ORGANIST: 

Lodge  may  agree  to  pay  a  stipulated  sum  for  term 1525 

ORPHANS: 

Lodge  may  provide  by  By-Laws  for  Orphans'  Fund 2475 

Rights  of  orphans  survive  or  perish  with  the  brother's  right.  2476 
They  derive  benefits  through  membership  and  good  standing 

of  father  2476 


1200  Index. 

ORPHANS— Continued.  Section. 

Their  benefits  cease  when  he  ceases  membership 2476 

Or  when  he  ceases  to  be  a  member  in  good  standing 2476 

When  father  was  in  arrears  more  than  twelve  months 2477 

Donations  in  such  cases 2477 

When   widow  marries — Children  of  former  husband 2478 

Orphans  removed  to  a  distance  from  Lodge 2479 

Orphans'  Fund  cannot  be  diverted 2480 

Cannot  be  merged   into  general   fund 2480 

A  Grand  Lodge  cannot  authorize  this  to  be  done 2480 

Orphans  of  Odd  Fellows  when  not  objects  of  charity 1461 

General  Relief  Committee  and  relief 2657 

When  Lodge  may  refuse  to  furnish  funds  for  education 1313 

Orphans'      Fund — Per    capita    tax — Grand      Lodge — Odd 

Fellows'  Home ^ 2073 

As  to  funds.     See  Funds. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

ORPHANS'  HOME: 

Establishment  and  maintenance  authorized 2481 

Grand  Lodge  has  authorized  and  invested  Rebekah  Assembly 

with  power 2481 

Power  to  elect  Trustees,  and  full  power 2481 

Power  of  Rebekah  Assembly  to  levy    per  capita  tax 2481 

Originated  by  Rebekah  Assembly Note  to  2481 

Deed  of  Endowment 2482 

When  cornerstone  laid 2482 

When   dedicated      2482 

Rules  and  Regulations  for  its  management  . 2483 

Name — L  O.  O.  F,  Orphans'  Home  of  California  (Rule  1), 

page  631. 
Objects ~of  the  Home  (Rule  2),  page  631. 
By  whom  established,  etc.  (Rule  3),  page  631. 
Under  control  and  management  of  a  Board  (Rule  4),  page  631. 
Trustees  of  the  L  O.  O.  F.  Orphans'  Home  (Rule  4),  page  631. 
Election  of  Trustees — Vacancies  (Rule  5),  page  631. 
Term  of  Trustees  (Rule  5),  page  631. 
Powers  of  Trustees   (Rule  6),  page  632. 
Traveling  expenses    (Rule  6),  page  632. 
No  compensation  for  services  of  Trustee  (Rule  6),  page  632. 
L  O.  O.  F.  Orphans'  Home  Fund  (Rule  7),  page  632. 
Report  of  Trustees  (Rule  7),  page  632. 
Officers    (Rule  8),  page  632. 

Duties  of  President  and  Vice-President  (Rule  9),  page  633, 
Duties  of  Secretary  (Rule  10),  page  633. 
Duties  of  Treasurer  (Rule  11),  page  633. 
Meetings  (Rule  12),  page  633. 


Index.  1201 

ORPHANS'  HOMEr— Continued.  Section. 

Quorum  (Rule  13),  page  634. 
Order  of  business  (Rule  14),  page  634. 
Superintendent  or  Matron  (Rule  15),  page  634. 
Duties  of  Superintendent  or  Matron  (Rule  16),  page  635. 
Who  admitted  to  the  Home  (Rule  17),  page  635. 
Odd  Fellows  of  other  jurisdictions  (Rule  18),  page  635. 
Application    for   admission — Transportation    (Rule   19),   page 

636. 
Duty  of  parent  or  guardian  (Rule  20),  page  636. 
Marriage  of  parent  (Rule  21),  page  636. 
Control  and  education  of  children  (Rule  22),  page  636. 
Object  of  education— Work  of  the  Home  (Rule  23),  page  637. 
Placing  children  in  individual  homes  (Rule  24),  page  637. 
Misrepresentation  (Rule  25),  page  637, 
Rules  of  discipline  (Rule  26),  page  637. 
Amendment  to  rules   (Rule  27),  page  638. 

Additional  rules 2484 

Tobacco  and  intoxicating  liquors   (1st),  page  638. 

Sabbath  (2nd),  page  638. 

Staying  away  from   Home  or  leaving  premises    (3rd),   page 

638. 
Places  of  public  amusement  (4th),  page  638. 
Gifts  or  presents  (5th),  page  638. 
Cooking  (6th),  page  638. 
Service  of  meals   (7lh),  page  638. 
Employee  or  other  person  using  intoxicating  liquors  (8th), 

page  638. 
Employees  leaving  premises  (9th),  page  638. 
Extra  services  (lOth),  page  639. 
American  flag  (11th),  page  639. 

Form  of  application  for  admission    (Form  No.  11) 2485 

Certificate  of  deceased  father's  standing   (Form  No.  12) 2485 

Certificate  of  deceased  mother's  standing  (Form  No.  13) 2485 

Rebekah  Lodges  to  aid  in  establishing  and  maintaining  such 

Home 3368 

OUTSIDE  GUARDIAN:     See  Officers. 

PALLBEARERS: 

Carriages    for  pallbearers — Funeral   expenses   670 

PACKING  HOUSE:    See  Clerk. 
PARADE:     Sec  Anniversary;  Procession. 

PARAPHERNALIA:    See  Work  of  the  Order. 
76 


I2a2  Index, 

PARDON:  Section. 

No  law  investing  Grand  Lodge  with  pardoning  power 2486 

Nor  Grand  Master 2486 

PARLIAMENTARY  LAW  AND  RULES: 

When  Lodge  governed  by 2459 

As  to  questions  and  rules  of  order.     See  Order,  Rules  and 
Questions  of. 

PARTIES: 

When  permission  required 2487 

When  regalia  and  emblems  are  used 2487 

When  the  name  of  the  Order  is  assumed 2487 

Must  promise  no  intoxicating  beverage  shall  be  offered 2487 

No  liquors  at  any  entertainment  given  by  the  Lodge  or  held 

in  the  name  of  the  Order 2487 

As  to  dispensations.     See  Dispensations. 

As  to  liquors.  See  Liquors. 

As  to  dancing.     See  Dancing. 

As  to  the  use  of  funds.    See  Funds. 

As  to  anniversary  of  our  Order.     See  Anniversary. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

PARTNER: 

Partner  in  saloon  business  ineligible  to  membership 1730 

PASSWORDS:  Page. 

1.  Language 1202 

2.  Annual  Traveling 1202 

3.  Semi-Annual 1204 

1.    Language. 

Must  be  written,  spelled,  spoken  and  pronounced  in  English,  2488 

Initiation  in  language  of  applicant 2489 

Must  communicate  passwords  in  English 2489 

2.    Annual  Traveling  Password. 

When  Lodge  entitled  to ; 2490 

Semi-annual   reports   must  be   placed   in   hands   of  installing 

officer  2490 

It  is  one  of  the  tests  by  which  traveling  brothers  are  tried. 

Note  to  2490 

It  is  selected  by  the  Grand  Sire  annually Note  to  2490 

Goes  into  effect  January  1st,  each  year Note  to  2490 

Grand  Secretary  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  to  communicate 

it  in  cipher Note  to  2490 

On  or  before  December  1st,  each  year,  to  Grand   Secretary 

of  Grand  Lodges Note  to  2490 


i 


Index.  1203 

TASSV/ORDS— Continued.  Section. 

To   District   Grand   Sires   and   Grand   Secretaries   of   foreign 

jurisdictions Note  to  2490 

To  be  given  privately  to   Noble   Grand   and   Vice-Grand   at 

installation 2491 

When    Visiting    Card    and    official    certificate    sufficient 

authority  for  communicating  passwords 2492 

German  Empire— Visiting  Card — Order  for  Annual  Traveling 

Password Note  to  2492 

A  California  member  sojourning  in  Germany  to  obtain  the 

Annual  Traveling  Password Note  to  2492 

Must  obtain  a  Visiting  Card  and  order   for  such   password 

from  his  Lodge Note  to  2492 

Visiting  Card  and  order  for  Annual  Traveling  Password 

are  the  only  and  proper  means Note  to  2492 

To  visit  Lodges  under  foreign  sovereignties Note  to  2492 

Brother  from  another  jurisdiction 2493 

Visiting  Card  or  official  certificate  paid  to  a  date  later  than 

when  presented 2493 

And  properly  executed  is  authority  for  communicating  it....  2493 

Must  pass  satisfactory  examination 2493 

Brother  of  this  jurisdiction 2494 

Noble  Grand  may  give  it  if  official  certificate  shows  dues  are 

paid  to  a  date  later  than  presented 2495 

Must  pay  dues  in  advance  to  obtain  it  on  official  certificate. .  2495 

Visiting  Card  or  official  certificate  signed 2496 

The  proper  password  to  be  communicated 2497 

The  Annual  Traveling  Password  current  at  presentation....  2497 

Holder  of  expired  official  certificate  not  entitled  to 2498 

Withdrawal  Card  and  proper  password 2499 

Brother  absent  from  location  of  Lodge Note  to  2499 

The  card  and  order  for  password  sent  to  him. .    .  .Note  to  2499 

What  traveling  password  entitled  to 2500 

When  Noble  Grand  must  communicate  it 2501 

Noble  Grand  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge  no  right  to  it 2502 

Degree  Master  no  right  to  it 2502 

Never  to  be  used  in  Rebekah  Lodge 2502 

Insane  brother  not  entitled  to  it 2503 

Past  Grands  not  entitled  to  it 2504 

Noble  Grand  cannot  give  to  Past  Grand  to  examine  visiting 

brother 2505 

What  officer  may  communicate  it 2506 

Noble  Grand  cannot  delegate  his  power 2507 

He  must  communicate  it  personally  to  visitor 2507 

He  cannot  direct  a  member  of  the  Examining  Committee  to 

communicate  it 2507 


1204  IxNDEX. 

PASSV/ORDS—Cofithiued.  Section. 

Such  power  cannot  be  delegated 2507 

Holders  of  Withdrawal  Card  from  extinct  Lodge 2508 

Lodge    grants    Withdrawal    Card    and    afterward    surrenders 

charter 2508 

Defunct  Lodge— Withdrawal  Cards— Certificates 2509 

Withdrawal  Card  issued  to  member  of  defunct  Lodge. ..  2509,     807 

Holder  of  defunct  certificate  not  entitled  to 2509 

What  Annual  Traveling  Password  must  be  used 2510 

When  holder  of  Withdrawal  Card  forgets  it Note  to  2510 

When    holder    of    Withdrawal    Card    entitled    to    order    for 

Annual  Traveling  Password 2511 

Order  for  Annual  Traveling  Password  and  Visiting  Card 

Note  to  2492 

Order  for  Annual  Traveling  Password  must  be  properly  at- 
tested under  seal  2512 

Form  of  order  for  Annual  Traveling  Password  (Form  16)  2513 
Order   for   Annual   Traveling   Password  not   to  be   indorsed 

on  cards 2514 

Brother  who  pays  dues  in  advance  and  obtains  official  certifi- 
cate   2515 

It  is  per  se  an  order  for  Annual  Traveling  Password  on  con- 
tinent of  America 2515 

Orders  for.     See  Supplies. 

As  to  Ancient  Odd  Fellow.     See  Ancient  Odd  Fellow. 

Noble  Grand  of  Rebekah  Lodge  no  right  to  receive  it 3789 

3.     Semi-Annual  Password. 

When  Lodge  not  entitled  to  Semi-Annual  Password 2516 

Grand  Master  selects Note  to  251(> 

Grand  Master  communicates  to  District  Deputy  Grand  Mas- 
ter   Note  to  2516 

District    Deputy   Grand    Master   gives   to   Noble    Grand    and 

Vice-Grand Note  to  2516 

When  brother  must  give  it  to  Warden Note  to  2516 

Reports,  returns  and  money  must  be  delivered,  etc Note  to  2516 

When  reports,  assessments  and  taxes  made  and  paid 2517 

When  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  may  withhold 2246,  2516 

When  Visiting  Card  or  official  certificate  is  order  for  com- 
municating password 2518 

When  date  of  Visiting  Card  extends  to  a  date  later  than  when 

presented  2518,  2519 

When  dues  paid  to  a  later  date  than  when  official  certificate 

presented   2518,  2519 

Must  be  member  of  Lodge  in  same  jurisdiction 2518,  2519 

Must   pass   a   satisfactory   examination 2519 


Index.  1205 

PASSWORDS— Con/in«^d.  Section. 
Then  Noble  Grand  may  communicate  password  on  such  Visit- 
ing Card  or  official  certificate 2519 

Semi- Annual    Password   and   official   certificate 2520 

Admisison  to  Lodge  on  official  certificate 2521,  2522 

When  Noble  Grand  should  give  before  admitting  holder. 2522 

Holder  of  expired  official  certificate  not  entitled  to 2523 

Who  entitled  to  use 2524 

\Vhen  brother  not  entitled  to 2525 

In  arrears  for  thirteen  weeks  for  weekly  or  funeral  dues....  2525 

When  brother  forgets  it,  and  arrears 2526 

When  brother  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears 2527 

When  brother  in  good  standing  and  thereafter  becomes   in 

arrears  .  .  * 2528 

Thirteen  weeks  in  arrears,  and  new  term 2529 

Thirteen  weeks  in  arrears  fixed  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge. .  2530 

More  than  thirteen  weeks  in  arrears 2531 

Old  word  used  till  after  installation 2532 

When  visitors  used  old  term  word 2533 

Cannot  compel  a  brother  to  receive  it 2534 

When  Warden  to  take  it  up  in  ante-room 2535 

When  Conductor  may  assist  Warden  in  taking  up  password.  2536 
Noble    Grand    may    authorize    Warden    to    communicate    in 

Lodge-room 2537 

When  Warden  should  receive  it  from  Noble  Grand 2538 

Past  Grand  or  Vice-Grand  acting  as  Noble  Grand  in  absence 

of  Noble  Grand 2539 

When  Vice-Grand  may  impart  the  password 2540 

When  Vice-Grand  acts  as  Noble  Grand  may  give  it 2540 

Right  Supporter  of  Noble  Grand  cannot  authorize  a  brother 

to  confer 2541 

When  Financial  Secretary  may  give  it 2542 

When  Noble  Grand-elect  not  installed 2543 

When  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  may  give 2544 

Non-contributing  member  entitled  to  password 2546 

Brother  inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home  entitled  to  it 2547 

Inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home — Order  for  password 2548 

Noble  Grands  may  give  Semi-Annual  Passwords  upon  orders 

for  same 2549 

Applies  only  to  brothers  in  same  jurisdiction 2549 

Noble  Grand  gives  order  for  Semi-Annual  Password  without 

vote   2550 

Only  communicated  to  brother  at  distance  by  order  for  it 2551 

Official  certificates  and  Visiting  Cards  are  per  se  orders  for 

the  password 2551 

In  the  cases  provided  or  prescribed  in  sections..  2492,  2494,  2515 


1206  Index. 

PASSWORDS— Continued.  Section. 

Orders  for  must  be  properly  attested  and  under  seal 2552 

Who  entitled  to  order  for 2553 

Noble  Grand  and  Secretary  may  issue  order  for  Semi-Annual 

Password  beyond  their  term 2554 

Dues  paid  to  a  particular  date  and  order  for  password 2555 

District  Deputy  Grand   Master  sending  it  disapproved 2556 

Cannot  send  order  for  it  by  telegraph 2557 

Noble  Grand  can  only  give  order  for  password  to  members 

of  his  own  Lodge 2381 

Cannot  authorize  its  communication  by  telegraph 2557 

Grand  Lodge  may  change  it  quarterly  or  semi-annually 2558 

When  not  entitled  to  password,  may  visit  his  own  Lodge 2559 

Accidentally  or  improperly  obtaining  and  using  it 2142 

Form  of  order  for  Semi-Annual  Password  (Form  No.  15) ,   2566 
Brothers    admitted    to    Subordinate    or    Grand    Lodge    while 

reading  minutes  7 

As  to  admission  to  one's  own  Lodge.    See  Admission  to  One's 

Own  Lodge. 
As  to  admission  of  visitors.     See  Visitors  and  Visiting. 
As  to  recess.     See  Recess. 

As  to  Relief  Committees.     See  Relief  Committee  and  Relief. 
Orders  for  Semi-Annual  Password.    See  Supplies. 
As    to    Semi-Annual    Password    for    Rebekah    Lodges.      See 

Rebekah  Branch. 
As  to  Grand  Lodge  Degree  Password.    See  Grand  Lodge 

Degree  Password. 
As  to  installation.     See  Installation. 

PAST  GRANDS: 

Rights  of 2561 

Right  to  vote  for  Grand  Officers 2561 

Eligibility  to  Grand  Officers 2561 

Must   be   a   member  of   Grand   Lodge   to   be   eligible   to 

office 2161,  2151 

Past  Grand  and  office  of  Grand  Secretary Note  to  2199 

Past  Grand  and  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 2222 

Pretending  to  be  Past  Grand  and  wearing  regalia 2143 

Grand  Lodge  cannot  require  membership  for  one  year. . . .  2561 

Grand  Lodge  may  establish  Representative  system 2562 

Cannot  vote  by  proxy 2563 

Attending  Grand  Lodge  must  enroll  name 1585 

Not  entitled  to  the  Annual  Traveling  Password 2504 

While   acting  as   Noble   Grand  may   communicate   Semi- 
Annual  Password 2539 

Has  same  rank  in  Rebekah  Lodge 3793 

Expelled  Past  Grand  not  admitted  to  Grand  Lodge 153 


Index.  1207 

PAST  GRANDS— Continued.  Section. 

Cannot  be  kept  out  of  Grand  Lodge  while  reading  mintes.        7 
To  become  member  of  Grand  Lodge  must  be  admitted  and 

receive  Grand  Lodge  Degree 1581 

As  to  Past  Grand's  Degree.     See  Degrees. 

As  to  representatives.     See  Representatives. 

As  to  officers.    See  Officers. 

As  to   business   of   Grand   Lodge   and   committees.     See 

Business  of  Grand  Lodge. 
As  to  installation.    See  Installation. 
As  to  credentials.     See  Credentials. 
As  to  initiation.     See  Initiation. 

PAST  GRAND'S  CHARGE: 

As  to  initiation.     See  Initiation. 

As  to  charge.     See  Charges  and  Lectures. 

PAST  GRAND  MASTER:     See  Jewels. 

Grand  Lodge  presents  jewel  to  retiring  Grand  Master....   1683 

Rights  of  Past  Grand  Master  of  this  Grand  Lodge 2564 

May  serve  on  committees,  vote  and  speak  in  Grand  Lodge.  2564 

Take  part  in  business  in  Grand  Lodge 2564 

Official  visits  of  Past  Grand  Master  and  honors  of  the 

Order 1591 

As  to  obituary  tablet  and  resolutions 2058 

PAST    GRAND    REPRESENTATIVE:      See    Visitors    and 
Visiting. 

PAST  NOBLE  GRAND:     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

PAST  NOBLE  GRAND'S  CHARGE:    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

PAST  OFFICIAL  DEGREES:.  See  Degrees. 

PAST  VICE-GRAND:    See  Degrees;  Motions. 

PATRIARCHS    MILITANT:     See     Prize    Drills;     Installa- 
tion; Regalia. 

PENALTIES: 

As  to  charges.     See  Trials. 
As  to  contempt.    See  Contempt. 
As  to  fines  or  charges.    See  Trials. 
As  to  fines  of  officers.    See  Fines. 

PER  CAPITA  TAX:    See  Rebekah  Branch;  Assessments. 

PERJURY:    See  Oflfenses;  Trials. 

PERMANENT  SECRETARY:    See  Officers. 

Hereafter  to  be  designated  Financial  Secretary 2399 


1208  Index. 

PERMISSION:    See  Dispensation.  .  Section. 

PETITION: 

Committee  on  Petitions  a   Regular  Committee  of  Grand 

Lodge 2565 

Appointed  from  members  present  at  Grand  Lodge  session.  2565 

Duties  of  Committee  on  Petitions 2566 

Rights  of  Lodges 2566 

Lodge's     action      not     reviewed      by      Grand      Lodge, 

when 122,  123,     131 

Ex-parte  petitions 131,  134,  135,     181 

Petition  for  charter  or  warrant   for  Lodge,  and  instruc- 
tions relative  thereto  (Forms  Nos.  1  and  2),  page  1001. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch, 
As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 
As  to  petition  for  membership.  See  Membership;  Rebekah 

Branch. 
As   to    committee   in    Rebekah    Assembly.     See    Rebekah 
Branch. 

PHOTOGRAPHS: 

Not  allowed  of  the  work  of  the  Order 3362 

As  to  Rebekah  Degree.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

PHYSICIAN: 

When  Lodge  no  right  to  engage  one  for  specified  sum  and 

time 2568 

Grand  Lodge  may  make,  by  uniform  constitutional  pro- 
vision, an  elective  officer 2569 

Or  may  authorize   Lodge  to  determine  by  By-Laws  the 

manner  of  selection 2569 

When  may  employ  one  for  one  year 2570,  2571 

Epidemic  Lodge  may  hire  physician 2572 

Grand  Lodge  may  give  the  right  to  Lodges  to  hire  physi- 
cian     2573 

Such  physician  to  be  at  service  of  all  members 2573 

Lodge  may  charge  fee  for  medical  examination  of  appli- 
cant    2574 

May  retain  fee  in  case  applicant  rejected 2574 

Form  of  medical  certificate  (Form  No.  19) 2575 

His  certificate  as  to  applicant  for  membership 1781 

Form  prescribed  by  Grand  Lodge 1781 

Not  compulsory  on  Lodge  to  use  it  or  any 1781,  1782 

Must  be  used,  if  any 1781 

Lodge  may  add  to  the  prescribed  form 1781 

When  any  physician's  certificate  may  be  used 1785 

When  his  certificate  may  be  required 1783 


Index.  1209 

PHYSICIAN— CoH/M/wrJ.  Section. 

Such    required    physician's    certificate    not    conclusive    on 

Lodge 528 

Must   be   sworn   or   obligated    and    testify   as    other    wit- 
nesses    593 

His  certificate  not  admissible  as  evidence 601 

His  written  statement  not  admissible  as  evidence 601 

Physician  when  an  officer  subject  to  fine  for  absence 1404 

His  certificate  may  be  required  after  favorable  ballot 1784 

May  require  his  certificate  in   membership  by  initiation, 

reinstatement  or  otherwise 1785,  1930 

Medical    certificate    for    applicant — Odd    Fellows'    Home 

(Form  No.  9) 2088 

Lodge  cannot  assess  to  pay  doctor's  bill 205 

A  By-Law  concerning  doctors'  certificates  disapproved..     788 

PIANIST: 

Lodge  may  pay  pianist  for  his  services 1526 

PICNICS; 

As  to  liquors.     See  Liquors. 

As  to  funds.     See  Funds. 

As  to  Sunday.     See  Sunday. 

As  to  anniversary  of  our  Order.     See  Anniversary. 

PICTURES:     See  Funds. 

PLEA:    See  Trials. 

PLEASURE  EXCURSION:    See  Funds. 

POLICE  OFFICER: 

Funeral  fine  may  be  enforced  against 1419 

POLYNESIAN: 

Not  eligible  to  membership 1773 

POOLROOM: 

When  one  engaged  therein  is  ineligible  to  membership...  1765 

PORTRAITS: 

Of  Grand  Masters  shall  be  in  one  size  and  style 2576 

Special  keeping  of  Grand  Secretary 2576 

PRAYER: 

Opening  and  closing  of  Lodge 2577 

Cannot  be  required  under  penalties 2577 

Cannot  make  it  obligatory  on  Junior  Past  Grand  to  act 

as  Chaplain 2578 

Chaplain  and  his  duties  optional 2579 


1210  Index. 

PRAYER— Continued.  Section. 

Forms  of  prayer 2579 

Form  prescribed  to  be  used,  if  any 2580 

Form  where  may  be  found 2580 

Prayer  not  part  of  initiation  and  not  admissible 2581 

As  to  Chaplain.     See  Chaplain. 
As  to  fines.     See  Fines, 

PRESIDENT  OF  REBEKAH  ASSEMBLY:     See  Rebekah 
Branch. 

To  report  her  decisions  to  the  Grand  Master 2185 

Grand    Master's    actions    or    decisions    thereon    and    his 

annual  report 2185 

PRESS  AND  SEAL:     See  Supplies. 

PRINCIPAL  ON  BOND:     See  Bonds. 

Not  allowed  in  Lodge-room  while  action  had  on  bond 726 

PRINTING: 

Committee   on   Printing  a   regular   committee  of   Grand 

Lodge 2582 

Appointed  from  members  present  at  Grand  Lodge  session.  2582 

Duties  of  Committee  on  Printing 2583 

Grand    Secretary    superintends    such    printing    as    Grand 

Lodge  directs 2199 

Lodge   may   pay    for   printing   for    celebrating   our   anni- 
versary   Note  to       27 

As  to  journal.     See  Journal. 

PRIVATE  AFFAIRS:     See  Benefits. 

Lodge  no  right  to  inquire  into 460 

Donations  to  meet  demands  of  private  business 1507 

Private  business  matters 2096 

PRIZE  DRILLS:    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

Cannot  use  Lodge  funds  for  prizes  for  drills  by  Patriarchs 

Militant 1496 

PROCESSION: 

Lodge    not    have    a    public    one    without    permission    of 

Grand  Master 2584 

Not  applicable  to  funeral 2584 

As  to  regalia.    See  Regalia. 

As  to  anniversary.    See  Anniversary. 

PROFANE  LANGUAGE:    See  Offenses;  Trials. 

PROFESSIONAL  GAMBLER:    See  Gambler. 


Index.  1211 

PROHIBITION:  Section. 

As  to  sale  of  liquors,  a  political  question 1715 

Banished  by  our  laws  without  our  councils 1715 

PROMISE:     See  Offenses. 

PROMISSORY  NOTE:     See  Benefits. 

Is  not  a  security  in  which  Lodge  funds  may  be  invested. .  1445 
Promissory  note  for  dues  and  good  standing 1570 

PROPERTY  OF  THE  LODGE: 

Deeds  and  mortgages,  to  whom  made 2585 

Manner  of  Lodges  acquiring  and  holding  real  estate 1584 

A  method  recommended 1584 

Value  of  Lodge's  property  and  investments. 2687 

When  Lodge  may  sell  property 2587 

When  may  give  or  donate  plot  in  cemetery 2587 

When  may  sell  property  to  pay  debts 2588 

Grand  Lodge  and  not  Grand  Master  disposes  of  property 

of  extinct  Lodge 2193 

As  to  funds.    See  Funds. 

Defective  mortgage 2589 

Court  of  Equity  grants  relief 2589 

As  to  duties  of  Trustees.     See  Trustees. 

PROPOSITION   FOR  MEMBERSHIP:     See  Membership; 
Rebekah  Branch. 
Propositions   for,   in   Subordinate   and    Rebekah    Lodges. 
See  Supplies. 

PROXY: 

Past  Grand  cannot  vote  by  proxy 2563 

Member  of  Trial  Committee  cannot  act  by 2966 

Member  of  Benefit  Investigating  Committee  cannot  act  by     584 

Officer  cannot  be  installed  by  proxy 1633 

Elective  officer  of  Grand  Lodge  cannot  be  installed  by 

proxy Note  to  1619 

PUBLICATION:     See  Newspapers. 

PUBLIC  AMUSEMENT:    See  Amusement. 

PUBLIC  CELEBRATIONS:    See  Celebration. 

PUBLIC  EXHIBITION:     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

PUBLIC  INSTALLATION:    See  Installation. 


1212  Index. 

PUBLIC  LIBRARY:  Section. 

Not  legitimate  to  require  dues  for  support  of Note  to  1706 

Nor  to  make  monthly  donations  to 1522 

Nor  to  use  funds  to  support 1522 

PUBLIC  PROCESSION:.   See  Procession 

PUBLIC  MEETING: 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  and  dispensation  to  hold..  1198 

PUNISHMENT: 

As  to  charges.     See  Trials. 
Removal  of  officers.     See   Officers. 
As  to  fines  of  officers.     See  Fines. 
As  to  fines  in  other  matters.     See  Fines. 

QUARANTINE: 

Brother   not   sick,   placed   in   quarantine,   not   entitled   to 

benefits 549 

QUESTION  BOOK:    See  Supplies. 

QUESTIONS: 

Grand  Master  not  to  answer  certain  questions 2590 

Abstract  questions  upon  hypothetical  propositions 2591 

Hj'pothetical  questions 2592 

Certain  questions  referred  to  Committee  on  State  of  the 

Order 2593 

Questions  must  be  written  and  in  duplicate 2594 

Copy  of  By-Laws  must  accompany  question 2595 

Certain  questions  not  to  be  entered  on  Journal 2596 

QUORUM: 

In  Grand  Lodge 2597 

In  Subordinate  Lodge 2598 

A  By-Law  requiring  more  than  a  quorum  is  void 2598 

When   no    quorum,    Noble    Grand   should   declare    Lodge 

closed 2599 

Officer  attends  no  quorum — Honors  of  the  office 1076 

When  Noble  and  Vice-Grand  absent  and  no  Past  Grand 

present 2794 

As  to  minutes  and  records.     See  Minutes  and  Records. 

As  to  fines.    See  Fines. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges,    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

RACE:    See  Membership. 

RACE: 

Lodge  cannot  use  its  funds  for  foot  or  bicycle  races 1489 


Index.  1213 

RAFFLES:    See  Lottery.  Section. 

RAILROAD: 

Illegal  to  give  money  to  help  raise  bonus  to  build 1451 

Illegal  to  donate  funds  to  help  build  an  electric  railroad.  1450 
As  to  railroad  fare.    See  Funds. 

Employe  of  and  Trial  Committee 2972 

Railroad  ticket — Hearsay  evidence 3067 

RANK: 

Refers  to  the  highest  grade  or  title  attained 2600 

Title  or  rank  to  be  placed  after  brother's  name 2600 

Should  be  expressed  on  face  of  cards 797 

Should  appear  in  diplomas Note  to  1158 

Dismissal  Certificates  should  state  rank  ... 1174 

Rank  or  degree  of  applicant 1905 

Expelled  member  when  reinstated 1945 

READING: 

Persons  who  cannot  read  may  be  initiated 1788,  1796 

READMISSION:     See  Membership. 

REAL  ESTATE:     See  Funds. 

Funds  may  be  used  to  purchase 1448 

REASONABLE  DOUBT:     See  Trials. 

REBALLOT:    See  Ballot  and  Voting;  Rebekah  Branch. 

REBEKAH  BRANCH:  Page. 

1.  Rebekah  Degree  Code,  as  amended  1905 1213 

2.  Laws  and  decisions 121.^ 

3.  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges 1231 

4.  Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly 1241 

1.     Rebekah  Degree  Code,  as  Amended  1905. 

Rebekah  Degree  Code  revised  and  adopted 3368 

Rebekah   Code,  as  amended  1905,  inclusive 3368 

Objects  and  purposes  of  Rebekah  Lodges 3368 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  Supreme  (Sec.  1),  page  828. 
Grand   Lodges   may  institute   Rebekah   Lodges    (Sec.   2), 

page  829. 
Who  may  serve  as  instituting  officer  (Sec.  3),  page  829. 
Grand  Sire's  power  (Sec.  4),  page  820. 
Cannot  be  chartered  by  name  of  living  person   (Sec.  5), 

page  829. 
Petition  for  warrant  for  Rebekah  Lodge  and  instructions 

relative  thereto  (Form  No.  3),  page  1004. 


1214  Index. 

REBEKAH   BRAffCH— Continued.  Section. 

Who  eligible  to  membership  (Sec.  6),  page  829. 
Initiation  (Sec.  7),  pag^e  830. 
Equal  rights  (Sec.  8),  page  830. 

On  whom  Rebekah  Degree  conferred  (Sec.  9),  page  830. 
By  what  Lodge  conferred  (Sec.  9),  page  830. 
Brother's  membership  (Sec.  10),  page  830. 
Duty  of  Secretary  to  notify  Subordinate  Lodge  (Sec.  10a), 

page  830. 
Duty  of  Secretary  of  Subordinate  Lodge  to  notify  Rebekah 

Lodge  (Sec.  10a),  page  830. 
Officers  of  Rebekah  Lodge  (Sec.  11),  page  831. 
Who  eligible  to  office  (Sec.  12),  page  831. 
Terms  of  officers  (Sec.  12),  page  831. 
Service  in  office  and  honors  (Sec.  13),  page  832. 
Powers  and  privileg-es  of  Rebekah  Lodges  (Sec.  14),  page 

832. 
To  confer  the  Degree  of  Rebekah  (Sec.  15),  page  832. 
To  elect  and  appoint  officers  (Sec.  16),  page  832. 
Fees  and  dues  (Sec.  17),  page  832. 
Payments  and  disbursements  (Sec.  18),  page  832. 
By-Laws  and  rules  of  order  (Sec.  19),  page  833, 
Meetings   (Sec.  20),  page  833. 
Forms  of  charter  (Sec.  21),  page  833. 
Returns    (Sec.   22),  page  833. 
Reinstatement  and   Dismissal   Certificate   (Sec.   23),   page 

833. 
Voting  and  balloting  (Sec.  24),  page  833. 
When  rejected  applicant  may  r-enew  application  (Sec.  24), 

page  833. 
Regalia  and  jewels  for  Rebekah  Lodges   (Sec.  25),  page 

834. 
Regalia  and  jewels  for  Rebekah  Assembly  (Sec.  25),  page 

836. 
Cards    and    Dismissal    Certificates    and    Defunct    Certifi- 
cates  (Sec.  26),  page  838. 
By  what  bodies  and  officers  degrees  conferred  (Sec.  27), 

page  838. 
Surrender  of  charter  (Sec.  28),  page  838. 
Quorum  (Sec.  29),  page  838. 
Grand   Lodge  and   charter  members   of   Rebekah   Lodge 

(Sec.  29),  page  838. 
Rebekah  Assemblies  (Sec.  30),  page  839. 
Officers  of  Rebekah  Assembly  (Sec.  31),  page  839. 
Appeals  from  Rebekah  Assemblies  (Sec.  32),  page  839. 
Membership  of  Rebekah  Assembly  (Sec.  33),  page  839. 


hiDEK.  1215 

REBEKAH    BRANCH— Continued.  Section. 

Rebekah  laws  (Sec.  34),  page  840. 
Certain  laws  made  applicable  (Sec.  34),  page  840. 
Rebekah  Lodge  laws  apply  to  all  members  alike  (Sec.  34), 

page  840. 
Repeal  of  prior  laws  (Sec.  35),  page  840. 
Rebekah   Code  revised  and  adopted   September  22,   1900. 

(Note  to  Sec.  35),  page  840. 
Repeal  applicable  to  all  laws  prior  thereto  (Note  to  Sec. 

35),  page  840. 
Watching  with  the  sick  (Sec.  36),  page  840. 
Semi-Annual  Password  (Sec.  37),  page  841. 
Rebekah  Traveling  Password  (Sec.  38),  page  841. 

2.     Laws  and  Decisions. 
ADMISSION  TO  ONE'S  OWN  LODGE: 

May  enter  without  password 3369 

Right  to  enter  one's  Lodge 3370 

ANNIVERSARY: 

The    20th    of    September    recognized    as    anniversary    of 

Rebekah  Degree 3371 

September  20th  its  natal  day 3371 

To  be  annually  celebrated  and  commemorated 3371 

ANNUAL  PASSWORDS:    See  Passwords. 

APPEAL  TO  GRAND  LODGE: 

Rereferred  to  new  committee  for  trial — Appeal 3372 

The  appeal  did  not  stay  proceedings 3372 

It  was  premature — Appeal  did  not  lie 3372 

Notice  and  grounds  of  appeal  required 3373 

No  statement  of  grounds,  ineffectual  and  dismissed 3373 

Dismissal  of  charges  and  appeal 3374 

Appeal  must  be  taken  within  two  weeks 3375 

Grand  Lodge  may  grant  power 3376 

APPEAL  TO  SOVEREIGN  GRAND  LODGE: 

Must  first  appeal  to  Grand  Lodge 3377,  3378 

Cannot  appeal  directly  to  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  from 

Grand  Master's  decision 3378 

APPELLATE  POWER: 

Grand  Lodge  may  empower  Rebekah  Assembly  to  hear 

appeals 3379 

ARREARS:    See  Dues;  Installation;  Password. 


1216  Index. 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Continued.  Section. 

ASSEMBLY:     See  Rebekah  Assembly. 

ASSEMBLY  DEGREE: 

Presidents  may  confer 3380 

Special  session  to  confer 3381 

Upon  whom  may  be  conferred 3382 

ASSESSMENTS: 

Grand  Lodge  may  authorize  Rebekah  Assembly  to  levy 

per  capita  tax 3383 

Lodge  instituted  prior  to  June  30th 3384 

Rebekah  Lodge  cannot  levy  funeral  assessment 3385 

Per  capita  tax  as  to  inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home 3386 

BALLOT  AND  VOTING: 

Who  to  preside  at  balloting 3387 

Vice-Grand's  duty  as  to  balloting 3388 

Balloting  and  Right  Supporter  of  Vice-Grand 3389 

Passing  ballot-box  to  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand 3390 

Black  balls  and  ballot-box 3391 

Withdrawal  Card — Black  and  white  balls  and  ballot-box..  3392 

Not  compelled  to  admit  applicant — Must  ballot 3393 

No  appeal  in  case  of  rejection 3393 

Right  to  cast  black  balls 3394 

Number  of  black  balls  required  to  reject 3395 

Secrecy  of  the  ballot 3396 

Number  of  black  balls  not  to  be  told 3397 

Not  to  tell  that  a  person  was  blackballed 3398 

Members  should  vote 3399 

Members  must  vote  if  Lodge  refuse  to  excuse 3400 

Application  for  membership  and  vote  of  Noble  Grand 3401 

Payment  of  arrears  entitles  one  to  vote 3402 

Must  ballot  in  case  of  unfavorable  report  of  committee, . .  3403 
When  may  receive  proposition  and  ballot  at  special  meet- 
ing   by    dispensation 3404 

Separate  ballot   for   each   applicant 3405 

May  reconside'r  a  favorable  ballot 3406 

Motion    to    reconsider 3407 

Reconsidering  ballots  and  rules  of  order 3408 

Voting  to   reconsider 3409 

A  new  ballot 3410 

More  balls  or  cubes  cast  than  members  present 3411 

Reballot  and  two  black  balls 3412 

Petition  of  members  for  reballot  illegal 3413 

Elected  to  become  a  member — lapse  of  time — reballot 3414 


Index.  1217 

REBEKAH    BRANCH— Continued,  Section. 

Voting  on  Withdrawal   Card 3415 

Mode   of   voting 3416 

Viva  voce  votes 3417 

Voting  on  reports 3418 

Right  to  vote  in   Rebekah  Assembly 3419 

BENEFITS: 

Rebekah   Lodges  cannot  pay  sick  or  funeral  benefits  or 

expenses    3420 

May    make    charitable    donations 3420 

Sickness — care  and  attention 3421 

As  to  nurses  and  watchers.     See  Nurses  and  Watchers. 

BY-LAWS  OF  REBEKAH  LODGE: 

Changing  the  amount  of  dues 3422 

Approval  of  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates  necessary  3422 

Amendment   not   presented   to   such   committee 3423 

When  By-Laws  of  Rebekah  Lodge  are  in  force 3424 

Motion  to  adopt  By-Laws  of  another  Rebekah  Lodge  till 

Lodge   prepares   its   own 3425 

Noble  Grand  should  enforce  the  By-Laws 3426 

Grand  Lodge  can  grant  power  to  President  of  Rebekah 

Assembly   to   approve 3427 

CARDS: 

May  withhold   Withdrawal   Card   pending   investigation..  3428 

Can    refuse    Withdrawal    Card 3429 

Live  Withdrawal  Card  from  Subordinate  Lodge  and  mem- 
bership in  Rebekah  Lodge 3430 

Holder  of  Withdrawal  Card  from  Subordinate  Lodge  and 

also  from  Rebekah  Lodge 3431 

CARD  PLAYING: 

For  amusement  during  recess  in  Lodge-room 3432 

Should  be  determined  by  each  Lodge 3432 

Not  lawful  to  play  in  ante-room  during  session 3433 

CERTIFICATES:    See  Official  Certificates;  Dismissal  Certifi- 
cates. 

CHARGES:    See  Trials. 

CHARTER   OF   REBEKAH   ASSEMBLY:      See    Rebekah 
Assembly. 

77 


1218  Index. 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Continued.  Section. 

CHARTER  AND  CHARTER  MEMBERS: 

Rebekah  Assembly  and  power  to  charter  Lodges 3434 

Rebekah  Assembly  and  power  to  revoke  charter 3435 

President   of    Rebekah   Assembly   and   power   to    reclaim 

charter   3436 

Surrender  of  charter 3437 

Grand  Lodge  and  number  of  applicants 3438 

Refusal   of   charter   and   membership 3439 

Signing    charter — President    and    Secretary    of    Rebekah 

Assembly   3440 

Certain   consent  necessary  for  new  Lodge 3441 

Consent  to  institution  of  new  Lodge  before  taking  With- 
drawal   Cards 3442 

When  members  may  apply  for  such  consent  of  their  own 

Lodge   i 3443 

Who  must  apply  for  warrant  to  institute 3444 

Withdrawal  Cards  and  certificates  of  resignation 3444 

Initiatory   Degree — charter   member 3445 

Rejected  applicant  and  charter  member 3446 

To  be  charter  member  must  be  present  at  institution 3447 

At  institution  all  charter  members  are  eligible  to  office..  3448 

When  no  Past  Noble  Grand  at  institution 3449 

Any   member    in   good    standing    may    fill     Past    Noble 

Grand's    chair 3449 

Election— Past  Noble  Grand 3450 

To  exemplify  the  secret  work 3451 

Past  Grand  Master  of  another  jurisdiction 3451 

A  sister  as  instituting  officer 3452 

Charter  fee 3453 

Report  of  institution  of  new  Lodge 3454 

D.  D.  G.  M.  who  is  not  a  member  of  a  Rebekah  Lodge. . .   3455 
Charter  refused  to  those  who  fail  to  respect  authority  of 

Grand    Lodge 3456 

Forfeiture  of  charter 3457 

CHILDREN: 

When  excluded  from   Lodge-room 3458 

COMMITTEES: 

Arrearages   for   dues,   does   not    excuse   from   serving   on 

committee   3459 

CONSOLIDATION  OF  LODGES: 

Members   consolidating   into,   not   required   to   sign    Con- 
stitution  3460 

When  Lodge  cannot  consolidate 3461 


Index.  1219 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Con/iMK^d.  Section. 

CONSTITUTIONS: 

Of  Rebekah  Assembly  when  adopted  and  amended 3462 

Affixed   to   this   Digest 3462 

Indexed  under  the  head  Rebekah  Branch 3462 

Of  Rebekah  Lodges  when  adopted  and  amended 3463 

Affixed  to  this   Digest 3463 

Indexed  under  the  head  of  Rebekah  Branch 3463 

CONTEMPT: 

New   trial — accused    fails    to    appear 3464 

Accused  appeared  before  Trial   Committee  and  failed  to 

appear  thereafter 3465 

CONTINGENT  FUND:     See  Funds. 

COUNSEL: 

Before  Trial  Committee,  must  be  an  Odd  Fellow  in  good 

standing    3466 

Before  Trial  Committee  need  not  be  member  of  a  Re- 
bekah   Lodge 3466 

Must  be  member  of  Rebekah  Lodge  to  appear  in  Rebekah 

Lodge  3466 

DEGREES:    See  Rebekah  Degree;  Assembly  Degree. 

DEGREE  STAFF: 

Officers  have  the  right  to  their  positions  upon 3467 

Who    qualified   to   act   on 3468 

Conductor  has  the  right  to  hold  his  position  in 3469 

When    ordered   to   vacate    by    Noble    Grand    and    captain 

of   team 3469 

When  officers  should  surrender  their  collars 3470 

Degree    team    of    Subordinate    Lodge — paraphernalia    or 

robes 3471 

DECISIONS:     See  President  of  Rebekah  Assembly. 

DISMISSAL  CERTIFICATES: 

For  Rebekah  Lodges  sold  as  other  Dismissal  Certificates  3472 

No  ballot  in  granting 3473 

Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  right  to 3474 

Fee   for 3474 

To   whom   issued 3475 

Resignation  and  Dismissal  Certificate 3475 


1220  Index. 

REBEKAH   BRAfiCH—Conttnued.  Section. 

DISPENSATIONS: 

Grand  Master's  power  to  issue  to  Rebekah  Lodges 3476 

May  issue  the  same  as  he  may  issue  to  Sub.  Lodges 3476 

Nomination,  election,  installation — D.  D.   President 3477 

No  dispensation  to  install  one  not  nominated  or  elected. .  3478 

No   dispensation   to   reduce   admission   fee 3480 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  cannot  issue  to  receive  peti- 
tion, ballot  and  initiate  same  evening 3479 

Series  of  socials — dispensation  required  for  each 3481 

Should  be  in  writing 3482 

Requests  for  should  be  in  writing 3482 

District  Deputy  Presidents  cannot  grant  for  joint  installa- 
tion  with   Subordinate   Lodge 3483 

May  grant  to  hold  public  installations 3483 

Grand    Lodge   may   delegate   power   to    President   of   Re- 
bekah Assembly  to  grant 3484 

No  dispensation  to  raffle  a  ring  for  benefit  of  Orphans' 

Home    ■ 3485 

Sale  of  tickets  for  benefit  of  Orphans'  Home 3486 

DISTRICT  DEPUTY  GRAND  MASTER:  See  Officers  of 
Rebekah  Assembly;  Work  of  the  Degree. 

DISTRICT  DEPUTY  PRESIDENT:  See  Officers  of  Re- 
bekah Assembly;  Dispensations;  Installation;  Rebekah 
Degree. 

DUES: 

Are  fixed  by  the  By-Laws  of  Rebekah  Lodges 3487 

Commence  from  date  of  signing  Constitution 3487 

Cannot  be  set  aside  by  motion — fractions  of  months 3487 

When  names  of  members  in  arrears  should  be  read 3488 

Cannot   suspend   member   till   more   than   twelve   months 

in  arrears 3480 

Cannot  suspend  for  non-payment  of  dues  inmate  of  insane 

asylum  3490 

Inmate  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home — dues  and  suspension 3491 

What  laws  of  Sovereign   Grand   Lodge   govern   Rebekah 

Lodge    3492 

All  relating  to  suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues 3492 

FEES: 

No  dispensation  to  reduce  admission  fees 3493 

When  admission  fee  to  be  returned 3494 


Index.  1221 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Continued.  Section. 

FINANCE  COMMITTEE: 

Duty  to  examine  all  bills  and  accounts 3495 

When  minority  report  cannot  be  accepted 3496 

FLAG: 

Rebekah  Lodge  can  purchase  and  use  one 3497 

FUNDS  AND  PROPERTY: 

Rebekah  Lodge  funds  are  trust  funds 3498 

For  relief  of  distress  and  kindred  purposes  mentioned  in 

Rebekah  Code 3498 

Not   proper   to   vote   money   from   its   general    funds    for 

refreshments     3498 

When  entertaining  other  Lodges  or  at  installation 3498 

May  make  such  expenditures  from  its  contingent  fund..   3498 
May  use  general   fund   for  flowers   for   sick   or  deceased 

members    3499 

Nurse  fund  for  sisters 3500 

May  use  funds  to  aid  institution  of  new  Rebekah  Lodge. .   3501 

May  expend   funds   for   robes 3502 

May  pay  bill  for  services  rendered 3503 

May  spend  money  for  Veteran  jewels  for  members 3504 

Cannot  expend  money  for  jewels  for  member  except....  3505 

Cannot  donate  to  Christian   Endeavor  Society 3506 

Cannot    use    its    money    for    present    to    District    Deputy 

President    3507 

When  cannot  make  present  to  Subordinate  Lodge 3508 

Traveling  expenses  of  installing  officers 3509 

Traveling  expenses  of  District  Deputy  President 3509 

Donation  by  Subordinate  Lodge  for  paraphernalia 3510 

When  Subordinate  Lodge  cannot  buy  tickets  for  concert 

or  ball 3510 

May  set  aside  five  per  cent  of  dues  for  special    or    con- 
tingent fund 3511 

When  may  draw  the  five  per  cent  from  general  fund 3512 

Cannot  borrow  from  general  fund  and  transfer  same  to 

contingent  fund 3512a 

Money  from  socials  and  entertainments 3513 

Funds  cannot  be  appropriated  for  a  ball,  supper,  enter- 
tainment  3514,  3515 

Or  party  or  any  other  amusement 3514,  3515 

Special  or  contingent  fund  may  be  used  for  such  purposes  3514 
General  fund  cannot  be  used  for  music  for  a  party 3515 

FUNERAL: 

Proper  badges  for  brothers  and  sisters 3516 


1222  Index. 

REBEKAH   BRANCH-^Conlinued.  Section. 

FUNERAL  BENEFITS  AND  EXPENSES:     See  Benefits. 

GRAND  LODGE: 

Cannot    delegate    entire    control    of    Rebekah    Branch    to 

Rebekah    Assembly 3517 

Meetings  to  exemplify  work 3518 

The  same — member  of  Grand  Lodge 3519 

Degree  of  Rebekah  should  not  be  rehearsed  in 3520 

Those  not  in  possession  of  it,  no  right  to  witness  it....  3520 

GRAND  MASTER: 

His  powers  and  authority  as  to  Rebekah  Lodges 3521 

May  issue  same  dispensations  as  he  may  issue  to  Subor- 
dinate   Lodges 3521 

Possesses    same    powers    as    he    possesses    in    regard    to 

Subordinate  Lodges 3521 

GRAND  REPRESENTATIVES: 

Required  to  report  in  writing  to  Rebekah  Assembly 3522 

Elected   delegate  to   Rebekah  Assembly 3523 

HONORS  OF  THE  DEGREE: 

Given  to   officers   of  the   Rebekah   Assembly   and   Grand 

Lodge  when  visiting  officially  and  when  so  announced  3524 

This  includes  officers  conducting  installations 3524 

WTien  not  visiting  officially  should  not  officially  announce  3524 

Elective  officers  outside  of  their  own  jurisdiction 3525 

District  Deputy  President  when  visiting  officially  entitled 

to    3526 

When  admitting  new  members 3527 

When  may  illustrate  the  same 3527 

HONORS  OF  THE  OFFICE:    See  Officers. 

INITIATION:    See  Rebekah  Degree. 

INSIGNIA: 

A  sister  of  Rebekah  Degree  may  wear  the  Three  Links..  3528 

INSTALLATION: 

May  fill  positions  in,  with  lady  Past  Noble  Grands 3529 

Cases  of  emergency,  who  may  act 3530 

Installing  officers  should  be  Past  Noble  Grands 3531 

Escorts  and  minor  officers  need  not  be 3531 

Cannot  install  officers  before  first  regular  meeting  of  term  3532 

Duty  of  District  Deputy  President 3533 


Index.  1223 

REBEKAH    BRANCU—Continued.  Section. 

When   Past  Grand  may  install 3535 

When  officers  not  elected 3534 

District  Deputy  President  may  cause  Lodge  to  nominate 

and    elect 3534 

After  which  she  may  install  them 3534 

When  Past  Grand  or  Past  Noble  Grand  may  install 3536 

When   District   Deputy  President  absent 3536 

Past   Noble   Grands 3537 

Member  in  arrears  for  dues  cannot  be  installed 3538 

When  Noble  Grand-elect  absent 3539 

Who  may  be  present  at 3540 

District   Deputy  President   cannot   grant   dispensation   to 

install  one  not  nominated  or  elected 3541 

Such  action  is  inexcusable 3541 

When  member  not  qualified  or  eligible  elected  to  office..   3542 

District  Deputy  should  not  install  him  or  her 3543 

Joint  installation — Subordinate  Lodge — Rebekah  Lodge..  3543 

Charges  and   installation  of  Vice-Grand 3544 

Vice-Grand  must  know  unwritten   work 3545 

Unwritten  work  and  the  charge  of  office 3546 

Deputy  not  to  install  one  who   has  not  committed   the 

same    to    memory 3546 

Examination  as  to  work — Past  Noble  Grand 3547 

Traveling  expenses   of  installing  officers 3548 

Traveling  expenses  of  District  Deputy  President 3548 

Installation   in   Subordinate    Lodge 3549 

Rebekah   Lodge  not  subject  to   Constitution  of  Subordi- 
nate      3550 

As  to  dispensations.     See  Dispensations. 
As  to   District   Deputy   President.     See    District   Deputy 
President  under  the  head  of  Officers. 

INSTITUTION:    See  Charter. 

JEWELS: 

Of  Past  President  of  Rebekah  Assembly 3551 

Rebekah  Veteran  jewel,  who  entitled  thereto 3552 

Rebekah  Veteran  jewel 3553 

Grand  Secretary  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  sells  on  order 

of  Secretary  of   Rebekah   Assembly 3554 

Sister  cannot  wear  or  own  District  Deputy  Grand  Mas- 
ter's jewel 3555 

As  to  funds.     See  Funds. 

LIQUORS:    Sec    Membership. 


1224  Index. 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Continued.  Section. 

LOTTERY: 

Unlawful  for  Rebekah  Lodge  to  hold  a  raffle 3556 

MARRIAGE:     See  Name;  Membership. 
MEETINGS:     See  Rebekah  Lodge. 

MEMBERSHIP: 

Person  may  be  proposed  for  membership  by  a  member 

of  another   Rebekah   Lodge 3557 

Report  of  Investigating  Committee — names  of  committee  3558 

Discharge    of    Investigating    Committee 3559 

Favorable  ballot  when   committee   reports  unfavorably. .  3560 

Unfavorable  report,  Lodge  must  ballot 3560 

Residence  of  applicant 3561 

Residence  of  brother 3562 

Time    or   duration    of    residence 3563 

Resident  of  another  State 3564 

Wives  of  Odd  Fellows  white  women 3565 

A  wife  under  eighteen  years  of  age 3566 

Age  of  candidates  for  membership 3567 

The    eighteen-year-age    limit 3568 

When    unmarried    woman    eligible 3569 

When  black  balling  an  unmarried  woman  is  an  oflFense..  3684 

Certificate  of  relationship  from  unmarried  women 3570 

A  widow  eligible .• 3571,  3572 

Grass   widow   ineligible 3573 

When  wife  of  non-Odd  Fellow  ineligible 3574 

Divorced  woman 3575 

When  wife  of  Odd  Fellow  living  separate  from  husband 

is   eligible 3576 

Daughter,  sister  and  mother  of  Odd  Fellow 3577 

Legally  adopted  daughter  of  Odd  Fellow 3578 

Stepmother  of  Odd  Fellow 3579 

A    married    stepdaughter 3580 

A  wife  a  halfbreed   Indian 3581 

Daughter  of  saloon-keeper 3582 

Saloon  business  prior  to  September  18,  1895 3583 

A  saloon-keeper — a  bar-keeper 3584 

Brother  of  the  Initiatory  Degree 3585 

One  who  received  degree  married  a  non-Odd  Fellow 3586 

Expelled    members 3587 

Suspended  or  expelled  and   Dismissal   Certificate 3588 

How  reinstated 3588 

When  wife  of  expelled  member  ineligible 3589 


Index.  1 225 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Con/imm^-^.  Section. 

Expelled  member  to  regain  membership 3590 

How  members  of  defunct   Lodges   may  regain   member- 
ship   806  to     810 

Holder  of  Grand  Lodge  Card 3592 

Wife  of  Odd  Fellow  holding  unexpired  or  expired  With- 
drawal Card 3593 

A  sister  holding  expired  Withdrawal  Card 3594 

Lady    holding    expired    or    unexpired    Withdrawal    Card, 

marries    3595 

Expired  Withdrawal  Card— defunct  Lodge 3596 

Elxpired  Withdrawal  Cards  of  husband  and  wife 3597 

Withdrawal  Cards  from  Subordinate  and  Rebekah  Lodges  3598 
Wife  and  husband  hold  Withdrawal  Cards  from  Rebekah 

Lodge 3599 

Eligibility  of  husband  and  wife  when  husiband's  Subordi- 
nate   Lodge    becomes    defunct 3600 

Wife — husband — Subordinate  Lodge  refused  charter 3601 

Wife  of  a  suspended  member 3602 

By  deposit  of  card 3603 

By  deposit  of  card  when  card  lost 3604 

Introducing   members   by   card 3605 

Visiting  Card — official  certificate 3606 

New  law  of  transfer  of  membership  by  card 3607 

Does  not  apply  to  Rebekah  Branch  or  Rebekah  Lodges. . .   3607 

Visiting  Card Note  to  1889,  3608 

A  brother  an  applicant  and  certificate  of  good  standing..   3609 

Certificate  of  good  standing — official  receipt 3610 

Certificate  of  good  standing — Withdrawal  Card 3611 

Wife    an    applicant    and    certificate    of    husband's    good 

standing    3612 

Wife  of  member  of  Rebekah  Lodge — certificate 3613 

Reinstating  suspended  sister — certificate 3614 

Applicant  who  did  not  sign  thie  application  for  member- 
ship      3615 

Candidate  must  present  petition 3616 

Applicant  without  proper  certificate  rejected 3617 

Such  rejected  applicant  cannot  renew  his  application  for 

six    months    3618 

Rejected  applicant  cannot  apply  again  within  six  months. .  3619 

Rejected  applicant  and  charter  member  of  new  Lodge 3620 

Refusal  to  reinstate 3621 

Application  to  another  Lodge  upon  Dismissal  Certificate.  3621 
Persons    elected   must    present    themselves   for   initiation 

within  a  reasonable  time 3622 

Elected   applicant — lapse   of   time — reballot 3623 


122G  Index. 

REBEKAH   BRANCH^Continucd.  Section. 

Elected  applicant — return  of  initiation  fee 3624 

Initiation   fee   returned 3625 

Illegally  initiated 3625a 

A  member  illegally  joins  another  Lodge 3626 

Sister  illegally  initiated 3627 

A  lady  ineligible  initiated 3628 

Standing  of  husband  and  wife's  standing 3629 

A  sister  marries  a  non-Odd  Fellow 3630 

A  sister's  rights  to  office  and  membership — husband....  3631 

Brother's   Withdrawal    Cards   and   membership 3632,3633 

A  brother's  standing  in  the  Rebekah  Lodge 3634 

Withdrawal  Card — dues — suspension 3635 

Expelled  or  suspended  in  Subordinate  Lodge 3636 

When  brother  suspended  for  a  year  for  cause 3637 

Suspended  for  cause  in  Subordinate  Lodge 3638 

Resigns  from  Subordinate  Lodge 3639 

Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  in  Subordinate  Lodge 

— reinstatement  3640 

Husband  suspended  by  Rebekah  Lodge — wife 3641 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  laws  relating  to  reinstatement..  3642 

By-Laws  and  terms  of  reinstatement 3643 

Grand  Lodge's  control  of  the  question  1914,  1915 

Reinstatement  within  one  year 3645 

Amount  of  dues  to  be  paid  to  be  reinstated 3646 

Introduction — reinstatement    3647 

When  cannot  refuse  to  reinstate 3648 

A  sister  who  marries   a  non-Odd   Fellow  and   thereafter 

suspended — reinstated  3649 

Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues — marries — reinstated  3650 

Husband  and  wife  suspended  by  Rebekah  Lodge 3651 

Wife   restored    to    membership 3651 

Husband  suspended  by  Subordinate  Lodge 3652 

Wife   suspended — ^wife   reinstated 3652 

How  suspended  member  may  join  another  Lodge 3653 

Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues — initiation 3654 

Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues,  initiation  and  election 

to  office 3655 

Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  and  initiation 3656 

Members  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  and  mem- 
bers of  defunct  Lodge 3657 

Lodge  may  refuse  to  reinstate  expelled  member 3658 

May  resign  without  taking  Withdrawal  Card 3659 

No  cancelling  of  membership  by  erasing  name 3660 

Resignation  must  be  in  writing — no  expense 3661 

Certificate  of  resignation 3663 


Index.  1227 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Continued.  Section. 

When  must  accept  resignation 3663 

Cannot  be  compelled  to  apply  for  Dismissal   Certificate 

or  card 3663 

Entitled  to  certificate  of  resignation  without  charge 3663 

May  resign  before  applying  for  Withdrawal  Card 3664 

May  apply  for  membership  after  resignation 3665 

Resigned  member  how  readmitted 3666 

Resigned  member  applying  for  admission  to  same  Lodge.   3667 

Members  of  Lodge  whose  charter  was  arrested 3668 

Receiving   proposition,   acting  on   report   or   balloting   at 

special  meeting 3404 

Former  member  on  again  becoming  a  member  must  sign 

the    Constitution 3670 

No  "non-beneficial  members"  in  Rebekah  Branch 3671 

MINUTES  AND  RECORDS: 

Keeping  minutes  on  slips  of  paper — approval 3672 

Must  not  be  mutilated  or  torn 3673 

Reading  and  admission  to  Lodge 3674 

NAME  OF  LODGE: 

The  name  of  a  living  person  not  to  be  chosen 3675 

Neither  Christian  or  surname 3675 

NAME  OF  A  SISTER: 

Change  of  name  by  marriage — duty  of  Secretary 3676 

NEWSPAPERS: 

Lodge  may  use  contingent  fund  for  fraternal  paper  for 

each  of  its  members 3677 

Fraternal   Press — Grand   Lodge 3678 

NURSES  AND  WATCHERS: 

Rebekah  Lodge  may  provide  for  nurse  fund  for  sisters..  3679 

When  a  sister  becomes  in  arrears  for  dues 3680 

Attentive   benefits 3681 

Hiring  a  nurse  or  watcher  for  a  sister 3682 

Subordinate  Lodge  and  sick  sister 3683 

OFFENSES: 

When  an  oflfense  to  blackball  an  unmarried  woman 3684 

Threats  to  blackball  an  unmarried  woman  not  related  to 

an  Odd  Fellow 3685 

Statement  as  to  intent  to  blackball  candidate 3686 

Conspiracy  to  blackball  applicants 3687 

Casting  two  blackballs  at  one  balloting 3688 


1228  Index. 

REBEKAH   BRAfiCH— Continued.  Section. 

Noble  and  Vice-Grand  and  secrecy  of  the  ballot 3689 

Slander 3690 

Noble  Grand  declaring  rejected  applicant  elected 3691 

Improperly  obtaining  password 3692 

OFFICERS  OF  REBEKAH  ASSEMBLY: 

President's  duty  as  to  questions  of  law  and  usage 3796 

To  report  her  decisions  to  Grand  Master 3796 

Honors  as  Past  President,  when  entitled  to 3694 

Right  to  hold  office 3695 

When    Rebekah    Assembly   may    provide   that   only    Past 

Noble  Grand  and  Past  Grand  may  hold  office 3695 

District  Deputies — Lady  Past  Noble  Grands 3696 

District  Deputies — ^^President  of  Rebekah  Assembly 3697 

Titk  of  District  Deputy^  appointed  by  President 3698 

District  Deputy — Past  Grand 3699 

District  Deputy  Presidents — Rebekah  Assembly. 3700 

District  Deputy  and  Withdrawal  Card 3701 

Expenses  of  District  Deputy 3702 

Expenses  of  District  Deputy  attending  installation 3703 

Decision   of   District    Deputy 3704 

District  Deputy  President  and  Lodge  seal 3705 

Resignation  of  Noble  and  Vice-Grand 3706 

District   Deputy   President   cannot   in   such   case   as   such 

take    the    chair 3706 

Officers  of  Rebekah  Assembly  may  hold  offioe  in  Rebekah 

Lodge    3707 

Same   person   may  hold  office   of  Secretary  and   District 

Deputy  3708 

Right  of  elective  officers  to  introduce  visitors  from  another 

jurisdiction    3899 

As  to  Orphans'  Home.     See  Orphans'  Home 2481 

Secretary  of  Rebekah  Assembly  is  Secretary  of  Trustees 

Orphans'  Home  (Rule  8),  page  633. 
Duties  as  such  (Rule  10),  page  633. 
Treasurer  of  Rebekah  Assembly  is  Treasurer  of  Trustees 

Orphans'  Home   (Rule  8),  page^  633. 
Duties  of  (Rule  11),  page  633. 

OFFICERS  OF  REBEKAH  LODGE: 

When  officers  not  elected 3710 

District  Deputy  President  may  cause  their  election 3710 

And  then  install  them 3710 

Officers  must  be  elected  each  term 3711 

New  Lodge — election  of  officers 3712 


Index.  1229 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— CoM^mu^d.  Section. 

Only  members  o£  the  Lodge  can  be  elected  or  appointed  to 

office    3713 

An  absent  elective  officer  cannot  select  a  member  to  act 

for  him  or  her 3714 

Duty  of   Noble   Grand    3714 

Vice-Grand  for  remainder  of  term — election 3715 

When   all   nominees   have   declined 3716 

Nominee   may  vote 3717 

A  member  not  present  may  be  nominated 3718 

Unless  By-Laws  provide  otherwise 3718 

A  member  not  present  may  be  elected 3719 

Unless  By-Laws  provide  otherwise 3720 

Member   may   decline   nomination 3721 

Arrears  for  dues  and  office 3722 

Eligibility  to  office  in  new  Lodge 3723 

First  term  of  new  Lodge — Past  Noble  Grand's  chair 3724 

At   institution   when   no    Past   Noble   Grand   present   any 

member  in  good  standing  may  fill  Past  Noble  Grand's 

chair 3724 

At  institution  of  new  Lodge  cannot  elect  to  office  of  Past 

Noble  Grand 3725 

Past  Noble  Grand — first  term  of  Lodge — Vice-Grand 3726 

Past  Noble  Grand  not  an  officer 3727 

Past  Vice-Grand  of  any  Lodge  eligible  to  Noble  Grand..  3728 
Vice-Grand  for  unexpired  term  and  honors  of  office....  3729 
Service  of  Vice-Grand — residing  at  distance  from  Lodge. .  3730 

Election  of  Noble  Grand  from  floor 3731 

Dispensation  to  elect  when  all  qualified  refuse  to  serve 3732 

Past    Vice-Grand    in    nomination — An    ineligible    member 

elected 3733 

Service  in  an  appointive  office  in  any  Lodge 3734 

An  appointed  officer  must  be  installed 3735 

To  qualify  for  elective  office 3735 

Junior   Past    Noble    Grand    may   hold   office   of    Financial 

Secretary 3736 

Officers  of  Rebekah  Assembly  may  hold  office  in  Rebekah 

Lodge 3737 

District  Deputy  can  hold  office  of  Recording  Secretary..   3738 

Service  required  for  honors  of  Past  Noble  Grand 3739 

When  Noble  Grand  becomes  Past  Noble  Grand 3740 

Past  Noble  Grand  and  installation 3741 

Re-election  as  Noble  Grand 3742 

Insufficient  service  as  Noble  Grand 3743,  3744 

Honors  of  office  and  not  signing  the  Constitution 3745 

Majority  of  meeting  nights  of  a  term 3746 


1230  Index. 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Continued.  Section. 

Sickness  when  an  excuse  for  absence 3747 

Absence  at  roll  call  and  honors  of  office 3748 

Noble  Grand  who  served  except  last  two  meeting  nights  3749 

Noble  Grand  absent  the  last  of  the  term 3750 

Elected  to  fill  a  vacancy  and  honors  of  Past  Noble  Grand  3751 

When  Lodge  becomes  defunct  during  term 3752 

Minutes  failing  to  show  sickness  was  excused 3753 

Meetings   prohibited   by  government    3754 

Absence  of  officer  and  vacancy 3755 

Who  should  preside 3756 

When  duty  of  Vice-Grand  to  preside 3757 

Scene  Supporter,  Altar  Bearer,  Banner  Bearer 3758 

Altar   Supporter 3759 

Salary  of   Outside   Guardian 3760 

Notice  when  brother  joins  Rebekah  Lodge 3761 

Duty  of  Recording  Secretary  of  Subordinate  Lodge 3761 

Not  subject  to  Constitution  of  Subordinates 3762 

OFFICIAL  CERTIFICATE: 

Must  be  used 3763 

Illegal  to  use  rubber  stamp  in  signing  name 3764 

Noble  Grand  must  sign  and  seal  be  affixed 3765 

Husband  and  wife — Separate  official  certificate 3766 

Not  necessary  to  have  order  for  password  in  addition  to 

official    certificate 3767 

Used  in  lieu  of  Visiting  Card 3768 

When  dues  paid  to  a  date  later  than  when  it  is  presented. .  3768 
Password  when  holders  of,  entitled  to  semi-annual  pass- 
word     3791 

When  entitled  to  annual  password 3791 

ORGANIST:     See  Pianist. 

ORPHANS:     See  Orphans'  Home,  Sections  2481,  2483. 

PARAPHERNALIA:     See  Work  of  the  Degree. 

PASSWORDS: 

At   opening  of  Lodge — Noble   Grand — Warden 3770 

Noble  Grand  gives  password  to  Warden 3770 

•What   passwords   required   upon  opening 3771 

When  Conductor  may  assist  Warden  in  taking  up 3772 

Noble  Grand  may  give  password  outside  of  Lodge-room..  3773 

Noble  Grand's   power  to  communicate 3774 

Duty  of  Noble  Grand  to  communicate  passwords 3775 

When  Noble  Grand  may  delegate  power  to  communicate  3775 


Index.  1231 

REBEKAH    BRANCH— Continued.                                             Section. 
When  Noble  Grand  may  authorize  password  to  be  com- 
municated     3776 

Password  and  arrears 3777 

VJce-Grand  and  password 3778 

Noble  Grand  out  of  jurisdiction — Vice-Grand's  power 3779 

Password  burt  no  installation 3780 

Not   compelled    to    receive    password 3781 

One  may  enter  or  sit  in  his  or  her  Lodge  without  it 3782 

When  annual  password  given  by  Noble  Grand 3783 

How  annual   password   communicated 3784 

Noble  Grand  must  personally  communicate  it  to  visitors. .  3785 

Passwords  in  Rebekah  Lodges 3786 

Proper  password — Withdrawal  Card  and  visiting 3787 

When  order  for  password   required 3787 

Withdrawal  Card  and  password 3788 

Annual    traveling    password 3789 

Orders  for  annual  and  semi-annual  passwords  for  Rebekah 

Lodges  3790 

Forms    therefor — Form    Nos.    17    and    18    affixed    to    this 

Digest  3790 

Annual  password,  semi-annual  password 3791 

Official  certificates  and  Visiting  Cards \  . .   3791 

When  Noble  Grand  may  communicate  password  on  Vis- 
iting Card 3791 

When  on  official  certificate 3791 

District  Deputy  cannot  give  to  visitors 3792 

He  can  give  to  proper  officers  at  installation 3792 

PAST  GRANDS:     See  Rebekah  Lodge;  Officers  of  Rebekah 
Assembly. 
Rank  in   Rebekah   Lodge 3793 

PAST  NOBLE  GRAND:     See  Officers  of  Rebekah  Lodge; 
Officers  of  Rebekah  Assembly. 

PAST  NOBLE  GRAND'S  CHARGE:     See  Rebekah  Degree. 

PRESIDENT  OF  REBEKAH  ASSEMBLY:   See  Questions; 
Officers  of  Rebekah  Assembly. 

PIANIST: 

Salary  of  Organist  or   Pianist 3794 

Lodge  may  engage  a  member  of  another  Lodge 3795 

May  place  her  name  on  the  roll-book 3795 

Pianist  is  not  an  officer  of  the  Lodge 3795 


1232  Index. 

REBEKAH    BRANCH— Continued..  Section. 

QUESTIONS: 

Questions    to    and    decisions    by    President    of     Rebekah 

Assembly 3796 

Must  be  submitted  to  such  President  in  writing  and  under 

seal  of  Lodge 3796 

Does  not  apply  to  the  work  of  Rebekah  Branch 3796 

President  must  report  her  decisions  to  Grand  Master 3796 

Grand  Master  must  embody  his  decisions  thereon  in  his 

annual  report 3796 

QUORUM:     See  Rebekah  Lodge. 

RAFFLES:     See  Lottery. 

RECONSIDERATION:     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 

REBEKAH  ASSEMBLY:     See  Assembly  Degree. 

Charter,  institution,  etc 3797 

Past  officers  of  Rebekah  State  Convention 3797 

Only  authorized  Rebekah  Grand  Body 3798 

Legislative  work  and  voting  for  officers 3799 

Who  entitled  to  take  part  in  legislative  work 3799 

Who  entitled  to  vote 3799 

Its  authority  over  Rebekah  Lodges 3800 

Grand  Master  and  official  visits 3801 

Who  may  be  members  thereof 3802 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  prescribes  form  of  charter 3803 

REBEKAH  DEGREE:     See  Work  of  the  Order. 

An   integral  part  of  Odd   Fellowship 3804 

Must  be  conferred  in  Lodge  electing  candidate 3805 

Resident  of  another  jurisdiction 3806 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 

Cannot  authorize  another  Lodge  to  confer 3807 

Special  meeting  may  be  called  to  initiate 3808 

When  former  member  may  be  initiated 3809 

A  deaf  person 3810 

Robes  must  be  worn  during  initiation 3811 

When  team  wear  white  dresses  must  wear  regalia 3811 

Brother    entering    for    initiation    must    wear    Subordinate 

Lodge  regalia 3812 

Brother  and  initiatory  work 3813 

Vice-Grand's    charge    must    be    given    at    initiation    of    a 

brother  3814 

Optional  to  read  or  recite  obligation 3815 

Obligation  by  whom  administered 3816 


Index.  1233 

REBEKAH   BHANCK— Continued.  Section. 

Instructions   how  to  enter  Lodge 3817 

New  Lodge  and  Past  Noble  Grand's  charge 3818 

When  at  institution  no  Past  Noble  Grand  present 3818 

When  any  member  in  good  standing  may  fill  Past  Noble 

Grand's    chair 3818 

After  first  term — Past  Noble  Grand's  charge 3819 

Who  may  deliver  Past  Noble  Grand's  charge 3820 

A  qualified  past  officer  may  confer  the  degree 3821 

When  Noble  Grand  absent 3822 

Officers    at    initiation 3823 

When    initiation    complete 3824 

German  Lodge  may  give  degree  in  English 3825 

REBEKAH  LODGE: 

An   independent   organization 3826 

Rebekah   Lodge  the   proper  title 3827 

Rebekah  Lodge  not  called  a  Subordinate  Lodge 3828 

When    special    meetings,    illegal 3829 

Can  only  transact  at  special  meetings  certain  business...  3830 

Meetings — Past  Grands  and  presiding  officers 3831 

Who  has  charge  of  the  door 3832 

Admission  wi-thout  term  word 3833 

Addressing    the    chair 3834 

RECESS: 

Resolution  not  to  allow  any  one  not  a  Rebekah  to  enter 

during    3835 

Sisters  admitted  to  Subordinate  Lodge 3835 

REGALIA: 

Brothers   and   sisters   regalia 3837 

Floral  bouquets  in  lieu  of  regalia 3838 

Encampment    regalia 3839 

Regalia   of   brothers 3840 

A  brother  an  officer  and  regalia 3841 

Noble  Grand  of  Rebekah  Lodge  and  Suibordinate  Lodge 

regalia    3842 

Sister  Noble  Grand  and  regalia  of  Noble  Grand  of  Sub- 
ordinate Lodge 3843 

Noble   Grand  of  Subordinate   Lodge 3844 

Sister  Past  Noble  Grand  and  Pasit  Grand  collar 3845 

One  cannot  vote  unless  in  regalia 3846 

Regalia  locked  in   wardrobe 3847 

Officers  must  wear  their  regalia 3847 

Rebekah    Assembly   and    regalia 3848 

Lodge  may  make  its  own  regalia 3849 

78 


1234  Indkx. 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Continued.  Section. 

REINSTATEMENT:     See   Membership. 

REJECTIONS:     See   Membership. 

REPORTS  AND  RETURNS: 

When  annual  and  semi-annual  reports  to  be  adopted 3850 

Failure  to  make  returns — Grand  Lodge — Penalty 3851 

Blank  forms  for  reports 3852 

RESIGNATION:     See  Membership. 

RITUALS: 

Cannot  be  taken  from  Lodge-room  even  for  binding 3853 

Rebekah  rituals  for  Rebekah  Lodges  only 3854 

Canno<t  use  Encampment  ritual  in  Rebekah  Lodge 3855 

Grand  Warden  and  Rebekah  ritual 3856 

SEAL: 

What  designation  should  bear 3857 

District  Deputy  President  cannot  use  Lodge  seal 3858 

SECRET  WORK:     See  Work  of  the  Degree. 

SEMI-ANNUAL  PASSWORD:     See  Passwords. 

SESSION:     See  Rebekah  Lodge;  Assembly  Degree. 

SOCIAL  COMMITTEE: 

When  may  or  may  not  incur  debt 3859 

SPECIAL  FUND:     See  Funds. 

SPECIAL    SESSION    OF    REBEKAH    ASSEMBLY:     See 

Assembly  Degree. 

SUPPLIES: 

Secretary    of    Rebekah    Assembly    may    purchase    direct 

from  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  Secretary 3860 

Schedule  of  prices   for  supplies 3861 

Order  for  supplies  should  be  under  seal 3861 

Secretary  cannot  sell  or  fill  orders  except  on  receipt  of 

money 3861 

TERMS: 

Meetings  semi-monthly  and  six  months'  term 3862 

When    seven    meetings    constitute   majority   of    meetings 

of  term 3862 


Index.  1235 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Continued.  Section. 

TRIALS: 

May  try  a  brother  or  sister 3863 

Under  charges  in  Subordinate  and  Rebekah  Lodges 3864 

Charges  of  altering  a  Treasurer's  receipt 3865 

Slander  by  accusing  of  theft 3866 

Venue   in   charges 3867 

Venue  and  circumstances 3868 

Frivolous  charges 3869 

One  who  has  resigned  cannot  prefer  charges 3870 

Request  to  withdraw  charges — Motion 3871 

Lodge's  duty  when  charges  preferred 3872 

Appointment  of  Trial   Committee — Noble  Grand  disqual- 
ified    3873 

Filling  a  vacancy  in  Trial   Committee — Vice-Grand 3874 

Objections  to  Trial   Committee  and   examination........  3875 

When   charges   preferred   by   Noble    Grand 3876 

When   charges  preferred  against   Noble   Grand 3877 

New  Trial   Committee — Members  of  former  committee..  3878 

Witnesses  obligated  or  sworn 3879 

All  the  Trial   Committee  must  act 3880 

Reading  over  and  signing  testimony ; 3881 

Wife    as    witness — Cross-examination 3882 

Testimony  by  questions  and   answers 3883 

All  questions  and  answers  must  be  taken  down 3884 

Testimony  and   proceedings  in  trial — Minutes 3885 

Trial   Committee  must  keep  full  minutes 3886 

Absence  of  accuser  from  trial 3887 

Notice  of  filing  report  and  exceptions 3888 

Verdict  of  acquittal   by  Trial    Committee   and   new   com- 
mittee    3889 

Motion  to  accept  a  report 3890 

Lodge  must  pronounce  its  judgment — Bill  of  exceptions..  3891 

Lodge  must  pronounce  judgment — No  bill  of  exceptions..  3892 

TRUSTEES:     See  Orphans'  Home,  Sections  2481,  2483. 

TRUSTEES  OF  REBEKAH  LODGE: 

Election  of  Trustees   for  different   terms 3893 

When  no  By-Laws  provide  for  Trustees 3894 

UNWRITTEN  WORK:     See  Work  of  Rebekah  Degree. 

VISITATION:     See  Honors  of  the  Degree. 

VISITORS  AND  VISITING: 

Committee  to  examine  visitors  and  annual  password 3895 

Brother  suspended   from  Subordinate   Lodge 3896 


1236  Index. 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Continued.  Section. 

Withdrawal   Card  and  annual  password 3897 

Withdrawal  Card  and  proper  password 3898 

Right  to  introduce  visitors  from  another  jurisdiction 3899 

Grand  Representatives  and  elective  officers  of  the  Grand 

Lodge    3899 

Elective  officers  of  Rebekah  Assembly 3899 

May  introduce  visitors  within  their  own  jurisdictions 3899 

Grand  Representative  and  elective  officer  of  Grand  Lodge 

must  be  members  of  Rebekah  Lodge 3900 

Elective  officer  and  non-member  of  Rebekah  Lodge 3901 

VISITING  CARD:     See  Cards. 

VOTE  AND  VOTING:     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 

WATCHERS  AND  WATCHING  WITH  THE  SICK:     See 

Nurses  and  Watchers. 

WITHDRAWAL  CARDS:     See  Cards. 
WITNESSES:     See  Trials. 

WORK  OF  REBEKAH  DEGREE: 

No  deviations  from  ritual  permitted 3902 

Additional  robes 3903 

Who  may  impart  instruction  in  secret  work 3904 

Grand  Master,  Deputy  and  Noble  Grand 3904 

Delegate   to    Rebekah   Assembly   cannot 3904 

Assisting  officer  to  become  proficient  in  secret  work 3905 

District  Deputy  of  Subordinate  Lodge — Past  Grands....  3906 
Paraphernalia  of  secret  work  cannot  be  worn  on  public 

anniversary    3907 

Costumes,  robes,  exhibitions  and  photographs 3908 

Exhibition  drill  in  costumes 3908 

Nor  use  costumes  in  public  exhibition 3908 

Nor  photographs  of  stafif  in  robes  and  costumes 3908,  3909 

Nor  sell  such  photographs   3908 

Robes  or  costumes  not  worn  in  public 3910 

Nor  worn  at  public  entertainment 3910 

No  dispensation  to  wear  robes  in  public 3911 

Exemplification  of  work 3912 

Rebekah   Assembly  may  provide  for 3912 

Work  not  issued  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 3913 

Gross   violation   of  law   to   have   work  not   so   issued  by 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 3fil3 

Spurious  degree 3914 

Mock   initiation 3915 


Index.  1237 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Continued..  Section. 

Floor  work  what  Lodge  may  use 3916 

The  unwritten  work  of  Rebekah  Degree 3917 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  now  prints  with  illustrations 3917 

And  sells  the  same  to  Secretary  of  Rebekah  Assembly...   3917 

Staff  or  team 3467  to  3471 

Rituals,  diplomas,  ode  cards,  ode  books.     See  Supplies. 

Cards  and  Dismissal  Certificates.     See  Supplies. 

Rebekah  funeral  ceremony.     See  Supplies. 

California  beautified  work.     See  Supplies. 

Roll  book  of  officers.     See  Supplies. 

Proposition    for    membership    and    orders    for    password. 

See  Supplies. 
Visitor's   register  and   Constitutions.     See   Supplies. 
Cipher  key  and  floor  work  and  other  supplies.     See  Supplies. 

3.    Constitution  of  Rebekah  Lodges. 

It  is  affixed  to  this  Digest,  page  982. 

When  adopted  and  when  amended 3463 

Preamble  and  objects  and  purposes  of  Rebekah  Lodges, 

page  982. 
Name,  number  and  charter  (Art.  I),  page  982. 
To  surrender  charter  or  dissolve  (Art.  I),  page  982. 
Quorum  (Art.  I),  page  983. 

Above  requirements  apply  to  both  sexes  (Art.  I),  page  983. 
Powers  and  privileges  of  (Art.  II),  page  983. 
To  confer  degree  (Art.  II),  page  983, 
To  elect  and  appoint  officers  (Art.  II),  page  983. 
To  fix  and  establish  fees  and  dues  (Art.  II),  page  983. 
To  pay  and  disburse  funds  (Art.  II),  page  983. 
To  establish  By-Laws  (Art.  II),  page  983. 
To  try  charges  (Art.  II),  page  983. 
Membership  (Art.  Ill),  page  984. 
Who  eligible  to  (Art.  Ill),  page  984. 
How  proposed  (Sec.  2),  page  984. 
Residence  (Sec.  2),  page  984. 
Proposition  for  merrtbership  (Sec.  3),  page  984. 
Reference  to  committee  and  report  (Sec.  3),  page  984. 
Ballot,  election  and  rejection  (Sec.  3),  page  984. 
Applicant  by  deposit  of  card  (Clause  2),  page  985. 
Admission  fee  (Clause  3),  page  985. 
Reconsideration  of  favorable  ballot  (Sec.  4),  page  985. 
Reconsideration  of  unfavorable  ballot   (Sec.  4),  page  985. 
Rejection  and  renewal  of  application  (Sec.  5),  page  986. 
Signing  the  Constitution  and  promise  (Sec.  6),  page  986. 
Instruction  of  Noble  Grand  before  ballot  (Sec.  6),  page  986. 


1238  Index. 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Continued,  Section. 

Elective  and  appointed  officers  (Art.  IV,  Sec.  1),  page  986. 
Eligibility    to    Noble    Grand    and    Vice-Grand    (Sec.    2), 

page  986. 
Honors  of  office  and  service  (Sec.  3),  page  987. 
Terms  of  officers  (Sec.  4),  page  987. 
Officers  when  must  be  clear  of  pecuniary  charges   (Sec. 

5),  page  987. 
Nominations   (Sec.  6),  page  987. 

Election  of  officers  and  installation  (Sec.  7),  page  987. 
Absence  of  officers  and  removal  (Sec.  8),  page  987. 
Vacancies,  how  filled  (Sec.  9),  page  988. 
Representatives  and  election  (Sec.  10),  page  988. 
Duties  of  various  officers  (Sec.  11),  page  988. 
Duties  of  Noble  Grand  (Art.  V),  page  988. 
To  preside  (Art.  V),  page  988. 
To  decide  questions  of  order  (Art.  V),  page  988. 
To  give  casting  vote  (Art.  V),  page  989. 
To  inspect  ballot-box  and  ballots,  etc,  (Art.  V),  page  989. 
To  sign  certificates  and  notices  (Art.  V),  page  989. 
To  appoint  certain  officers  (Art.  V),  page  989. 
To    appoint    standing    and    other    committees    (Art.    V), 

page  989. 
To  visit  sick  sister  (Art.  V),  page  989. 
As  to  funeral  (Art.  V),  page  989. 
To  appoint  Finance  Committee  (Art.  V),  page  989. 
To  perform  other  duties  (Art.  V),  page  989. 
To   appoint   majority   of    committees    on    candidates    and 

charges    (Art.  V),  page  990. 
Duties  of  Vice-Grand  (Sec.  2),  page  990. 
To  assist  Noble  Grand  (Sec.  2),  page  990. 
To  examine  and  inspect  ballot-box  and  ballots   (Sec.  2), 

page  990. 
To  preside  in  absence  of  Noble  Grand  (Sec.  2),  page  990. 
To  visit  sick  sister  (Sec.  2),  page  990. 
To  perform  other  duties  (Sec.  2),  page  990. 
To  perform  duties  of  Noble  Grand  when  (Sec.  2),  page 

990. 
Duties  oi  Recording  Secretary  (Sec.  3),  page  990. 
To  keep  accurate  minutes  (Sec.  3),  page  990. 
To  endorse  and  file  papers  (Sec.  3),  page  990. 
To   sign   and   attest   cards,   certificates,   drafts,   etc.    (Sec. 

3),  page  990. 
To  number  and  file  communications  (Sec.  3),  page  991. 
To  enter  abstract  and  numbers  thereof  (Sec.  3),  page  991. 
i        To  make  out  term  and  relief  reports  (Sec.  3),  page  991. 


Index.  1239 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Continued.  Section. 

To  indorse  propositions  for  membership  (Sec.  3),  page  991. 
To  notify  applicants  of  election  (Sec.  3),  page  991. 
To  keep  roll  of  members  (Sec.  3),  page  991. 
To    send    notices    of   suspensions,    expulsions,    rejections, 

reinstatements  (Sec.  3),  page  991. 
To  send  notices  to  Subordinate  Lodge  (Sec.  3),  page  991. 
To  perform  other  duties  (Sec.  3),  page  991. 
Compensation  (Sec.  3),  page  991. 
Financial  Secretary  (Sec.  4),  page  991. 
Duties  of  (Sec.  4),  pages  991,  992. 
To  keep  accounts  (Sec.  4),  page  992. 
To  keep  regular  set  of  books  (Sec.  4),  page  992. 
To    keep    ledger,    journal,    receipt    and    cash    books,    etc. 

(Sec.  4),  page  992. 
To  credit  members  for  payment  when  (Sec.  4),  page  992. 
To  keep  book  of  residence  (Sec.  4),  page  992. 
To  receive  and  receipt  for  moneys  (Sec.  4),  page  992. 
To  pay  moneys  to  Treasurer  (Sec.  4),  page  992. 
To  give  certain  notices  (Sec.  4),  page  992. 
To  endorse  cards  (Sec.  4),  page  992, 

To  notify  members  of  indebtedness   (Sec.  4),  page  992. 
To   assist    Recording   Secretary   in   making  term   reports 

(Sec.  4),  page  992. 
To    render   account   of   term    receipts     and     expenditures 

(Sec.  4),  page  992. 
To   furnish   list   of   members   entitled   to   vote    (Sec.    4), 

page  992. 
To  call  the  list  (Sec.  4),  page  992. 
To  perform  other  duties  (Sec.  4),  page  992. 
Compensation   (Sec.  4),  page  992. 
Duties  of  Treasurer  (Sec.  5),  page  992. 
To  give  bond  (Sec.  5),  page  992. 
To    receive    money    from    Financial    Secretary    (Sec.    5), 

page  992. 
To  pay  orders  (Sec.  5),  page  992. 
To  give  to   Noble   Grand  statement  of  money  on  hand 

(Sec.  5),  page  992. 
To  make  monthly  reports  (Sec.  5),  page  992. 
To  report  term  receipts  and  expenditures  (Sec.  5),  page 

992. 
Duties  of  Trustees  (Sec.  6),  page  993. 
To  give  bonds  (Sec.  6),  page  993. 
To  hold  stocks,  funds,  property,  etc.,  in  trust   (Sec.   6), 

page  903. 


1240  Index. 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Continued.  Section. 

To  transfer,  exchange  or  deposit  the  same  (Sec.  6),  page 

993. 
To  keep  funds  invested  (Sec.  6),  page  993. 
To  deliver  property,  books,  etc.,  to  successors    (Sec.   6), 

page  993. 
To  keep  correct  accounts  (Sec.  6),  page  993. 
To  make  term  reports  and  statement  (Sec.  6),  page  993. 
Duties  of  other  officers  (Sec.  7),  page  993. 
Offenses  and  penalties  (Art.  VI,  Sec.  1),  page  993. 
Fair  trial  and  how  charges  preferred  (Sec.  2),  page  994. 
Charges  referred  to  a  committee  (Sec.  3),  page  994. 
Trial  Committee — Its  duties  (Sec.  3),  page  994. 
Report  of  Trial  Committee  (Sec.  3),  page  994. 
Exceptions — Judgment  (Sec.  3),  page  994. 
New  trial,  etc.  (Sec.  3),  page  994. 
Appeals  (Sec.  3),  page  994. 

Contempt — Refusing  to  stand  trial  (Sec.  4),  page  994. 
Penalties,  how  imposed  and  ballot  (Sec.  5),  page  995. 
Fines  and  reinstatement  (Sec.  5),  page  995. 
Reprimand  (Sec.  6),  page  995. 
Reinstatement  of  expelled  or  suspended  member  (Sec.  7), 

page  996. 
Appeals  and  notice  (Sec.  8),  page  996. 

Arrears  and  term  password  and  voting  (Sec.  9),  page  996. 
Suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues  (Sec.  10),  page  996. 
Reinstatement   of   such    suspended   members    (Clause   2), 

page  997. 
Reinstatement  and  final  card  (Clause  3),  page  997. 
Dismissal  Certificate  (Clause  4),  page  997. 
Application  by  Dismissal  Certificate  (Clause  5),  page  997. 
Dismissal  Certificates  (Clause  6),  page  998, 
Appeals  from  Lodge's  action,  refusal  or  neglect  (Sec.  11), 

page  998.  , 

Funds  and  property  a  trust  fund  (Art.  VII),  page  998. 
May   provide   for   Contingent   or   Special    Fund    (Sec.   2), 

page  998. 
Terms  (Art.  VIII),  page  998. 
Semi-annual  reports  (Art.  IX),  page  999. 
Annual  returns  or  reports  (Art,  IX),  page  999. 
Withdrawal  Cards  (Art.  X),  page  999. 
Voting  and  balloting  (Art,  X),  page  999, 
Visiting  Cards  (Sec,  2),  page  999. 

By-Laws,  Rules  and  Resolutions  (Art.  XI),  page  1000. 
By-Laws,  approval,  when  in  force  (Art.  XI),  page  1000. 


Index.  1241 

REBEKAH    BRANCH— Continued.  Section. 

4.     Constitution  of  Rebekah  Assembly. 
It  is  affixed  to  this  Digest,  page  969. 

When  enacted  and  when  amended 3462 

Name,  style  and  title  (Art.  I),  page  969. 

Sessions  (Art.  II),  page  969. 

Special  sessions  (Art.  II,  Sec.  2),  page  969. 

Quorum  (Sec.  3),  page  969. 

Membership  (Art.  Ill),  page  970. 

Who  are  members  (Art.  Ill),  page  970. 

Delegates  and  election  (Art.  Ill),  page  970. 

Votes  of  absentees  (Art.  Ill),  page  970. 

Elective  officers  and  election  (Art.  IV),  page  970. 

Executive  Committee  (Art.  IV),  page  970. 

Appointed  officers  (Art.  IV),  page  970. 

Eligibility  to  office  (Sec.  3),  page  971. 

Election  of  officers  (Sec.  4),  page  971. 

Manner  of  election,  ballots,  tellers  (Sec,  4),  page  971. 

Viva  voce  election  (Sec.  4),  page  971. 

Installation  (Sec.  4),  page  971. 

President  appoints  appointive  officers  (Sec.  5),  page  972. 

Duties  of  President  (Art.  V),  page  972. 

To  preside  (Art.  V),  page  972. 

To  enforce  Constitution  and  laws,  etc.  (Art.  V),  page  972. 

To  decide  all  questions  of  order — Appeal  (Art.  V),  page 

972. 
To  put  questions  (Art.  V),  page  972. 
To  appoint  officers  pro  tem  (Art.  V),  page  972. 
To  appoint  committees  (Art.  V),  page  972. 
To  give  casting  vote  (Art.  V),  page  972. 
Orders  on  Treasurers  (Art.  V),  page  972. 
State  Deputy  of  Grand  Master  (Art.  V),  page  972. 
Dispensations   (Art.  V),  page  972. 

President  may  grant  certain  dispensations  (Art.  V),  page  973. 
To  admit  persons  who  reside  nearer  another  Lodge  (Art.  V), 

page  973. 
To  authorize  public  installations  (Art.  V),  page  973. 
To  give  entertainments  for  benefit  of  the  Order    (Art.  V), 

page  973. 
To   authorize  ballot  and   initiate  when  proposition   received 

(Art.  V),  page  973. 
To  elect  members  to  office  when  qualified   members   refuse 

(Art.  V),  page  973, 
President  to  make  Rebekah  Semi- Annual  Password  (Art.  V), 

page  973. 
To  confer  Assembly  Degree  (Art.  V),  page  973. 


1242  Index. 

REBEKAH   BRANCH—C ontinucd.  Section. 

To  give  instruction  in  work  (Art.  V),  page  973. 
To  install  officers   (Art.  V),  page  973. 
Special  meeting  of  Lodge  (Art.  V),  page  973. 
President  may  issue  dispensation  (Art.  V),  page  973. 
To  ballot  for  and  initiate  candidate  (Art.  V),  page  973. 
When  proposition  received  (Art.  V),  page  973. 
Duties  of  Vice-President   (Sec.  2),  page  973. 
Duties  of  Secretary  (Sec,  3),  page  973. 
To  keep  accurate  record  (Sec.  3),  page  973. 
To  send  to  Rebekah  Lodges  Journal  of  Proceedings  (Art.  V), 

page   973. 
Countersign  orders  on  Treasurer  (Sec.  3),  page  973. 
To  keep  correct  accounts  (Sec.  3),  page  973. 
To  issue  notices  and  circulars   (Sec.  3),  page  973. 
To  provide  stationery  for  Rebekah  Assembly  (Sec.  3),  page 

973. 
To  superintend  printing  (Sec.  3),  page  974. 
To  receive  money  (Sec.  3),  page  974. 
To  pay  moneys  to  Treasurer  (Sec.  3),  page  974. 
To  perform  other  duties  (Sec.  3),  page  974. 
Assistant  Secretary  (Sec.  4),  page  974. 
Duties  of  Treasurer  (Sec.  5),  page  974. 
To  receive  and  receipt  for  money  (Sec.  5),  page  974. 
To  deposit  same  in  bank  (Sec.  5),  page  974. 
To  pay  orders   (Sec.  5),  page  974. 

To  make  monthly  accounts  to  Treasurer  (Sec.  5),  page  974. 
Finance  Committee  and  bank  (Sec.  5),  page  974. 
To  keep  accounts  (Sec.  5),  page  974. 

To  close  accounts  March  31st  annually  (Sec.  5),  page  974. 
To  produce  funds  and  books  for  examination  (Sec.  5),  page 

974. 
To  make  annual  report  (Sec.  5),  page  975. 
To  give  bond   (Sec.  5),  page  975. 
Treasurer's  account,  books,  etc.,  open  to  inspection  (Sec.  5), 

page  975. 
President  and  Finance  Committee  may  inspect  (Sec.  5),  page 

975. 
Duties  of  District  Deputy  President  (Sec.  6),  page  975. 
Install  officers  of  Lodges  (Sec.  6),  page  975. 
Enforce  Constitution  and  By-Laws  (Sec.  6),  page  975. 
Of  Grand  Lodge  and  Rebekah  Assembly  (Sec.  6),  page  975. 
Grant  certain  dispensations   (Sec.  6),  page  975. 
See  work  of  the  Order  is  properly  performed  (Sec.  6),  page 

975. 
Collect  returns  and  moneys  due  Grand  Lodge  (Sec.  6),  page 

975. 


Index.  1243 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— Continued.  Section. 

Or  due  Rebekah  Assembly  (,Sec.-6),  page  975. 
Decide  certain  questions  of  law   (Sec.  6),  page  975. 
Report  decisions  to  Grand  Master  (Sec.  6),  page  975. 
Report  annually  to  Grand  Master  (Sec.  6),  page  975. 
Report  violations  of  Constitutions  and  By-Laws  (Sec.  6),  page 

975. 
Report  disobedience  of  her  commands  (Sec.  6),  page  975. 
Duties  of  appointed  officers  (Sec.  7),  page  975. 
President  custodian  of  bonds  (Sec.  8),  page  976. 
Removal    of    officers    for    misconduct    or    neglect    (Art.    VI, 

Sec.  1),  page  976. 
Entitled  to  trial— Two-thirds  vote  (Sec.  1),  page  976. 
Expulsion  of  member  by  two-thirds  vote  (Sec.  2),  page  976. 
Vacancies,  how  filled  (Sec.  3),  page  976. 
Regular  committees  of   (Art.  VII),  page  976. 
Credentials,  Committees  on  and  duties  (Sec.  2),  page  976. 
State  of  the  Order,  Committee  on  and  duties  (Sec.  3),  page 

977. 
Legislation,  Committee  on  and  duties  (Sec.  4),  page  977. 
Petitions,  Committee  on  and  duties  (Sec.  5),  page  977. 
Finance,  Committee  on  and  duties  (Sec.  6),  page  977. 
Laws  of  Rebekah  Lodges,  Committee  on  and  duties  (Sec.  7), 

page  978. 
Correspondence,  Committee  on  and  duties  (Sec.  8),  page  978. 
Votes  and  voting  (Art.  VIII),  page  978. 
Yeas  and  nays  (Art.  VIII),  page  978. 
Revenue  and  capitation  tax   (Art.  IX),  page  978. 
Expenses  of  delegates  (Sec.  2),  page  978. 
Finance  Committee's  duties — Mileage  (Sec.  2),  page  978. 
Assessments  for  mileage  (Sec,  2),  page  979. 
Paid  to  District  Deputy  President  (Sec.  2),  page  979. 
Who  remits  it  to  Secretary  of  Rebekah  Assembly   (Sec;  2), 

page  979. 
Laws  and  uniform  Constitution  (Art.  X),  page  979. 
Legislation  (Art.  X),  page  979. 
By-Laws  of  Rebekah  Lodges  (Art.  X),  page  979. 
By-Laws  of  Rebekah  Assembly  (Art.  XVI),  page  981. 
Rules  of  Order  (Arts.  X  and  XVI),  page  979. 
District  Deputies,  how  recommended  and  appointed  (Art.  XI), 

page  979. 
President  a  State  Deputy— Precedence  (Art.  XI),  page  979. 
Duties  of  District  Deputies  (Art.  XII),  page  979. 
To  install  (Art.  XII),  page  980. 
Organ  of  Grand  Master  (Art;  XII),  page  980. 
Collect  reports  and  moneys  (Art.  XII),  page  980. 


12  4-4  Index. 

REBEKAH   BRANCH— ConhnM^rf.  Section. 

To  forward  same  to  Secretary  of  Assembly  (Art.  XII),  page 

980. 
To  decide  questions  submitted  to  them  (Art.  XII),  page  980. 
To  report  violations  of  Constitution  and  laws    (Art.   XII), 

page  980. 
And  also  disobedience  of  her  lawful  commands   (Art.  XII), 

page  980. 
Appeals  to  Grand  Lodge  and  notice  (Art.  XIII),  page  980. 
Charters  and  dispensations  (Art.  XIV),  page  980. 
Application  for  (Art.  XIV),  page  980. 
Reports  and  returns  (Art.  XV),  page  980. 
Secretary's  annual  report  (Art.  XV),  page  980. 
May  enact  By-Laws  (Art.  XVI),  page  981. 
Such  By-Laws  subject  to  certain  approval   (Art.  XVI),  page 

981. 
May  enact  rules  of  order   (Art.  XVI),  page  981. 
Amending  its  Constitution  (Art.  XVII),  page  981. 

REBEKAH  LODGES,  COMMITTEE  ON: 

A  regular  committee  of  Grand  Lodge 2602 

Appointed  from  members  present  at  Grand  Lodge  session 2602 

Duties  of 2602 

As  to  Committee  on  Laws  of  Rebekah  Lodges  in  Rebekah 
Assembly.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

RECEIPTS: 

Only  prima  facie  evidence 1268 

Effect  of  receipt  for  dues  as  to  standing 1269 

Effect  of  receipt  for  dues  as  to  benefits 451 

Official  certificates  must  be  used  by  Lodges  for  receipts 

2427,  2428,  2429 

Receipts  should  be  given 2605 

When  receipt  given  it  must  be  the  official  certificate,.  2421,  2430 

Order  for  receipt  illegal 2428 

As  to  official  certificates.     See  Official  Certificates. 

As  to  fees.    See  Fees. 

As  to  seal.    See  Seal. 

As  to  officers.     See  Officers. 

RECEIPT   BOOK:      (Receipts   of  the   evening),   Treasurer. 
See  Supplies. 

RECEIPTS  OF  THE  WEEK: 

Should   be   entered   in   the   minutes 1995 


Index.  1245 

RECESS:  Section, 

Entering  and  retiring  during 2606 

Visiting  brother 2607 

When  one  admitted  during,  must  retire  and  work  his  way 

in 2608 

Rebekahs  and  others  admitted 2609 

Lodge  takes  recess  to  be  installed  in  another  hall Note  to  1652 

RECONSIDERATION:      See    Ballot    and    Voting;    Order, 
Rules  and  Questions  of. 

As  to  benefit  Investigating  Committee  reports 629 

Member  expelled — No  reconsideration  of  vote 3216 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

RECORD  BOOKS.     See  Supplies. 

RECORDING  SECRETARY:    See  Officers. 

RECORDS:    See  Minutes  and  Records;  Appeals;  Trials. 

RE-ELECTION: 

Officers  of  Subordinate  Lodge  may  be  re-elected 2301 

Re-election  of  Noble  Grand  and  honors  of  office. .  1094,  1098,  1099 

REFRESHMENTS:     See  Funds;  Liquors;  Rebekah  Branch. 

Cannot  use  funds  for 1487,  1488,  1492 

May  use  the  Special  Fund  for 1476,  1483 

REGALIA: 

Must  wear  prescribed  regalia 2610 

Regalia  of  Subordinate  Lodge Note  to  2610 

Regalia   of   officers   of   Subordinate   Lodge Note  to  2610 

Regalia  of  Past  Grands Note  to  2610 

Regalia  of  Grand  and   Past  Grand  officers Note  to  2610 

Regalia  of  Grand  and  Past  Grand  Representatives Note  to  2610 

Cannot  add  to  prescribed  regalia 2611 

Members  must  wear  regalia 2612 

Cannot  enter  or  leave  Lodge-room  unless  in  regalia.  .Note  to  2612 

Should  wear  regalia  of  highest  rank  attained 2613 

Grand  Lodge  may  legislate  to  permit  Lodge  to  wear  regalia 

on  July  4th  or  any  stated  day 2614 

While  speaking  or  voting 2615 

Officer  entering  Lodge  must  wear  appropriate   regalia 2616 

When  Noble  Grand  retires  to  examine,  etc.,  visitor 2617 

When  Vice-Grand  occupies  Noble  Grand's  chair Note  to  2617 

Brothers  occupying  official  chairs Note  to  2617 

Should  not  be  worn  with  robes  at  initiation 2618 

Officers  cannot  use  jewels  in  lieu  of  regalia 2619 


1246  Index. 

REGALIA — Continued.                                                                    Section. 
District  Deputy  Grand  Master  cannot  wear  jewels  as  substi- 
tute for  regalia 2620 

When  receiving  the  degrees 2621 

When  may  wear  Encampment   regalia 2623 

Grand  Master  and    his    Deputies    must    wear    appropriate 

regalia  when  performing  functions  of  office 1668 

Past  Grand  not  having  Royal  Purple  Degree 2623 

Encampment  regalia  in  Lodge 2624 

Not  worn  in  Lodge  by  suspended  Encampment  member 2625 

Encampment   regalia  and   Lodge  procession 2626 

Regalia  in  public  processions 2627 

Brothers  out  of  standing  in  procession 2628 

Regalia  in  ballroom  only  by  dispensation 2629 

When  Grand  Lodge  may  use  badges  or  ribbons 2630 

The  ribbon  or  badge 2630 

Patriarchs  Militant  uniform  a  regalia 2631 

May   be   worn   when   visiting  Lodges 2631 

Cannot  be  worn  when  performing  duties  of  Grand  Lodge  or 

Subordinate    Lodge    officer 2631 

Or  while  acting  as  installing  officer 2631 

Must  not  be  used  in  public  on  stage 2632 

Officers'  regalia 2633 

Officers'  regalia,  when  worn 2634 

A   Past  Grand  not  installed 2635 

Past    Grands    entering    Lodge 2636 

When  Grand  Master  to  wear  regalia  and  jewel  of  his  office. .  2188 
When    District   Deputy   Grand   Master   to   wear   regalia   and 

jewel  of  his  office Note  to  2231 

To  appear  in  regalia  to  attend  church 1211 

To  wear  regalia  at  dedication  of  church 1212 

Wearing  regalia  when  not  entitled — Offense 2143 

As  to  funerals.     See  Funerals. 
.  As  to  dispensations.     See  Dispensations, 
As  to  liquors.     See  Liquors. 
As  to  ball.     See  Ball. 
As  to  anniverary.     See  Anniversary. 
As  to  celebration.     See  Anniversary;  Celebration. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 
As  to  Rebekah  Assembly.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

REGISTERED  LETTER: 

Dues  sent  by  registered  letter 1284 

REGISTER  OF  MEMBERS: 

Grand  Secretary  to  keep 2638 

Form 2638 


Index.  1247 

REGISTER  OF  MEMBERS— Continued.                                Section. 
Visitors'  register.     See  Supplies. 
Enrollment  of  members  at  Grand  Lodge  session 2639 

REGULAR  COMMITTEES:     See  Committees. 

REINSTATEMENT:      See     Membership;     Appeals;     Fees; 
Rebekah  Branch;  Benefits. 

REJECTIONS: 

Card  must  be  returned  to  rejected  applicant Note  to  1890 

Initiation,   admission   and   degree   fees    must   be   returned   to 

rejected  applicant 1358,  1362,  1363 

Money  to  be   returned   though   applicant   indebted   to   Lodge 

for  dues 1947 

Medical  fee  may  be  retained 1359 

Notice  of,  to  whom  sent  2640 

To  what  bodies  and  officers  sent 2641,  1913,  1912 

Applicants  by  card  or  Dismissal  Certificates 2642 

As  to  black  book.     See  Black  Book. 
As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 

RELATIVES: 

May  hold  offices  in  same  Lodge  at  same  time 2643 

Who  are  dependent  relatives 655,  656,  658,     659 

When  Vice-Grand  related  to  accuser 2999 

As  to  benefits.    See  Benefits. 

As  to  funeral  benefits  and  funeral  expenses.     See  Benefits. 

RELEASE:    See  Benefits. 

RELIEF:     See  Assistance  to  Lodges. 

RELIEF  COMMITTEE  AND  RELIEF: 

General    Relief   Committees    authorized — Their    powers 2644 

Dispensations — Reports — Per    capita    assessments 2644 

General  Relief  Committees  recognized — Their  powers 2645 

Assistance — Entertainments — Dispensations 2646 

Their  relations  to  Lodges  and  Grand  Lodge 2647 

No  power  to  address  Grand  Master,  except 2647 

No  power   to  ask  dispensations,   except 2647 

May  apply  for  certain   dispensations 2647 

When  may  appeal  from  actions  of  Lodges 2648 

Support  of  General  Relief  Committees 2649 

Formation  of  not  compulsory  2650,  2644 

Lodge  may  withdraw  representative 2650 

Who  may  be  a  member 2651 

Representative  from  Encampment  2652 


1248  Index. 

RELIEF  COMMITTEE  AND   RELIEF— Continued.  Section. 

Rules  regulating  Relief  Committees  and  Lodges 2653 

Manner  of  granting  and  amount 2653 

Duties  of  committee 2653 

Lodge  of  another  jurisdiction  furnishing  nurse 2654 

Same  powers  as  Lodges 2655 

Semi-Annual  Password 2656 

Orphans  of  deceased  brother  who  held  a  Withdrawal  Card. .  2657 

Claims  upon  Lodges 2658 

When  one  Lodge  grants  relief  to  member  of  another 2659 

Care  of  sick — Relief  Committee  and  Lodges  in  same  city 2660 

Must  communicate  to  sick  brother's  Lodge  forthwith 2661 

Expressage  upon  benefits  sent 2662 

Unauthorized  act  of  a  brother 2663 

Failure  to  notify  Lodge  of  expenditures 2664 

Mistake  as  to  good  standing  of  sick  brother 2665 

Notice  to  Lodge  of  brother's  sickness 2666 

Extent  of  Lodge's  liability  for   funeral  benefits 2667 

Nurses , 2668 

Claims  for  nurse  hire 2669 

General  law  as  to  nurses     2670 

Endorsement  on  card 2670 

Nurses  for  brothers  of  other  jurisdictions 2670 

When  may  hire  nurse 2670 

When  Lodge  liable  for  nurse  hire 2670 

Lodges  which  provide  for  drafting  their  own  members '. .  2670 

Contagious  disease  2670 

Must  care  for  transient  sick  brothers 2670 

Amount  of  liability 2670 

No  discrimination 2670 

General  law  modified 267] 

Lodges  and  nurses  paid  from  Lodge  funds 2671 

Qualifications  for  pecuniary  attentive  benefits 2671 

Grand   Lodges    may   limit   or    permit   Lodges    to    limit   their 

liability 2671 

When    qualifications    for    nurses    and    watchers    may   be    the 

same  as  for  sick  benefits 2671 

General  law  requires  only  night  nurses  or  watchers 2672 

Relief  to  brothers  holding  Visiting  Cards 2673 

Procedure  in  such  cases 2673 

Duty  to  reimburse  General  Relief  Committee 2674 

Duty  of  Lodges 2675 

Medical  attendance  and  medicines,  when 2675 

Cannot  fine  member  for  absence  from  on  Sunday 2820 

Burial  of  brother  in  arrears 680 

Relief  not  assignable 425 


Index.  1249 

RELIEF  COMMITTEE  AND  REL.IEF— Continued.  Section: 

When  our  laws  do  not  designate  the  person  to  whom  payable.     427 

Brothers  no  right  to  resort  to  courts  of  law 428 

As  to  using  funds  for  relief.    See  Funds. 

As    to    Investigating    Committee    in    regard    to    relief.      See 

Benefits. 
As  to  appeals  in  matters  of  relief.     See  Appeals. 
As  to  nurses  and  watchers.     See  Nurse  and  Watchers. 
As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

RELIGION: 

Belief  in  Supreme  Being  necessary  to  membership 1786 

No  peculiarities  of  belief  or  practices  necessary Note  to  1786 

Atheist  cannot  become  member 1786 

As  to  prayers.     See  Prayers. 
As  to  Sunday.    See  Sunday. 

REMEDY: 

Brothers  no  right  to  resort  to  courts  of  law 428 

REMOVAL  OF  OFFICERS:     See  Officers. 

REMOVAL  FROM   LODGE-ROOM: 

For  disregarding  Noble  Grand's  authority 2352 

Of  suspended  member 2351 

RENT:     See   Ballot  and  Voting. 

Who  collect  rents  due  Lodge 2401 

RENUNCIATION  OF  THE  ORDER: 

Forfeits  benefits 2676 

When  letter  from  Catholic  priest  not  evidence 2677 

Proof  of     2678 

Burden  of  proof — Buried  under  auspices  of  Catholic  Church.  2679 

REPAST: 

No  liquor  at,  given  by  Lodge  or  held  in  name  of  the  Order  1709 
As  to  liquors.     See  Liquors. 
.As  to  funds.     See  Funds. 

REPORTS  AND  RETURNS: 

Semi-annual  reports  as  required  by  Grand  Lodge  Constitution.  2680 

Annual  reports  as  required  by  Grand  Lodge  Constitution 2681 

Failure   to   make    returns — Effect    thereof 2682 

Reports  of  Degree  Lodges 1044 

Installation  and  passwords 2683 

Semi-annual  reports  as  required  by  Subordinate  Lodge  Con- 
stitution       2684 

79 


1250  Index. 

REPORTS  AND  RETURNS— Coutinucd.                               Section. 
Annual    reports    as    required   by    Subordinate   Lodge    Consti- 
tution   2685 

Failure  to  make  returns 2686 

Value  of  Lodge's  property  and  investments 2687 

Semi-annual  reports — General  and  Contingent  Funds 2688 

"Degrees  Conferred" 2689 

Reports  and  Grand  Lodge  dues  must  be  transmitted 2690 

District   Deputy  Grand    Master   may  withhold   password   till 

reports  and  dues  given 2246,  2490 

Brothers  suspended  for  a   certain  period 2691 

Signatures  of  elective  officers 2692 

Reports  made  even  if  new  officers  not  installed 2693 

What  moneys  included  in  reports 2694 

Proceedings  of  January  1st  and  July  1st 2695 

Noble  Grand  must  not  return  himself  as  Past  Grand 2696 

Installation 2697 

Lodge  must  take  receipts  for  money  and  returns  from  Dis- 
trict Deputy  Grand  Master 2245 

Duty  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  in  relation  thereto. .. .  2245 
Annual  reports  as  to  property,  etc.,  on  or  before  March  31st.  2698 

Blank  forms  of 2698 

Blank  Financial  Secretary's  reports 2206 

Publication  of  reports  to  Grand  Lodge 2018 

When  improper  to  publish  or  impart  for  publication 2018 

Annual    report   of   Grand    Master — Decisions 2182 

Annual  report  of  Grand  Master  and  visitations 2184 

Annual  report  of  Grand  Master  and  statistics 2180 

Annual  report  of  Grand  Master  and  District  Deputies'  re- 
ports   2187,  2234 

As  to  officers.    See  Officers. 

As  to  District  Deputy  Grand  Master.     See  District  Deputy 
Grand   Masters,  under  head    of    Officers    of    Grand 
Lodge. 
As  to  account  of  moneys   paid  to   Grand   Secretary  and   of 

supplies  and  property  received.     See  Subordinate  Lodge. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 
As  to  minutes.    See  Minutes. 

REPORTS  OF  COMMITTEES: 

As  to  Trial  Committees.     See  Trials ;  Forms. 
As  to  Benefit  Investigating  Committees.     See  Benefits. 
As  to  Investigating  Committees.     See  Membership. 
As  to  Visiting  Committees.     See  Visiting  Committee. 
As  to  minutes  of  Lodge.    See  Minutes  and  Records. 
As  to  Rules  of  Order.    See  Order,  Rules  of. 


Index.  1251 

REPORTS  TO  GRAND  LODGE:     See  Officers.  Section. 

When  such  reports  or  extracts  are  not  to  be  published,  etc...  2018 

REPRESENTATIVES  AND  REPRESENTATION: 

Number,  qualifications,  elections,  vacancy 2699 

Brothers  admitted  during  election 14 

Time  of  election — Number  Lodge  entitled  to 2700 

Only  qualification    must  be  Past  Grand  in  good  standing  in 

Subordinate  Lodge 2700,  2701 

Past  Grand  may  be  elected  whether  nominated  or  not 2701 

A  Past  Grand  who  is  not  a  Past  Vice-Grand 2702 

Junior  Past  Grand  eligible 2703 

Noble  Grand  not  eligible Note  to  2703 

Service  of  Noble  Grand  to  very  last  moment  to  become  Past 

Grand ". Note  to  2703 

Nominations  not  necessary 2704 

Qualifications  of  Representatives 2705 

Not  necessary  to  be  member  of  Rebekah  Lodge 2706 

The  retiring  Noble  Grand  cannot  be  elected 2707 

Cannot  give  a  Noble  Grand  a  seat  and  vote  in  Grand  Lodge.  2707 

Only  Past  Grands  can  be  admitted 2707 

Majority  vote  elects 2708 

Those  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  over  a  majority. .  2708 

One  more  ballot  than  there  are  members  present 2709 

Where  charges  are  pending  against 2710 

Resignation  may  be  accepted 2711 

By  whom  business  of  Grand  Lodge  transacted 735 

As  to  entertainment  of.     See  Funds. 

Basis  of  representation 2713 

Lodges  working  under  dispensation 2714 

Number  of  Representatives  to  be  reported  to  Grand  Lodge.  2715 

When   instructions  to  Representatives   improper 2716 

Attending  Grand  Lodge,  must  enroll  name 1585 

Lodge  no  right  to  send  copies  of  instructions  to  other  Lodges.  933 

Expenses  of  Representatives 2717 

Election  cannot  be  annulled 2712 

In  case  of  resignation  or  vacancy 2712 

As  to  ballot  and  voting.     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 

As  to  committees.     See  Committees;  Business  of  Grand 

Lodge. 
As   to    credentials   or   certificates   of   election.      See    Cre- 
dentials. 
As  to  mileage.     See  Mileage. 

REPRESENTATIVES,  GRAND:     See  Officers. 

REPRESENTATIVES,  LEGAL:  See  Executors  and  Admin- 
istrators; Guardian. 


1252  Index. 

REPRESENTATIVE  FUND:    See  Mileage.  Section. 

REPRIMAND:    See  Trials;  Admission  to  One's  Own  Lodge; 
Benefits;  Contempt. 
Under    sentence    of    reprimand — Office 2289 

REPUTATION:     See  Character;  Defense. 

RESIDENCE: 

Of  members  of  Finance  Committee  of  Grand  Lodge....   1383 

Of  members  of  Committee  on  Laws  of  Subordinates 755 

District   Deputy    Grand   Master   residing   out   of   his   dis- 
trict     2224 

As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership;  Charter. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

RESIGNATION: 

When  Lodge  may  accept  resignation  or  prefer  charges..   3231 
As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 

Of   member   of  Trial    Committee 2964 

Name  should  not  be  entered  in  Black  Book 717 

Resignation  of  Trustee — Reconsideration 3280 

As  to  officers.    See  Officers. 

As  to  Representatives.    See  Representatives. 

As  to  fines.    See  Fines. 

As  to  Ancient  Odd  Fellows,     See  Ancient  Odd  Fellows. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

RESOLUTIONS: 

Sending  improper  ones  to  another  Lodge 2809 

Lodge  may  pass,  prescribing  duties  of  officers 2345 

Certain  resolutions  expire  with  Grand  Lodge  session.,.,   2447 

Should  be  entered  in  minutes 1995 

None  should  be  omitted  or  erased  from  minutes 2005 

As  to  contempt.     See  Contemp't. 

As  to   passing  resolutions  and   sending  to   Lodges.     See 
Communications  to  Lodges. 

RESTAURANT  KEEPER: 

Not  selling  intoxicating  liquors  by  the  drink  eligible  to 

membership 1744 

RETURNS:    See  Reports  and  Returns;  Rebekah  Branch. 

REVENUE: 

Of  Grand   Lodge 2718 

For  what  purposes  raised 2718 

Of  Rebekah  Assembly.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 


Index.  1253 

REUNIONS:  Section. 

Lodge  cannot  use  funds  for 1484,  1493 

May  use  the  Special  Fund  for 1476,  1484 

REWARD: 

Cannot  offer  reward  for  arrest  of  robber 1523 

Cannot  offer  reward  from  funds  for  arrest  and  conviction.  1524 

RIBBON: 

When  may  be  worn  for  regalia  in  Grand  Lodge 2630 

Right  to  speak  or  vote 2615 

RIGHT  SUPPORTER  NOBLE  GRAND:    See  Officers. 

RIGHT  SUPPORTER  VICE-GRAND:     See  Officers. 

RISING  VOTE: 

On  resolutions  relative  to  death  of  a  brother Note  to     341 

RITUALS:    See  Work  of  the  Order;  Rebekah  Branch. 

The  duty  of  the  Noble  Grand 2719 

Custody  of  Ritual 2720 

Must  not  be  taken  from  Lodge-room 2721 

Four  Rituals  to  each  Lodge 2722 

Number  a  Lodge  is  entitled  to 2723 

Grand  Lodges — Number  of  Rituals 2724 

Old  charge  books  (Rituals)  returned  to  Grand  Secretary. .  2725 

New  Rituals  Lodge  must  procure 2726 

Loss  of  charge  books  (Rituals) — Duty  to  prefer  charges.  2727 

Penalty  to  be  imposed 2727 

Duty  of  sitting  Past  Grand  to  prefer  charges 2727 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  to  prefer  charges  against 

sitting  Past  Grand  if  he  lose  any 2727 

Duty  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 2728 

To  take  receipt  for  charge  books  (Rituals)  and  forward 

to  Grand  Secretary 2729 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  not  entitled  to 2729 

Binding  of  Rituals 2730 

Loss  of  Ritual  and  installation 1654 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 
Rituals.    See  Supplies.  * 

As  to  consolidation  of  Lodges.  See  Consolidation. 
As  to  Work  of  the  Order.  See  Work  of  the  Order. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

ROBES: 

May  use  funds  for  robes  and  costumes  for  officers 1453 

They  are  part  of  the  current  expenses 1453 


1254  Index. 

ROBES— Continued.  Section. 

Officers  should  not  wear  official  regalia  with  robes  at  ini- 
tiation    2618 

Not  to  be  used  in  public 3358,  3361 

Degree  Team  of  Subordinate  Lodge,  when  not  to  appear 

in 1152 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 

ROAD:     See  Railroad. 

Lodge  cannot  use  funds  for  road  to  its  hall 1449 

Odd  Fellows'  Hall  Association  may 1449 

May  use  funds  for  road  to  burial  ground  of  the  Order. . . .     866 
Assessment  for   such   road    207 

ROLL  OF  OFFICERS  FOR  LODGES:    See  Supplies. 

ROLL-CALL:     See  Fines;  Officers. 

Present  at  roll-calls,  but  retires  immediately  thereafter — 

Honors  of  office 2270 

ROOM  COMMITTEE: 

When  Noble  Grand  may  appoint 2731 

ROOMS  OF  GRAND  SECRETARY: 

To  be  for  business  of  Grand  Lodge 2212 

Accommodations  for  Grand  Master 2212 

RULES  OF  ORDER:     See  Order,  Rules  and  Questions  of; 

Rebekah  Branch. 

RULES  OF  ORDER  OF  GRAND  LODGE: 

They  are  prefixed  to  this  Digest,  page  57. 

SAFE: 

Lodge  may  purchase  2732 

SALARY: 

Of  Grand  Secretary 2733 

Subordinate  Lodge  cannot  attach  to  appointed  officer  by 

motion 2734 

Must  be  regulated  by  By-Laws  of  Subordinate  Lodge....  2735 

Organist 1524 

Arrears  for  dues  and  an  officer's  salary 361,    513 

Salary  during  sickness 455 

SAILOR: 

In  government  hospital,  entitled  to  benefits 458 


Index.  1255 

SALE:    See  Property  of  Lodge.  Section. 

SALESMAN:    See  Traveling  Salesman. 

SALOON:     See  Liquor  Saloon;  Membership;  Offenses. 

SALOONKEEPER:     See  Stockholder. 

Not  eligible  to  membership 1725 

Article  XVI,   Section   5,   Sovereign   Grand   Lodge   Constitu- 
tion, not  retroactive 1726 

Went  into  effect  September  18th,  1895 1726 

Saloonkeeper  prior  thereto,  no  rights  taken  away 1726 

Saloonkeeper  prior  to   September   18th,   1895,   entitled  to  all 

rights  and  benefits 1727 

Eligible   to    be    elected    Vice-Grand 1727 

Brother  commencing  business   since    September    18th,    1895, 

liable  to  charges 1728 

Saloon  business  connected   with   other  business 1729 

He  is  the  owner  of  the  liquor  business 1729a 

Partner  in  saloon  business 1730 

Saloonkeeper  and  public  officer 1731 

Saloonkeepers — Cards — Defunct  Lodges     1759 

Reinstatement 1760 

Saloonkeeper — Dismissal  Certificate 1761 

Resigning   membership — Saloon   business — Retires   therefrom.  1762 

Ancient  Odd  Fellow — Saloonkeeper 1763 

Saloonkeeper  and  transfer  of  membership  by  card 1764 

When  barkeeper  takes  a  Withdrawal   Card,  may  become  a 

member 1757 

When  such  barkeeper  ineligible 1758 

Penalty  on  conviction  of  saloonkeeper  or  bartender 3197,  3198 

One  with  Withdrawal  Card,  visiting  a  Lodge 3313 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 
As  to  cards.    See  Cards  and  Certificates. 
As  to  degrees.     See  Degrees. 
As  to  offenses.     See  Offenses. 
As  to  benefits.    See  Benefits. 

SANITARIUM: 

Treated  therein   for  nervous   affection — Benefits 471 

SAVINGS  BANK:    See  Emblems. 

Should  not  use  the  name  of  the  Order 1317 

SCARLET  DEGREE  MEMBER:  See  Benefits;  Trials;  Com- 
mittees; Officers;  Installation. 

SCENE  SUPPORTERS:    See  Officers. 


1256  Index. 

SEAL:  Section. 

Each  Lodge  must  have  a  seal 2736 

Lodge  justified  in  refusing  attention  to  document  not  under 

seal Note  to  2736 

Wax  impression  deposited  with  Grand  Secretary 2737 

Recording  Secretary  sole  custodian 2738,  2731 

Only  one  authorized  to  use  it 2738 

Noble  Grand  has  no  power  to  order  him  to  affix  the  seal 

to  any  paper 2738 

Only  bound  to  obey  the  orders  of  the  Lodge 2738 

He  alone  can  attest 2739 

He  affixes  the  Lodge  seal 2740 

When  Secretary  or  Noble   Grand  may  use 2741 

Must  be  printed  or  impressed 2742 

Used  for  what  purpose 2743 

Used  only  in  transacting  legitimate  business....   Note  to  2743 

Official  certificates  are   attested   by  the  seal 2744 

Orders  for  password  must  be  under  seal 2745 

Notices  of  arrearages 2746 

Notices  of  Financial  Secretary 2747 

Communications  and  cards 2748 

Laws  and  documents  sent  to  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge....  2749 
Documents    without    seal    returned    by    Sovereign    Grand 

Lodge 2749 

Certifying  to  sickness 2750 

Presumption  in  case  of  notice  under  seal 2751 

Seal  as  evidence 2752 

Seal  and  press.    See  Supplies. 

The  seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge 2753 

Grand  Lodges  must  have  seal Note  to  2753 

Degree  Lodge  has  seal 1044 

As  to  installation.     See  Installation. 

SECRETARY:       See     Officers;     Degree     Lodge;      Rebekah 
Branch;  Seal. 

SECRETARY'S  CASH  BOOK:     See  Supplies. 

SECRETS: 

Family,   Government   and  other   secrets,  not  required   to 

betray 2754 

SECRET  JOURNAL: 

Duty  of  Grand  Lodge  members  to  keep  matters  therein 

secret 2755 

As  to  Journal.     See  Journal. 

SECRET  WORK:    See  Work  of  the  Order. 


Index  1267 

SECURITIES:  Section. 

Lodge  may  invest  funds  in 1444 

Promissory  note  is  not  such  security 1445 

To  hold  in  trust,  etc.    See  Trustees. 

SEDUCTION:     See  Offenses. 

SEMI-ANNUAL  PASSWORD:     See  Passwords. 

SEMI-ANNUAL  REPORTS  AND  RETURNS:    See  Reports 
and  Returns. 

SERVICES: 

Arrears  for  dues  and  Lodge  indebted  to  brother  for.   361,     513 

SESSION:    See  Meetings. 

Every  Lodge  meeting  is  a  session 2756 

As  to  Grand  Lodge  session.  See  Annual  Communications. 
As    to    special    sessions    of    Grand    Lodge.      See    Special 

Session. 
As   to    meetings    and    special    meetings    of    Lodges.      See 

Meetings. 
As  to  annual  session  of  Rebekah  Assembly.    See  Rebekah 

Branch. 

SHORTHAND  REPORTER:    See  Stenographer. 

SICK  BROTHER: 

Right  to  donate  to 1454 

Lodge  not  necessarily  liable  for  expenses,  when 2757 

Right  to  care  in  sickness 2758 

Entitled  to  benefits  for  sickness  incident  to  old  age 473 

Sick  brother  may  leave  during  initiation 1616 

Duty  to  sojourning  sick  brothers 2759 

Duty  of  brothers  when  out  of  their  own  jurisdiction 2760 

Cases  of  sick  and  distressed  brothers  must  be  considered 

before  closing 4 

As  to  benefits.    See  Benefits. 

As  to  relief.    See  Relief  Committee  and  Relief. 

As  to  Visiting  Committee.     See  Visiting  Committee. 

As  to  nurses  and  watchers.    See  Nurses  and  Watchers. 

SIGN:    See  Emblems. 

Emblems  and  name  of  the  Order  prohibited  on  business 

sign 2761 

SITTING  PAST  GRAND:    See  Junior  Past  Grand. 

SLANDER:    Sec  Character;  Oflfenses;  Trials. 


1258  Index. 

SMOKING:  Section. 

Prohibited  in  Lodge-room 2762 

Cannot  use  funds  for  cigars 1481 

May  use  Special  Fund  for  cigars 1481 

SOLDIER: 

A  brother  in  the  military  service  entitled  to  benefits 456 

American  soldier  in  Government  hospital  entitled  to  ben- 
efits       458 

Enlistment  in  Spanish-American  War,  and  dues 1251 

U.    S.    soldier    stationed    at    Manila — Withdrawal    Card — 

Membership 1800 

SON:     See  Offenses. 

SOCIAL  FESTIVITIES:     See  Annual  Communications. 

SOCIAL  ENTERTAINMENT  AND  SOCIALS:  See  Parties. 

Lodge  cannot  use  its  funds  for 1484,  1490,  1493 

May  use  Special  Fund 1484,  1475 

As  to  celebration  of  anniversary.     See  Anniversary. 
As  to  dispensations.     See  Dispensations. 

SOVEREIGN  GRAND  LODGE:  Page. 

1.  Constitution 1258 

2.  By-Laws 1260 

1.    Constitution. 

Source  of  all  legitimate   Odd  Fellowship 2763 

Proclamation  to  celebrate  anniversary,  effect  of. .  .Note  to       27 

As  to  sessions  of  Grand  Lodge.  See  Annual  Communica- 
tions. 

Resolutions  condemning  action  of,  etc 935 

As  to  decisions.     See  Decisions. 

As  to  Constitution  and  laws  of.  See  Constitution  and 
Laws. 

Its  Constitution 2764 

Its  Constitution  is  prefixed  to  this  Digest,  page  3. 

Title  (Art.  I),  page  3. 

Source  of  Odd  Fellowship  and  jurisdiction  (Sec.  2),  page  3. 

Charters  for  Grand  Lodges  and  Bodies  (Sec.  3),  page  3. 

Appeals  (Sec.  4),  page  4. 

Powers  of  (Sec.  5),  page  4. 

Power  to  establish  the  Order  (Sec.  6),  page  4. 

Jurisdiction  of  (Sec.  7),  page  4. 

Laws  of  general  application  (Sec.  8),  page  5. 

Jurisdiction  of  State  Grand  Bodies  (Sec.  9),  page  5. 


Index.  1259 

SOVEREIGN  GRAND  LODGE^Continued.  Section. 

Who  are  members  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  (Art.  II), 
page  5. 

Elective  officers  (Art.  Ill,  Sec.  1),  page  5. 

Appointed  officers  (Sec.  2),  page  5. 

Failure  to  appear  at  installation  (Sec.  3),  page  6. 

Duties  and  compensation  of  officers  (Sec.  4),  page  6. 

Officers— Vote— Debate,  etc  (Sec.  5),  page  6. 

Duties  of  Grand  Sire  (Art.  IV),  page  6. 

Grand  Sire  cannot  hold  any  other  office  (Sec.  2),  page  7. 

Death,  resignation  and  removal  of  Grand  Sire  (Sec.  3), 
page  7. 

Absence  and  inability  of  Grand  Sire  (Sec.  3),  page  7. 

Duties  of  Deputy  Grand  Sire  (Art.  V),  page  8. 

Duties  of  Grand  Secretary  (Art.  VI),  page  8. 

Duties  of  Grand  Treasurer  (Art.  VII),  page  9. 

Money  not  drawn  unless  appropriated  (Art.  VII),  page  9. 

Duties  of  Grand  Chaplain  (Art.  VIII),  page  9. 

Duties  of  Grand  Marshal  (Art.  VIII),  page  9. 

Duties  of  Grand  Guardian  (Art.  VIII),  page  9. 

Duties  of  Grand  Messenger  (Sec.  4),  page  9. 

Grand  Representatives  (Art.  IX),  page  10. 

Appointment  of  (Art.  IX),  page  10. 

Qualifications  of  (Art.  IX),  page  10. 

To  be  furnished  certificates  (Sec.  4),  page  11. 

Contested  elections  (Sec.  5),  page  11. 

Grand  Representatives  from  independent  Grand  Lodges 
(Sec.  6),  page  11. 

Rights  of  Past  Grand  Sires  (Art.  X),  page  11. 

Impeachment  of  officers  and  members  (Art,  XI),  page  11. 

Suspended  during  trial  (Sec.  2),  page  12. 

Suspension  or  expulsion  by  Subordinate  Lodge  or  En- 
campment (Sec.  3),  page  12. 

Session  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  (Art.  XII),  page  12. 

Quorum  of  Representatives  (Art.  XIII),  page  12. 

Judge  of  qualifications  and  election  (Sec.  2),  page  13. 

Rules  of  Order  (Sec.  3),  page  13. 

Journal  published  (Sec.  4),  page  13. 

How  votes  taken  and  yeas  and  nays  (Sec.  5),  page  13. 

Questions,  how  decided  (Sec.  6),  page  13. 

Revenue  of  (Art.  XIV),  page  13. 

Fees,  dues,  proceeds  of  supplies  (Art.  XIV),  page  13. 

Qualifications  for  office  (Art.  XV),  page  14. 

Nomination  and  election  (Sec.  2),  page  14. 

Members,  how  to  visit  (Art.  XVI),  page  14. 


1260  Index. 

SOVEREIGN  GRAND  I.ODGE— Continued.  Section. 

Qualifications    for    membership    in    the    Order    (Sec.    2), 

page  14. 
Admitted    in    another    State    only    by    consent    (Sec.    3), 

page  14. 
Admission   of   suspended   or  expelled   members    (Sec.   4), 

page  14. 
Saloonkeepers,    bartenders,     professional     gamblers     not 

eligible  (Sec.  5),  page  15. 
Compensation  of  officers  and  members  (Art.  XVII),  page 

15. 
Special   Grand  Representative   (Art.   XVIII),  page  15. 
By-Laws  and  amendments  (Art.  XIX),  page  16. 
Its    Constitution   and    By-Laws   supreme   law    (Art.   XX), 

page    16. 
Constitution,  how  amended   (Art.  XXI),  page  16. 

2.    By-Laws. 

The  By-Laws  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 2765 

They  are  prefixed  to  this  Drgest,  page  17. 
Petition  for  Subordinate   Lodge    (Art.   I),  page  17. 
Petition  for  Subordinate  Encampment  (Art.  II),  page  17. 
Subordinates    under    Sovereign    Grand    Lodge    to    report 

annually  (Art.  Ill),  page  18. 
Petition  for   Grand   Lodge  or  Grand   Encampment    (Art. 

IV),  page  18. 
Procedure  to  apply  for  such  charters  (Art.  V),  page  18. 
Expenses   to   be   borne   by   the    Subordinates    (Art.    VI), 

page   20. 
Fee  to  accompany  the  petition  (Art.  VII),  page  20. 
All  Grand  Lodges  and  Grand  Encampments  to  have  seal 

(Art.  VIII),  page  20. 
Constitutions   of   Grand   Bodies   to   be   approved    (Art.    IX), 

page  20. 
Amendments  thereto  likewise  (Art.  IX),  page  20. 
Annual  reports  to  be  made  (Art.  X),  page  20. 
No    Grand    Lodge   or   Body   in   arrears   allowed   to   vote 

(Art.  XI),  page  21. 
Representative  one  vote,  when  (Art.  XI),  page  21. 
Membership   in   only   one    Lodge   at   a   time    (Art.    XII), 

page   21. 
Degrees  (Art.  XII),  page  21. 

Organization  of  new  Grand  Bodies  (Art.  XIII),  page  22. 
Visiting — Deposit  of  card   (Art.  XIV),  page  22. 
Dismissal  Certificate  (Art.  XIV),  page  22. 
Appointment  and  duties  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Sires 

(Art.  XV),  page  23. 


Index.  1261 

SOVEREIGN  GRAND  I.ODGE— Continued.  Section. 

Grand     Representatives     to     be     examined    (Art.    XVI), 

page  24. 
To  be  furnished  with  documents  (Art.  XVII),  page  24. 
Proceedings  of  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  to  be  furnished 

(Art.  XVIII),  page  25. 
Dues  paid  to  Grand  Secretary  (Art,  XIX),  page  25. 
Work  to  be  adhered  to — No  other  to  be  used  (Art.  XX), 

page  25. 
Prayer  in  opening  and  closing  (Art.  XXI),  page  26. 
Regalia  (Art.  XXII),  page  26. 

Conferring  Grand  Lodge  Degree  (Art.  XXIII),  page  28. 
Regalia,  by  whom  worn  (Art.  XXIV),  page  28. 
The  A.  T.  P.  W.,  when  used  (Art.  XXV),  page  29. 
Fiscal  year — Annual  reports  (Art.  XXVI),  page  29. 
Failure  to  make  returns  (Art.  XXVII),  page  29. 
Committee      on     Printing     Supplies,     and     duties     (Art. 

XXVIII),  page  29. 
Grand  Sire  may  print  his  annual  report  (Art.  XXVIII), 

page  30. 
Inquiries  as  to  laws  of  the  Order  (Art.  XXIX),  page  31. 
By-Laws,  how  amended  (Art.  XXX),  page  31. 
Inconsistent  laws  repealed  (Art.  XXXI),  page  31. 
How    made    and    adopted.     See    Constitution    Sovereign 

Grand  Lodge  (Art.  XIX),  page  16. 
Foreign    Sovereignties    or    Grand    Lodges.     See    Interna- 
tional Relations. 

SPECIAL  FUND:     See  Funds;  Rebekah  Branch. 

SPECIAL  MEETING:     See  Meetings. 

SPECIAL  SESSIONS  OF  GRAND  LODGE: 

How  called  and  for  what  purposes,  etc 2767 

For  business 2767 

To  confer  Grand  Lodge  Degree  and  Past  Official  Degrees  2767 

What  Grand  Officers  must  be  present 2767 

Expenses   of   Grand    Secretary 2201 

As  to  annual  sessions.     See  Annual  Communications. 
As  to   special   sessions   of   Rebekah   Assembly.     See   Re- 
bekah Branch, 

SPECIAL  SESSION  OF  LODGES:     See  Meetings. 

SPECIAL  TERMS:     See  Terms. 

SPURIOUS  LODGE: 

Organizing  or  visiting  prohibited 2768 


1262  Index. 

STAFF:    See  Degree  Staff;  Rebekah  Branch.  Section. 

STANDING:     See  Good  Standing. 

STANDING  COMMITTEE: 

Of  Grand  Lodge,  who  constitutes  and  duties 2769 

Powers  to  fill  vacancies  in  office 2770 

STATE  OF  THE  ORDER: 

Committee  on  State  of  the  Order  of  Grand  Lodge 2771 

A  regular  committee  appointed  from  members  present..   2771 

Duties  of  Committee  on  State  of  the  Order 2772 

Certain  questions  referred  to 2773 

As  to  questions.     See  Questions, 

As  to  committee  on,  in  Rebekah  Assembly.     See  Rebekah 
Branch. 

STATIONERY: 

Grand  Secretary  provides  for    Grand   Lodge 2199 

STATISTICS: 

Grand  Masters  not  to  embody  statistical  matters  in  their 

annual  reports 2186 

STATUTE  OF  LIMITATIONS:     See  Trials;  Offenses. 

Owing  money  to   Lodge,  and  Statute  of  Limitations 

2125,    2126,  2127 

STAY  OF  PROCEEDINGS: 

Appeal  effects  a  stay  only  in  certain  cases 2774 

Orders  for  sick  benefits  and  charitable  donation 2774 

Orders  for  money  for  burial 2774 

An  appeal  does  not  operate  as  a  stay,  except 2775 

Appeal  by  suspended  member,  no  stay  2775 

Appeal  by  expelled  member,  no  stay 165 

Grand  Master  no  power  to  grant 2776,  2777 

Grand  Master  cannot  suspend  judgment 2777 

Announcement,  statement  or  protest 2778 

Must  appeal  before  money  paid 2778 

Appeal  to  Grand  Lodge  and  Withdrawal  Card 2779 

Warrant   for   ten   dollars    each    in    favor    of    thirty-four 

brothers    2780 

Remstatement    and   appeal 2781 

Appeal    to    Sovereign    Grand    Lodge 2782 

Effect  of  Grand  Lodge  decision 2782 

Grand  Master  cannot  grant  stay  in  appeal  to  Sovereign 

Grand    Lodge 2782 

Power   of   Grand    Lodge 2782 

As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 


Index.  1263 

STENOGRAPHER:  Section. 

When  testimony  may  be  taken  by,  etc 3041,  3043 

Must  be  a  member  of  the  Order Note  to  3041 

STOCKS: 

Lodge  may  invest  funds  in,  of  Bank,  Loan  and  Trust  Co. .  1446 

Or  in  other  moneyed  enterprise 1445 

May  invest  funds  in,  of  Odd  Fellows'  Hall 1447 

May  invest  funds  in  stocks 1444 

To  hold  in  trust,  etc.     See  Trustees. 

STOCKHOLDER: 

Incorporation  which   conducts  general  merchandise   and 

saloon  business   is  not  saloon-keeper  or  barkeeper..   1754 
In  hotel  corporation  is  not  a  saloon-keeper 1755 

STREET  UNIFORM:     See  Uniform. 

SUBORDINATE  LODGE: 

Shall  consist  of  at  least  five  members 2783 

Must  be  members  of  Degree  of  Truth,  etc 2783 

No  legislative  power  except  to  make   By-Laws.  .Note  to  2783 

Grand  Lodge  may  enact  uniform  Constitution Note  to  2783 

Where  hall  used  for  other  purposes 2784 

When  Lodge  may  meet  in  basement 2785 

How  to   change   from   weekly   to   meetings   once   in   two 

weeks    2786 

How  to  change  to  meetings  once  a  week 2786 

Petition  to  change  from  weekly  meeting 2787 

Must  notify  Grand  Secretary  of  change  of  meeting  night  2788 
Meetings   must  be   held   on   week   days   and   on   specified 

days   2789 

May  omit  meetings  on  holidays 2790 

Opening  in  the  Initiatory  Degree 2791 

May  meet  in  new  hall  pending  dedication 2792 

When  Noble  Grand  and  Vice-Grand  absent.  Past  Grand 

may    preside 2793 

When    Noble    Grand    and    Vice-Grand    absent,    no    Past 

Grand    present 2794 

Settlement  of  controversies 2795 

Compromise  or  settlement  of  financial  questions 2796 

Application  for  pecuniary  aid 2797 

Rights  as  regards  its  own  members 2798 

Rights  of  members  to  speak 2799,       21 

Right  to  speak — Aged  Odd  Fellows 21 

By-Laws  depriving  of,  void 2799 

Account  of  moneys  paid  to  Grand  Secretary 2800 


1264  Lndex. 

SUBORDINATE  1.0DGE— Continued.  Section. 

Account   of  supplies   and   property   received   from   Grand 

Secretary 2800 

Duty  of  Grand  Secretary  in  regard  thereto 2800 

Such    accounts    or    reports    to    be    sent    to    chairman    of 

Finance    Committee 2801 

To  annul  or  rescind  its  action 2802 

Officers  are  not  the   Lodge 2802 

Obedience   to    the    Grand    Lodge 2803. 

Must  obey  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  laws 957 

Its    Constitution,    laws    and    decisions    are    laws    of    the 

Lodge    958,  1032 

Rulings  and  instructions  of  the  Grand  Master 1034 

May  refuse  permission  to  join  Lodge  further  from  resi- 
dence      2804 

Location.     See  Location  of  Lodge. 

Regular  meetings  must  be  held,  except  certain  holidays.. 

' 2805,  2790 

Neither  Lodge  nor  Grand  Master  can  dispense  with 2805 

Opening  Lodge 2806 

Day  and  hour  of  meeting 2807 

Cannot  reopen  the  same  evening 2808 

Conduct  unbecoming  a  Lodge 2809 

Improper  resolutions  as  to  another  Lodge 2809 

Right    of    self-government 2810 

Executive,  legislative  and  judicial  powers 2811 

Presumption  in  favor  of  Lodge's  action 2811 

May  protect  itself  from  disorder  and  improprieties 2812 

Duty  to  take  receipts  from  District  Deputy  Grand  Mas- 
ter for  returns  and  money 2245 

Lodges    working   under   dispensation 2813 

Degrees    and    dispensation 2813 

Lodges  exist  by  virtue  of  their  charter 2814 

No  need  to  place  them  under  control  of  State  laws 2814 

Offenses  of   Subordinate   Lodges 2815 

Liable  to  trial  and  punishment 2815 

Charges  against  Lodge  for  unbecoming  conduct 2816 

A  Lodge  may  answer  questions  of  sister  Lodge 2817 

Must  print  or  typewrite  all  appeals 42 

Must  have  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution  for  signing...  976 
As    to    appeals    by    Lodges    or    Relief    Committee.     See 

Appeals. 
As  to  appeals  from  Lodges.     See  Appeals. 
As  to  appeals  to  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge.     See  Appeals, 
As  to  other  matters.     See  this  Index. 


Index.  1265 

SUBPOENA:  Section. 

Grand  Secretary  to  furnish  blank  Subpoenas  to  Lodges..   2208 
Form  of  subpoena  prescribed   by   Grand    Lodge    (Form 

No.    26) 3097 

Certificate  of  service  of  (Form  No.  27) 3097 

Acceptance  of  service  of  (Form  No.  28) 3097 

Brother   must   obey 3098 

Duty  to  give  names  of  witnesses 3099 

Procedure  where  brother  refuses  to  obey 3100 

Witness  before  Encampment  Trial  Committee 1330 

SUBSCRIPTION: 

When  cannot  charge  to  brother's  account  and  deny  pass- 
word       2818 

SUICIDE: 

Optional  to  bury  with  honors  of  the  Order 1532 

Family  of,  entitled  to  funeral  benefits  if  brother  entitled 

to  benefits 660 

SUBSTITUTION: 

Of  party  in  case  of  death,  to  appeal 63 

Of  party  in  case  of  death,  to  prosecute  appeal 63 

SUICIDE:     See   Benefits;    Funeral;    Dues. 

SUMMONS: 

Grand  Secretary  to  furnish  blank  summons  to  Lodges. . ..  2208 
Form   of   summons    prescribed    by    Grand    Lodge    (Form 

No.   23) 2932 

Form  of  admission  of  service  of  (Form  No.  24) 2932 

Form  of  certificate  of  service  of  (Form  No.  25) 2932 

Form  of  filing  summons  (Form  No.  23),  page  1021. 

A  verbal  notice  not  a  legal  summons 2940 

Summons  to  rnembers  of  Lodge  to  attend 2945 

As  to  other  matters.     See  Trials. 

SUNDAY: 

No     Lodge     meetings     on    Sunday    except    for     funeral 

purposes    2819 

Permission  to  institute  on  Sunday  refused 2819 

Committee  meetings — Conscientious  scruples — Fines 2820 

Picnic    2821 

When  sacred  concert  on  Sunday  is  unlawful 941 

When  accused  must  make  objections 3118 

Where    Lodge    illegally    holds    meeting   on    Sunday   and 

initiates    1846 

Memorial  services  may  be  held  on Note  to  1984 

80 


12G6  Index. 

SUPPER:     See  Funds;  Banquet;  Liquors.  Section. 

No  liquor  at,  given  by  Lodge  or  held  in  name  of  the  Order  1709 

Cannot  use  funds  for 1476,  1483,  1484,  1485,  1491 

Nor  for  supper  on  installation  night 1483,  1491 

Nor  supper  for  Grand  Master 1485 

Nor  for  refreshments 1488 

Nor  for  supper  at  Lodge  anniversary 1491 

May  use  the  Special  or  Contingent  Fund  for.  .1476,  1479  to  1485 

How  fund  may  be  created  for,  by  donation 1529,  1530 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

SUPPLIES: 

Cash  must  accompany  order  for 2822 

Cash,  how  forwarded 2822 

When  Grand  Secretary  forbidden  to  furnish 2822 

Resolution  concerning,  to  be  printed  on  cover  of  Journal  2822 

Grand  Secretary  to  prepare  list  of ' 2824 

Copy    sent    to    Lodges 2824 

Not  to  furnish  supplies  except  for  cash 2824 

Committee  on  Printing  to  revise  and  fix  the  price 2823 

Schedule   of  prices   for   supplies 2825 

Certain  supplies  must  be  obtained  from  Grand  Secretary  2825 
Certain  supplies  may  be  obtained  from  him 2825 

SUPPORTERS:     See  Officers;  Installation;  Passwords. 

SUPREME  BEING:     See   Religion. 

SURRENDER    OF    CHARTER:     See     Charters;     Rebekah 
Branch. 

SURETY t 

Not  allowed  in  Lodge-room  while  action  had  on  bond. ..  .  726 
Persons  not  Odd  Fellows  may  be  on  bonds  of  officers. . . .  720 
As  to  other  matters.     See  Bonds;  Officers. 

SURETY    COMPANY:     See    Insurance. 

SUSPENDED  LODGE: 

No  member  shall  visit 2826 

SUSPENSION  OF  LODGE:     See  Charter;  Grand  Master. 

SUSPENSION: 

Notice    of ' 2827 

Notice  of.     See  Supplies. 

To  what  Lodges  to  be  given 2827 

To  be  given  to  the  Grand  Secretary 2827 


Index.  1267 

SUSPENSION— Con/tMK^rf.  Section. 

As  to  black  book.     See  Black  Book, 
Suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues  not  to  be  published 

in   Journal 1309 

Suspended  member  may  be  removed  by  force  from  Lodge- 
room    2351 

Suspended  brother  not  entitled  to  benefits ,..     548 

Benefits  during  illegal  suspension 459 

Suspended  member  and  funeral,  burial  and  funeral  honors 

1537,  1538,  1539 

Liable  to  suspension  for  arrears  and  office 2293 

Suspended  member  and  official  certificate 2436 

Suspended  member  liable  to  charges. 2861,  2862,  2863,  3227,  3228 

Suspended   brother   cannot    prefer    charges 2845 

Publication  of  suspensions   discountenanced 2019 

Not  admitted  to  one's  own  Lodge  while  under  suspension 

.9,    8,       10 

Suspension  for  cause  vacates  office 2164 

Grand    Lodge    should    not    expend    funds    for    suspended 

member    1582 

As  to  suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues.     See  Dues. 

As  to  penalty  upon  charges.     See  Trials. 

As  to  dues.     See  Dues. 

As  to  assessments.     See  Assessments. 

As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

As  to  membership.     See  Membership. 

As  to  reinstatement.     See  Membership. 

As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 

As  to  funds.     See  Funds. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

SWEDEN:     See  International  Relations. 

SWITZERLAND:    See  International  Relations. 

TASMANIA:     See  International  Relations. 

TAVERN  KEEPER: 

When  and  when  not  eligible  to  membership 1740 

TAXATION:     See  Assessments;   Rebekah   Branch. 

Subordihate    Lodge    may    tax    its   members    to    pay    sick 

benefits    372 

TEAM:    Sec  Degree  Staff. 

TELEGRAPH: ' 

Cannot  send  order  for  password  by 2557 


1268  Index. 

TELEGRAPH  CIPHER  AND  KEY:  Section. 

Established  and  its  use  recommended  by  Sovereign  Grand 

Lodge    2828 

Telegraph  cipher  and  key 2828 

Must  be  printed  with  Sub.  Lodge  Constitution 2829 

TELLER: 

Fraudulently  misreading  ballots  is  an  offense 2146 

Evidence  against  teller 3076 

As  to  elections.     See  Officers. 

TEMPERANCE:     See  Liquors;  Offenses;  Membership. 

TERMS: 

Subordinate  Lodge,  when  commence  and  end 2830 

Lodges  may  provide  for  yearly  term  in  By-Laws 2831 

Grand  Lodge  may  make  terms  one  year  or  six  months 

Note  to  2831 

Special  terms — Honors  of  office 2269 

Special  term 2832 

Short  terms — Special  terms — New  or  revived  Lodge 2833 

Of  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 2223 

Of  Trustees  of  Subordinate  Lodge 3259,  3284,  3268 

Of  Trustees  of  Grand  Lodge 3267 

Of  Trustees  of  Odd  Fellows'  Home 2067,  2068,  2070 

Of  Trustees  of  Orphans'  Home  (Rule  5) 2483 

Of    Secretary 2395 

Of  Degree  Lodges.     See  Degree  Lodges. 
Of  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

TERM  PASSWORD:     See  Password. 

TESTIMONY: 

As  to  charges.     See  Trials. 

As  to  benefit  investigations.     See  Benefits. 

THANKSGIVING: 

Lodge  may  omit  meetings  on 2790 

THIEF:     See  Offenses. 
THREATS:     See  Offenses. 

TICKETS: 

When  Lodge  cannot  buy,  for  concert  or  ball 1466 

Unlawful   to   sell   raffle   tickets 1719 

As  to  assistance  to  Lodges.     See  Assistance  to  Lodges. 

TOTAL  ABSTINENCE:    See  Liquors. 


Index.  1269 

TRANSCRIPT  ON  APPEAL:    See  Appeals.  Section. 

TRANSFER    OF   MEMBERSHIP    BY    CARD:     See    Mem- 
bership; Benefits;  Dues. 

TRANSPORTATION:    See  Funds. 

TRAVELING  CARD:     See  Cards. 

TRAVELING  EXPENSES: 

As  to  Representatives.     See  Mileage. 
As  to  installing  officer.     See  Installation. 
As  to  Grand  Master.     See  Grand  Master,  under  head  of 
Officers. 

TRAVELING  PASSWORD:     See  Password. 

TRAVELING  SALESMAN: 

Traveling  salesman  for  wholesale  liquor  house  eligible  to 

membership    1745 

TREASURER'S   RECEIPT   BOOK    (Receipts   of  the   even- 
ing) :     See  Supplies. 

TREASURY:     See  Funds;  Draft. 

Money  cannot  be  drawn  from,  unless  authorized  by  the 

Lodge    2834 

TREASURER:     See  Officers. 

TREASURER'S  WARRANT  BOOK:     See  Supplies. 

TREASURY  NOTES:     See  Offenses. 

TRIALS:  Page 

1.  Accuser    1269 

2.  Charges,     Demurrer,     Plea,    Amendments,      and 

Dismissal 1270 

3.  Summons   1272 

4.  Trial   Committee 1273 

5.  Evidence    and    Witnesses 1276 

6.  Objections    and    Exceptions 1277 

7.  Judgment  and  Penalties 1278 

8.  Miscellaneous   1281 

1.    Accuser. 

Who  may  prefer  charges 2835 

Lodge  as  such  cannot  be  accuser 2836,  2837 

Charges  must  be  signed  by  a  member 2837 

When  acting  Past  Grand  to  prefer  charges 2839 


1270  Index. 

TRIALS— Continued.  Section. 

Noble    Grand    and    committee    to    investigate    and    prefer 

charges    2839 

Accuser  must  be  member  within  jurisdiction 2840 

Accuser  a  member  of  another  jurisdiction 2841 

Accuser  not  present  when  charges  presented 2842 

A  brother  under  charges  may  prefer  charges 2843 

A  brother  in  arrears  and  not  suspended  may  prefer 2844 

A  suspended  brother  cannot  be  accuser 2845 

None  but  members  of  the  Order  can  prefer 2846 

One  who  has  resigned  cannot  prefer  charges 3870 

Holder   of  unexpired   Withdrawal    Card 2847 

Accuser  no  personal  knowledge 2848 

Motive   of   accuser 2849 

Accused  brother  may  prefer  charges  against  accuser 2850 

Personal  knowledge,  information  or  belief 2851 

Accuser  need  not  be  notified  of  Lodge's  decision 2852 

Absence  of  accuser  from  trial 2853 

Motive    or    purpose — Witness 2854 

Right  to  know  name  of  accuser 2855 

Accuser's  name  cannot  be  withheld 2855 

Who  to  prefer  charges  when  Ritual  lost 2727,  2728 

2.     Charges — Demurrer — Plea — Amendment — Dismissal. 

When  not  obligatory  on  member  to  prefer  charges 2856 

Certain  charges  not  encouraged 2857 

Petty  grievances  and  small  matters 2857 

Charges  are  in  nature  of  criminal  prosecutions 2858 

Charges  against  member  of  another  Lodge 2860 

Must  be  prefered  in  Lodge  of  accused 2860 

No  other  Lodge  has  right  to  receive  or  act  upon 2860 

Brother  suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues 2861 

Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  and  saloon  business..  2862 
Suspended  for  a  year,  liable  to  charges  for  another  offense  2863 

Limitations    2864 

No  bar  to  murder  and  certain  offenses 2864 

Within  what  time  certain  charges  must  be  preferred 2864 

Seduction  and  our  law  of  limitations 2865 

What  charges  shall  specify  or  state 2866 

Demurrer   for    insufficiency 2867 

When  may  permit  charges  to  be  amended 2867 

Accused  may  plead  orally  guilty  or  not  guilty 2868 

Charges,  motion  to  lie  on  the  table 2869 

Payment  of  dues  does  not  affect 2870 

What   charges   shall    contain 2871 

Specifications    2872 


Index.  1271 

TRIALS— Continued.  Section. 

Time  of  commission  of  oflFense,  place  and  circumstances. .   2873 

Must  state  venue,  that  is,  place  or  county 2874 

Should  be  in  ordinary  language — technicality 2875 

Precision  of  statement 2876 

Not  like  indictments 2877 

Charges  to  be  direct  and  certain 2878 

Insufficient  charges 2879,  2880 

Interfering  in  family  affairs  of  accuser 2880 

Nature  of  charges 2881 

Charges  must  contain  name  of  accuser 2882 

Charges  in  case  of  embezzlement   2883 

Not  an  Odd  Fellow  when  offense  committed 2884 

Conduct  unbecoming  an   Odd   Fellow.... 2885 

Charges  in   case  of  slander 2886 

Charges  in  case  of  perjury .2887,  2888 

Not  necessary  testimony  be  material  to  issue 2888 

Charges  in  case  of  conviction  in  court  of  justice 2889 

Charges  in  case  of  contemptuous  language 2890 

Charges  in   case  of  fraud 2891 

Bearing  two  names 2892 

Keeping  opium   place 2893 

Fraudulently  claiming  benefits 2894 

Wrongfully  claiming  benefits 2895 

Profane   language — Disgrace   to   the   Order 2896 

Wrongfully  preferring  charges 2897 

Offensive  and  profane  language 2898 

False  swearing 2899 

False  statement  in  a  letter 2900 

Battery 2901,  2902 

Language  used  on  occasion  of  battery 2903 

Preferring  of  false  charges 2904 

When  charges  may  be  amended  2905,  2906 

Amendment  after  trial 2907 

Amending  charges 2908 

When  Lodge  may  dismiss  charges 2909 

What    are    frivolous    charges 2910 

When  charges  specify  an  offense,  Lodge  must  entertain 

them  2911 

Must  be  referred  to  a  committee 2911 

When  Lodge  may  dismiss 2912 

Motion  to  dismiss  charges  no  grounds 2913 

Dismissal  of  insufficient  charges 2914 

When  may  permit  charges  to  be  withdrawn 2915 

Accuser  or  accused  no  right  to  withdraw  without  Lodge's 

consent   2916 


1272  Index. 

TRIALS— Coutiuucd,  Section. 

Lodge  should  not  consent  unless  circumstances  justify..  2916 

Dismissal  or  reform  of  charges 2917 

Withdrawn,  amended  and  dismissed 2918 

General  demurrer 2919 

Informality — Good  of  the  Order 2920 

Trial  Committee  may  report  insufficient  charges  back 2921 

Trial  Committee  report  charges  insufficient  and  action  on 

report    2922 

Demurrer  sustained  and  leave  to  amend 2923 

The  proper  plea 2924 

Plea  of  guilty  and  evidence 2925 

Should  demur  before  pleading  not  guilty 2926 

Accuser  not  required  to  be  present  at  plea  or  trial 2927 

May  be  subpoenaed  if  needed  as  witness 2927 

Form  of  charges   prescribed    (Form  No.   22) 2928 

Admission  to  one's  own  Lodge  while  charges  pending.... 

8,  9,  10,  11,  12 

Duty  to  prefer  charges  when  Ritual  lost 2727,  2728 

As  to  cards.     See  Cards  and  Certificates. 

As  to  dismissal  certificates.     See  Dismissal  Certificates. 

As  to  installation.     See  Installation. 

As  to  officers.     See  Officers. 

As  to  dues.     See  Dues. 

3.     Summons. 

The  parties  to  be  summoned 2929 

Copy  of  charges  under  seal  to  be  served  on  accused 2930 

Duty  of  Trial  Committee 2931 

Form  of  summons  prescribed   (Form  No.  23) 2932 

Form  of  certificate  and  admission  of  service   (Forms  24 

and    25) 2932 

Service  of  summons  with  copy  of  charges 2933 

Should  specify  time  committee  will  meet  and  try 2934 

Place  of  committee's  meeting 2935 

To  appear  in  another  and  distant  county 2936 

Time  of  service  of  summons 2937 

Notice  of  meeting  of  committee    2938 

Time  to  serve  summons  before  trial 2939 

Verbal  summons  or  notice  not  legal 2940 

Objects  of  a  written  summons 2941 

By  whom  copy  of  charges  served   2942 

When  personal  service  of  summons  and  charges  impracti- 
cable      2943 

Procedure  in  such  cases 2943 

Record   of   conviction 2943 

Where  accused  absconds  or  conceals  himself,  etc 2944 


Index.  1273 

TRIALS — Continued.  Section. 

When   constructive   service   complete 2944 

Accused  returns,  may  have  new  trial 2944 

Summons  to  members  of  Lodge  to  attend 2945 

Need  not  serve  members  of  trial  committee  with  copy  of 

charges 2946 

4.    Trial  Committee. 

To  consist  of  five 2947 

Grand  Lodge  cannot  appoint  a  committee  to  try  member 

of  Subordinate  Lodge 3241 

Appointed   without   delay 2948 

To  keep  full  minutes 2949 

Committee,  how  appointed 2950 

May  be  appointed  in  absence  of  accused 2951 

Appointment  on  Trial  Committee — Excuse — Challenge...  2952 

Charges  preferred — Duty  of  Lodge  and  member 2953 

Wlio  may  be  present  at  the  trial 2954 

Power  of  the  committee 2954,  2955 

Accused  if  present  may  ask  continuance  for  a  week 2951 

Objections  to  committee 2956 

Objections  to  members  of  Trial  Committee 2957 

Objections  to  committee — A  new  committee  appointed..  2958 

Illegal   appointment 2959 

Election  of  Trial   Committee  illegal 2960 

Vacancy,  how  filled 2961 

In  case  Nobfe  Grand  appoints  the  entire  committee 2962 

Where  the  accused  pleads  guilty 2963 

Resignation  of  member  of 2964 

Election  of  member  of  Trial  Committee  as  Noble  Grand. .  2965 

Absent  member  cannot  act  by  proxy 2966 

Committee  to  try  a  Past  Grand 2967 

A  witness  should  not  be  a  member  of 2968 

Member  of  Trial  Committee  not  competent  witness 3088 

Our  Subordinate   Lodge   Constitution  governs 2969 

Code  of  procedure  established  by  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 

not  applicable 2969 

May  challenge  or  test  the  committee's  fitness,  etc 2970 

Where  a  plea  of  guilty 2971 

Employed  by  a  railroad 2972 

Need  not  inform  accused  of  his  right  to  object 2973 

Peremptory    challenges    not    allowed 2974 

District    Deputy    Grand    Master    may    be    a    member    of 

committee    2975 

The  whole  committee  must  act 2976 

All  must  be  present  to  see  and  hear  all  witnesses  and 

testimony    2976 


1274  Index. 

TRIALS— Continued.  Section. 

Accused  cannot  waive  full  committee 2977 

Four  members  cannot  try  a  case Note  to  2977 

In  case  of  death,  absence  or  inability  of  a  member  to  act.     583 

Removal  of  committee  for  cause 3007 

Too  late  to  challenge  a  committee,  when 2978 

Too  late  to  object  or  except  to  committee  after  trial 2978 

When   may  challenge   for  bias 2979 

Challenge  for  bias — Evidence 2980 

Conflicting  evidence  as  to  member  of 2981 

Challenge  tried  by  Lodge 2982 

Certain  questions  may  be  asked 2983 

Challenge  for  bias  or  prejudice  by  accused  or  accuser....  2984 

The  committee  may  be  questioned 2984 

Recording   Secretary's   duty 2984 

When  challenge  to  be  made 2984 

Testing   qualifications   of  Trial    Committee 2985 

Conflicting  evidence  as  to  bias 2986 

Partial  and  biased  member  excused 2987 

Decided   opinion   as   to    guilt 2988 

An  opinion  not  disqualifying 2989 

Contributed  money  to  prosecute,  etc 2990 

When  no  evidence  of  bias 2991 

The  accused  when  officer  cannot  appoint  members  of  the 

Trial    Committee 2992 

Nor  preside  while  Lodge  acting  on  the  charges 2992 

Accuser  when  Noble   Grand  cannot  appoint  members  of 

Trial  Committee 2992 

Nor  preside  while  Lodge  acting  on  the  charges 2993 

Those  who  institute  or  take  part  in  charges  or  prosecu- 
tions      2993 

Entitled  to  fair  and  impartial  committee 2994 

Where  member  expressed  belief  of  guilt  in  open  Lodge..   2994 

Absence  of  accuser   from  trial 2995 

No  right  to  report  accuser  guilty  of  misdemeanor 2996 

Statement  of  complainant 2997 

Biased   member   of 2998 

When  Vice-Grand  related  to  complainant 2999 

When  objection  made  to  member,  should  be  reported  to 

Lodge    3000 

Noble  Grand  cannot  be  on  committee 3001 

Biased  member  of 3002 

No   written   notice   of   appointment 3003 

Each  brother  entitled  to  separate  trial 3004 

Question  of  jurisdiction 3005 

Must  be  tried  by  his  own  Lodge 3006 


Index.  1 275 

TRIALS — Continued.  Section. 

Removal   of  committee   for  cause 3007 

In  case  of  death,  absence  or  inability  of  members  of  com- 
mittee to  act 583 

Trial  by  new  committee 3008 

Members  of  Trial  Committee  may  vote 3009 

Majority   and    minority    reports .• 3010 

Majority  and  minority  reports  and  notice 3011 

Form  of  report  of  Trial  Committee  (Form  No.  29) 3012 

Verdict  of  "not   guilty,"   when 3013 

Report  of  "guilty" 3014 

Where  there  are  several  charges 3015 

Committee  should  report  their  minutes  and  evidence 3016 

Should  not  recommend  a  penalty 3017 

Minutes  must  be  complete  history  of  trial 3018 

Cannot  omit  or  expunge  any  objection  or  testimony 3018 

Opportunity  to  present   defense 3019 

Personal  appearance  of  accused  may  be  waived 3020 

Charge   of  perjury 3021 

As  to  postponement  of  trial  of  charges  for  perjury 3021 

Reopening   the   case 3022 

Continuance  and  notice  of  meeting 3023 

Notice  of  subsequent  meetings  of  committee 5W 

When  committee  fails  to  meet  and  notice  of  meeting 3024 

Report    and    proceedings 3025 

Continuance  and  want  of  counsel 3026 

Accused  in  jail  and  continuance 3027 

Accused  entitled  to  be  present  at  all  proceedings  except..  3028 
Accused  required  to  withdraw  from   Lodge-room  during 

ballot  on   penalty 3028 

Plea  of  guilty  and  report 3029 

Verdict   and   report 3030 

Trial  and  time 3031 

Disposition  of  charges 3032 

Committee's  duty  as  to  verdict 3033 

Continuances  3034 

Continuances  in  discretion  of  committee 3035 

When  admission  as  to  what  witness  can  prove Note  to  3035 

What  should  be  shown  on  motion  for  continuance 3036 

Evidence  should  be  presented 3036 

Grand  Lodge  cannot  appoint  a  committee  to  try  a  member 

of  a  Subordinate 3241 

But  may  order  a  Lodge  to  try  a  member 3241 


1276  Index. 

TRIALS— Con/i«tt^i.  Section. 

6.     Evidence    and    Witnesses. 

Obligation  or  oath  of  witness 3037 

Hearsay  and  ex-parte  statements   3038 

Right  of  cross-examination 3039 

Witnesses  to  sign  their  testimony 3040 

When  testimony  taken  by  shorthand  reporter 3041 

Shorthand  reporter  or  typewriter  must  be  a  member  of 

the  Order Note  to  3041 

Testimony  taken  in  shorthand  by  oral  consent 3042 

Rules  to  be  observed 3043 

Evidence  governed  by  State  law,  when 3044 

Presumption  of  innocence 3045 

Reasonable  doubt 3046 

Obligation   or  oath 3047 

Obligation  or  oath  by  whom  administered 3048,  3049 

Oath   to   witnesses — Presumption 3049 

Testimony   how   taken 3050 

Witnesses  examined  by  question  and  answer 3050 

Cross-examination    3051 

Friendly  feelings  of  witnesses 3052 

Cross-examination — Language  used  by  witness 3053 

Witness  how  obligated  or  sworn 3054 

Rights   of  the   accused 3055 

Test  of  witness — Knowledge  of  language 3056 

Witness  must  answer  all  proper  questions 3057 

Wife  as  a  witness  against  husband 3058 

Criminal  violence  upon  wife 3058 

The  parties  are  the  Lodge  and  the  accused 3058 

Husband   not   the   accused   party,    wife    is    a    competent 

witness   for  or   against   him 3058 

Wife  cannot  testify  against  husband  except Note  to  3058 

Divorced  woman  may  against  her  divorced  husband 

Note  to  3058 

When  dying  declarations  evidence Note  to  3058 

Defendant  as  a  witness 3060 

Brother  under  charges  may  be  witness 3061 

Accuser  not  a  necessary  witness 3062 

Declarations  of  accused  as   evidence 3063 

The   Noble   Grand   as  witness 3064 

Credibility  of  witnesses,  value,  effect  and  weight 3065 

Hearsay   evidence   not    admissible 3066 

Hearsay   evidence — Railroad    ticket 3067 

Libel  and  subsequent  publications 3068 

Committee  should  be  liberal  as  to  evidence 3069 

Verdict  of  jury  in  civil  actions 3070 


Index.  1277 

TRIALS — Continued.  Section. 

Testimony  when  accused  pleads  guilty 3071 

Records  of  courts  as  evidence 3072 

Records  of  convictions  in  Courts  of  Justice 3073,  3074 

When    convicted,   sentenced   and    serving    term    in    State 

Prison Note  to  3073 

Record  of  conviction  in  Court  of  Justice  as  evidence....  3074 

Reputation  as  to  prostitutes 3075 

Evidence  against  teller  for  misreading  ballots 3076 

Certain  opinion  of  witness,  inadmissible 3077 

Right    to    introduce    testimony 3078 

Evidence   where   charge   is   drunkenness 3079 

The  same.     Opinion  of  witness 3080 

Declined  to  answer,  might  criminate 3081 

Sworn  testimony  in  a  court ; 3082 

Certain  opinions  as  to  brother  drawing  benefits 3083 

Comparison  of  handwriting 3084 

Deposition  of  absent  witness 3085 

Deposition  of  absent  witnesses,  how  taken 3086 

Deposition  of  non-resident  witness,  how  taken 3086 

Depositions  in  behalf  of  the  prosecution 3087 

Member  of  Trial  Committee  not  competent  witness 3088 

Witness  should  not  be  member  of  Trial  Committee 2968 

When  affidavits  not  evidence 3089 

Reading  of  evidence  before  Lodge 3090 

Reading  portion   of  the   testimony 3091 

When  discretion  not  to  read 3092 

Where  majority  and  minority  reports 3093 

Exclusion  of  witnesses  from  trial 3094 

In  such  case  offense  to  listen 3094 

Where  part  of  testimony  missing 3095 

Testimony  need  not  be  signed  by  committee 3096 

Form  of  subpoena  prescribed  (Form  No.  26) 3097 

Form  of  certificate  of  service  (Form  No.  27) 3097 

Form  of  acceptance  of  service  (Form  No.  28) 3097 

Brother  must  obey  subpoena 3098 

Duty  to  give  names  of  witnesses 3099 

Procedure  where  brother  refuses  to  obey  subpoena 3100 

Record  should  show  witness  sworn  or  obligated 3101 

Attendance  of  witness 3102 

Exclusion  of  witnesses  from  trial 3103 

6.     Objections  and  Exceptions. 

Exceptions  reserved  when  absent  from  trial 3104 

Two  weeks  to  file  Bill  of  Exceptions 3105,  3106 

Bill  of  Exceptions  and  findings  of  facts 3107 

Form  of  Bill  of  Exceptions  prescribed  (Form  No.  32) 3108 


1278  Index. 

TRIALS— Coniiuued.  Section. 

Object  of  law  relative  to  Bill  of  Exceptions  and  waiver..  3109 

Merits  of  Bill  of  Exceptions,  how  determined 3110 

Act  upon  Bill  of  Exceptions  before  considering  report 3111 

Objections  prior  to  Bill  of  Exceptions 3112 

Want   of  specification — Acquiescence 3113 

Waived  unless  specified  in  Bill  of  Exceptions 3114 

Neglect  to  file  exceptions 3115 

Failure  to  file  Bill  of  Exceptions  within  time 3116 

Objections  should   state  what 3117 

Objection   to  meeting  on   Sunday 3118 

Objections  to  accuser 3119 

Objections  to  insufficient  evidence 3120 

When  objections  to  charges  should  be  made 3121 

When  objections  or  exceptions  to  charges  waived 3122 

Objections   to   charges   cannot   be   first   taken    in    Bill   of 

Exceptions    3123 

No  objections  to  charges — Plea  of  guilty 3124,  3125 

No    allegation    that    the   accuser   and    accused    are     Odd 

Fellows 3126 

Objection  that  more  than  one  offense  is  stated 3127 

Plea  of  guilty  and  objections  to  charges 3128 

Exceptions  must  be  taken  in  time 3129 

When   objections   to   charges   waived 3129 

Want  of  venue  in  charges 3130 

Objections  to  Trial  Committee 3131 

Must  be  made  in  time  or  waived 3132,  3133 

After  consenting  to  member  cannot  object 3134 

Objections  after  trial  or  verdict  and  report  too  late 3135 

Failure  to  object  or  except  in  time 3135 

Adoption  of  majority  report  on  motion  of  accuser 3136 

Continuance    refused    and    no    exception 3137 

Notice  of  filing  report 3138 

Form  of  notice  of  filing  report  Trial  Committee   (Form 

No.  30) 3139 

Form  of  certificate  of  service  thereof  (Form  No.  31) 3139 

When  service  of  notice  cannot  be  waived 3140 

Notice  given  even  if  accused  plead  guilty 3141 

7.    Judgment  and  Penalties. 

Judgment  of  Lodge 3142 

May  determine  upon  merits  of  Bill  of  Exceptions 3142 

May  change,  modify  or  sustain  the  report 3142 

May  refer  the  same  back  to  the  same  or  another  com- 
mittee      3142 

Or  may  grant  a  new  trial 3142 

Grand  Master  cannot  set  aside  action  of  Lodge.. Note  to  3142 


Index.  1279 

TRIALS— Continued.  ^  Section. 

Or  grant  a  new  trial Note  to  3142 

Time  for  judgment  cannot  be  waived 3143 

Accused  absent  when  Lodge  acts  on  report 3144 

Action  on  report — Notice  of  report — Proof  of  service....  3145 

Motion  to  receive  report 3146 

Motion  to  accept  a  report 3147 

Effect  of  adopting  motion  to  receive  or  accept  report....  3147 

It  is  not  an  adoption  of  the  report 3147 

The  Lodge  thereby  does  not  pronounce  judgment 3147 

Action  on  Bill  of  Exceptions  and  report  of  committee 3148 

Adoption  of  report  determines  merits  of  Bill  of  Exceptions  3148 
Verdict   of  acquittal  by  Trial   Committee  and  new   com- 
mittee      3149 

May   refer   back   to   same   committee    or   new   committee 

for    trial 3149 

After  passing  on  Bill  of  Exceptions  must  pronounce  judg- 
ment    3150,  3151 

Majority  and  minority  reports — Bill  of  Exceptions — Judg- 
ment      3152 

How  Lodge  may  pronounce  judgment  and  penalty 3150 

When  no  action  on  Trial  Committee's  report 3153 

Must  act  on  report,  whether  Bill  of  Exceptions  filed  or 

not    3154 

No  action  on  report,  no  judgment 3154 

Must   pronounce  judgment 3154 

Cannot  fix  penalty  without  judgment 3150,  3153,  3154 

When    to    act   on    report 3155 

Notice  of  time  fixed  for  acting  on  report 3156 

Postponing  action  on  report  of  Trial  Committee 3157 

What  action  may  be  taken  on  report 3158 

Changing  or  amending  the   report 3159 

Majority  and  minority  reports  and  action   thereon 3160 

The  penalty 3161 

How  penalty  affixed — Diflferent  penalties 3161 

Ballots  to   fix   different   penalties 3161 

No  ballot  on  penalties  can  be  reconsidered 3161 

Fines    how   enforced 3161 

Must  pronounce  judgment  before  penalty 3162 

Accused  must  be  tried  before  penalty 3163 

May  affix  penalty  on  plea  or  admission  of  guilt 3164 

The  Lodge  fixes  the  penalty 3165 

Duty  of  Noble  Grand  to  declare  penalty,  when 3166 

Trial  Committee  should  not  recommend  or  fix 3167 

Specific  penalties — How  prescribetl 3168 

When  no  specific  penalty  prescribed 3169 


1280  Index. 

TRIALS — Continued.  Section. 

When  penalty  in  discretion  of  Lodge 3170 

When  no  specific  penalty  prescribed,  penalty  in  discretion 

of  Lodge 3170 

Mitigating  circumstances 3171 

When  charges  need  not  be  read 3172 

Reading  report  of  Trial  Committee 3173 

Right  to  vote 3174 

Right  to  vote  on  report  and  penalty 3175 

Right  to  vote — Charges — Report 3176 

When  vote  on   expulsion   taken 3177 

The  record  must  show  ballot  for  expulsion 3178 

Ballots  upon  charges  should  be  recorded 3179 

Record  must  show  number  of  ballots  on  penalty 3179 

Punishment  for  drunkenness  in  Lodge's  discretion 3180 

Ballots   how   taken 3181 

Ball  ballots  are  illegal — Paper  ballots 3182 

Vote  required  for  different  penalties 3183 

Two-thirds  vote  and  blank  ballots 3184 

Two-thirds  vote  and  brothers  who  do  not  vote 3185 

Grand  Master  and  penalty 3186 

Cannot  be  reconsidered 3184 

Term  of  suspension  how  fixed 3187 

Ballots   for   expulsion 3188,  3189 

Ballots  on  penalty  and  Noble  Grand 3190 

Noble  Grand  cannot  dictate  to  brothers 3190 

Expulsion  or  suspension — When  rejecting  one   fixes   the 

other    3191 

Certain  votes,  how  counted  or  considered 3192 

Reprimand   3193 

When  reprimand  affixed,  suspended  till  reprimanded.  ..  .3193,  3194 

Reprimand  fixed,  final  till  reversed  on  appeal 3194 

Reprimand — Duty  of  Noble  Grand 3195 

Reprimand  should  be  made  at  appointed  time 3196 

Noble  Grand  absent,  acting  Noble  Grand  gives  reprimand  3196 
Failure  to   reprimand   at   appointed   time.   Lodge   forfeits 

its  right 3196 

The  penalty — Saloon-keeper  or  bartender 3197 

Member  convicted  of  being  such 3198 

No  right  to  appear  and  speak  before  reprimanded 3199 

Lodge  cannot  expel  a  brother,  when — Reprimand 3200 

Vote  of  disqualified  brother 3201 

Fine  cannot  be  increased 3202 

Fine  imposed  upon  conviction  and  suspension 3203 

When  ballot  cannot  be  rescinded 3204 

Some  penalty  must  be  imposed — Fine 3205 


Index.  1281 

TRIALS — Continued.  Section. 

Some  penalty  must  be  imposed — Reprimand 3206 

Accuser  has  right  to  make  motion  and  vote 3207 

When  counsel  has  no  right  to  speak  or  debate  on  penalty  3208 
Counsel,  a  member  of  Lodge  right  to  vote  on  penalty.  . . .  3209 
Noble  Grand's  right  to  vote  on  expulsion  or  suspension..  3210 

Fines  and  penalties  prescribed  by  By-Laws 3211 

Fines   and    penalties    cannot    be    prescribed   by    Rules    of 

Order 3211 

Indefinite    suspension    illegal 3212 

Duration   of  suspension 3213 

Ballot  on  penalty,  arguments  and  absence  of  accused....  3214 

Notice  of  Lodge's  judgment  not  necessary 3215 

Reconsideration  and   expulsion 3216 

How  fines,  after  trial,  enforced , 3217 

As  to  admission  to  one's  own  Lodge  while  under  charges 

8,  9,  10,  11,       12 

As  to  admission  to  one's  own  Lodge  while  under  penalty 

, 8,  9,  10,       11 

As   to   admission  to   one's   own   Lodge  while   under   rep- 
rimand           8 

Admission  to  one's  own  Lodge — Appeal 9,       IX 

8.    Miscellaneous. 
Grand    Master's    powers   when    Lodge    guilty   of   abusing 

the  laws  and  principles  of  Odd  Fellowship 3218 

By  unjust  delays,  obstructions,  etc 3218 

Bargains  of  trial  committees 3219 

When  Lodge  does  not  open  in  time 3220 

Non-suit 3221 

Non-suit  and  verdict  that  charges  not  sustained 3222 

Penalty  may  be  disclosed 3223 

Moral  turpitude  warrants  expulsion 3224 

Suspended  brother  may  be  tried  for  an  oflfense.  .3225,  3226,  3228 
Member    suspended    for    non-payment    of    dues    may    be 

expelled  3227,  2861 

Suspended  member  on  trial  admitted  to  Lodge 3228 

Suspended  for  non-payment  of  dues  and  saloon  business..   2862 

Suspended  for  a  year  liable  on  charges 2863 

After  expulsion  money  advanced  refunded 3229 

Expulsion    severs    membership — Appeal 3230 

Expelled  until  Lodges  receive  notice  of  reinstatement 3230 

When  may  accept  resignation  or  try 3231 

Verdict  of  not  guilty  in  courts  no  defense 3232 

Suspended  brother  initiated  in  another  Lodge 3233 

When  former  charge  not  a  bar 3234 

81 


1282  Index. 

TRIA1.S— Continued.  Section. 

Absence  of  accused  at  trial  3235 

Where  accused  holds  a  Withdrawal  Card 3236 

As  to  holders  of  cards.     See  Cards. 

Withdrawal   Card  on  transfer  of  membership  by  card — 

Charges — Expulsion  3237 

Change  of  venue — No  law  providing  for 3238 

Proof  of  venue 3239 

Lodge  must  try  its  own  members 3240 

Grand  Lodge  cannot  appoint  a  committee  to  try  member 

of  Subordinate  Lodge 3241 

Grand  Lodge  may  order  Subordinate  to  try  member 3241 

Cannot  delegate  to  another  Lodge  to  try 3242 

When  trial  may  commence 3243 

Certificate  or  admission  of  service  of  notice 3244 

Where    charges    not    sustained    or    dismissed,    reinstated 

from   date 3245 

Offending  against  By-Laws 3246 

Members  or  officers  under  charges 3247 

Charges  against  Noble  Grand 3247,  3248 

Duty  of  Noble  Grand  when  charges  preferred  against  him  3248 
Who  to  preside  when  charges  against  Noble  Grand.  .3248,  3247 

Our  Subordinate  Lodge  Constitution  governs 3249 

Code  of  Procedure  in  White's  Digest  not  applicable 3249 

Sovereign  Grand  Lodge  Code  of  Procedure. 3249 

Duty  of  Lodge  when  charges  are  preferred. 3250 

Lodge  or  committee  wrongfully  delaying  trial 3250 

Defense  and  matters  of  mitigation 3251 

Noble  Grand  should  not  act  as  counsel 3252 

Right  of  accused  to  consult  with  counsel 3253 

Counsel  sick — continuance  granted 3254 

Limiting  counsel   as  to   time 3255 

Offensive  and  disorderly  conduct  of  counsel 3256 

Committee's  power  to  maintain  order,  etc 3256 

To  ask  the  accused  to  secure  other  counsel 3256 

To  order  counsel  to  leave  the  room 3256 

To  eject  counsel  from  room 3256 

By-Laws,   when   void 3257 

Improper   haste 3258 

Reversal  of  judgment  on  appeal  and  new  trial 3259 

New   trial,    newly   discovered    evidence 3260 

What  application  for  new  trial  should  show 3260,  3261 

Cannot   appoint   committee   to   investigate   rumors   about 

brother's    conduct 3262 

Trials  of  brothers  who  have  not  the  Third  Degree 3263 

Acquittal  in  civil  courts 3264 


Index.  1283 

TRIALS — Continued.  Section. 

Charges  against  applicant  for  Dismissal  Certificate 3265 

When  undecided  charges,  suspend  payment  of  benefits..     545 

Trial  and  removal  of  officers 2165 

As  to  cards.     See  Cards. 

As  to  dismissal  certificates.     See  Dismissal  Certificates. 

As  to  installation.     See  Installation. 

As  to  officers.     See  Officers. 

As   to   appeals.     See   Appeals. 

TRIAL  AND  REMOVAL  OF  OFFICERS:     See  Officers. 

TRIAL  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGES: 

Oflfenses    of 2815 

Charges    against 2816 

TRUSTEES  OF  GRAND  LODGE: 

Trustees    of 3266 

Elective  officers  of  Grand  Lodge — their  term  and  election  3267 

Their   duties   and    powers 3266 

As  to  bonds.     See  Bonds. 

To  hold  property,  etc.,  in  trust 3266 

To  keep  correct  accounts 3266 

To  report  to  Grand  Lodge 3266 

To  provide  accommodations  for  Grand  Lodge 3266 

To  Examine,  etc.,  Grand  Secretary's  books,  etc 3266 

To  count  money  and  examine  Grand  Treasurer's  books, 

etc    3266 

TRUSTEES  OF  ODD  FELLOWS'  HOME:    See  Odd  Fel- 
lows' Home. 

TRUSTEES   OF   L   O.    O.   F.    ORPHANS'    HOME:     See 

Orphans'  Home. 

TRUSTEES  OF  SUBORDINATE  LODGE: 

Three  Trustees  may  be  elected 3268 

Cannot  hold  two  elective  offices  at  same  time 3268 

Who  ineligible  to  Trustee  3269 

One    indebted    to    Lodge    for    borrowed    money    or    held    as 

security 3269 

No  Trustee  can  borrow  or  use  Lodge  funds 3269 

Nor  become  surety  for  the  same 3269 

Offices    relating   to   management   or    disbursement   of   Lodge 

funds  3270 

Duties  of  Trustees  3271 

To  give  bonds 3271 

As  to  bonds.    See  Bonds. 


1284  Index. 

TRUSTEES  OF  SUBORDINATE  1.0DGE— Continued.     Section. 

To  hold  property,  etc.,  in  trust 3271 

To  keep  funds  invested 3271 

General  supervision,  etc.,  of  widows  and  orphans 3271 

To  deliver  up  to  successors  property,  books,  etc 3271 

To  keep  correct  accounts 3271 

To  make  semi-annual  reports  to  Lodge 3271 

When  no  right   to  expend  or   invest   funds 3272 

Bonds,    stocks,    mortgages,    deeds,    etc 3273 

Interest  on  certificates  of  deposit,  etc 3274 

When  member  may  inspect  and  examine  bonds,  etc 3273 

Nomination  and  election  same  evening 3275 

Should  elect  only  three  Trustees 3276 

Trustees  pro  tem   3276 

When  five  Trustees  elected,  how  corrected 3276 

Cannot  be  Vice-Grand  and  Trustee  3277 

Cannot  be  Recording  Secretary  and  Trustee 3277 

Election  by  ballot  or  acclamation 3278 

Not  necessary  to  have  held  appointed  office 3278 

Election  and  term 3279 

Resignation  accepted — Reconsideration 3280 

Cannot  be  Trustee  and  member  of  Finance  Committee 3281 

Cannot  nominate  and  elect  to  fill  vacancy  same  evening 3282 

Nomination  and  election  of  Trustees     3283 

Election  and  term  of  office 3284 

Where  nominees  decline 3284 

Trustees  hold  till  election  and  qualification  of  successors....  3284 

Refusing  to  perform   official   duties,   contempt 982 

When  not  in  contempt  of  Lodge 998 

TYPEWRITER: 

To  take  down  testimony  in  trial  must  be  member  of  Order.  . 

Note  to  3041 

UNBECOMING  CONDUCT:     See  Oflfenses. 

UNIFORM: 

Lodge  street  uniform 3285 

What  officers  and  past  officers  may  wear 3285 

This  uniform  optional  3286 

UNMARRIED  WOMAN:     See  Rebekah  Branch. 
UNWRITTEN  WORK:     See  Work  of  the  Order. 

USAGE: 

As  to  questions  of  usage  and  law.     See  Questions. 


Index.  1285 

VACANCIES:  Section. 

As  to  Representatives.    See  Representatives. 
As  to  Grand  Representative.     See  Officers. 
As  to  officers.     See  Officers. 
As  to  removal  of  officers.     See  Officers. 
As  to  Trustees.    See  Trustees. 
As  to  Trial  Committees.     See  Trials. 
As  to  cards.     See  Officers;  Cards  and  Certificates. 
As  to  installation.     See  Installation. 
As  to  ballot  and  voting.     See  Ballot  and  Voting. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 
As  to  Finance  Committee.     See  Finance  Committee. 

VENUE:     See  Trials;  Rebekah  Branch. 

No  law  for  change 3238 

Must  be  stated  in  charges 2874 

When  objection  waived 3130 

Must  be  proved T 3239 

VERDICT  OF  JURY:     See  Trials. 

VETERAN  JEWEL  I.  O.  O.  F.:     See  Jewels. 

Rebekah  Veteran  Jewel.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

VICE-GRAND:     See    Officers. 

VICE-PRESIDENT     OF     REBEKAH     ASSEMBLY:     See 
Rebekah  Branch. 

VISITATIONS:     See  Districts;  Honors  of  the  Order. 

Duty  of  Grand  Master 1240 

As  to  use  of  funds  for  banquet  at  visitation  of  Grand  Officers. 

1494,  1485 

When    Grand    Master   visits   officially   to    wear    regalia    and 

jewel .' 1682 

Grand   Master's   Annual   Report,    and   visitation 2184 

Grand  Master  requested  to  visit  those  Lodges  not  visited  by 

his  predecessor  2198 

Duty  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Master.     See  Officers. 

VISITORS  AND  VISITING:  Page 

1.  Right  to  visit 1285 

2.  Examination  and  introduction 1287 

3.  Introduction   by   elective   Grand   Officers 1287 

1.     Right  to  Visit. 

Visitors  must  have  proper  password 3287 

Noble  Grand  no  right  to  admit  member  of  another  Lodge 

without   password   Note  to  3287 


1286  Index. 

VISITORS  AND  VISITING— Continued.                                Section. 
Lodge  cannot  overrule  Noble  Grand  and  admit  visitor  with- 
out password 3288 

Visitors  must  have  password  in  use  by  the  Lodge 3289 

When  Lodge  has  new  term  password,  cannot  admit  visitor 

on  old  Note  to  3289 

When  old  term  word  may  be  given 3290 

Visitors  from  other  jurisdictions  must  have  Annual  Traveling 

Password  . 3291 

Such  visitors  must  have  proper  card  and  the  Annual  Travel- 
ing Password Note  to  3291 

Or  have  an  official  certificate,  as  required  by  law Note  to  3291 

And  must  prove  himself  in  degree,  Lodge  open  in Note  to  3291 

When  Noble  Grand  cannot  admit  such  visitor 3292 

Card   and  Annual  Traveling   Password  necessary 3293 

When  Visiting  Card  and  official  certificate  orders  for  pass- 
word   2492,  2493,  2495 

When  holder  of  Visiting  Card  or  official  certificate  may  obtain 
passwords    from    Noble    Grand    of    another    Lodge 

2492,  2493,  2495 

A  brother  cannot  visit  after  expiration  of  card 2395 

Expired   Withdrawal    Card   invalid    for   purpose   of   visiting. 

Note  to  3295 

When  visiting  brothers  must  be  admitted 3296 

When  visitor  illegally  initiated  or  improper  person.. Note  to  3296 

Visitor  and  improper  conduct Note  to  3296 

Indians  not  admitted Note  to  3296 

Encampment   cannot   visit    Subordinate   Lodge   in   a  body   in 

regalia    1331 

Visitor  and  his  presence  obnoxious Note  to  3298 

Supposed  unworthy  member 3297 

Brother  of  this  jurisdiction   holding  Withdrawal    Card..   3298 

Withdrawal  Card  and  password 3299 

What  A.  T.  P.  W.  holder  of  Withdrawal  Card  entitled  to  3300 

Visitor  who  cannot  write  his  name 3301 

Member   of   suspended   or    expelled    Lodge    and    Visiting 

Card    3302 

Brother  of  this  jurisdiction  holding  Visiting   Card 3303 

Visiting   Card — official   certificate — Password 3304 

When  Noble  Grand  should  give  password 3304 

Must  pay  dues  in  advance  to  visit  on  official  certificate..  3305 

Cannot   visit   on   expired   official    certificate 3306 

Official    certificate    and    semi-annual    password 3307 

Duty  to  examine  holder  of  official  certificate — Password. .  3308 

When  brother  may  visit  Grand  Lodge 3309,  3310 

Who  has  been  Noble  Grand,  but  not  filled  chair  of  Vice- 


Index.  1287 

VISITORS  AND  VISITING— Continued.  Section. 

Grand 3309 

Who  has  been  Noble  Grand,  but  not  filled  chair  of  Past 

Grand 3310 

Visitors  to  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 3311 

Disorderly   visitor 3312 

Withdrawal    Card — Saloon-keeper — Bartender 3313 

How  a  Lodge  may  visit 3314 

2.     Examination  and  Introduction. 
Visiting  brother  from  other  jurisdiction,  how  admitted..  3315 

Committee  to  examine  visiting  brother 3315 

Noble  Grand's  duty  in  such  matter 3315 

Cannot  give   in   such   cases   the   A,   T.   P.   W.   to   a   Past 

Grand 3315 

How  visiting  brother  with  card  gains  admission.  .Note  to  3315 
Examining  committee  introduce  visitor  to  Lodge  Note  to  3315 
Visitor  in  such  cases  does  not  work  his  way  in.. Note  to  3315 

What  A.  T.  P.  W.  required  of  visitor  by  card Note  to  3315 

Revisiting  by  card — Opening  of  Lodge 3316 

Right  of  Lodge  to  examine  visitor  every  visit 3317 

No    right    to    examine    visitor    by    card    in    password    in 

Grand   Lodge   Degree '. 3318 

Examination   in   the   work 3319 

Test  obligation  no  part  of  examination 3320 

3.     Introduction  by  Elective  Grand  Officers. 
Elective  Officers  of  Grand  Lodge  and  Grand  Representa- 
tives       3321 

When  elective  officers  may  introduce  visitors 3321 

When  Grand  Representatives  may  introduce  visitors 3321 

Grand  Master  when  introduting  visitor  received  with  the 

honors Note  to  3321 

Right  of  Grand  Representative  to  introduce  visitor 3322 

Cannot  introduce  members  of  their  own  jurisdiction 3323 

Cannot  introduce   holder   of  expired   Withdrawal   Card..  3324 

Grand  Representative's  right 3326 

Visitor  to  Grand  Lodge  or  Subordinate  Lodge 3327 

Powers  of  elective  Grand  Officers  cannot  be  delegated 3325 

Cannot  grant  dispensation  to  admit  visitors 3325 

Recording   Secretary   should    note    the    introduction    and 

visit  on   record 3325 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  cannot  introduce  visitor..  3328 
As  to  admission  to  one's  own  Lodge.     See  Admission  to 

One's  Own  Lodge. 
As  to  admission  during  recess.     See  Recess. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 


1288  Index. 

VISITING  CARD:    See  Cards  and  Certificates.  Section. 

VISITING  COMMITTEE: 

Objects  of 3329 

Duty  of  sick  brother  in  certain  cases 3330 

Duty  of  committee  and  sick  brothers 3331 

Duty  of  chairman  as  to  benefits 432 

Fines  for  neglect  to  visit  the  sick 1398 

Neglect  to  visit  each  sick  brother  a  separate  offense 1398 

The  Visiting  Committee  reports,  the  Lodge  determines.. 

433,  437 

Reports  of,  cannot  be  made  conclusive 434 

Reports  are  recommendations  only 437 

Reports  to,  by  sick  brother 530 

Referred   again   to  Visiting   Committee 563 

Reports  of,  not  evidence  in  benefit  investigations 608 

As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

VISITORS'  REGISTER:     See  Supplies. 

VOTE  AND  VOTING:     See  Ballot  and  Voting;  Trials. 

VOUCHING: 

Vouching  for  brothers  is  illegal 3332 

Expired   Visiting    Card 3333 

No  vouching  for  brother's  standing 3334 

Visitors  to  Sovereign  Grand   Lodge  3311 

VULGAR  LANGUAGE:     See  Ofifenses. 

WAGES: 

Wages    and    the    right    to    benefits 462 

Arrears — Wages — Benefits   .   .   513 

WAITERS:     See  Membership. 

WAIVER: 

As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

As  to  charges  and  trials.     See  Trials. 

WARDEN:    See  Officers;  Ballot  and  Voting;  Passwords. 
WARRANT:     See  Draft. 

WARRANT: 

Petitions     for,    for    Subordinate     and     Rebekah     Lodges 

(Forms  Nos.  1,  2  and  3),  pages  1001,  1004. 
To  consolidate  Lodges  (Form  No.  4),  page  1005. 

WARRANT  BOOK:     See  Supplies. 

Recording  Secretary  entitled  to  custody 2396 


Index.  1289 

WATCHERS  AND  WATCHING  WITH  THE  SICK:     See 

Nurses  and  Watchers.  Section. 

Failing  to  serve  as  watcher — Offense 2146  (26) 

Refusing  to  sit  up  with  sick  brother  and  fine 1402 

WHOLESALE  LIQUOR  DEALER: 

Is  eligible  to  membership 1748 

WIDOW: 

Widow  of  Odd  Fellow  who  marries  and  is  divorced 3335 

The  divorce  does  not  restore  her  to  widowhood 3335 

When  not  obliged  to  pay  her  money 3336 

Card  for  widows 862 

May  donate  to  her 3336,  1458 

Lodge  may  provide  by  By-Laws  for  Widows'  Fund 695 

Also  for  benefits  for  widows 694 

Widow  should  not  sue  Lodge 709 

Widow   Fund — Per   capita   tax,   Grand   Lodge — Odd   Fel- 
lows' Home 2073 

As  to  benefits.     See  Benefits. 

As  to  funeral  benefits  and  funeral  expenses.    See  Benefits. 

As  to  orphans.    See  Orphans. 

As  to  appeals.     See  Appeals. 

As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 

WIFE: 

Card  for  wife 862 

Lodge  may  provide  funeral  benefits  for 645 

Donation  to  wife  of  member  of  another  Lodge 1468 

Not  to  be  paid  for  nursing  her  husband 2055,  2056 

When  wife  may  or  may  not  be  witness 3058,  3069 

As  to  funeral  benefits.    See  Benefits. 
As  to  offenses  against.     See  Offenses. 
As  to   Rebekah  membership  and  Lodges.     See   Rebekah 
Branch. 

WINERY: 

One  who  conducts   winery  in  connection   with  his   farm 

eligible  to  membership 1 753 

WITHDRAWAL: 

Grand    .Master   may   withdraw   dispensation 1180 

As  to  appeals.    See  Appeals. 
As  to  charges.    See  Trials. 

.As  to  application  for  membership.     See  Membership. 
As  to  application  for  cards.     See  Cards. 
82 


1290  Index. 

WITHDRAWAL  CARD:    See  Cards  and  Certificates.         Section. 

WITNESSES: 

As  to  trial  of  charges.     See  Trials. 

As  to  benefit  investigations.     See  Benefits. 

WORK  OF  THE  ORDER: 

Grand  Master's  duty  to  give  instruction  in 3337 

Grand  Master,  Deputy  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Warden 

must  have  secret  work 2152 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master  to  see  the  work  is  per- 
formed uniformly 3338 

Grand  Master's  power  and  duty,  uniformity 2194 

Grand  Representative's  duty  to  instruct  Grand  Master..  3339 
When  Grand  Representative  not  to  instruct  in,  etc 

Note  to  3339 

Who  may  instruct  in 3340 

Duty  of  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  to  instruct  in 2234 

Duty  of  installing  officers  : 3341 

Must  not  be  written 3342 

Lodge  or  Noble  Grand  not  to  require  or  request  a  brother 

to  write 3342 

Must  not  have  or  use  key 3343 

Cipher   key — Initiatory    member 3344 

Cipher  key  and  Grand  Secretaries 3345 

Cipher  key  and  Secretary  of  Subordinate  Lodge 3346 

Secretary  may  sell  to  whom 3346 

Who  can  have  a  cipher  key 3347 

Grand  Secretary  must  sell  to  Recording  Secretaries....   3348 

Cannot  sell  to  Odd  Fellows 3348 

Brother  cannot  sell  or  give  away 3349 

Instructor  in  the  work  and  cipher  key 3350 

Obligations,  who  can  administer 3351 

Degree  staff Note  to  3351 

Memorizing  or  reading  obligations 3352 

Obligations   must  be   administered   letter   perfect 3353 

Cannot  omit  or  add  to  any  part 3354 

Duty  of  Grand  Lodge  to  enforce  adherence  to. . .  .Note  to  3354 

How  it  must  be  studied 3355 

Alleged  secret  work 3356 

Can   only   have   or   use   that   issued   by   Sovereign   Grand 

Lodge    3356 

Sovereign   Grand   Lodge  now  prints  the  unwritten  work 

with  illustrations 3357 

And  sells  copies  thereof  to  Grand  Lodges 3357 

Paraphernalia   cannot   be    worn   on   a   public   anniversary 

of  a  Lodge  3358 


Injjex.  1291 

WORK   OF  THE   ORDER— Continued.  Section. 

Cannot    rehearse    in    Lodge-room    any    degree    or    secret 

work,  except 3359 

Can    only    rehearse    authorized    work    prepared    by    Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge 3359 

Devices  to  make  ridiculous 3360 

Those  who   use   such  devices   to   be   expelled 3360 

Improper  to  publicly  display  costumes  used  in  degrees..   3361 

They  form  part  of  paraphernalia  of  secret  work 3361 

Photographs  not  allowed 3362 

Floor  work  3363 

What  floor  work  may  be  used 3363 

Not  proper  to  print  or  publish 3363 

Copies  of  floor  work  must  be  kept  by   Lodge 3364 

Not  to  be  sold  or  held  by  individuals 3364 

Conflict  between  floor  work  and  Ritual  or  law 3365 

When  Ritual  takes  precedence  over  law 3366 

Secret  work  and  holder  of  Dismissal   Certificate 3367 

Candidates  for  District  Deputy  Grand  Master  must  know 

secret  work 2229,  2230 

Must   have   knowledge   of   law   of   the    Order   and    secret 

work 2230 

Ritualistic  work  and  proficiency  of  officers 2263 

May  examine  visitors  in  work  of  the  Order 3319 

As    to    duties    of    District    Deputy    Grand    Master.      See 

District  Deputy  Grand  Master,  under  head  of  Officers 

of  Grand   Lodge. 
As  to  charge  books  or  Rituals.     See  Rituals. 
As  to  charges  and  lectures.    See  Charges  and  Lectures, 
As  to  exemplification.  See  Exemplification  of  Degrees  and 

Work. 
As  to  Rebekah  Lodges.    See  Rebekah  Branch. 
As  to  installation.     See  Installation. 

WORK  AND  LABOR: 

Arrears  for  dues  and  Lodge  indebted  to  brother  for....     513 

WRITE: 

May  initiate  persons  who  cannot  write 1788,  1796 

Visitor  by  card  who  cannot  write  his  name 3301 

As  to  writing  or  copying  charges.     Sec  Charges  and  Lec- 
tures; Rebekah  Branch;  Rituals. 

WRIT  OF  MANDATE:    See  Mandamus. 

WRITTEN  WORK:     See  Work  of  the  Order. 

YEAR:    See  Fiscal  Year. 


1292 


Index. 


YEAS  AND  NAYS:  Section. 

In  Grand  Lodge 2443 

On  call  for,  Representatives  one  vote 245 

When  yeas  and  nays  called  no  motion  in  order 2444 

Vote  of  absentees  in  Grand  Lodge,  how  recorded 244 

Yeas    and    nays    taken,    Recording    Secretary    to    enter 

names 1995 

Manner  of  voting Note  to    341 

In  Rebekah  Assembly.     See  Rebekah  Branch. 


